Audi say they have ‘shrink-wrapped everything they stands for to create the new A1’. This is their first small hatchback since the Audi A2 and it will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Read More...

Tags: Audi,new cars,Supermini

Nissan has unveiled the new Juke, some weeks before its official launch at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Following the lead its sibling, Qashqai, the Juke is styled to have the appeal of an SUV, but most models will be only front-wheel-drive.

Read More...

Tags: Nissan,new cars,4x4

Volkswagen’s second generation Touareg has been unveiled and the new car has been on a diet, loosing no less than 200 kg. To help improve its green credentials the new Touareg is up to 20% more fuel efficient than its prececessor and there is also a hybrid version.

Read More...

Tags: new cars,Volkswagen,4x4

The intention is that Spyker Cars NV will change its name to Saab Spyker Automobiles NV, with two separate operating companies – Spyker and Saab – focussed on their own particular markets and their own vehicle lines. Read More...

Tags: Saab,Spyker

General Motors Company and Spyker Cars N.V, late yesterday confirmed the details of a binding agreement over the transfer of ownership of Saab Automobile AB of Trollhättan, Sweden.

Read More...

Tags: Saab,Spyker

The long-expected Mini 4x4 crossover has been announced today. The new Mini Countryman is not only the first MIni to offer four wheel drive, it is also the first with four passenger doors (the Clubman has three passenger doors, the third controversially being on the “wrong” side for the the UK).

Read More...

Tags: Mini,4x4,SUV,new cars

The next-generation Ford Focus has been unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Read More...

Tags: Ford,new cars,Hatch

It was in 1810 that Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frédéric Peugeot turned their father’s cereal mill into a steel foundry and took the Peugeot family into the industrial era.

Read More...

Tags: Peugeot,Concept

Spyker Cars, of The Netherlands, today confirmed it has made a revised offer to General Motors for the acquisition of Saab Automobile AB.

Read More...

Tags: Saab,Spyker,GM

Owners of the new Audi A8 will be able to use services like Google Earth to search for points of interest, if they choose the optional integrated GPRS/EDGE modem linked to the latest generation MMI navigation plus. Read More...

Tags: Audi,Technology,new cars

John Swinney, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in the Scottish Goverment, has give the green light to a 28-mile, £395 million by-pass for Aberdeen.

Read More...

Tags: Roads

A short statement from Spyker signals the end of the road for Saab. The General Motors-owned Swedish manufacturer is now expected to close its doors after 71 years.

Read More...

Tags: Saab,GM,Spyker

Aston Martin has released the first official images of its new Cygnet, previously seen here as a styling mock up.
Read More...

Tags: Aston Martin,Supermini,Concept

BMW has unveiled a new concept vehicle to signal the German marque’s approach to electric vehicles. The BMW Concept ActiveE is based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe and is BMW’s second electric vehicle after the Mini E.

Read More...

Tags: alternativefuels,electric,Concept

BMW has unveiled its new, sixth-generation BMW 5 Series Saloon. The new car is not likely to cause quite the stir that the fifth generation model did when it was announced with its then controversial styling.

Read More...

Tags: BMW,new cars

Spyker Cars, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of specialist sports cars, is relocating its assembly operation to the UK.

Read More...

Tags: Manufacturing,Spyker

A round-up of some of the Formula 1 news from a busy few days end-of-seasons dealings, news announcements and rumours.

Read More...

Tags: Formula1

These are the first official pictures of the new Volvo S60, which the design team say is “sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo car”.

Read More...

Tags: Volvo

Where on earth did Peugeot get the name? Well, I suppose it has to be admitted they are new to names. (Until now Peugeots have always simply had a number.) But Bipper Tepee. Well it is... unforgettable!



Read More...

Tags: Peugeot,MPV

Citroen is to use the 20th anniversary of the Eiffel Tower and 90 years of Citroen to launch its new Citroen C3.

Read More...

Tags: Citroen,Supermini

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is to unveil its new Ghost, the most powerful car ever to wear the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’, at the Frankfurt motor show on September 15.

Read More...

Tags: Rolls Royce,new cars

At the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (September 15 to 27), Toyota will take the wraps off its Auris HSD hybrid concept.

Read More...

Tags: Toyota,Hybrids

Against all the odds of a difficult market and the bankruptcy in the USA of former parent company GM, Saab has entered its new era of Koenigsegg ownership with the launch of the new Saab 9-5, the flagship of its range.

Read More...

Tags: Saab,new cars

Peugeot has signified that the new RCZ is the start of a new chapter for the French manufacturer as it aims to refocus on driving enjoyment as well as daily transport. I remember those days as a one time owner of two Peugeot 205 GTIs in succession.

Read More...

Tags: Peugeot,Coupe,new cars

The new Bentley Mulsanne was unveiled yesterday at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance near Monterey, California.

Read More...

Tags: Bentley,new cars

Approached by The Nation’s Best to nominate my best British car of all time (but not the Mini or the E-type which had already been nominated) I plumped for the original Range Rover. Read More...

Tags: LandRover

Kia Motors has issued a series of images showing a sharper, more confident look for future Kia models as they seek to shake of a worthy-but dull-image.

Read More...

Tags: Kia

Jay Leno, one of the world's best-known chat show hosts and a renowned car enthusiast, was the host for the launch of the new Jaguar XJ tonight at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Read More...

Tags: Jaguar,executive saloon

Aston Martin has surprised the motoring world with the unveiling of a new small car concept.

Read More...

Tags: Supermini,Aston Martin

Figures announced by the UK Government show that deaths and injuries on Britain’s roads have reached an all-time record low. Read More...

Tags: Safety

We have a month to wait for the announcement of the new Jaguar XJ in July, but Jaguar designer Ian Callum has been giving a little insight into the new car and Jaguar has released some ‘teaser’ images. Read More...

Tags: Jaguar

General Motors and Koenigsegg have reached an understanding that could pave the way for Saab to return to secure Swedish ownership.

Read More...

Tags: Saab,GM,industry

As teases go, Bentley’s “All-new Grand Bentley” is worthy of a marque with mystique.

Read More...

Tags: Bentley

Mazda Motor Europe has confirmed that Neil Stuart Warrior, Director of Public Relations, was a passenger on Air France flight 447 from Rio to Paris. Read More...

Tags: Mazda,industry

General Motors, which yesterday filed for bankruptcy protection, says it has reached an understanding with a buyer to sell its Hummer brand. The sale is not expected to take place until the third quarter of this year and is subject to a number of conditions.

Read More...

Tags: GM,Hummer,SUV

GM Europe has issued a press statement to make it clear that the European operations of the car giant are continuing as normal and are not included in the moves for bankruptcy protection by the US parent. The statement also confirms that GM Europe has secured bridge financing from the German government and an MOU to partner with Magna International Inc.

Read More...

Tags: GM,industry

General Motors has filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, making it the largest-ever industrial bankruptcy in the USA.
Read More...

Tags: GM,industry

The Shanghai Motor Show demonstrates how the Chinese motor industry is moving ever closer to being a serious challenge in world markets.... and also how good some of their manufacturers are at copy design elements of successful western models. Read More...

Tags: China,MG

Trouble US motoring giant Chrysler, which yesterday filed for Chapter 11 protection against its creditors, has announced what it calls a “global strategic alliance” with Fiat.

Read More...

Tags: industry,Chrysler,Fiat

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has welcomed government’s introduction of a scrappage incentive scheme to kick-start demand in the car and van market. Read More...

Tags: SMMT,Government

Following consultation with the UK motor industry, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has taken the difficult decision to cancel the 2010 British International Motor Show. Read More...

Tags: Motorshow

Aberdeen and District Motor Club is celebrating its centenary this Saturday, with a dinner addressed by former top co-driver and BMW, then Ford competitions boss Stuart Turner Read More...

Tags: Motorsport

Ford’s Iosis Max concept car, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, points the way to the future design direction for Ford.

Read More...

Tags: Ford,Concept

After 20 years of foreign ownership by General Motors, the future of Saab Automobile is once again in Swedish hands. Read More...

Tags: Saab,industry

Prior to the Geneva Motor Show, BMW has taken the wraps off a new 5 Series concept.

Read More...

Tags: BMW,Concept

The famous Citroen DS stopped production in the mid 1970s. Now, more than 30 years later, the DS is back... well, in name at least.

Read More...

Tags: Citroen,Concept

Ford has unwrapped its latest offering in the 40-year story of Ford RS, the much-awaited new Ford Focus RS. It is the first RS for six years. .

Read More...

Tags: Ford,Sports

Jaguar unveiled its new XFR at the Detroit Auto Show 2009, the performance version of the much acclaimed Jaguar XF.

Read More...

Tags: Jaguar,Sports

One of the stars of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is an all-new mid-engined, rear-wheel drive roadster concept from Volkswagen.

Read More...

Tags: Volkswagen,Concept,Cabriolet,Sportscar

Chrysler has announced a new electric models bearing the Dodge and Jeep badges.

Read More...

Tags: alternativefuels,electric,Chrysler,Jeep,Dodge

Fiat’s Qubo has an unusual name and different looks, but aims to provide a high level of versatility and practicality for family motoring.

Read More...

Tags: Fiat,MPV

Scientists at the University of Aberdeen, in Scotland, may have made a breakthrough in finding a truly green way to fuel zero-emission vehicles in the future.

Read More...

Tags: alternativefuels,environment

A cross-border battle is raging over the funding of the new Forth Bridge.

Read More...

Tags: Roads,Scotland

Following the Honda withdrawal from Formula 1, then Suzuki’s withdrawal yesterday, the global economic crisis has claimed a third scalp. Subaru has announced its decision to withdraw from the 2009 World Rally Championship.

Read More...

Tags: Motorsport,Rallying,Subaru

The all-new BMW Z4 has been revealed, prior to going on sale in May 2009.

Read More...

Tags: BMW,Sportscar

It has been a bad couple of weeks for those determined to tax us twice for using the roads we have already paid for. Read More...

Tags: §

The opening of the new motorway that closes the Cumberland Gap in the UK motorway system, on the 50th anniversary of the opening of the first motorway, is a cause for celebration. But it also highlights the chronic under-investment in Britain’s primary transport network.

Read More...

Tags: politics

Audi has taken the wraps off its new cabriolet versions of the A5 S5 coupes.

Read More...

Tags: Audi,Cabriolet

Leaders of America’s big three motor giants – GM, Chrysler and Ford – headed to Washington seeking a rescue package from the US government.

Read More...

Tags: USA,Ford,GM,Chrysler,industry

Porsche has released the first pictures of its new Panamera four-door, four-seater grand touring sports car.

Read More...

Tags: porsche,Saloon,Supercar

If you are a car enthusiast it always pays to have a camera handy, especially if you are in an area where manufacturers are known to test new models.

Read More...

Tags: Spyphotos,prototypes

Ford has announced the prices of its new Ka which will go on sale in the UK in January.

Read More...

Tags: Ford,Supermini

Twelve years since Andy Green OBE and Thrust SSC scythed through the sound barrier on their way to the current World Land Speed Record of 763.053 mph, Green and former record-holder, Richard Noble OBE, are preparing to write the latest chapter in the history of World Land Speed Record attempts, with a 1,000mph bid.

Read More...

Tags: Speedrecord

Mini, riding a high currently as the fastest growing premium brand, especially in the USA, will put the Crossover concept unveiled at this month's Paris motor show into production "in the near future," says BMW sales and marketing boss Ian Robertson.
The company wants to take advantage of the current trend for downsizing.

Read More...

Tags: Mini,SUV

Visitors to MPH, the Prestige and Performance Motor Show that opens in London’s Earls Court next week, will have a chance to drool over the ultimate car for the recession – a gold and platinum-plated Aston Martin DB7!

Read More...

Tags: Aston,Supercar

Swindon, in England, may not seem like the place for the dawn of a new enlightenment. But, that is exactly what it is.
Read More...

Tags: Speed ,Speedcameras,Safety,politics

Aston Martin has released the first photo of the new One-77, which they describe as "the ultimate creative interpretation of the renowned British marque". Read More...

Tags: Aston

Five generations, 34 years and over 26 million vehicles after the original first went on sale, the sixth generation of the Golf has been unveiled. Read More...

Tags: Volkswagen,Hatch

Ford has released the first official pictures of the Ford Ka, which is to be launched at the 2008 Paris Motor Show this October. Read More...

Tags: Ford,Supermini

Alfa Romeo's new small, sporty hatchback, the Alfa MiTo, makes its UK public debut at the current British Motor Show. It is the first small Alfa hatch since the days of the much-loved Alfasud. Read More...

Tags: Alfa

Did you know you can save up to £2 of fuel per week by simply reversing your car into a parking space, so you drive away forwards? That's the amazing claim from the IAM Motoring Trust. Read More...

Tags: economy

Whereas the previous Vauxhall Agila was instantly forgettable, the new one at least has some presence. It has a cheeky style and, inside, some fairly loud seat graphics. Read More...

Tags: Motorshow

Formula One Racing star David Coulthard may be leaving the Formula 1 circuit at the end of the year, but he is still maintaining a close interest in driving and using it to encourage young drivers to share their ideas to produce better, safer drivers. Read More...

Tags: Formula1,Motorsport

BMW has taken the wraps off its new 7 Series, which will go on sale later this year. While the looks are less controversial than the Chris Bangle design of the fourth 7 Series, under the skin BMW has worked hard to create a car that will win back buyer. The new model, which goes on sale in November, is bristling with technology.
Read More...

Tags: BMW,Luxury

The BBC's 'Top Gear' programme isn't always the most thought-provoking programme on television. Normally it is pure entertainment. However, the recent item about the Toyota Prius did suggest that we think more deeply than many of the Hollywood elite about our evironmentally-friendly motoring solutions. Read More...

Tags: Hybrids

BMW have released details of their extraordinary GINA project which features a cloth skin body stretched over a frame. It's the new idea from the team headed by Chris Bangle, who caused so much controversy with the introduction of the flame-surface styling. Read More...

Tags: BMW

When the Prime Minister and the Chancellor flew to Aberdeen to meet with the bosses of the UK oil industry, Gordon Brown tried to deflect attention from high fuel taxes as the cause for the current fuel price crisis. Instead, he tried to focus attention on fuel supply as the real cause. Read More...

Tags: petrol,Fuel,politics

Everywhere you go these days – particularly in the United States – the talk is of biofuels. People seem to have latched onto the idea that we can grow our own fuel as being the panacea for all our fossil fuel ills.

But, have the supporters of biofuels stopped to think things through? Read More...

Tags: politics ,Fuel,alternativefuels,economy

On April 1, BMW announced the first details of the new Canine Repellent Alloy Protection system. Designed to stop dogs fouling against the sparkling alloys of new BMW cars, the innovative Canine Repellent Alloy Protection system (C.R.A.P.) is the latest offering in the BMW EfficientDynamics programme. Read More...

Tags: BMW

One of the most open secrets in the motor industry was confirmed at today when the Ford Motor Company made the official announcement of the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors of India. Read More...

Tags: Tata,Jaguar,LandRover,4x4

Britain used to be known for the quality of its road surfaces. No, don't laugh, it really did. Manufacturers from this country went to France to give their suspension a serious test, now the continental manufacturers are coming here for testing because our road surfaces are notorious. Read More...

Tags: Roads

If your name is Mark Page and you scooped a jackpot of £4.7 million you wouldn't go out and buy Ferraris, Porsches or even a Rolls Royce. What he wanted was two Audis. Read More...

Tags: Audi

Ford has given the Focus a makeover that gives it the acclaimed family look of the new Mondeo. Read More...

Tags: Ford,Family hatch

The wraps are finally off the new Jaguar XF, the saloon that defines the new future style for Jaguar. The XF will replace the S-Type whose retro styling, harking back to the Jaguar MkII and original S-Type failed to attract younger buyers. Read More...

Tags: Jaguar,Luxury

Imagine this, slightly taller and maybe toned down a tad, and you are probably looking at the new Ford Fiesta. Read More...

Tags: Ford,Supermini

At 9,500 petrol station forecourts, the UK now has the lowest number of petrol stations in its history since 1912 according to figures just released. This year to date 150 filling stations have closed, on top of the large number in recent years. Read More...

Tags: Fuel,Fillingstations

The Scottish Executive are taking plans for a replacement crossing for the Forth Bridge, out for public comment. The current Forth Road Bridge, built in 1964, is suffering corrosion in its suspension wires and, if work to stop this corrosion is unsuccessful, it is suggested that it may have to close to heavy vehicles by 2013. Read More...

Tags: Roads

Transport for London (TfL) is proposing radical changes to the road tolls to link them to carbon dioxide emissions. If the proposals go ahead there will be a lot of hefty losers and a few winners. Read More...

Tags: CongestionCharge

The Mini range will be extended this autumn with the launch of the new Mini Clubman. This is the third variation on the new Mini theme, building on the hatchback and the cabriolet. Read More...

Tags: Mini,estate

To raise awareness of the problems caused by drivers who don't keep to the left lane, the Highways Agency has launched a DVD, presented by John Stapleton, called 'Stay Safe, Keep Moving'. Read More...

Tags: Driving

Does your vehicle look eerily like your neighbour’s? Are designers copying each other? If it passed you in the street could you "name that car?". Read More...

In making the new Mondeo more appealing, Ford have also recognised that company and private buyers these days like their “toys”. European buyers want a high specification as standard and they also like to ‘build their own car’ from an options list strong on goodies. The new Mondeo obliges. Read More...

Tags: Ford

Royal Mail is celebrating 100 years of UK motorsport with the launch six new stamps featuring British Grand Prix stars.
Read More...

Tags: Formula1,Motorsport

Jaguar and Land Rover will almost certainly be bought by private equity investors as there is no interest from any other car companies around the world, according to a leading city analyst.
Read More...

Tags: Jaguar ,LandRover

A fleet of three BMW Hydrogen 7s will, tomorrow (5 June 2007), take part in the Revolve Brighton to London rally for low and zero-emission cars. Starting on Madeira Drive in Brighton, the fleet of Hydrogen 7s will follow a pre-planned route ending at Trafalgar Square in London. Read More...

Tags: environment,economy,BMW,alternativefuels

Remember when getting a loaf of bread or a pint of milk meant just a short walk (or a short drive in the country) to the local corner shop? Now you probably make a family excursion to your local Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury's or Morrisons. Now think about refuelling your car. Remember when refuelling the car was something you did when the fuel light came on? Oh, fuel light on, there's a station... fill up. Read More...

Tags: Fillingstations

When are our politicians going to waken up to the fact that emissions from cars are something that simply won't be a problem in ten to twenty years time. Given that most "planning horizons" are ten years or more, our politicians are accelerating global warming by spouting a lot of hot air over a problem which will simply disappear.

Read More...

Tags: politics,environment

Fiat, recently a very lame duck in the motor industry, seems to be on a resurgence. Judging by the pictures of the new Fiat 500, its future looks very good indeed. Mini had better watch out. Fiat is after your crown! Read More...

Tags: Fiat,Supermini

A press release from Green Umbrella Sport and Leisure landed in my inbox this morning promoting a new DVD on the Greatest Ever TT Races. In the first sentence the press release says "In the early 20th century the English government refused to allow the closure of public roads for any sort of motor racing".
Read More...

A petition on the Downing Street website calling on the Prime Minister to scrap speed cameras has broken through the 20,000 figure, with a deadline for signatures set for June 29, 2007. Read More...

The delicious XK8 has been facing some unusual resistance in the US market. Speaking with Ian Callum, Jaguar's design director he tells how there is some resistance to the XK8's air intake which harks back to the E-type original. Read More...

Tags: Jaguar,Luxury,Coupe

So petrol and diesel are to go up, but not until October. But they are to go up again in 2009. And the top whack of road tax is to go up to £300 then £400, but the bottom rate is going down by 35%... or is it?
Read More...

Tags: politics,Fuel

The Scottish Transport Minister, Tavish Scott, has announced that plans to introduce nationwide tolls on Scotland's roads have been shelved for at least four years.
Read More...

Tags: CongestionCharge,Tolls

With 1.7 million names reportedly on the anti road toll petition on the Downing Street website it appears that the Government may be getting cold feet over the idea. Tony Blair is emailing all participants to try to persuade them that the government is only looking at the idea... honest! Read More...

Tags: CongestionCharge,Tolls

When I was a youngster I used to get so excited about every new car launch and get enthused about the new design direction it signified. Read More...

Tags: Jaguar,Luxury

There have been suggestions that the Government will toughen up on traffic law, increasing the potential penalties for various offences. Is this finally a recognition that the focus on enforcing speed limits is entirely out of proportion with its effect on road safety? (Only 5% of accidents in 2005 were caused by exceeding the speed limit according to Government figures.)
Read More...

Tags: Driving,politics

Putting 1.25p on a litre of fuel could be seen as road users getting off lightly and, certainly, all the green campaigners who have been baying for motorists to be squeezed till their pips squeaked, have been clamouring to get on the media to tell us so. Read More...

Tags: politics,Fuel

With Ford having bought the Rover name to protect their own Land Rover brand, SAIC - who bought the rights to the Rover models - have had to reconsider their plans to start producing the cars with the Rover badge.
Read More...

Government figures published by the Department for Transport show that, in 2005, exceeding the speed limit was the cause of only 5% of road accidents. Read More...

Tags: politics,Speed

I recently drove along the M42 just as they were preparing to allow traffic to use a fourth lane, during peak periods, in a bid to beat congestion. The fourth lane is the hard shoulder. Read More...

Tags: Driving,Roads