January 2009 Car News - GBCarLoans.com
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Read the latest Car News for January here
27th January 2009
- Hard shoulder running will confuse drivers
A survey undertaken on behalf of Esure car insurance shows that the use of the hard shoulder during busy time on motorways is going to confuse motorists. Over 75% of those questioned said they were concerned about this decision.Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon has approved the use of the hard shoulder, as an extra lane at peak times on sections of the M1, M6, M25 and M62, these are motorways that had previously been considered for widening. ...more
23rd January 2009
- Alfa MiTo comes to the UK
Alfa Romeo’s sporty new compact, the Alfa MiTo goes on sale in the UK from 24 January. Inspired by the Alfa 8C Competizione, the MiTo is Alfa's first sporty compact since the 1970s. It is designed to appeal to a young, image-conscious driver. It is well priced, well built and well specified. The range will comprise of three high specification models:...more
21st January 2009
- Lexus at Australia Motor Show with LF-A Roadster.
Lexus will stage their new supercar the LF-A Roadster in Australia at the Melbourne International Motor Show, on 27 February. The LF-A Roadster has headlining shows in Tokyo and Detroit.The Roadster’s V10 engine is capable of test-track speeds greater than 330km/h. It is created with a lightweight carbon-fibre and aluminium body that ensures it's structure stays rigid even without the roof. ...more
- Skoda new limited Edition Octavia vRS
Skoda is introducing an exclusive run of 500 of their new Limited Edition Octavia vRS. A performance model with numerous sporty features will draw the eye of motorists looking to get even more value for their money. This model has increased specification and upgrades for 2009,...more
19th January 2009
- Smart test electric two seater
Aston University and Amey a support service for the highway, railway and property sectors, have been chosen to spearhead the trial of Smart ed vehicles in the Midlands. Smart are getting serious about the performance of it's fully electronic two seater and have delivered these vehicles to both Aston University and Amey. ...more
16th January 2009
- Production stops for four months at Honda UK
Honda's production plant in Swindon is to halt it's production during the months of April and May the company had already announced it would be shut during February and March. Honda say they are having to do this as a consequence of collapsing global sales....more
15th January 2009
- New Peugeot 3008 crossover
Peugeot 3008 a roomy crossover was revealed today. Looking identical to the Prologue Hybrid 4 concept which was unveiled at the 2008 Paris motor show it is aiming to take on the Nissan Quasqai. Production 3008 will be Peugeot’s first hybrid vehicle, a mix between a hatchback and MPV.. ...more
14th January 2009
- Jaguar Land Rover cuts 450 staff
Jaguar Land Rover have announced it is cutting 450 jobs, The firm Land Rover at Halewood assembly plant blamed "a severe reduction in demand" for the cuts. 150 salaried agency staff and three hundred managers will be made redundant. The firm was bought by Tata from Ford for £1.7bn only last year. ...more
13th January 2009
- Volkswagen debut all-new roadster in Detroit
Volkswagen has a new baby named Concept Bluesport, this year it makes it's debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This (black leather) two seater Roadster is rear wheel drive, it has a lightweight chassis and a highly efficient, mid mounted four-cylinder, 2.0 litre diesel engine....more
12th January 2009
- Smart looking to a pioneering 2009
Smart creator of ecologically friendly vehicles is looking to build on it's pioneering position with reguard to ecologically friendly vehicles. The next generation prototype of the smart fortwo is to be unveiled this month for the first time in the US at the NAIAS Autoshow, with the public showing taking place between January 17th and January 25th...more
- GM plans to pull through
GM tries to remain upbeat in a crisis, employees, dealers and retirees entusiastically waved signs that said "Here to Stay" as the car maker showed off its latest offerings at the start of the 2009 Detroit auto show. Chrysler rival to GM received a loan from the US taxpayers and now GM receives the same help.
10th January 2009
- Fiat's eco:Drive saves more than 163,000kg of CO2.
Fiat have released figures which show that Fiat drivers who have been using the fuel saving device launched in October, have already saved more than 163,000kg of CO2. Eco:Drive was launched by Fiat at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, eco:Drive is a free-of-charge tool that helps drivers understand the impact of their driving style on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions...more
- Lord Mandelson on Car Aid
Lord Mandelson Business Secretary says the car industry is an essential part of UK manufacturing. He believes the government should consider making some form of help for the financing side of individual manufacturers. He said that car manufacturers are facing great problems when raising finance for would-be new car buyers....more
9th January 2009
- BMW's new 116d announced
The new BMW 116d has been announced, it is BMW's greenest car with it's fantastic fuel efficiency it is even less polluting than BMW's World Green Car of the Year, the BMW 118d.
The BMW 116d is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 116hp and is capable of 0 to 62mph in 10.2 seconds...more
8th January 2009
- Audi's S1 is a super hatch high performance car
Audi's S1 is a super hatch high performance car, it will be looking to compete against the likes of the forthcoming Alfa Romeo MiTo. The S1 will evolutionise the A1 line up, Audi will use the same turbocharged 1.4-litre engine as the VW Polo GTi Cup Edition....more
- Nissan 1,200 jobs to go.
Nissan had to send workers home early on the run up to christmas as a direct result of the economic downturn., Today the company announced it is to axe about a quarter of it's jobs at it's Sunderland plant. This announement comes to light as Nissan has seen over 20% decline across the industry....more
6th January 2009
- Four Year delay on carbon dioxide emissions ruling
Car manufacturers have won a four-year delay to the European ruling designed to force them to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from new cars. It had been proposed that the ruling would be enforced in 2015, now however the enforcement will not happen untill 2019.....more
5th January 2009
- ACT on CO2 to save fuel and money
The Department for Transport are urging new car buyers to make a more informed choice when it comes to choosing their next new car. The Department for Transport (DFT) along with the government and motoring industry are calling for the public to have easy access to vehicle information....more
3rd January 2009
- Parking at Dropped Kerbs
The AA has told parking authorities, that a driver should not get a fine if they park next to a dropped kerb that has no signs or markings of any kind that stipulate they should not park there. Even more absurdly extreme is the fact that householders and business drivers could be issued £70 penalty charge notices for parking in front of the dropped kerb leading to their own house or business.....more
