Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Renault chops UK lineup in half]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/renault-chops-uk-lineup-in-half/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/renault-chops-uk-lineup-in-half/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/renault-chops-uk-lineup-in-half/#commentsFiled under: ,

Renault

Renault has a wide array of products in its portfolio. In its home market it offers a baker's dozen model lines, and when you get down to bodystyles the range ratchets up past 20.

While we don't get any of them in North America, the United Kingdom remains a vital market for the French automaker. But British buyers haven't been buying Renaults as much as they used to, prompting a drastic shift in strategy. As a result, Renault is cutting the Modus, Kangoo, Wind, Laguna, Espace and the entire Gordini line from its UK lineup, .

So what does that leave for UK shoppers? The Twingo, Clio, Megane, Grand Scenic and Traffic. Renaultsport models remain on offer, through the Twingo RS is now available in only one version. Those will soon be joined by the Fluence ZE and Twizy, as well as the Dacia range. Regardless, this represents a drastic cut in a vital market for one of Europe's largest automakers. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Renault chops UK lineup in half

Renault chops UK lineup in half originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>great britainrenaultrenault ukukunited kingdomSun, 05 Feb 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160424/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/05/renault-chops-uk-lineup-in-half/20160424/article-detail.xml 20160424 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/renault-uk_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/renault-uk.jpg <![CDATA[UK insurer says "reckless fog light drivers" cause 300,000 accidents a year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/uk-insurer-says-reckless-fog-light-drivers-cause-300-000-accid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/uk-insurer-says-reckless-fog-light-drivers-cause-300-000-accid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/uk-insurer-says-reckless-fog-light-drivers-cause-300-000-accid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It would probably be easier for researchers to change tracks and start telling us what doesn't cause cancer or obesity or car accidents. Latest on the list of automotive smash-up causes, according to a study by UK insurer Swiftcover, are drivers leaving their fog lights on in good visibility. The numbers are brazen, with Swiftcover attributing "as many as 300,000" accidents and two million near misses in the last 12 months "caused by drivers leaving fog lights on in the same period."

The UK highway code prohibits driving with one's fog lights on in conditions with visibility greater than 100 meters. Swiftcover's study says the lights dazzle other drivers, especially in London where 50 percent of incidents were registered, and that this applies to both front and rear fog lights.

Follow the jump for a press release on the study and a link to the Highway Code if you need a refresher.

Continue reading UK insurer says "reckless fog light drivers" cause 300,000 accidents a year

UK insurer says "reckless fog light drivers" cause 300,000 accidents a year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car accidentcar crashfog lightfoglightinsurancestudyswiftcoverswiftcover.comukunited kingdomwreckTue, 31 Jan 2012 11:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159161/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/uk-insurer-says-reckless-fog-light-drivers-cause-300-000-accid/20159161/article-detail.xml 20159161 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/13kiasorentoreview2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/13kiasorentoreview2011.jpg <![CDATA[Coastal UK windstorm brings a different kind of whiteout]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/coastal-uk-windstorm-brings-a-different-kind-of-whiteout/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/coastal-uk-windstorm-brings-a-different-kind-of-whiteout/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/coastal-uk-windstorm-brings-a-different-kind-of-whiteout/#commentsFiled under: ,



Now that winter is upon us, you can expect to see lots of news stories about cars driving through intense blizzard conditions. This, though it certainly looks the part, isn't one of those times. Although it appears that the white stuff falling from the sky in the videos after the jump is heavy snow, it's actually a product called 'spume' - salt-water sea foam.

Britain's Fylde Coast was struck by a massive windstorm last week, with wind gusts as high as 130 miles per hour. Spume is the product of decaying algae and other organic materials in the salt water, and the heavy winds whipped it all up onto shore, causing havoc for residents of the costal town Cleveleys.

Hit the jump to see a trio of videos of the falling foam for yourself.

Continue reading Coastal UK windstorm brings a different kind of whiteout

Coastal UK windstorm brings a different kind of whiteout originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cleveleyssea foamstormukunited kingdomvideowhiteoutMon, 02 Jan 2012 12:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138645/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/02/coastal-uk-windstorm-brings-a-different-kind-of-whiteout/20138645/article-detail.xml 20138645 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/thatsnotsnow_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/thatsnotsnow.jpg <![CDATA[Nearly half of Brits surveyed name their cars... do you? [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/nearly-half-of-brits-surveyed-name-their-cars-do-you-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/nearly-half-of-brits-surveyed-name-their-cars-do-you-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/nearly-half-of-brits-surveyed-name-their-cars-do-you-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: ,

Cars movie poster

A new study commissioned by British parking lot operator NCP has found that nearly half of all UK drivers name their vehicles. Researchers questioned a total of 3,000 UK drivers ranging in age from 17 to 45 to determine whether or not they have a special moniker for their vehicle. The study also took the time to look into which names drivers chose.

In the UK, most drivers tend to prefer names derived from celebrities, with 24 percent of those surveyed opting for high-profile labels. Prince William and Lady Gaga are apparently two of the most popular vehicle names at the moment, though drivers also favor cartoon characters, sports figures and politicians.

Interestingly enough, three percent of those surveyed say they name their vehicle after coworkers. It makes us wonder what kind of vehicle Dwight Schrute from The Office would be. Clearly, not everyone feels attached enough to their car to give it a name, with 20 percent of those surveyed saying those who do are "sad." Some people just don't know how to have any fun, eh?

Our staff's driveways are filled with plenty of unique vehicular characters, including one very determined '78 International Scout Terra that goes by the name Death Proof. Do you name your vehicles? Let the world know what you call your car in the Comments, but not before taking part in our brief poll below.

View Poll

Nearly half of Brits surveyed name their cars... do you? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car namescar namingnaming a carNPCukThu, 22 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20131737/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/22/nearly-half-of-brits-surveyed-name-their-cars-do-you-w-poll/20131737/article-detail.xml 20131737 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/cars-movie-poster_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/cars-movie-poster.jpg <![CDATA[Watch <i>Fifth Gear</i> drive across England in a brand-new Lada Niva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/watch-fifth-gear-drive-across-england-in-a-brand-new-lada/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/watch-fifth-gear-drive-across-england-in-a-brand-new-lada/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/watch-fifth-gear-drive-across-england-in-a-brand-new-lada/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lada Niva Fifth Gear

If you happen to have a soft spot for ugly, inexpensive four-wheel-drive machines that can outperform substantially newer and more expensive vehicles, don't watch the video after the jump.

If you choose not to heed our guidance, you may just find yourself desperately searching for a way to get your hands on a Lada Niva. Fifth Gear recently undertook a unique challenge. While the Niva hasn't been sold new in the UK for years, specialty importers can still slide one your way for a small fee and a smile. The whole kit will set buyers back around £11,000, or about $17,000 at current conversion rates.

That makes the Niva the cheapest four-wheel drive on the UK market right now. But is it worth it? Fifth Gear took to the network of unpaved roads that envelope the UK countryside in a bid to crawl their way across the island by spending as little time as possible on paved roads. How did the plucky little Soviet-era machine do? Hit the jump to find out. Just remember: we warned you.

Continue reading Watch Fifth Gear drive across England in a brand-new Lada Niva

Watch Fifth Gear drive across England in a brand-new Lada Niva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fifth gearladalada nivanivaukMon, 19 Dec 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20130802/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/19/watch-fifth-gear-drive-across-england-in-a-brand-new-lada/20130802/article-detail.xml 20130802 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lada-niva-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lada-niva-628.jpg <![CDATA[UK Parliament comes down on BBC over Jeremy Clarkson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/uk-parliament-comes-down-on-bbc-over-jeremy-clarkson/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/uk-parliament-comes-down-on-bbc-over-jeremy-clarkson/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/uk-parliament-comes-down-on-bbc-over-jeremy-clarkson/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jeremy Clarkson with mouth openMark Thompson, director general of the BBC, has been forced to go to bat for Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson after the television host jokingly suggested striking public sector workers should be shot in front of their own families. Yep. That sounds like Clarkson to us.

According to the UK's Guardian and Telegraph dailies, members of the UK Parliament then began calling for the government-owned BBC to oust Jezza, with Labor Party member Jim Sheridan asking whether or not Clarkson was a luxury the BBC couldn't afford. Around 32,000 people sent complaints to the network about the host's disparaging remarks, but Thompson countered, suggesting that Clarkson is one of the UK's chief cultural exports at the moment.

The BBC executive also said far more people would be upset to see the gregarious host disappear from Top Gear than had complained about his flippant remarks.

This is just the latest episode in a long line of Clarkson's skirmishes with various nationalities, religions and organizations, but it doesn't look like the British personality is going anywhere any time soon.

UK Parliament comes down on BBC over Jeremy Clarkson originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbritish parliamentclarksonjeremy clarksonjezzajim sheridanparliamenttop gearukuk parliamentTue, 13 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127135/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/uk-parliament-comes-down-on-bbc-over-jeremy-clarkson/20127135/article-detail.xml 20127135 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/jeremy-clarkson-mouth-open_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/jeremy-clarkson-mouth-open.jpg <![CDATA[34-car UK pileup kills seven... are fireworks to blame? [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/34-car-uk-pileup-kills-seven-are-fireworks-to-blame-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/34-car-uk-pileup-kills-seven-are-fireworks-to-blame-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/34-car-uk-pileup-kills-seven-are-fireworks-to-blame-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Taunton Crash screen capture

Police in the UK have begun investigating the cause of a 34-vehicle pileup on the country's M5. The fiery collision claimed the lives of seven motorists and saw an additional 51 individuals injured. Of those, 42 were treated at local hospitals.

According to BBC News, a subsequent investigation has revealed that fireworks display by a local rugby club could be to blame for the event. According to police, the Taunton Rugby Club sponsored a fireworks display that led to a massive bank of smoke that obscured the roadway. The club is currently cooperating with the investigation and police are investigating the legality of the fireworks show.

A total of 15 individuals are still being treated for injuries sustained in the accident, which occurred Sunday. While all of the vehicles involved in the crash have been removed from the scene, police say that over 130 feet of asphalt has been ruined by spilled fuel, and an additional 197 feet of road surface has been destroyed by severe fire. Click past the jump to watch an Associated Press report on the incident.

Continue reading 34-car UK pileup kills seven... are fireworks to blame? [w/video]

34-car UK pileup kills seven... are fireworks to blame? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fireworksM5 crashpolicerugbyrugby clubtauntontaunton crashtaunton pileupTaunton Rugby Clubukuk crashMon, 07 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100149/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/34-car-uk-pileup-kills-seven-are-fireworks-to-blame-w-video/20100149/article-detail.xml 20100149 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/taunton-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/taunton-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler signs on as Official Car of the NFL... in the UK?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/chrysler-signs-on-as-official-car-of-the-nfl-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/chrysler-signs-on-as-official-car-of-the-nfl-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/chrysler-signs-on-as-official-car-of-the-nfl-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chrysler Delta with Tampa Bay Swash-Buc-Lers

Football is big in the UK, but when the Brits talk about football, they're referring to what we call soccer. Even so, American football has its fans in Great Britain, and not just when Peter Griffin got traded from the New England Patriots to the London Silly-Nannies or when the Marines stationed at our embassy get the night off to watch the big game.

In fact, the Chicago Bears faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday, not at Soldier Field in Illinois or Raymond James Stadium in Florida, but at Wembley Stadium in London. It was the fifth NFL International Series game played there in as many years at the venue that's used to hosting the other kind of football.

Chrysler football helmetIt's the kind of opportunity an American automaker trying to make a name for itself in the UK couldn't pass up. And since Ford is well established there and GM is represented by its local brand Vauxhall, that could only mean one company: Chrysler. While Lancia markets Chrysler models in continental Europe, the inverse is the case in the UK, where the American brand has a better reputation than its Italian counterpart.

And so Chrysler was there in full force as the Official Car of the NFL (in the UK), sponsoring the International Series (as well as the Super Bowl broadcast there), displaying the new Chrysler Ypsilon and transporting VIPs around in Grand Voyagers. The arrangement follows a similar announcement between Mercedes-Benz and the New Orleans Saints that saw the German luxury automaker acquire the naming rights to the Louisiana Superdome.

Continue reading Chrysler signs on as Official Car of the NFL... in the UK?

Chrysler signs on as Official Car of the NFL... in the UK? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler ukenglandfootballgreat britainlondonnational football leaguenflnfl international seriesukwembley stadiumMon, 24 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20088324/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/24/chrysler-signs-on-as-official-car-of-the-nfl-in-the-uk/20088324/article-detail.xml 20088324 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/web628chrysler-nfl_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/web628chrysler-nfl.jpg <![CDATA[You think being a teen driver in the U.S. is costly? Try $18k/year in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/image-needed-you-think-being-a-teen-driver-in-the-u-s-is-cos/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/image-needed-you-think-being-a-teen-driver-in-the-u-s-is-cos/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/image-needed-you-think-being-a-teen-driver-in-the-u-s-is-cos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Happy teenage driverIf numbers compiled by the Institute of Advanced Motorists are accurate, you better start a successful Internet business as a teenager in the UK if you want to afford your first year of driving. In the guise of the "average" 17-year-old male driving a 2007 ("57-plate" in UK parlance) Kia Picanto economy car, the IAM discovered that a year behind the wheel would run a staggering £11,500 ($17,890 U.S.).

While every single fee but the price of the car was more expensive than those American teens encounter, the insurance premium stood like Everest above the others. Driving lessons were £1,128 ($1,755 U.S.), the driving test was £100 ($156 U.S.), the Picanto rang up at £3,000 ($4,667 U.S.), and road tax and MOT (Ministry of Transport) fees came out to £180 ($280 U.S.). Insurance for Mr. Teen for one year, though, required £7,091 ($12,292 U.S.). That's a year of college - at a pretty good college. And we haven't even got to the inevitable accidents, speed camera tickets and parking infractions.

Said an IAM executive, "When insurance premiums match university tuition fees, innovative thinking is needed." Or perhaps a few years abroad: the average annual cost of insurance for a Ford Ka MkII for a 17-to-20-year-old is a paltry £1,651 ($2,569) by comparison.

You think being a teen driver in the U.S. is costly? Try $18k/year in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto insurancecar insurancedriversdrivers licensedriving testiiaminstitute of advanced motoristsinsuranceteen driversteensukunited kingdomMon, 10 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20077216/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/10/image-needed-you-think-being-a-teen-driver-in-the-u-s-is-cos/20077216/article-detail.xml 20077216 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/happy-teen-girl-driver_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/happy-teen-girl-driver.jpg <![CDATA[Scanners embedded in road to result in fines for those driving on worn tires?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/scanners-embedded-in-road-to-result-in-fines-for-those-driving-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/scanners-embedded-in-road-to-result-in-fines-for-those-driving-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/scanners-embedded-in-road-to-result-in-fines-for-those-driving-o/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tire tread depth gauge

Here's a new one. According to AutoExpress, police in the UK are looking into scanners embedded into roadways that can detect the depth of a vehicle's tire tread. If your rubber doesn't meet a set of pre-determined parameters, you could eventually expect to see a fine show up in the mail. Currently, law enforcement says that the technology will only be used in checkpoint scenarios to alert drivers of a potentially dangerous situation, but given that the system costs somewhere around €50,000, or $67,500 at current conversion rates, critics are concerned that the depth-measuring device will be used as a cudgel to drum up revenue.

That concern is bolstered by the fact that Trevor Hall, a major proponent of speed cameras in the UK, is also behind the measure.

We're all for improving road safety in any way possible, but if this new technology results in fines for motorists, we have concerns. After all, measures like the one proposed here would almost certainly target low-income drivers and unfairly position revenue generation on their shoulders. After all, if you can afford new tires, chances are better that you'll buy them.

Scanners embedded in road to result in fines for those driving on worn tires? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>road scannerscannerspeed cameratire safetytire treadtirestreadtread depthtrevor hallukFri, 30 Sep 2011 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20070654/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/scanners-embedded-in-road-to-result-in-fines-for-those-driving-o/20070654/article-detail.xml 20070654 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/tire-tread-depth-gauge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/tire-tread-depth-gauge.jpg <![CDATA[CPP moving in at former Jaguar plant at Browns Lane]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/cpp-moving-in-at-former-jaguar-plant-at-browns-lane/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/cpp-moving-in-at-former-jaguar-plant-at-browns-lane/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/cpp-moving-in-at-former-jaguar-plant-at-browns-lane/#commentsFiled under: , ,

CPP at Browns Lane

There are certain locations that, as you might have noticed on these pages, denote the automakers that are based there. Maranello, for example, is synonymous with Ferrari. Auburn Hills is Chrysler central. Molsheim has long been Bugatti's spiritual home.

But what about Coventry? Historically the West Midlands city has been home to Jaguar, but the Leaping Cat marque isn't the only one based there - so is CPP.

Wait, CP who? Coventry Prototype Panels is the name of the company, so you know right off the bat where they're based. The coachbuilder started off relatively small (as most companies do), but has in recent years grown to gobble up both Spyker and Bowler - and has significant ties with Zagato, too.

Its latest acquisition absorbs the Browns Lane complex that was once Jaguar's headquarters and manufacturing facility, and will enable CPP to consolidate from five facilities scattered around the city to the one location. Significant renovations are awaiting approval from the local government, but considering CPP's manifest appetite for expansion, we doubt it'll be long before construction gets under way.

Continue reading CPP moving in at former Jaguar plant at Browns Lane

CPP moving in at former Jaguar plant at Browns Lane originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browns lanecoventrycoventry prototype panelscppenglandjaguarukThu, 08 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20034694/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/08/cpp-moving-in-at-former-jaguar-plant-at-browns-lane/20034694/article-detail.xml 20034694 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/020911cpp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/020911cpp.jpg <![CDATA[Obama now among foreign motorists who owe £50M in unpaid London congestion charges]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/obama-now-among-foreign-motorists-who-owe-50m-in-unpaid-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/obama-now-among-foreign-motorists-who-owe-50m-in-unpaid-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/obama-now-among-foreign-motorists-who-owe-50m-in-unpaid-london/#commentsFiled under:

Obama's limo parked outside Buckingham Palace

According to The Daily Mail, the city of London has slapped President Barack Obama with a £120 fine for failing to pay congestion charges during his most recent visit to the UK capitol. The fine evens out to around $193 at current conversion rates. When the president visited London in May, city mayor Boris Johnson asked our head of state to pay £10 (around $16.30) for every vehicle in the presidential motorcade. The U.S. embassy politely refused to pay the congestion charges on the basis that the 1960 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations prohibits any tax on a diplomatic mission.

London, meanwhile, argues that the congestion charges are not a tax.

Since the charges were enacted in 2003, various U.S. citizens have collected a whopping £5 million (around $8M) across 45,005 unpaid congestion fees. That puts the U.S.A. head and shoulders above other countries with similar outstanding fees. All told, 62 countries have an outstanding balance of more than £100,000 and 14 nations face charges of more than £1 million, including Russia, Japan, Germany and Nigeria. The total combined sum of all those fees is more than £50 million ($80.9M) - and that doesn't even touch the city's parking fines.

Obama now among foreign motorists who owe £50M in unpaid London congestion charges originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack obamaboris johnsoncongestion chargesdiplomatic relationslondonlondon congestion chargeobamapresident barack obamapresidential limoukThu, 21 Jul 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19996739/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/21/obama-now-among-foreign-motorists-who-owe-50m-in-unpaid-london/19996739/article-detail.xml 19996739 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/obama-limo-buckingham-palace_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/obama-limo-buckingham-palace.jpg <![CDATA[2011 British Grand Prix brings the circus back home to Silverstone [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/2011-british-grand-prix-brings-the-circus-back-home-to-silversto/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/2011-british-grand-prix-brings-the-circus-back-home-to-silversto/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/2011-british-grand-prix-brings-the-circus-back-home-to-silversto/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 British Grand Prix
2011 British Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Unlike racing series such as IndyCar or Le Mans, the Formula One championship isn't built around any specific race. But even though each grand prix carries the same weight in the standings, some are, symbolically speaking, more important than others. While Monaco is clearly the most exciting, and emblematic of the series as a whole, we'd argue that none are as important to the teams as the British Grand Prix.

Since more teams are based in the UK than anywhere else, the race at Silverstone is considered home turf for about half the grid, not to mention the spiritual home of grand prix racing. So with the British Grand Prix unfolding this weekend, who took top honors? Follow the jump and we'll tell you.

Continue reading 2011 British Grand Prix brings the circus back home to Silverstone [spoilers]

2011 British Grand Prix brings the circus back home to Silverstone [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbritishbritish grand prixenglandf1formula 1formula onegrand prixsilverstoneukSun, 10 Jul 2011 11:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19987454/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/10/2011-british-grand-prix-brings-the-circus-back-home-to-silversto/19987454/article-detail.xml 19987454 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web009britishgp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web009britishgp.jpg <![CDATA[Ford yanks ads from <i>News of the World</i> over UK phone hacking scandal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/ford-yanks-ads-from-news-of-the-world-over-uk-phone-hacki/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/ford-yanks-ads-from-news-of-the-world-over-uk-phone-hacki/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/ford-yanks-ads-from-news-of-the-world-over-uk-phone-hacki/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Milly Dowler handout imageBritish newspaper News of the World is in a heap of trouble right now, thanks to allegations that the Sunday paper tampered with the voice mail messages of a murdered girl. The phone message tampering charges have enraged the UK public, and Ford Motor Company isn't very happy either.

Advertising Age reports that the automaker has pulled all advertising from the paper, which boasts the largest circulation in all of England. A Ford spokesperson issued a statement saying that the automaker cares about the standards of behavior of the people it deals with, adding "we are awaiting an outcome from the News of the World investigation."

Ford pulled its ad dollars after a Twitter campaign was started urging advertisers not to buy space in the paper. The campaign released 17 of the biggest advertisers, which included Ford and Renault, and suggested that people tweet messages to the companies like "Dear [@advertiser] Do you think it ethical to stock a newspaper prepared to hack a murdered girl's phone?"

It was revealed on July 4 that back in 2002, the paper listened in on the phone messages of Milly Dowler (shown at right). The girl was still considered missing at the time, and the paper went as far as to delete previously heard messages when the mailbox was filled up. This gave the family the false hope that Dowler was still alive and listening to her messages. Two other advertisers are reportedly considering following in Ford's footsteps by boycotting the paper.

Ford yanks ads from News of the World over UK phone hacking scandal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford advertisingmilly dowlernews of the worldnews of the world boycottrenaultukWed, 06 Jul 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19984453/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/06/ford-yanks-ads-from-news-of-the-world-over-uk-phone-hacki/19984453/article-detail.xml 19984453 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/milly-dowler-250-ap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/milly-dowler-250-ap.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan builds one millionth example of vehicle with name nobody can pronounce]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/nissan-builds-one-millionth-example-of-vehicle-with-name-nobody/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/nissan-builds-one-millionth-example-of-vehicle-with-name-nobody/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/nissan-builds-one-millionth-example-of-vehicle-with-name-nobody/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Qashqai - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few companies do crossovers quite like Nissan. Even after setting aside actual SUVs like the Xterra, Pathfinder and Armada, Infiniti's offerings QX, EX and FX, and the crossovers its developed for its sister company Renault like the new Koleos, the Japanese automaker produces its own crossovers by, well... the truckload. Here we've got the Rogue, the Juke, and the Murano, joined overseas by such models as the Patrol/Safari, the X-Trail, and this, the Qashqai.

You may not be familiar with this particular CUV (pronounced "KASH-ky") because it's not sold in North America, but it's closest in size and mission to our Rogue. Available in standard five-seat and long-wheelbase seven-seat configurations, the Qashqai was launched in 2007 and facelifted in 2010. It's offered with a range of four-cylinder engines, driving either the front wheels or all four through CVT or manual transmissions, and takes on the likes of the Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander. It's also popular in the Japanese and Australian markets, where it's known as the Dualis.

In addition to production in Japan and Iran (whose nomadic tribe Turkic Qashqai gives it its name), the crossover is built primarily in the UK at Sunderland, where the vehicle's production has just passed the million-made mark, standing as one of the most prolific automobiles ever made there. In fact, no other vehicle has reached that number in such a short time in Britain's considerable automaking history.

According to Nissan, over the course of the four-and-a-half years of production, Qashqai production at Synderland has accounted for as much steel as is being used to build all the facilities that will support London's Olympic games next year. And if you line up every Qashqai produced at the Sunderland plant, they'd measure 2,700 miles end-to-end - that's enough to line Britain's entire coastline.

Not about to stop there, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn recently announced during a meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron that an all-new Qashqai will be entirely designed, engineered and built in the UK. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Nissan builds one millionth example of vehicle with name nobody can pronounce

Nissan builds one millionth example of vehicle with name nobody can pronounce originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dualisnissannissan dualisnissan motors uknissan qashqainmukqashqaiqashqai+2sunderlandukWed, 29 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19979026/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/29/nissan-builds-one-millionth-example-of-vehicle-with-name-nobody/19979026/article-detail.xml 19979026 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/q40_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/q40.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota to ship British-built Avensis back to Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/toyota-to-ship-british-built-avensis-back-to-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/toyota-to-ship-british-built-avensis-back-to-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/toyota-to-ship-british-built-avensis-back-to-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota Avensis wagon
Toyota Avensis wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

Importing Toyotas to Japan may seem like selling ice to the Eskimos, but that's precisely what's in store. In fact, it's Toyota itself that will be bringing the Avensis back to its home market from its global assembly plant in the UK.

Demand for European cars in Japan has got Toyota cashing in on the game, exporting as many as 750 units of the Avensis back to the home country. Since the Avensis holds a similar position to the JDM Toyota Mark X, which is available only as a sedan, Toyota will only be offering the Avensis wagon back in Japan, packing a 2.0-liter four mated to a CVT.

Japan, of course, will only be the latest market in which the British-built Avensis will be sold, joining a list of 47 countries worldwide to which some 85% of the units built at the Derbyshire plant are exported. Unfortunately, the United States isn't one of 'em, so for those who may want a closer look, we've put together a fresh high-res image gallery for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading Toyota to ship British-built Avensis back to Japan

Toyota to ship British-built Avensis back to Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avensisjapantoyotatoyota avensisukWed, 29 Jun 2011 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976882/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/29/toyota-to-ship-british-built-avensis-back-to-japan/19976882/article-detail.xml 19976882 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/web08-toyota-avensis-wagon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/web08-toyota-avensis-wagon.jpg <![CDATA[British political coup unearthed as "Project Volvo"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/british-political-coup-unearthed-as-project-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/british-political-coup-unearthed-as-project-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/british-political-coup-unearthed-as-project-volvo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gordon Brown

A plan recently unearthed to de-seat the former British prime minister has got Volvo all in a tizzy. And it all comes down to image.

Until just over a year ago, Gordon Brown (pictured above) was the British prime minister. That was before his Labour government was defeated by David Cameron's Conservative coalition. But before that, Brown spent ten long years as Chancellor of the Exchequer - the UK's equivalent to our Secretary of the Treasury and a traditional stepping stone to the premiership.

In that capacity, he served under longtime rival Tony Blair, but there were many who wanted to see Brown in the top office instead. Documents released this past weekend revealed their plan to oust Blair from 10 Downing Street (the PM's official residence) and install Brown in his place. The name of the plan: Project Volvo.

The orchestrated (but never implemented) internal party coup got its name from Brown's bland image, which his proponents likened to the Swedish cars. (Not exactly as sexy as Project Valkyrie, then.) The automaker, for its part, objects to the comparison, insisting that its products are far more charismatic and exciting than the British political leader. Which may very well be the case today, but old reputations die hard. As do the careers of British politicians, apparently. Follow the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading British political coup unearthed as "Project Volvo"

British political coup unearthed as "Project Volvo" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbrownenglandgordon brownprime ministerproject volvoukvolvoMon, 13 Jun 2011 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964785/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/13/british-political-coup-unearthed-as-project-volvo/19964785/article-detail.xml 19964785 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/gordonbrownjaguar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/gordonbrownjaguar.jpg <![CDATA[London Mayor Boris Johnson hits Obama's motorcade with congestion charge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/london-mayor-boris-johnson-hits-obamas-motorcade-with-congestio/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/london-mayor-boris-johnson-hits-obamas-motorcade-with-congestio/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/london-mayor-boris-johnson-hits-obamas-motorcade-with-congestio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Cadillac 1 in London

Rules are rules, and they apply equally to everyone - including the President of the United States. Especially when he's on foreign soil.

After President Barack Obama's famous Cadillac limousine - known as The Beast - got stuck exiting the US embassy in Dublin, it was shipped across the Irish Sea to England, the next leg of the president's European road trip. Now the mayor of London is demanding Obama pay the congestion charge for his limo and the rest of his motorcade.

A notorious car nut and onetime automotive journalist, Major Boris Johnson insists that the £10 ($16) charge applies to each of the president's vehicles, and that the bill is currently being tabulated. The fees are only the latest part of an ongoing dispute between the city's transportation department and foreign missions like the American embassy, an issue that Johnson reportedly raised directly with Obama during his visit.

London insists that embassies in the British capital city owe some £51 million ($83m) in congestion charges for driving through the city during peak hours, of which the American embassy's share is estimated at £5.3 million ($8.7m). Diplomats view the fee as a tax from which they are exempt under international law.

London Mayor Boris Johnson hits Obama's motorcade with congestion charge originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boris johnsonbritainc-chargecadillaccadillac 1cadillac onecongestion chargediplomacyembassyenglandlondonmayor boris johnsonobamapresident barack obamapresident obamathe beastukTue, 31 May 2011 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19954641/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/31/london-mayor-boris-johnson-hits-obamas-motorcade-with-congestio/19954641/article-detail.xml 19954641 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/cadillac1-london_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/cadillac1-london.jpg <![CDATA[Cost to insure a new UK driver? Nearly $10,000/year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/cost-to-insure-a-new-uk-driver-nearly-10-000-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/cost-to-insure-a-new-uk-driver-nearly-10-000-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/cost-to-insure-a-new-uk-driver-nearly-10-000-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

L Plate on a Suzuki Samurai

According to The Daily Telegraph, young drivers in Britain can pay as much as £546 per month for auto insurance. That's around $890/month at current conversion rates. The report indicates that UK drivers between the ages of 17 and 22 years old pay an average of £5,957 - around $9,640.

And you thought it was expensive to get car insurance for your child.

Why the steep price tag for UK drivers with Learner's tags? It's no shock to learn that young drivers carry a higher risk of being involved in an accident than their elder counterparts, and as such, insurance companies assign higher premiums to the group. Unfortunately, as a result of these tough insurance prices, it's estimated that as much as 20 percent of UK drivers between the ages of 17 and 22 are driving without any coverage at all.

Additionally, around 41 percent of UK parents are currently insuring their child's vehicle in their name to cut costs. Unfortunately, doing so is illegal, and insurance companies can refuse to cover a claim if they find that parents have been fronting insurance for their young drivers.

So what's the solution? The Daily Telegraph reports that some insurance companies are turning to a black box that measures g-forces from sudden acceleration, braking and cornering, as well as the time of day that the vehicle is being driven and its speed to custom-tailor insurance premiums. Similar measures are being undertaken here in the States as well.

Cost to insure a new UK driver? Nearly $10,000/year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto insuranceblack boxcar insuranceinsuranceteen driversukyoung driversWed, 25 May 2011 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19948920/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/25/cost-to-insure-a-new-uk-driver-nearly-10-000-year/19948920/article-detail.xml 19948920 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/l-plate-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/l-plate-630.jpg <![CDATA[First Lexus LFA delivered to UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/05/first-lexus-lfa-delivered-to-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/05/first-lexus-lfa-delivered-to-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/05/first-lexus-lfa-delivered-to-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

lexus lfa at goodwood motor circuit
Lexus LFA at the Goodwood Motor Circuit - Click above to watch the video after the jump

When it comes to the Lexus LFA, there's plenty to be excited about. There is the 552 horsepower V10 with a 9,500 rpm redline, the carbon fiber monocoque, the fantastic performance stats... we could go on, but we'd rather let the Brits take over.

Hit the jump to witness the first Lexus LFA delivered to our island ally. The greatest-ever Lexus made an appearance at the Supercar Sunday Breakfast Club at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, and it promptly led to a bit of drooling and gushing. The hot-to-trot LFA seduced the crowds with it's luxury and gadgetry, but it won our hearts when we heard the Formula One-like engine as it roared to life.

Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself, but if you're a Ferrari fanboy, please don't ex-communicate the guy who said he'd trade in his Maranello masterpiece for an LFA. He may have simply gotten caught up in the moment...

Continue reading First Lexus LFA delivered to UK

First Lexus LFA delivered to UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 lexus lfagoodwoodlexuslexus lfalexus lfa uklfaukThu, 05 May 2011 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19932049/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/05/first-lexus-lfa-delivered-to-uk/19932049/article-detail.xml 19932049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/lexus-lfa-at-goodwood_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/lexus-lfa-at-goodwood.jpg -1 2