Autosport International 08

18 December 2007

10^th January 2008 To 13^th January 2008

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Diesel registrations hit record high in November

18 December 2007

• Diesel market share reaches highest ever level at 45.3 per cent in November
• Monthly total of 158,735 is the best November volume since 2004
• Market in 2007 looks set to surpass 2.4 million registrations

"2007 has seen the new car market recover slightly, but we are still a long way from the records set in 2003," said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. "It is really encouraging to see the growth in diesel registrations, and this is expected to exceed 40 per cent of the total market by the end of 2007. New diesel engines are around 20 per cent more fuel-efficient than a petrol equivalent – good news for the motorist at times of rising fuel costs, and it also means a similar saving on CO2 emissions – good news for the environment too."

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Motor trade must train 120,000 skilled workers

11 December 2007

The Institute of the Motor Industry aims to double apprenticeship numbers in the sector

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Renault goes Russian

11 December 2007

Renault has signed a deal with Russian carmaker AvtoVaz to supply technology and engineering knowledge - and entire vehicle platforms - for use in Russian-built model-ranges, including cars for the Lada brand.

Renault is to take a share in Togliatti-based AvtoVaz alongside holding company Russian Technologies. It already owns Romanian manufacturer Dacia, but the AvtoVaz share will take it further into the rapidly-growing Russian car market.

AvtoVaz was established in the 60s as a state-owned manufacturer, initially building versions of elderly Fiat models, including a car sold in the UK as the Lada Riva, and going on to make the much-loved, super-tough Niva 4x4. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, it formed a partnership with General Motors to carry on making the Niva, rebranded as a Chevrolet, and has continued to sell Lada-badged economy models such as the Kalina, Priora and long-running Samara, plus versions of the Vauxhall/Opel Astra for sale in Russia.

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No bump-protection in fender-benders

11 December 2007

The only bumper to achieve a 'good' rating in the test - repair costs of less than £350 in a 6mph impact - was the rear bumper of the Ford S-MAX and the front bumper of the Toyota Auris was judged 'acceptable.' The front and rear bumpers of the Honda CR-V, Citroen C4 Picasso, Land Rover Freelander 2 and Suzuki Swift were all rated 'poor'; repairs after a 6mph impact would cost over £1,350 - each end. Repairs to a Swift bumper were estimated at an incredible £4,600 (both ends), enough to for the car to be written off.

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