News Archive  

The sustainability of biofuels needs to be proven, it has been claimed.

A new review which has the backing of transport secretary Ruth Kelly and environment secretary Hilary Benn has stated that biofuel policy as it stands should not be dropped, but amended. ... Read More

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Young people getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time could be helped out by their parents, it has been claimed.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has stated that mums and dads can assist their offspring by offering them private lessons. ... Read More

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A survey conducted to assess the satisfaction level among drivers in the UK has seen the Toyota Prius come out on top.

The hybrid vehicle scored 901 points on a 1,000 point scale in the study from What Car? and JD Power and Associates. ... Read More

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People in the UK who litter from their vehicles may have nowhere to hide if new government plans against the offence come to fruition.

A CCTV system where drivers are fined if caught breaking the law in such a fashion is to be trialled in London this summer, ahead of a possible nationwide roll out. ... Read More

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Motorists travelling through London in the new Mitsubishi L200 will be able to do so while paying the lower congestion charge, according to the Japanese automobile manufacturer.

The company has announced that the model has a 225 g per km CO2 emissions rating, meaning that drivers will save £17 travelling in and out of the city. ... Read More

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Czech manufacturer Skoda saw its sales increase last month, according to new figures.

The automaker registered 52,916 sold units over the course of February, making an increase of 19.4 per cent against the same month in 2007. ... Read More

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Motorists have revealed their top annoyances when it comes to travelling on the road as part of a new study.

Crash.net has reported that new research from ITV Local has identified those towing caravans to be the most annoying of all road users. ... Read More

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Despite the emphasis placed on being environmentally-friendly, new research shows that a number of motorists in the UK would still choose to pick up a high-emissions vehicle over a green one.

Direct Line Car Insurance has found that 16 per cent of drivers would choose a larger vehicle over an eco-conscious one. ... Read More

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A number of US vehicles will be paraded at the latest British Car Auctions (BCA) sale at its Blackbushe site.

One of the top vehicles will be the 1957 Thunderbird convertible, the company states, which is estimated to be worth around £40,000. ... Read More

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Swedish automobile manufacturer Volkswagen believes that its new XC60 vehicle is the most stunning vehicle it has ever produced.

The vehicle, which receives its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is also its safest, the firm added. ... Read More

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Fleet and company drivers would prefer to take their partners for a romantic weekend away if they could choose how to spend their time trialling a new vehicle.

According to research from GM UK Fleet, 55 per cent of the 8,500 men polled would use such an exercise as an excuse for a short break with their loved ones. ... Read More

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Fewer motorists are looking to splash their cash on a vehicle less than three years old, according to an industry body.

Research from Experian shows that the number of people picking up such vehicles dropped by eight per cent over the third quarter of 2007, compared to figures from 2006. ... Read More

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The UK motor industry recorded growth for the sixth consecutive month in December, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Some 102,591 cars were made over the course of month, representative of a 21 per cent rise on statistics from 2006, the body states. ... Read More

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New research from the Department for Transport outlines the extent to which people in the UK are willing to share the cars to cut congestion and emissions.

The body has found that 61 per cent of people have travelled with someone else in the past month. ... Read More

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New research shows the extent to which British motorists get nervous driving in harsh weather conditions.

Findings from Mercedes-Benz World indicate that three-quarters (76 per cent) of drivers are particularly prone to panic in all extreme climates. ... Read More

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A record number of diesel vehicles were sold in the UK last year, according to industry statistics.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has stated that there were 2.4 million units sold over the course of 2007. ... Read More

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An increased number of trucks and vans sold in December has seen the industry finish 2007 strongly, it has been claimed.

Statistics recorded by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that some 26,047 automobiles were driven out of dealerships by new owners during the month. ... Read More

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Drivers heading out onto the roads this winter have been issued with a series of tips on how to stay safe.

According to Peter Rodger, chief examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), people should allow extra time for their journeys during winter. ... Read More

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The Highways Agency is urging motorists to make sure that they have a sufficient amount of fuel in their vehicles so that they can avoid breakdowns over the festive season.

According to the body's network performance manager Chris Holehouse, a proportion of drivers are "oblivious" to the dangers that can befall them should they run out of gas on the motorway. ... Read More

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A top official in the European motor manufacturing industry has claimed that he has been disappointed by efforts to regulate CO2 emissions in the sector.

Sergio Marchionne, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), commented that a "fair and realistic system" needs to be employed across the continent. ... Read More

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A series of tips issued by National Car Rental could see motorists stay safe this winter.

The company has told drivers that should the weather be wet, they should slow down in order to accommodate greater braking distances and make sure they are not affected by spray from other vehicles. ... Read More

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Automobile owners in the UK are missing out on millions in vehicle value because they are messy, it has been claimed.

Research from website fish4cars shows that bad habits like eating and smoking can knock one fifth from the price a car or van can receive, Motor Trader reports. ... Read More

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More than £2 billion per year is spent by motorists and insurance firms on vehicle repair costs caused by bumpers which are not up to scratch, an industry firm has claimed.

Thatcham stated that 85 per cent of claims to cover companies come after slow speed collisions, adding that a six mph crash at the front or rear of a vehicle could write it off. ... Read More

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Motoring assistance group GEM has seen its road safety booklet picked up by nearly one million drivers.

The firm has commented that the guide has proven to be particularly popular with women who are increasingly taking to the highways alone as part of their job. ... Read More

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Honda has unveiled the fuel cell-powered Clarity at the Los Angeles International Motor Show.

The company stated that the vehicle has been named as such because it offers "clear solution to the challenges of the future". ... Read More

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Having defective tyres on a vehicle is among the top five most hazardous problems for motorists, it has been claimed.

According to Hertfordshire police, it is as dangerous as drinking and driving, speeding, fatigue and illness. ... Read More

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Motorists driving Saab automobiles may be interested in a range of new accessories designed to make their lives easier.

The company has announced that for £749 they can increase the output of their 9-5 and 9-3 vehicles with the Hirsch Performance engine upgrade. ... Read More

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British Telecom's teaming with IAM Fleet for a road safety initiative has seen a reduction in the number of accidents involving occupational motorists.

The two firms have been putting together interactive workshops, tuition sessions and driver assessments on the road since they first began the joint initiative in 2002. ... Read More

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The latest model from German automobile manufacturer Landaulet has been developed to provide "the utmost luxury and exquisite style", the firm has commented.

White Seychelles leather interior characterises the character portion of the vehicle, while the chauffeur's side is adorned in sleek black. ... Read More

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Motorists looking to pick up a model in the Suzuki SX4 sport crossover line can now find one with a new diesel option.

Those who go for a unit with the new Peugeot-supplied 1.6 DDiS engine will receive a vehicle with "lively, flexible performance characteristics". ... Read More

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Motorists looking to pick up a stylish, practical SUV which is also environmentally friendly should look no further than the latest edition Audi Q7, the firm has claimed.

The company's latest revision, the 3.0 TDI Quattro, can be picked up with a hybrid petrol/electric engine which reduces carbon emissions and fuel consumption by more than one-fifth. ... Read More

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Skoda has seen its sales figures reach record heights during the course of 2007.

The Octavia vehicle is the firm's leading car, with the company commenting that it has seen sales in the model increase by 12.3 per cent from January to September. ... Read More

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The Kyoto Protocol designed to reduce the amount of carbon emissions from vehicles has "failed", one drivers' body has claimed.

According to the Association of British Drivers (ABD), research from Gwyn Prins and Steve Rayner has proved to be accurate - the system is not working. ... Read More

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World Rally Championship (WRC) enthusiasts will soon be able to get behind the wheel of a vehicle which looks and drives just like the real thing.

The new Subaru Impreza WRX STI will be made available in spring 2008 after the manufacturer debuts the model later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show. ... Read More

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People on the road in the UK are at risk from tyres that are over or under-inflated, it has been claimed.

A "significant proportion" of motorists have an over-inflated wheel, while nearly three-quarters have one that is under the specified pressure, according to TyreSafe. ... Read More

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The average amount a principal at a new car dealership earns is more than £60,000 per year, according to new research.

Sales bosses at garages across the UK will take home a mean of £62,110 every 12 months, figures from the Auto Retail Industry Salary Survey for 2008. ... Read More

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More detailed images of the latest Impreza model from Subaru have started to appear.

Previously, only a shadowy photograph showing the vehicle's wide berth had been released. ... Read More

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The ultimate boys' toy hits car dealerships in the UK this week.

British drivers can now get behind the wheel of the High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Hummer) - a car its manufacturer has claimed is "like no other". ... Read More

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Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a car to match their passion may find the new special edition Jeep Grand Cherokee is perfect for them.

The vehicle comes in Limited and Overland varieties, with the former featuring a multi-purpose roof rack which can be used to store sports goods or luggage. ... Read More

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A new teaser image of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI has been released by the Japanese automaker.

Eagle-eyed enthusiasts will immediately be able to spot the turbocharged range-topper engine accessory on the bonnet of vehicle, while large wheelarches can also be seen, giving the car a strong and wide berth. ... Read More

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An increase in the age at which it becomes legal for a person to take to the road to 18 would be not enough for most, a new survey has revealed.

Research from the UK's largest car supermarket Motorpoint has found that 66 per cent of people surveyed would not consider such a move substantial enough. ... Read More

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Czech car manufacturer Skoda has revealed its plans for the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2007.

At the centre of the show's exhibition will be the Fabia brand, which succeeded the Skoda Felicia and has been in production since 2000. ... Read More

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General Motors (GM) has claimed to have developed the most awaited combustion technology of the past 30 years.

The Detroit, Michigan-based manufacturer has claimed its homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine offers diesel-like efficiency to petrol vehicles in addition to carbon emission cuts. ... Read More

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The new XF model from Jaguar breaks the rules when it comes to traditional car mechanics and convention, the company has claimed.

A bold design language and a striking visual appearance characterise the vehicle, which the firm believes marks the beginning of a new chapter in its history. ... Read More

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Seat has announced that its new Altea freetrack 4 all-road car will go on sale in the UK on October 20th 2007.

The rugged four-wheel drive will be available with a choice of two engines - a 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS and 2.0-litre TDI 170PS. ... Read More

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Peugeot dealers are preparing for the new 57 registration plate by stocking up with the French carmakers three new models.

The first summer addition to the Peugeot range is the company's first ever SUV - the 4007. ... Read More

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The new Peugeot 4007 SUV is set to avoid the most extreme of the proposed changes to the London Congestion Charging scheme.

Ken Livingstone, the capital's mayor, yesterday announced plans to introduce a sliding scale of charges based on CO2 emissions, meaning owners of the highest polluting cars would be charged £25 to drive into the city if the proposals are adopted. ... Read More

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SUV buyers can get more for their money with the new Hyundai Santa Fe Limited.

The special edition has all the standard equipment drivers could normally expect to find on a Santa Fe, together with a host of stylish extras worth over £900. ... Read More

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Citroen's long-awaited first ever SUV, the C-Crosser, has now arrived in British showrooms.

The four-wheel drive C-Crosser is powered by a low emission 2.2-litre HDi diesel engine fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, which produces 40 mpg fuel economy and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in under ten seconds. ... Read More

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Land Rover staff were today celebrating a double victory in Auto Express magazine's prestigious New Car Honours.

The company's Freelander 2 model won the hotly contested best recreational 4x4 category, after Auto Express's road test editor Ollie Marriage described it as a "neatly designed and beautifully executed second-generation car". ... Read More

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Nissan has announced that its global vehicle sales increased by 5.9 per cent during the first quarter of its financial year.

The Japanese carmaker saw 875,000 vehicles driven off the forecourt during the period April to June 2007. ... Read More

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Mazda has confirmed that its new CX-7 Sports utility vehicle will go on sale in the UK in September.

The seven-seater, which is powered by a 2.3-litre turbo-charged engine, will carry a £23,960 on the road price tag. ... Read More

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Sales of the Freelander brand have spiked as a result of the launch of the second-generation version, it has been revealed.

According to figures from Land Rover, 20 per cent more Freelanders have been bought this year than 12 months ago as the brand has increased in popularity among UK buyers. ... Read More

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The Range Rover is set for a range of additions this year, with the introduction of four-zone air conditioning leading the changes.

Backseat passengers will be able to take advantage of individual controls to their heating and ventilation, following the introduction of the new system. ... Read More

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The green credentials of Land Rover have now been recognised by a member of parliament, car buyers may be interested to know.

Ian Pearson, minister of state for climate change and the environment, has made his comments after a visit to Land Rover's design and engineering facility in Gaydon. ... Read More

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Land Rover has donated a 4x4 to a charity dedicated to animal welfare issues as it looks to enhance its public image, motorists may be interested to know.

The Land Rover Discovery 3, built at the company's factory in Solihull, was officially handed over to the Born Free Foundation to protect animals both in the UK and on the continent. ... Read More

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In a move that could potentially improve public perception of the Land Rover brand, the British automaker has established a new green partnership with an ecological research organisation.

Earthwatch has been named as Land Rover's sponsorship programme, following on from separate deals struck with Biosphere Expeditions, the China Exploration and Research Society, the Royal Geographical Society and Born Free. ... Read More

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Land Rover is gearing up to reveal the final addition to its Freelander 2 range, motorists looking for a new off-roader may be interested to learn.

The 2.2-litre diesel automatic Freelander 2 is set to debut in Land Rover car dealerships on April 28th 2007 and boasts an all-new engine with fuel consumption of 33.2 miles per gallon. ... Read More

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In news that highlights the versatility of the Volkswagen brand, the German automaker has been named the official vehicle supplier for the forthcoming Blenheim International Horse Trials 2007.

As part of the deal, the newly-launched Touareg 4x4 is expected to be used in a variety of tasks, including transporting horses, salvaging vehicles stuck in the mud and relaying competition officials around the race course. ... Read More

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In news that may be of interest to many families, the safety credentials of the Land Rover Freelander 2 have now been formally recognised by the automotive industry.

This month, the European New Car Assessment Programme awarded the second-generation 4x4 a maximum five-star rating for adult passenger safety. ... Read More

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Land Rover owners who have the travel bug may be interested to hear that the British-based automaker is providing assistance for a world-record exploration attempt.

Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper, both 19, are attempting to enter the record books as the first people to travel from the geo-magnetic north pole to the geo-magnetic south pole using only manpowered forms of travel. ... Read More

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The driveability of the Land Rover Range Rover Sport has been underlined as it received recognition as the best in the Leisure Car category at a recent awards ceremony.

At the Axa Car of the Year Awards, the model scored "consistently highly" among members of the Ulster Motoring Writers Association, according to the association's chairman Jim McCauley. ... Read More

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Land Rover has provided more details about its CO2 offset programme, which could be of interest to eco-minded drivers looking for a new motor.

Under the terms of the scheme, the British-based automaker will offset both emissions given off during production of new vehicles, as well those created during the first 45,000 miles of travel after the model has left the Land Rover car dealership. ... Read More

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Motoring aficionados will be able to get their first glimpse of the forthcoming Freelander 2 TD4 diesel automatic at the Geneva motor show this month, it has been revealed.

The model, set to go on sale at Land Rover car dealerships across the UK in April 2007, is expected to be the star attraction when the British-based automaker unveils its line-up for the coming year. ... Read More

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Vauxhall enthusiasts looking to step up in class have been alerted to news that the British-based automaker has announced pricing details for its forthcoming compact 4x4.

And motorists who would like to replace their Astra small family car may be interested to know that the new Vauxhall Antara will go on sale for under £20,000, it has been revealed. ... Read More

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Land Rover has confirmed details of a new limited-edition version of the Discovery 3 off-roader.

Production of the Discovery 3 Pursuit, which is set to appear in Land Rover car dealerships from March 2007, will be strictly limited to 300 models in the UK. ... Read More

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Land Rover has confirmed that its Discovery 3 4x4 will soon be made available as a commercial vehicle, in news that may be of interest to companies looking to renew their fleet of high-powered vehicles.

From March 19th 2007, the British automaker will offer buyers the opportunity to choose between either a standard Discovery 3 or a Discovery 3 XS Commercial. ... Read More

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Land Rover has confirmed it will offer the services of dozens of its vehicles if required by local authorities, in news that highlights the durability of the 4x4 brand.

With heavy snow expected to fall across various parts of the UK this week, the British company has announced that 100 of its vehicles will be put at the beck and call of emergency services such as local police divisions and highway patrols. ... Read More

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A new scheme has been launched that aims to reaffirm Land Rover's commitment towards reducing overall CO2 emissions, in news that may be of interest to environmentally-conscious motorists.

The programme is intended to ensure that all vehicle emissions generated by the automaker's manufacturing processes are offset by green practices. ... Read More

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Land Rover's Range Rover Vogue will receive an all-new V8 diesel engine, in addition to technical upgrades, in 2007.

Making its Range Rover debut, the British automaker claims that the turbocharged TDV8 diesel is one of its most advanced engines to date - sporting 640 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm, while being 54 per cent more powerful than the six-cylinder diesel alternative with the same fuel economy. ... Read More

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Hyundai is celebrating after its Santa Fe model was awarded the title of Best Buy Large 4x4 by motoring publication What Car?.

The South Korean manufacturer's Santa Fe 2.2-litre CRTD GSi seven-seater sports utility vehicle was given the title at the magazine's annual awards bash in London. ... Read More

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The Land Rover Discovery has been named Best Large 4x4 at an awards ceremony organised by What Car?, the independent automotive publication.

Indeed, it is actually the third year in a row that the Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 SE has scooped the title at the annual Car of the Year awards bash in London. ... Read More

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UK sales of Land Rover's Range Rover Sport increased by more than a half last year, according to the latest figures, in news that underlines the popularity of the off-roader among motorists.

According to the British automotive brand, demand for the model saw a year-on-year increase of 52 per cent. ... Read More

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UK sales of Land Rover's Range Rover Sport increased by more than a half last year, according to the latest figures, in news that underlines the popularity of the off-roader among motorists.

According to the British automotive brand, demand for the model saw a year-on-year increase of 52 per cent. ... Read More

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Motorists will get the chance to see one of the original Fiat Panda Dakar 2007 prototypes first-hand this month, it has been revealed.

The model will make an appearance on the Fiat stand of the Autosport Show at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre between January 11th and 14th 2007. ... Read More

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The Land Rover Freelander 2 has been given the once-over by an automotive journalist who reserved particular praise for the vehicle's handling and engine performance.

Writing in CarsGuide after seeing the vehicle's press debut in Morocco, reviewer Paul Gover said that the "Freelander 2 will be a success, without any doubt". ... Read More

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The Land Rover Freelander 2 could prove an ideal choice for people who have to regularly transport a large amount of baggage, according to an automotive journalist.

Michael Harvey, editor of Top Gear magazine, has made the comments after the second-generation Freelander picked up the title of SUV [Sports Utility Vehicle] of the Year at the BBC motoring programme's annual awards ceremony, reports Easier. ... Read More

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A Land Rover advert starring the Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips is set to hit TV screens this week, straight after the horse rider picked up the title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Ms Phillips is pictured in a mud-splattered designer dress under the headline "Beautifully poised", in a campaign that is expected to boost sales for the 4x4 automaker. ... Read More

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Land Rover's customer magazine OneLife has been awarded the title of Customer Magazine of the Year, in a move that underlines its reputation for providing high-quality information to customers.

The distinction was given to the British automaker by the Association of Publishing Agencies at the Customer Publishing Awards 2006. ... Read More

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Strong demand for the Kia Sorento and other top-selling brands has helped the South Korean automaker post record October sales figures.

Over the course of last month, the company sold a total of 23,252 vehicles in the European marketplace, which is a record figure for the month, reports Easier. ... Read More

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Land Rover Freelander 2 has been praised as "exceptionally comfortable, brisk performing and meticulously built", in an independent automotive review.

Set for release on December 7th 2006, reviewer David Morgan writes that the sports utility vehicle (SUV) will go "straight to the top of the class", reports CARkeys. ... Read More

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A business analyst has pointed to recent automotive successes under the Land Rover brand as evidence that its latest model will do well.

This week saw production start on the Land Rover Freelander 2 at a factory in Merseyside, which is the first model to be designed and built entirely by Ford since it took over the company. ... Read More

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Production has started on the new Freelander 2 model from Land Rover, which its makers claim will combine the power of a 4x4 with the finesse of a car.

The first Freelander 2s are now being rolled off the production line at the Halewood manufacturing plant in the political constituency of Knowsley South. ... Read More

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