News in brief
publication date: Jun 12, 2009
|
author/source: Robin Roberts
Councils could be breaking the law by refusing to issue
eligible disabled people with Blue Badge parking permits, the government has
warned.
There has been a crack down on the Blue Badge system due to widespread abuse. Now some councils are being accused of being too strict in applying new guidelines to stop any fraudulent use.
Leading electrical specialist Comet today launches a pilot scheme that offers customers free charging for electric vehicles.
Comet is the first retailer to offer the service to customers, with "Plug & Go" points in its store car park in Purley Way, Croydon. 'Plug & Go' is a response to electric vehicles becoming a high priority for Government as the UK strives to meet its CO2 emission target by 2010. Should the initiative prove successful the intention is that the service will be rolled out across Comet stores nationwide.
Following the collapse of LDV with the loss of all warranty cover on its vans, Motorpoint is now offering a free warranty to all customers who buy one of its LDV vans.
LDV was placed in administration on Monday effectively making its manufacturer warranty null and void. The one-year warranty at £349 covers parts, labour and VAT on all mechanical and electrical faults as well as any hotel, train, taxi costs incurred in the unlikely event of a breakdown.
Former GM subsidiary Saab may announced its preferred new owner today.
Financial reports suggest it has come to a decision over who it believes would best provide for the Swedish firm when it completely splits from GM. Meanwhile, Beijing Auto is said to be considering a bid for Volvo, if Ford decide to sell it off. Another Chinese company is also said to be interested and both see the venture as a way to buy into quality car market in Europe which has so far eluded the Chinese manufacturers.
The US is moving towards its own scrappage scheme.
The House of Representatives approved a "cash for clunkers" bill that aims to boost new auto sales by allowing consumers to turn in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks for vouchers worth up to $4,500 toward more fuel-efficient vehicles. President Obama has encouraged Congress to approve consumer incentives for new car purchases as part of the government's work to restructure General Motors and Chrysler. The House approved the bill 298 to 119.
Travellers thinking of a road trip across the heart of Europe should make sure that their vehicles are in tip-top condition after figures revealed that Germany and France were the most expensive places in which to break down on the Continent.
Research from Aviva - formerly Norwich Union - found that it cost a motorist an average of £2,940 to have an accident in Germany, more than 50% higher than the average cost of a crash in Europe.
There has been a crack down on the Blue Badge system due to widespread abuse. Now some councils are being accused of being too strict in applying new guidelines to stop any fraudulent use.
Leading electrical specialist Comet today launches a pilot scheme that offers customers free charging for electric vehicles.
Comet is the first retailer to offer the service to customers, with "Plug & Go" points in its store car park in Purley Way, Croydon. 'Plug & Go' is a response to electric vehicles becoming a high priority for Government as the UK strives to meet its CO2 emission target by 2010. Should the initiative prove successful the intention is that the service will be rolled out across Comet stores nationwide.
Following the collapse of LDV with the loss of all warranty cover on its vans, Motorpoint is now offering a free warranty to all customers who buy one of its LDV vans.
LDV was placed in administration on Monday effectively making its manufacturer warranty null and void. The one-year warranty at £349 covers parts, labour and VAT on all mechanical and electrical faults as well as any hotel, train, taxi costs incurred in the unlikely event of a breakdown.
Former GM subsidiary Saab may announced its preferred new owner today.
Financial reports suggest it has come to a decision over who it believes would best provide for the Swedish firm when it completely splits from GM. Meanwhile, Beijing Auto is said to be considering a bid for Volvo, if Ford decide to sell it off. Another Chinese company is also said to be interested and both see the venture as a way to buy into quality car market in Europe which has so far eluded the Chinese manufacturers.
The US is moving towards its own scrappage scheme.
The House of Representatives approved a "cash for clunkers" bill that aims to boost new auto sales by allowing consumers to turn in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks for vouchers worth up to $4,500 toward more fuel-efficient vehicles. President Obama has encouraged Congress to approve consumer incentives for new car purchases as part of the government's work to restructure General Motors and Chrysler. The House approved the bill 298 to 119.
Travellers thinking of a road trip across the heart of Europe should make sure that their vehicles are in tip-top condition after figures revealed that Germany and France were the most expensive places in which to break down on the Continent.
Research from Aviva - formerly Norwich Union - found that it cost a motorist an average of £2,940 to have an accident in Germany, more than 50% higher than the average cost of a crash in Europe.