Car Locksmith News

Diesel prices near record high

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:51:48 GMT

Diesel prices are almost back to record levels, according to the AA

The price of diesel at the pumps averages 142.9p a litre — the record is 143.04p set last May.
Over the past month, the average price rose by 0.8p a litre, while the average price of petrol went up 1.46p to 135p a litre. This was 2.43p off the petrol record high, but since the start of the year the monthly fuel bill for a two-car family rose by 5.84p.
Northern Ireland had the highest average petrol prices (135.9p a litre) while northern England had the cheapest at 134.2p. Northern Ireland also had the dearest average diesel (143.5p), while the cheapest was in northern England and in Yorkshire and Humberside (142.3p).
Edmund King, the AA president, said: “The UK’s rate of inflation may have fallen but that comes as cold comfort for consumers and businesses that depend on their vehicles and see pump prices nearing last year’s records.
“The fact is that, in a period of stagnant wages, petrol costs 23p a litre more and diesel 29p a litre more than in February 2010, when fuel price rises picked up pace.
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“A typical 50-litre petrol refill now costs £11.50 more and filling an 80-litre commercial van tank with diesel has risen £23.20.
“In inflationary terms, that is a 20.5 per cent rise in two years for petrol and a 25.6 per cent increase for diesel over the same period.
“Consequently, we will be reminding the Chancellor before the March Budget that his 3p fuel duty increase ear-marked for Aug 1 should be scrapped if these high pump prices persist.”
A quarter of British cars run on diesel and, as most hauliers also use the fuel, the increase could force up food prices and further damage the economic recovery.

Motoring News Telegraph

Roles reversed in family driveway

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:20:53 GMT

Three decades ago there was little doubt who drove which car in the traditional family.

The imposing company car in the suburban driveway such as a Vauxhall Cavalier was almost certainly driven by the husband.
The cheeky runabout – such as a Ford Fiesta or Mini – usually belonged to the wife.
But now, according to new research, the roles have been reversed, with the woman more likely to get behind the wheel of the gas-guzzler than her partner.
A variety of social factors appear to have dictated the change in car ownership over the past 30 years.
Britain seems to be following the example of America where the “soccer mom” ferrying children around town is commonplace.
Large company cars are also becoming an expensive luxury, making the executive saloon rather less tempting.
“Changes in the way that company cars are taxed and the price of filling up has had an impact,” said Andrew Howard of the AA.
“The Company car has become smaller and more economical, while the family car is driven by mum.
“You do still need the bigger car if you have teenage children and have family holidays.
“The simple rule is do the longer journey in the car that drinks less fuel.”
This, according to Aviva, which carried out the research has radically altered the appearance of the driveway in towns across the country.
Thirty years ago the big saloon and the small 'runaround' sitting side by side outside Britain's family homes was a ubiquitous sight,” said Heather Smith Aviva’s insurance director.
“Now you're more likely to see two Volkswagen Golfs or newer SUV/4x4 hybrids like the Nissan Qashqai and the Suzuki Grand Vitara sharing driveway space.
"As families' lives become more busy and complex, with two working parents and children to be dropped off at school, it appears multitasking mums need a vehicle fit for both work and family life while cost and fuel efficiency are increasingly important to dad.”
However the findings were questioned by a Ford spokesman. “I can’t see anything in our sales to suggest that men are downsizing and women upsizing.
“Whether you like it or not it is still blokes who are getting the large company car.”

The Telegraph

Study puts car security to test

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:31:33 GMT

Experts testing car security were able to break into four out of five of the cars they checked, a study says.

The Skoda Octavia Ambiente was one of the most secure cars.
Experts testing car security were able to break into four out of five of the cars they checked, a study says. It took them eight seconds to get into a Fiat Panda Dynamic and 11 seconds to enter a Kia Pacinto SE in the survey of 20 new vehicles for What Car? magazine.
But some cars proved much more impenetrable - they could not gain entry to two BMW models, a Lexus and a Peugeot within two minutes.
The testers used readily available tools and did not damage the vehicles.

Most secure of those tested
BMW 525i SE - No entry
Lexus RX300 SE-L - No entry
Peugeot 407 SE - No entry
BMW X3 SE - No entry
Skoda Octavia Ambiente - 1 min 57 sec

What Car? said that although the British Crime Survey suggested car crime was 12% down in 2003-04, there were still more than 1.3 million thefts from cars each year.
Car crime accounts for almost 15% of all recorded crime.
What Car? editor David Motton advised motorists to consider the results of the security tests before they bought new vehicles.
"Car security is far better than a decade ago, but there are still some popular cars on sale with weak locking systems," he said.

Least secure
Fiat Panda Dynamic - 8 sec
Kia Picanto SE - 11 sec
VW Golf GT - 26 sec
Smart Forfour Pulse - 31 sec
Mazda RX-8 - 39 sec

He also urged people to "use your common sense" and not to leave valuable belongings such as mobile phones, laptops, jackets or shopping bags on display in their cars.
"Where possible, put them out of sight in the locked boot or take them with you," he said.
"Always lock your car and activate the alarm and immobiliser where fitted."

BBC News

AA satnav technology to cut the cost of car insurance

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:49:26 GMT

The AA is launching an initiative to cut the cost of young drivers car insurance.

An insurer is planning to improve its customers' driving by installing telematics technology in their cars to warn them about speeding, cornering and poor anticipation of hazards.

The AA is launching Drivesafe, a policy that it believes could save up to £850 a year for younger drivers who are finding it increasingly expensive to insure their cars. The Drivesafe Box, about the size of a packet of playing cards, is installed in their vehicles and measures speed, types of road travelled on, time of day and night, and braking and cornering. Drivers can then log on to the internet to find out how they are performing.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance said: "It is likely to appeal to inexperienced drivers as well as parents, whose youngsters have their first car. Parents know driving behaviour is being tracked by a system that also provides crash, breakdown and theft alerts." The system also offers tips on driving style and alerts to offer advice on improving drivers' scores.

"Most people can improve their driving standard and Drivesafe can help them to do that," Mr Douglas says. "I believe that in time, systems of this type will become increasingly widely used by drivers of all ages."

From the end of this year, insurers will not be allowed to give women drivers cheaper policies than men, meaning that many people will see their premiums soar. Mr Douglas said that telematics technology, which measures driving performance, will be increasingly popular with insurers since it allows them to offer better prices to careful drivers.

How to fight a parking ticket

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:14:45 GMT

Councils continue to milk their parking penalty ticket 'cash cows’, so the Government must start protecting motorists.

The news that London’s Westminster council was forced into a U-turn over its plans for “nightlife” parking charges earlier this month will be welcomed by motorists, restaurateurs and theatre owners.
But it took expensive legal action to win a victory for common sense because the Department for Transport refused to intervene, even though the council was flagrantly breaching the guidance that had been set by successive governments.
Parking has been a cash cow for councils since the early Nineties, when authorities in London took over enforcement from the police. At the time there were fears that the number of fines would soar as councils would keep the cash, but we were promised this would not happen as government guidance made clear that parking controls were designed to keep traffic flowing and ration road space fairly. Soon afterwards a herd of pigs was seen flying over London.
In those dark days, councils squeezed motorists dry. Parking attendants would hide in cafés and pounce in seconds. The scourge spread and the parking industry’s reputation plummeted.
Details of secret parking quotas were revealed on Thursday in a tribunal by a warden in London who said that his colleagues had to issue “an absolute minimum” of 10 tickets per day.

Motoring News Daily Telegraph

Motorists to be hit with £100 speeding fines to support victims

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:24:00 GMT

Motorists face a huge hike in speeding fines to as much as £100 to help fill a funding gap for victims of crime, Kenneth Clarke has disclosed.

Drivers could see standard £60 fines increase by almost 70 per cent, even though there is no direct victim in many motoring offences.
Those who go to court to challenge speeding tickets or for more serious driving offences could pay up to £120 in to the programme.
The fines for motorists come as part of a huge expansion in the Victims Surcharge scheme, which currently levies just £15 on top of fines issued by courts.
The Justice Secretary now wants the scheme extending to all criminals, including those jailed for the most serious offences such as murder and rape.
But he also announced plans to expand it to fixed penalty notices meaning drivers will now also be targeted.

Source Telegraph

Folding car moves closer to reality

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Folding car moves closer to reality

The Hiriko folding electric car is set to be launched this week before going into production next year.
An electric car prototype that folds into itself to save parking space, and is powered by four in-wheel motors, will be launched tomorrow (Tuesday, January 24) by José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, in Brussels.
The two-seat Hiriko, tipped to receive endorsement from EU leaders at its launch, is the result of a partnership of Basque businesses, the Spanish government and the US's renowned MIT Media Lab. The tiny bubble car is tipped to go into production in Spain next year.
Each wheel is independently driven and steered by "robot" in-wheel electric motors making for extra manoeuvrability, while the rear of the capsule-like city car can slip under the chassis. It then only takes up two-thirds of the footprint of a Smart car, claim its makers. The consortium behind the project hope this will allow cities to free up some of the many square miles of precious space parked cars currently inhabit.
Several European and American cities are to be the scenes for the initial trials. Such trials will closely resemble in execution Paris's new electric car hire/share scheme Autolib, according to the makers. Trials begin in autumn this year in cities such as Bilbao, Malmo and Boston.
Passenger and driver enter and leave the Hiriko through a single door on the front of the car. A conventional steering wheel will be replaced by a joystick arrangement or a "haptic" steering wheel that physically tugs at a driver's fingers when told to do so by the on board navigation systems.

SourceTelegraph

Police to tackle 'drug drivers’

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:07:48 GMT

Motorists face police tests to assess whether they have taken illegal drugs under plans for a new law against “drug driving”.

David Cameron is taking a “personal interest” in the reforms, which safety campaigners believe will make it far easier to prosecute drivers who are found to be under the influence of illegal substances.
A new offence of “drug driving” is likely to be included in a Justice Bill which is expected to be announced in the Queen’s Speech in the spring, Downing Street sources said.
The Prime Minister told MPs yesterday that he believed the case for “an equivalent law to drink driving” had “great strength”.
“We are examining it closely in government,” he said. “Clearly we need to look at whether there will be an opportunity in the second legislative session to take forward the measure. It is important that we take this issue of drug driving seriously.”
Mr Cameron added that he was committed to making drug testing machines available in police stations “as soon as possible” for officers to screen motorists.

Source Telegraph

Car crime down over last decade

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:03:58 GMT

Car crime down over last decade

Theft or damage to cars and vans has dropped by a third since 2001.

Changing rates of crime in the UK have been highlighted by new research, which shows that in the past decade motor vehicle theft and damage has declined year on year apart from slight rises in 2006 and 2008.
Based on Home Office figures published in June 2011, the Castle Cover Crime Index is presented as an easy-to-use infographic that highlights the fluctuations in a range of offences across England and Wales over the last 10 years.
It includes categories for motor vehicle theft and damage, burglary and household theft, theft from the person and bicycle theft.
The most notable rising trend is that of bicycle theft. On the other hand, motor vehicles are a lot less likely to be subject to an insurance claim than they were ten years ago, as incidents dropped by almost one third over the decade. Burglary, while initially falling, seems to be on the increase, while personal theft has dropped by a quarter.

Telegraph

Minister calls satnav summit

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:38:45 GMT

Minister calls satnav summit

Satnav manufacturers are to be told to update their maps more regularly to prevent the chaos caused by drivers being misdirected by their navigation systems.

Local authorities are also be handed greater powers to decide which roads should be used for through traffic under a shake-up ordered by the Department for Transport. The moves will be discussed at a March Whitehall summit called by Norman Baker, the local transport minister.
They are intended to stop villages being blighted by coaches and foreign lorries which have got stuck after being guided down unsuitable narrow lanes,
"Out of date directions mean misdirected traffic – a scourge of local communities,” Mr Baker said.
“It is vital highway authorities, mapping companies and satnav manufacturers work more closely together to provide drivers with accurate, up-to-date information on traffic restrictions such as narrow roads or low bridges.

The Telegraph

Defective Tyres Responsible For 1210 Road Casualties

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:37:49 GMT

Defective Tyres Responsible For 1210 Road Casualties

Newly released figures from the Department for Transport show that illegal, defective and under-inflated tyres were responsible for over 1210 road casualties in Great Britain during 2010.

18 motorists were killed during 2010 from defective tyres, meaning the figure for tyre related deaths in the last five years totals 164.

"The latest figures are truly shocking and emphasise why we need ongoing action, education and awareness about tyre safety issues,' explains Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. "Making sure that your tyres are safe and legal is a quick and easy job, yet we still see hundreds of accidents occurring each year because drivers don't make these essential safety checks."

The tyre industry is running tyre safety month throughout October. Drivers will be able to have a free tyre safety check at one of hundreds of garages and tyre dealers across the UK during the event.

TyreSafe has also launched a website to provide drivers with the knowledge of how to check tyres for tread depth, tyre pressure and condition. The website also uses a video of a car on an ice rink to illustrate the safety benefits of winter tyres in cold and wet conditions.

The law in the UK requires that tyres have a tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread around the entire circumference. Alongside the danger of being involved in a crash, drivers found to have less than this tread depth can be fined up to £2500 and receive three penalty points per illegal tyre.

An easy way to check tread depth is through the use of a 20p. The method, developed by TyreSafe, requires drivers insert a 20p coin into the main tread of the tyre. If the outer rim of the coin is visible then the tyre should be inspected by a qualified professional.

"If all drivers took just a few minutes every month to check their tyre pressures, condition and tread depth, we could help prevent this needless injury and loss of life," continues Jackson. "Our website contains some really simple guides to help drivers understand what to look for. But if they still find this confusing or don't have the time or confidence to do this for themselves, they simply need to visit their local tyre dealer who will be more than happy to make sure their tyres are safe and legal."

Motoring News

Nissan Leaf electric wins Japan car of the year

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 07:18:45 GMT

Nissan Leaf electric wins Japan car of the year

TOKYO — Japanese motor giant Nissan won Car of the Year Japan at the Tokyo Motor Show on Saturday for its Leaf electric model, its makers said, the first time an electric vehicle has picked up the award.

Electric cars with cutting-edge green technology and vehicles remote-controlled by smartphones have been a star feature at this year's show, which runs till December 11 and features 179 exhibitors from a dozen countries.

"Nissan is proud to announce that its 100 percent electric Leaf car has won the Japanese Car of the Year prize," Japan's second-largest automaker said in a statement.

The Nissan Leaf electric is a zero-emission vehicle fitted with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Since its launch on the market at the end of last year, some 20,000 models have been sold, notably in Japan and in the US.

"All these accolades show that zero-emission vehicles can clearly be competitive alternatives to conventional ones," Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn said.

Nissan, which is part-owned by France's Renault, has invested some 4 billion euros ($5 bn) in the development of these electric cars.

Ghosn said that in five years, Nissan and Renault will have sold 1.5 million of the vehicles, and estimated the world market for electric cars would jump from 0.05 percent today, to 15 percent in ten years.

The hybrid (fuel and electric) would also see an increase from 1 percent today to between 5 and 10 percent over the same period, Ghosn added.

Nissan is trailing several electric concept vehicles at the Motor Show, including the Pivo 3, which can be remotely manoeuvered with a smart phone.

It has installed automotive telematics in the Leaf electric car, allowing drivers to remotely control the air conditioning system and check on a car's battery using their smart phone or personal computer.

Several major foreign manufacturers who skipped the last show are also back this year, including Germany's Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche; French carmakers Renault and Peugeot-Citroen and Britain's Jaguar and Land Rover.

'Virtual Solicitor' could save drivers a packet

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:28:09 GMT

'Virtual Solicitor' could save drivers a packet

Professional legal representation for fighting motoring offences is expensive, right? Not necessarily, now that the UK’s first “virtual solicitor” has been launched by a specialist in motoring law.
“Legal services are not perceived as particularly accessible. People needing legal advice are often worried about the cost and may find it difficult to take time off work or away from other obligations to see a solicitor,” said Martin Langan, a practising solicitor and the founder of the Road Traffic Representation website.
The online service covers speeding, careless driving, drink-driving and a wide range of other common traffic offences. It provides free advice on how to handle a fixed penalty notice or court summons and how the law will be applied in each case, based on an individual driver’s circumstances.
The website, which took three years to develop, spells out the likely outcome of a brush with the law and advises motorists whether there are grounds for mitigation or dismissal.
Langan claims it matches the way a real solicitor would apply the law, based on individual drivers’ particulars which are fed into the website via a series of DIY fact-finding screens. He adds that it is designed to help the many thousands of people who normally handle the process alone and who may end up with an “excessive or unjust penalty”, or who amass steep legal fees for basic advice.

Source The telegraph

Citroen shows off 'industry-first' DS5 'cinemagraphs'

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:07:40 GMT

Citroen shows off 'industry-first' DS5 'cinemagraphs'

Citroën UK is claiming an auto industry first for series of 'cinemagraphs' - subtly moving images - to launch its new DS5 - they are also first 'official' right hand drive visuals sent to the media.
The UK unit said it "wanted to convey DS5’s personality and presence with a fresh application of digital ‘Créative Technologie’" and commissioned automotive photographer James Lipman and design agency TIZA Creative to produce the cinemagraphs.
Popularised by New York-based photographer Jamie Beck and motion graphics artist Kevin Burg, cinemagraphs use the animated .GIF file format to blend still photography with the movement of film.
Marc Raven, communications director at Citroën UK described the DS5 as “an attention-grabbing model” and said cinemagraphs could become the way to experience all new vehicles online in future.

(Source just-auto)

How to cut your parts bill by 50% - Will my warranty be affected?

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:06:35 GMT

How to cut your parts bill by 50% - Will my warranty be affected?

Consumer laws mean that you no longer have to buy expensive manufacturer-branded parts – even if your car is newAs car repair bills continue their inexorable rise, more and more people are shopping around for cheaper parts, and for cheaper places to have them fitted.
Less well known is the fact that this freedom of choice isn’t restricted to used-car owners. New laws allow you to choose who fixes your car, and which parts are fitted to it, even if the car is only a few months old and approaching its first service.
Fitting non-manufacturer-branded parts could slash your bill by up to 50% – but there are catches to be aware of. Before you start shopping, get informed.
Will non-branded parts affect my warranty?
Your warranty won’t be invalidated so long as any replacement part is either the original component that was designed and built for your car, or a part of ‘matching quality’ (sometimes also called original-equipment quality). This means the part has been produced to the same design and technical specification as the original and is guaranteed by the parts maker to work in the same way.
Parts must also be fitted by a competent garage and in line with the car maker’s service schedule. You should always ensure the parts used are recorded in the vehicle’s service history, along with receipts and other paperwork, especially if you source the components yourself.
Fitting parts of original-equipment quality is also the key to retaining the car’s residual value. Poor-quality parts that affect the car’s performance could knock its value when you come to sell it.
Also be aware that, while car manufacturers must honour your warranty even if their own-branded parts have not been fitted to the car, they will be less likely to help out with the cost of a post-warranty repair if they consider you have been ‘disloyal’ to their brand.

Source "What Car?"

Well maintained vehicles paramount for safety on the road

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:11:48 GMT

Well maintained vehicles paramount for safety on the road

The condition of the vehicle is of paramount importance when you are on the road. Your vehicle malfunction can cause harm to you as well as others around you. So it is your responsibility to have proper servicing of your vehicle in regular intervals of time.

Maintain your vehicle according to the season. In winter, have snow tyres installed in your car. To keep them in good shape rotate them and have high-speed balancing done for every 5000 miles. The air pressure in the tyres should be maintained in all seasons. This decreases wear and tear of the tyres. Though expensive, anti-rust car spray at the bottom can save the car from rusting.

Keep the snow always removed from your windscreen, whether or not you are driving it. Your windshield washer fluid must be always there in reserve. Preferably it must be rated for -40 degrees. Wash your car at regular intervals also, this way you will keep the salt out of your vehicle.

Brakes are very important. Before each trip, check for the brake pad. Learn to identify the fault in the brake pad with the sounds. For example, a squeaking sound tells of repair or need for new brake pads. Remember you negligence can jeopardise others security.

In winter, the roads are slippery. Put on your sun visor down and wear a good pair of goggles. Drive cautiously, in steady speed. Brakes may take a longer time to stop you, the tyres may skid; when you skid it is preferable that you turn your vehicle with the direction of skid and slowly gain control. Just slamming the brakes may not stop you, keep pumping the brakes.

Keep a kit ready in the car for the winter that consists of snowbrush, shovel, gas line antifreeze, first aid, a can and candle, matches, blanket and booster cable. In case you are stuck have patience and call for help. The can and candle can also help you to keep warm while you wait for help!

In normal weather conditions too, check the cables that connect to the battery. The terminals should not be rusted. If there is rust then you can remove it with a paste of baking soda and water applied with a tooth brush. Replace or recharge a weak battery. If the battery is not sealed, then put distilled water [and not tap water] in it.

Examine the pipes and hoses leading to the radiator. The air filter also needs to be cleared of accumulated of dirt at regular intervals. Engine belts must also be in good form for most of the car breakdown on the road is caused by broken belts. Though the lights-headlights and parking light- do not go wrong often, yet it will be advisable to check them once in a year, when the vehicle goes for a service lift.

Use the air conditioner even if you do not need it, at regular intervals so the seals are lubricated. Apply and release parking brakes so that they are not rusted or corroded. Keep servicing records and also follow all the maintaining requirements that are specified in the brochure. This is important because maintaining according to the need, increase the life of the machine.

(Source Security World news)

MPs back Fair Fuel UK motion

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:28:01 GMT

A majority of MPs last night backed a motion calling for the government to act now on crippling fuel prices.
Yesterday’s long awaited fuel debate in the House of Commons saw a high turn out of cross party support with 35 MPs getting the chance to make impassioned pleas on behalf of their constituents during the four-hour Back Bench session.
The debate was triggered by the FairFuelUK e-petition reaching over 100,000 signatures in September. Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow, and FFUK supporter, opened the debate, which called for MPs to vote in favour of a scrapping of the planned January fuel duty rise along with a long term mechanism to stabilise fuel prices.

Saab now only days from disappearing?

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 07:22:07 GMT

Yet another catastrophic wobble in the Saab survival tightrope act. Following the agreement for Saab to be sold to two Chinese companies, GM has now chucked a spanner in the works. I think this is shockingly bad behaviour by GM.
The important fact is this: all current Saab models use GM-designed platforms. GM licences Saab to build them. But it has now said that it will revoke those licences if the sale to the Chinese happens. This would kill Saab, and GM knows it.
If the sale doesn’t go through by 15 November – this Tuesday- Saab’s current owners say they ‘will likely not be able to safeguard the continuity of Saab, which may result in the bankruptcy of Saab’. That’s understated financial language. In real English, it’s means we’re standing right in the edge of a cliff.
GM, it seems, is spooked by the notion that Saab might be successful in China, and undermine its own Buick brand, which is huge over there. The 9-5 uses a very new GM platform that goes under pretty well any FWD car bigger than an Astra made by GM worldwide. GM doesn’t want that getting out of its control. I guess that’s fair enough.
But here’s why GM is acting in such bad faith. GM surely knew all along something like this might happen. When it sold Saab originally, Saab was already making steps towards China. It’s all very well that GM sold licences to an independent Swedish Saab to use its platform, but it must have known Saab couldn’t remain Swedish and independent for long. It would need money from somewhere else. Likely China.
If GM didn’t like that idea, it should have had the courage to kill Saab itself, rather than leave the blood on someone else’s hands.
Well, there’s another frantic round of negotiations now on ahead of the Tuesday deadline, trying to come up with a solution that would see GM happy. No-one’s blameless: Saab’s buyers and sellers lacked foresight too in their rush to do a deal. They should have predicted GM’s objection.
Meanwhile another actor has stepped into the drama: the Swedish Government. Sweden’s enterprise Minister said GM’s announcement is‘regrettable’ and that the Swedish government was ‘acting as a door-opener in the contacts between Chinese authorities and GM.’
That's big of them. The Swedish Government has been fantastically unhelpful to Saab ever since its funding crisis started almost a year ago. It has turned down various foreign investors and chucked several administrative spokes in the wheels.
It might be too late now for it to make sympathetic noises.

Source BBC Top Gear

M5 Crash Firework Display Major line of inquiry

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:07:02 GMT

Police probing the M5 crash which killed seven people have said a firework display next to the road is the "major line of inquiry".
Avon and Somerset Police Assistant Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said his focus was the Friday night event.
He said "a bank of smoke" had been across the M5 at the time of the crash.
The northbound carriageway and two lanes opposite reopened on Sunday evening, leaving only the southbound outside lane still closed.
The 34-vehicle pile-up happened at junction 25, near Taunton, at about 20:30 GMT on Friday. Anthony Bangham, Avon and Somerset Police: "We believe there was significant smoke on the carriageway"
Some 51 people were injured in the pile-up, which happened on the northbound carriageway. The motorway closed between junctions 24 and 25 after the crash.

BBC news

Mitsubishi Car News

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:02:12 GMT

The 2012 Model Year Mitsubishi Shogun

This week sees the arrival of the new model-year Mitsubishi Shogun arrive in the UK, an evolution of Mitsubishi's off-roading model combining authentic four-wheel drive with muscular styling. The new Shogun benefits from a Euro V compliant turbo diesel engine and is available as a three door short-wheel base or five door long wheel base model.

(Source Uk Motoring Car News)

Train’ signs for motorways

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 08:00:17 GMT

New signs advising drivers to go by rail among new proposals in the Department for Transport's policy review

Motorway signs that suggest drivers get the train are among the planned changes outlined in a Government report which was published last week.
The helpful travel tips would appear on variable electronic message boards on motorways, when jams could be avoided by using nearby rail links instead.
The time to destination by train would also be displayed, according to the Department for Transport. The proposal, which is scheduled for approval by the Secretary of State by the end of the year, was made in the Department for Transport recent traffic signs policy review.
It said a public survey revealed half of those polled were in favour of the rail-friendly signs. It later emerged only 201 people took part in the survey.
Other planned changes include new signs reminding motorists to switch off their engines in traffic. In a drive to declutter, street signs will also be removed where road markings will do. In London, councils will soon have the power to “place traffic signs on private property without the consent of the property holder”, the review states, to remove the need for poles. This rule could be rolled out across the rest of the UK, too.

Lexus Car News

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:10:27 GMT

The Lexus GS F Sport To Be Unveiled at The SEMA Auto Show

At the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on 1st November 2011, the Lexus GS F Sport will be unveiled ahead of its introduction to the UK and Europe from 2012. The new Lexus GS F Sport features a new front bumper design with larger side grilles and a dedicated mesh design for the upper and lower grilles giving the GS a stronger appearance to highlight its wider track and sportier stance.ow

Good Home Security Practices

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 05:25:25 GMT

Good Home Security Practices

A big part of enjoying a great home is feeling secure when on the premises and when away. Considerations such as a choice of neighborhood and sound construction practices can help homeowners feel more secure and avoid potential threats to safety, but there are a number of small steps that can also be taken to reduce the likelihood of a criminal event and encourage a greater sense of confidence and ease around the house. By following these basic home security practices, it’s possible to enjoy a more relaxed state of mind and ensure that even if the unexpected should occur, serious damage, injury, and theft can be prevented.
Some of the most common crimes reported by homeowners involve break-ins, which can lead to stolen property in addition to damages. Preventing break-ins, however, is a simple feat when rudimentary precautions are taken. In some cases, thieves simply walk into homes that are left unlocked; making a habit of keeping a home’s most basic entry points locked and secured at all times is crucial for proper home security. Inspecting the doors in a home is also a good way to lower the risk of a break-in. Sometimes, doors may present obvious entry opportunities to criminals; hinges placed on the outside of a door can easily be removed, and gaps between door frames and doors themselves can be inviting for thieves equipped with a hacksaw or other cutting device.
Performing basic checks around windows is also recommended for homeowners who wish to have effective security measures in place. While unsightly bars are sometimes used to keep windows secure, simply installing a lock with key or using dowel rods to prevent sliding windows from being open can serve as effective and comfortable alternatives. In many instances, windows can simply be broken and indoor handles or knobs can then be manipulated to provide entry. Those particularly worried about window-based break-ins can invest in “burglar-proof” window materials or insist on using many small window panes rather than larger models.
Many important home security measures don’t require special devices or installation choices to carry out. In fact, a great deal of home security can be achieved by talking with neighbors and encouraging a local culture that keeps an eye on suspicious activity or individuals and gets vocal about any worrisome sightings. Neighbors can also be useful when a home’s occupants are away; from house-sitting to using the garbage cans while a family or individual is on vacation to deter thieves with a physical presence, neighbors can prove indispensable in keeping homes safe.
Concerns about theft or other criminal activity occurring while a home is unoccupied are common, but there are many crimes that take place while a home’s occupants are present, and securing the property against such events is a good idea. A primary way in which criminals gain access to a home when its owners are present is through manipulating the impression of authority. Criminals may dress up in the uniforms of police officers, repair workers, or other professionals, or may disguise their intended activities by posing as a salesperson. No matter how legitimate an individual on doorstep may appear, asking for proper credentials and taking a close look at any badges or cards offered should be practiced before doors are opened. When strangers approach a residence asking to use a telephone for an emergency, it’s best to keep doors locked and make any phone calls personally. While such measures are often unnecessary, they can make a world of difference if and when the ill-intended do arrive.
Once basic security measures have been reviewed and steps have been taken to make a home more secure, there are additional options for testing the efficacy of the steps taken and further contributing to peace of mind. Though it may seem unusual at first, many security-minded homeowners attempt to burglarize their own properties. This process can reveal any obvious security holes, and can identify where safety measures have done a good job of keeping a property safe. Along with personal inspection, homeowners may wish to hire a professional agency to assess the security of a home. Armed with special tools, such agencies may be particularly adept at identifying any potential problems, and importantly, they’re bound to have the experience needed to ensure a security system or plan is sound.
Keeping a home secure and easing concern about personal safety and the safety of one’s property are major responsibilities that every homeowner must face. While options to purchase expensive yet highly advanced equipment or make other major investments exist, it’s not always necessary to make security a serious expense. By practicing basic home security tips, it’s possible to enjoy stress-free living when staying at home –and to feel comfortable with leaving a property unoccupied, as well.

Preventing Driveway Car Thefts

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:59:44 GMT

Preventing Driveway Car Thefts

A car is an important possession for the family or the individual. One would never want to lose it, but still one does due to blatant carelessness causing drive way car thefts. Driveway Car thefts are on the rise, but can be prevented by taking some security measures.

One of the main reasons for such car thefts is that the car owner often forgets to take the car keys with him and leaves the keys in the unattended car. This presents a very good opportunity for the car thieves. Thus, one should be careful enough to at least take the car keys along with him when there is no one in the car and it is parked. The car should be left locked and all windows should be shut when it is parked. Another thing is that one should never leave a duplicate bunch of keys within his car because if the thief searches for it, he may easily find it.

Statistics show that most of the car theft cases happen at night. So, one should try to park the cars in well lit areas and try to avoid dark areas, as it lessens the chances of car getting stolen. It is always better to park the car in attended parking lots as the thieves stay away from these areas. One should not leave the car with the ignition key in it, even if he goes away for a moment. No valuables should be left in the car.

When one parks a car in driveways and parking lots, he should try to keep the wheels directed towards the side of the driveway so that it is tougher for the person to take it away. Another important thing is that after parking, one should apply his emergency breaks. If one owns a garage, he should make use of it and not park the car somewhere outside, where it is more vulnerable. The door of the garage should be locked properly when the car is parked in it. One should never leave behind the registration document in the car. The car should be left disabled when one leaves it for a long period of time.

The type of door lock should be the straight one rather than the T-shaped one. The VIN or the identification number for the car should be etched on the different parts of the car, especially the costlier ones and the windows. This makes it easier to trace the parts if the car parts are out for sale.

If these few tips are followed then one an easily prevent the theft of their car.

(Security World News)

Forecourt queues will only get worse

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:02:48 GMT

Forecourt queues will only get worse

Your car is running on fumes and you’ve finally tracked down the one local petrol station that hasn’t closed. But as you turn onto the forecourt you’re faced with that other frequent problem: a massive queue.

Most of the drivers aren’t even buying fuel; they’ve dropped in for a loaf of bread or an oven-ready roast chicken and it will be another 10 minutes before you can take your rightful place at the pump.

Unfortunately, for motorists, a number of factors suggest you’d better get used to it. Figures released this week by Palmer and Harvey, a wholesale forecourt supplier, show that the number of filling stations has more than halved since the early 1990s.

Against a backdrop of falling UK fuel sales, the number of forecourts now stocking groceries is rising sharply because it’s the only way small- to medium-sized operators can guarantee a steady income – especially since big supermarket chains lure their customers away with massively discounted fuel. The best way smaller forecourts can fight back is by reducing their profit margins on fuel (to 1 or 2 pence per litre) and offering their own enticing range of convenience groceries to make a profit.

Little surprise, then, that new figures from Him! Research and Consulting show that one in five shoppers now buys only shop items when they visit a forecourt, without venturing near a pump. About half buy fuel only, with 28 per cent buying both fuel and other goods.

(SourceThe Telegraph)

Setting Standards for Electric Vehicles Could Make China a Global Leader

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 08:51:06 GMT

Setting Standards for Electric Vehicles Could Make China a Global Leader

Can the rapidly expanding automobile industry in China leapfrog to electric vehicles and so avoid the environmental harm that further decades of internal combustion engine use could cause? In a paper published in this month's International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, management researchers Hua Wang and Chris Kimble of Euromed Management École de Marseille explain how China could make such a leap by setting standards.

The researchers explain how the idea of leapfrogging, where a newly industrializing nation moves directly to the use of more advanced technologies without following the path of its predecessors, is an attractive idea but is often poorly understood. They suggest that it is especially pertinent in the automobile industry where there is an urgent need to develop technologies that are more sustainable and reduce dependency on oil. Having reviewed previous research in the field, they describe three routes that China might follow as its electric vehicle industry develops and grows.

ScienceDaily (Oct. 10, 2011)

Toyota Yaris

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:06:12 GMT

The New Toyota Yaris

The new Toyota Yaris completed the 2011 MPG Marathon having consumed 23.2 litres over the 350 mile route, achieving 72.29mpg, placing it in top position in its class for petrol cars emitting less than 120g/km of CO2 and beating the official combined figures of 58.9mpg be nearly 23 per cent

BMW 5 Series

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:24:00 GMT

The BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is now available with an extended range of engines. The BMW 520d Efficient Dynamics Edition saloon is powered by a 135kW/184hp four cylinder diesel engine with a combined fuel consumption of 62.8mpg.
Published: 7th Oct 2011

Datsun Ready to Return

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 03:08:07 GMT

The Datsun name could be about to return for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Auto Express has learned that parent company Nissan is planning to extend its ownership of the rights to the Datsun name – and the plans include an all-new logo. The firm was rebranded as Nissan in the Eighties, and was most famous for small sports cars such as the Seventies 240Z and the Sunny hatchback.
If Datsun makes a return, it’s likely to be a sub-brand for Nissan that aims to produce economical and affordable cars. Sister company, Renault, already has such a subsidiary in Dacia, so it’s possible that the new Datsuns could simply be rebadged Dacias.
It’s unlikely that the cars would be sold in the UK, at least initially, as Nissan believes they would be better suited to developing overseas markets.
The new machines will most likely be launched as part of the ‘Power88’ plan, which will see the car maker release a new model every six weeks for the next six years. A spokesperson for Nissan said: “We are looking at various brands and the option to acquire various brands for use in the future, should we want to. We need to make sure that we own the Datsun name. If we were to use it, Datsun would most likely be a brand for large, developing markets such as Russia and China.” Datsun hasn’t been resting – Nissan designers have been working on concept cars to keep the brand alive, producing the four-seat XLink diesel hybrid sports coupé. If Datsun emerges as a budget brand, it would face a host of new rivals.

(Source Auto Express)

First Hydrogen-Powered Production Car

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:23:47 GMT

Hydrogen-Powered Production Car

The world's first hydrogen-powered production car has arrived in the UK for the first time.
The Honda Clarity is not on sale yet, and may not be for many years.
But does the technology behind the car - which emits just water and has a range of more than 200 miles - represent the future of motoring?

(Source BBC News)

A Million Motorists face Licence Threat

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 05:43:23 GMT

A Million Motorists Face Licence Threat

Up to a million motorists with diabetes could be at risk of losing their licences because of a tougher line being taken by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
According to Diabetes UK there has been a sharp rise in the number of drivers having their licence revoked following the introduction of a new EU directive last September.
It says that any driver suffering two “hypos” – a drop in blood sugar levels – within 12 months should have their licence revoked.
Although the directive does not represent a change in the law in Britain, its introduction has led to a far stricter interpretation by DVLA of existing rules.
“We have had a number of motorists contact us to say their licences have been revoked,” said a spokesman for the charity.
One cause of concern is what appears to be a change of approach towards nocturnal attacks.
“In the past these did not appear to be taken into account,” the spokesman continued. “Now they are.”
It is estimated there are around 1 million drivers in Britain who take insulin to control their diabetes.
They are required to renew their licences every one to three years.
According to Diabetes UK, the change in enforcement has emerged as motorists have submitted their licences for renewal.
“We believe that people with diabetes do not pose a greater risk than other motorists as long as they take all the necessary precautions every time they drive,” said a spokesman for the charity.

(Daily Telegraph Sun 18th Sept )

New car sales show UK’s economy is still on a rocky road

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 05:11:52 GMT

New car sales show UK’s economy is still on a rocky road

For the first time in almost two years, a straight comparison of new car registration figures can be used to compare the economy of this year with last year. This is because the scrappage scheme introduced by the Labour Government to rescue the car industry and artificially stimulate sales was effectively over by April 30, 2010. What the new sales figures reveal is that the consumer in Britain remains uncertain but that businesses are prepared to invest.

Accident Protection Device for Small Cars

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:39:22 GMT

Accident Protection Device for Small Cars

ScienceDaily (Aug. 4, 2011)

Driver-assistance systems can help prevent accidents. Quite simply, the more a car knows about its surroundings, the more intelligently it can respond to them. Researchers have now developed an optical sensor for the windshield that can even tell the difference between fog and darkness.

New laws requiring vehicles to be insured.

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:38:01 GMT

New laws requiring vehicles to be insured

Motorists are being reminded that a new law comes into force in a month's time which will require them to make sure their vehicle is insured.

An advertising campaign is being launched to publicise the change, which means that from 20th June 2011 people can be fined without actually driving the car. There are estimated to be about 1.4 million motorists without insurance.

Currently, uninsured drivers are prosecuted only after they have been witnessed actually driving. Although police cars have number plate recognition technology which can check cars against a database, it still requires police time to enforce. The new offence will allow motorists to be prosecuted for simply owning a vehicle without insurance. Letters will be sent to drivers and, if they do nothing, they face a £100 fine followed by court action.

If the vehicle remains uninsured - regardless of whether the fine is paid - further action will be taken. If the vehicle is on public land it could then be clamped, seized and destroyed. Alternatively court action could be taken, with the offender facing a fine of up to £1,000.

Motorists who have declared their car as off the road will not be fined.