Plug-in Vehicles Sales Fail to Take Off

The latest registration figures for plug-in vehicles have confirmed that the government's ultra-low emission incentive scheme is failing to ignite the market in UK.

Newly-published DVLA data shows that registrations of plug-in-grant eligible cars grew by just 14% in the first half of 2013, compared to the previous six months. This is less than the 17% growth achieved by the overall new car market.

Meanwhile, registrations of plug-in-grant eligible vans actually fell by 27%, with just 119 registered in the first half of 2013 compared to the 163 registered in the second half of 2012.

"These figures show that the current strategy for driving uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles is not working," said BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney.

"The fleet market buys more than half of all new vehicles registered each year and operates the greenest cars and vans on UK roads. As bulk purchasers, fleet operators could create a huge surge in demand for plug-in vehicles if they were given the right package of incentives. Unfortunately, the current tax regime actually encourages many fleets not to run plug-in vehicles.

"The government's Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) recently launched its new strategy and announced that it would look to develop a 'strong, clear and lasting' set of tax incentives. This work cannot happen soon enough."

The BVRLA has consistently campaigned for plug-in-grant vehicle users to be offered longer-term, in-use incentives, for example a ten-year road tax exemption, free parking and financial support when installing charging points at work premises.

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Toyo filed unfair trade complain to U.S. Trade Commission

Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. and its affiliates ) announced today that it filed a formal complaint before the United States International Trade Commission ("ITC") against twenty-two manufacturers, importers, and sellers of passenger and light truck tires (collectively, the "Respondents").

In the complaint, Toyo alleges that Respondents have engaged in unfair trade practices by importing into and/or selling within the United States, tires that infringe eight U.S. design patents held by Toyo.

Toyo, which markets and sells tires under the "Toyo Tires" and "Nitto" brands, has over the years developed and introduced passenger and light truck tires with designs that are both innovative and unique. Toyo is taking this step to protect the company, its customers and associates from unfair competition by enforcing its intellectual property rights.

Toyo requests that the ITC issue exclusion orders that would bar from entry into the United States infringing tires that are imported by or on behalf of Respondents. Toyo also seeks appropriate cease-and-desist orders prohibiting certain activities, including the domestic sale of infringing products that have already been imported.

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Classic cars for sale at International Autojumble this September

There is just one month to go until visitors from all over Europe descend on Beaulieu for the International Autojumble, on the 7^th and 8^th September.

All the regular features of the Beaulieu Autojumble will be present, including over 2,000 stands bursting with all kinds of motoring bargains, the Dealermart selling a range of classic cars, the Automart with its eclectic collection of vehicles, from restoration projects to cars in concours condition, Saturday’s Bonhams Auction and Sunday Trunk Traders.

Beaulieu Events Manager, Judith Maddox, said: “With strong demand for stand spaces, this year’s autojumble looks set to be another success. With just a few single spaces left and enquiries still coming in, we anticipate another full house.”

Leading the early motor car consignments for the Bonhams Auction are two Sunbeams – a 1926 3-litre twin-cam Super Sports (£130,000 - £160,000) and a 1912 Coupe de l’Auto replica (£90,000 - £120,000). Two separate car collections will also feature in the auction, including the Baden Collection of 21 cars, offered at no reserve, and the Cottesmore Collection.

Motorcycles up for auction include a 1963 BSA 646cc Rocket Gold Star (£14,000 - £18,000), a 1927 BSA 5½hp Sloper (£4,500 - £5,000) and a 1999 BSA Regal Gold Star SR500 (£3,500 - £5,000).

The Automobilia section will include the collection of the late Ron Hickman, former stylist at Ford, Dagenham and later the Director of Lotus Engineering in the 1960s, responsible for the original Lotus Elan models and designer of the Black & Decker workmate. The collection includes his motoring library and a selection of original cutaway technical illustrations for The Autocar and The Motor.

If any of these items have captured your interest, please bear in mind that entry to the auction is by catalogue only (available to purchase on tel. 0207 393 3900).

Show sponsors, Practical Classics will have lots to keep visitors entertained at the event. In the PCWorkshop Tent, the team will be finishing off the restoration of their MGB, once owned by Lord Montagu, which they hope to have running by the end of the weekend.

On both days at lunchtime, visitors can join in with the PC Pub Quiz – a lively affair with a number of motoring-related questions to puzzle over. The team will be offering visitors their special show offer on magazine subscriptions and the opportunity to enter a free draw to win an MG Midget and tool chest.

PC Editor, Danny Hopkins is very much looking forward to the event. He said: “It’s an honour to be back sponsoring the Beaulieu Autojumble. Practical Classics has been closely involved with Europe’s biggest swap-meet since the magazine was launched 33 years ago and it’s testimony to the ‘jumble’s’ enduring appeal that even in this digital age, it is still as popular as ever.

If you have been before then you know why you are here. If this is your first time, I envy you – no-one ever forgets their first Beaulieu. Whatever your age or experience, here’s hoping you have a great day – come and see us in the PC Workshop Tent, where we will be returning a very special car to the road using bits bought on the field.”

Ringwood Brewery will also be present at the event, making its debut as a show sponsor. Ringwood has been producing beautiful craft ales at its brewery on the edge of the New Forest since 1978 and the company’s four permanent ales – Best Bitter, Fortyniner, Old Thumper and Boondoggle – are favourites with New Forest residents.

New for 2013, a free shuttle bus will be operating on Saturday and Sunday, running continuously between Brockenhurst train station and the Beaulieu Coach Park from 8.30am to 6pm. This service is subject to availability and will operate on a first come, first serve basis. Bags or purchases should fit in the foot well and must not take up an additional seat, especially during busy times.

As in previous years, there will also be a free bus service running to the car parks from the front of the Main Entrance Hall, plus a free delivery service to the car parks for large or heavy items bought at the autojumble.

For overseas visitors, several ferry companies are offering discounts on travel to the International Autojumble. Stena Line is offering a 10% discount on crossings from Ireland, Brittany Ferries is offering a 10% discount on crossings from France and DFDS Seaways is offering 10 Euros on a return journey from Dunkirk to Dover and Calais to Dover. Visit www.internationalautojumble.co.uk for the discount codes.

Admission to Beaulieu on both days will be from 8.30am, when programmes will be available to purchase and visitors will be able to access the National Motor Museum, toilets, and Brabazon Restaurant, where breakfast will be served. The event will open from 10am – 5pm on Saturday, and from 9.30am – 4.30pm on Sunday. On the day inclusive ticket prices are one day adult, £14.50 (Sat), £13.00 (Sun), one day child, £9.00 (Sat), and £8.70 (Sun), less if purchased in advance online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk until 5^th September, and by telephone on 01590 612888 until 7^th September.

Admission gives entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House and gardens. Don’t miss the last opportunity to see BOND IN MOTION; the largest exhibition of its kind staged anywhere in the world, it showcases 50 of the best loved and most iconic Bond vehicles and is due to close at the end of 2013.

For those wishing to exhibit, stand prices start at £128, a Trunk Traders Sunday space is £50 and for those wishing to sell a vehicle in the Automart, £80.  For all stand enquiries and to book a space tel: 01590 614614 or email events@beaulieu.co.uk

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Goodwood Revival virtually sold out already

With over one month still to go until the 2013 Goodwood Revival (13-15 September) gets underway, virtually all remaining admission tickets have now been sold, with Saturday admissions selling out in July during the Festival of Speed, and all Sunday tickets now sold-out as well. 

A very limited quantity of Goodwood tickets do remain available for Friday 13 September, although with all other days now sold-out, these are also expected to sell-out within the next few days, so would-be Revival spectators are encouraged to act now on a first-come; first-served basis, to avoid disappointment.  All grandstands and camping also sold-out some weeks ago.

With all Revival tickets for Saturday and Sunday now gone, the new Hawthorn Infield Parking is now the only way to gain entry into the Goodwood Motor Circuit for these days.  Pre-1966 vehicle owners wishing to book a space in the Hawthorn parking are advised to telephone the Goodwood Ticket Office as quickly as possible on +44 (0)1243 755055. 

The new Revival Hawthorn Infield Parking allows owners of pre-1966 vehicles the option to become an integral part of the Goodwood Revival.   This new 200 vehicle daily capacity, pre-1966 vehicle park is located inside the Goodwood Motor Circuit perimeter at the Revival, positioned on the inside of circuit, along the Lavant Straight.  Any motor car or commercial vehicle built and registered before the end of 1966 (i.e. a suffix of registration D or older) should be eligible at Goodwood’s discretion for entry into the new Hawthorn infield parking area, although for this inaugural year motorcycles cannot be permitted.

With a record Revival attendance last year of 148,000, Lord March - the event’s founder – once again took the bold decision to cap advanced ticket sales for this year to ensure the Revival remains a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all Goodwood visitors, without too much crowding.  The huge early demand for the Revival will ensure that those lucky enough to have tickets are set for a truly enjoyable and memorable weekend.

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Video: Semi-truck flying through the air and bursting to flames in Indiana

Semi-truck flying through the air and blazing into fire? That stuff usually happens only in the movies, but this time it was for real. Above is dash camera footage from Greensburg, Indiana. According to ABC Action News 30-year-old Ryan Young was driving a semi-truck with his 7-year-old son on board when he had to evade another car drifting in to his lane. Semi-truck ran up a hill and crashed through a guardrail just before it went airborne. Gas tank took major damage when the semi hit the ground. Result was lots of flames and smoke.

Notice the guy who got this all on tape. He immediately stopped his car and bravely ran to the rescue. You can see at the end of the footage, how ambulance arrives to the scene only minutes after the accident. Luckily Mr. Young and his son only received minor injuries from what could have been a fatal accident.


Source: Benny Wright, ABC Action News

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More than 50 debuts expected fot 2013 LA Auto Show

With a new leadership team in place, the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show^®), known as the first major North American auto show of the season each year, announced today that it expects more than 50 vehicle debuts to be unveiled in front of a global audience during its Press Days, November 20-21, 2013.

The debut line-up this year promises a mix of cutting-edge trends and innovations in today's competitive automotive market. BMW has confirmed seven to eight debuts, including a yet-to-be-named global premiere. MINI will also present a strong showing with the long-awaited global introduction of its brand-new MINI automobile.

Chevrolet, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru and Volkswagen have confirmed worldwide debuts with top-level executives on hand, while Porsche has officially announced that it will introduce the Macan, the manufacturer's highly anticipated SUV crossover. Underscoring L.A.'s rank as the nation's largest market for luxury, performance, tech-laden and eco-friendly vehicles, the LA Auto Show will feature an impressive lineup of models from all of these segments in 2013.

Recognizing Southern California's increasing prominence as an emerging tech startup region (namely, the newly-coined "Silicon Beach" area), it comes as no surprise that the LA Auto Show is introducing the Connected Car Expo (CCE). Focused on shaping the future of mobility, CCE is a three-day expo designed to connect technology companies with automakers, media, analysts, and other potential customers. Slated to kick off on Nov. 19, CCE will continue in conjunction with LA Auto Show Press Days on Nov. 20 and 21.

In coordination with CCE, the Show will host key automotive and technology industry influencers, including NHTSA's David Strickland, Google's Ron Medford, MIT's Bruce Mehler and the Auto Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers' CEO Mitch Bainwol, alongside senior executives from companies such as OnStar, Qualcomm and Sprint.

"Our leadership team is guiding a new era of growth and evolution for the LA Auto Show in 2013," said LA Auto Show President, Lisa Kaz. "Not only are we improving some of our long-standing elements, but also launching the Connected Car Expo, which brings together some of the biggest players in both the automotive and technology fields."

In addition to the vehicle introductions and executive presence, the Show will present some major changes to its aftermarket hall, which will now offer attendees a high-energy, lifestyle-rich atmosphere, complete with live music and interactive stations.

The 2013 Show will also break tradition by kicking off Press Days with its inaugural invite-only Motor Press Guild Motoring Invitational, an exclusive two-hour showcase featuring exotics and classics from around the world. Nearly 100 automotive icons, influencers, collectors and celebrities will gather with their favorite rides for the ultimate showcase of California car culture.

"As the first major North American show of the season, Los Angeles sets the tone for 2014, and we expect that automakers will pull out all the stops to excite new-car buyers. In virtually every category, from the greenest electric vehicle to high-horsepower performance models, the technological advancements we are seeing today eclipse all previous automotive eras," said Terri Toennies, the LA Auto Show's new General Manager.

Register for LA Auto Show Press Days here and Connected Car Expo credentials here. General registrationfor CCE is also open at this time.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show and Connected Car Expo

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show is the first major North American auto show of the season each year.  Press Days for the 2013 LA Auto Show® will be held on Nov. 20 and 21. The show will be open to the public Nov. 22 - Dec. 1. The Connected Car Expo (CCE) will be the first expo to unite automotive and technology professionals in an effort to increase development and foster relationship-building in the connected car industry, providing attendees with access to the key players and top media constructing the future of the connected car. CCE will debut on Nov. 19, and continue in conjunction with the 2013 LA Auto Show Press Days.  The LA Auto Show is endorsed by the Greater L.A. New Car Dealer Association and is operated by ANSA Productions. To receive the latest show news and information, follow LA Auto Show on Twitter at twitter.com/LAAutoShow or via Facebook at facebook.com/LosAngelesAutoShowand sign up for alerts atwww.LAAutoShow.com. For more information on CCE please visithttp://connectedcarexpo.com/

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Over 200,000 flooded cars back on U.S. roads

Hundreds of thousands of flooded cars have washed up on the shores of every state in the country. According to new research from Carfax, more than 212,000 cars that were branded as flood damage by a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are on U.S. roads right now.

Nearly two-thirds of these flood damaged cars are on the road in ten states – Texas, New Jersey,Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Louisiana, Illinois, New York, Florida, Mississippi and Virginia. However, as the Carfax research shows, scam artists are moving flood cars to any state where unknowing consumers will buy them.

"Our research proves that flood damaged cars are everywhere," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "It's big business for professional con men to quickly clean up and resell these cars miles from where the flooding occurred. Consumers need to look out for flooded cars no matter where they live. They're a serious danger to anyone who unknowingly buys one."

Floodwater, especially salt water like from Superstorm Sandy, rots and corrodes vehicles from the inside out. Carfax recently recovered a Hurricane Sandy flood car to analyze the extensive internal water damage as well as demonstrate how easily cars can be made to appear safe and reliable on the outside.

"Flood cars are a volatile mixture of water, metal and electricity," continued Gamache. "Once a car is ravaged by water, the mechanical, electrical or safety systems can fail at any time. There's also the health risk, as mold and bacteria permeate the vents and soft parts of the interior. Know what you're putting you and your family into before laying down your hard-earned money. Start with a Carfax Vehicle History Report and thorough inspection by a trusted mechanic."

Historically, about half of the cars damaged by floods get resold, some to unsuspecting buyers. As a service to consumers, Carfax lets you check for flood damage free of charge at flood.carfax.com.

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Infiniti founder Bill Bruce dead at 70

Infiniti has lost its founder, Bill Bruce, who passed away on May 28 at age 70. Bruce was the first General Manager when the Infiniti brand was launched in the U.S. in 1989 from where it set out to enter other global markets.

He is widely credited for introducing Infiniti’s concept of “Total Ownership Experience” which revolutionized the industry at the time. Bruce joined Infiniti’s parent company, Nissan, in 1982, and retired from the company in 1999.

“Bill Bruce has laid the foundation for the Infiniti brand worldwide,” said Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company, Ltd. “He got wide acclaim and respect for his vision to provide customers with an outstanding experience throughout their entire ownership of the car. This caused a major shift in the car industry overall, and so he left a lasting mark. We are saddened by this loss and our thoughts are with his family.”

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Best of British: UK’s biggest free-to-visit event bigger than ever

New Jagual F-TYPE

London Motorexpo, already the UK’s largest free-to-attend motoring event, is set for a record year in 2013 thanks to an unprecedented quantity of exhibiting car manufacturers, vehicles on display and cars available to drive.  The event, which takes place within the unique setting of the Canary Wharf business and leisure district, will also host a number of significant UK public motoring-event debuts – notably for the critically-acclaimed Jaguar F-TYPE and the hotly anticipated all-new Range Rover Sport.

The organisers of Motorexpo are expecting a bumper crowd for this year’s event, with the growth in numbers of business and residential occupants on the Canary Wharf estate helping the attendee tally to exceed 460,000.

In 2013 the London Motorexpo will welcome an even wider range of car brands.  Wowing the crowds will be a bumper crop of high-octane sports cars and supercars, from iconic marques such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, McLaren, Maserati and Porsche.  Competing for the limelight will be the latest models from prestige carmakers including BMW / MINI, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes and Volvo, and popular cars from Chrysler, Jeep, Kia, SEAT and many more.

Interactivity remains a key feature of Motorexpo – visitors are not kept behind barriers but are instead encouraged to touch, feel and sit in the cars.  Many of the vehicles on display will also be available to drive, thanks to the return of the Motorexpo DriveME feature.  This enables visitors to test drive everything from superminis to supercars out on the public highways in and around the Canary Wharf business and shopping district, the only event in the UK where this is possible on this scale.

The unique format of Motorexpo ensures a motor show experience unlike any other, being entirely free to visit with no tickets and no queues.  As well as all of the exhibits and interactive displays of Motorexpo, Canary Wharf is home to over 240 shops and restaurants, making it the ideal destination for a great day out.  There are excellent public transport links via the Docklands Light Railway, London Underground and numerous bus lines.  There is also parking on the estate for over 2,900 cars.

For the second year, the London Motorexpo will be hosting and co-sponsoring The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ annual International Automotive Summit.  Held at Clifford Chance Auditorium, Canary Wharf on Thursday 13 June, the Summit will attract around 250 senior delegates from the breadth of the motor industry to discuss the most pressing issues affecting the global automotive sector.  For full information regarding the Summit visit www.smmt.co.uk/summit.

“This free-to-attend event is like no other in the UK, bringing together a fascinating and very broad range of carmakers and vehicles, and offering numerous opportunities for visitors to get behind the wheel and drive,” explains Graeme Carver, Motorexpo’s CEO.  “This year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet, not least due to some eye-catching public debuts and an even wider range of facilities on the Canary Wharf for attendees to also enjoy – including hundreds of shops, bars and restaurants throughout the 97-acre estate.”

Motorexpo is open daily from 10am to 6pm (Monday 10 to Saturday 15 June) and 11am to 5pm on Sunday 16 June.  Entry is free.  Full details on how to get there and information on the show is available at www.motorexpo.com.

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GM invests $44.5M in Lancing Grand River Plant

[USA] General Motors announced yesterday a $44.5 million investment to build a Logistics Optimization Center at its Lansing Grand River Assembly plant, creating 200 new jobs.

The investment will be used to build a 400,000-square-foot building adjacent to the plant to sequence and assemble parts to make manufacturing more flexible at the site. Lansing Grand River is home of the Cadillac ATS, the North American Car of the Year.

“This project is the latest example of how we’re doing business differently in GM today,” said Christine Sitek, GM North America manufacturing manager. “We’ve developed an innovative material strategy that increases efficiency and improves quality to benefit our customers, employees and the bottom line.”

This investment will save money and improve efficiency by leveraging available plant real estate and streamlining the flow of materials. It will reduce transportation and contribute to improved quality by reducing handling.

“This investment was earned through the quality and flexibility that has been a hallmark of Lansing Grand River since it opened in 2001,” said Lansing Regional Plant Manager Tony Francavilla. “However, our plant could not be successful without the strong support from our local community, the city council and Mayor Virg Bernero. We’re committed to continuing world-class manufacturing performance for which we are known, and our customers demand.”

Said Mayor Bernero: “Our hometown car company has done it again with this incredible new investment at Lansing Grand River. GM is building the best autos in the world and we are thrilled to be a key part of their strategy to compete and win in the global marketplace.”

The plant currently builds the Cadillac ATS and the three Cadillac CTS models – sedan, coupe and wagon, as well as high-performance V-Series models of each.

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AutoCar Banging on about Bangernomics

Tough financial times have prompted Autocar’s Used Car Expert James Ruppert to reveal the secrets of Bangernomics; showing savvy car buyers the contrasts of buying a new car with the supreme good sense of buying a well-used one. At a stroke, depreciation no longer becomes an issue, running costs are slashed and there are no finance charges.

Mercedes-Benz 190E can be picked up in UK from around 395 pounds.

The full Bangernomics guide is published in Autocar Wednesday 15^th 2013, detailing Autocar’s pick of the best city cars, people carriers, family cars, luxury saloons as well as performance cars. The feature also highlights common issues and faults to bear in mind when considering a competitively priced used car.

“Bangernomics makes you feel good about owning a car. In fact, you will have a warm green glow from recycling a used car, prolonging its life and hopefully seeing a slightly larger balance in your bank account. Not only is Bangernomics easy, it is mostly fun. You learn some skills, waste less money and have a new topic of dinner party conversation,” commented James Ruppert, Autocar’s used car expert.

Used cars have never been cheaper. In the last few years the fall in new car prices, cheap finance and a culture of increasingly rapid automotive obsolescence has meant that cars past their fifth birthday have decreased in value. There are numerous BMWs, Mercedes and Audis available at very competitive prices. Savvy buyers could pick up a BMW 5-series from £595, a Mercedes from £395 and an iconic Volkswagen Golf from £495. Prices are an UK estimate, but should be helpful elsewhere too.

BANGERNOMICS BEST BUYS
Volkswagen Golf Mark 2 from £495
Mercedes 190E from £395
BMW 5-series from £595
Saab 900 from £450
Nissan Micra from £299

HOW TO BUY THE BANGERNOMICS WAY
TEN TOP TIPS ON HOW TO FIND A CHEAP USED CAR THAT WILL DELIVER MANY HAPPY MILES OF CHEAP MOTORING

STEP ONE: GET BANGERNOMICS SENSES
Use your eyes, ears and nose to check the car’s vital signs. Does the engine sound ropey? Can you smell oil?

STEP TWO: CONDITION IS KEY
There is no excuse for buying an un-roadworthy heap. How does the bodywork look?

STEP THREE: UNDER THE BONNET
Take a look and take a mate or vehicle expert with you to get a valuable second opinion on the car.

STEP FOUR: AROUND THE BODY
Check that the doors, windows, bonnet and boot open and close, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the car looks rust riddled.

STEP FIVE: TYRES
Check they have a legal depth of tread, even wear across the tyre and no serious blemishes or damage.

STEP SIX: PAPERWORK
The registration document is an absolute must. An MOT and receipts for services and repairs work are important too. Obtain a data check to make sure it isn't stolen, on finance or a write-off.

STEP SEVEN: START THE ENGINE
Check it starts cleanly and that there is no billowing smoke from the exhaust.

STEP EIGHT: PLAY WITH BUTTONS
Prod and press all the knobs, dials and handles to make sure they work properly.

STEP NINE: TEST DRIVE
Engage the gears and pull sharply away. You don’t want to hear crashes, bangs, screeches or whines or feel a saggy suspension.

STEP TEN: AFTER THE DRIVE
Look under the bonnet with the engine running – check for leaks, smoke or strange noises.

MAKE YOUR BANGER LAST LONGER

It takes just a few minutes’ checking, cleaning and fussing every week to make a big difference. After just a few weeks you and your car will notice the difference. It will run better, last longer and be cheaper to run.

Check and change your oil regularly. Oil is the lifeblood of your car, providing vital lubrication, so look at the dipstick before every journey and make sure it nudges the ‘max’ mark. Also change the oil often, especially if you only cover short journeys, at least every six months.

Check other levels too, such as brake fluid and water. You will soon notice if there are sudden drops and a garage can identify any problem, put it right and stop major damage.

Look to see if there are any fluid leaks from hoses, or loose belts. Also if you hear any strange noises, get them investigated before a minor fault becomes a major expense. Of course, regular servicing is a must and so is bodywork hygiene. Cleaning keeps corrosion at bay and also means you inspect every area of the car carefully.

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TOP 20 Endangered Family Cars

These Vauxhalls belonged to my father and older brother in early 80s. Today they are almost extinct. Yellow one is probably Victor and the blue one on the right is Viva. My bike is on the middle.

The 1980s may have enjoyed a fashion and pop revival but cars from that decade are some of the most endangered cars on British roads today. New research into the top British family cars by consumer motoring champion HonestJohn.co.uk reveals that many of UK's once-popular family cars are on the verge of disappearing completely.

The Austin Metro is typical. It was once a common sight on British roads and enjoyed celebrity status as Princess Diana's car when she married Charles in July 1981. It was also the driving school car of choice for BSM, and everyone knew someone who had one – and now, there's a mere 823 taxed or SORN'd Austin Metros, from an original production run of 1.5 million between 1981-1991.

The once-derided Austin Allegro has suffered the largest decline of all, with just 291 remaining in the UK (taxed and SORN) at the end of 2011, from a total production run of 640,000 between 1973 and 1982.

The Ford Cortina is another model on the list that may raise a few eyebrows – after all it was Britain's best-selling car between 1973 and 1980. Many people will know the Cortina, because once upon a time, it was the darling of a million sales reps – but it most recently had its moment of fame as the star of 2006-'07 TV drama, Life on Mars. Just 5,411 remain registered in the UK, from more than four million built. Other endangered former street furniture classics include the Ford Sierra and Rover SD1.

All the top 20 cars on the Most Endangered List have a survival rate of less than 1%. At the other end of the scale, some classic cars had impressive survival rates such as the Lotus Elan, which is the UK’s most popular classic car with 38 per cent of its pre-1995 models (3,361) still surviving today with an astonishing 24% (2,151) still on the road.

–This list of endangered cars is fascinating – pretty much all of them littered the UK roads as recently as 10 years ago and now you’ll be lucky to spot them at a classic car meeting. The low survival rate for these models is shocking. 1980s cars are particularly vulnerable – because their passage into popular classic status is yet to happen and their disappearance has been hastened by needless scrappage and artificially low market values in recent years, commented Keith Adams, Editor of Honest John Classics.

The ‘Top 20 Endangered Cars’ research by Honestjohn.co.uk involved examining DVLA records of classic cars (those cars registered between 1950 and 1995) to find out how many were still registered today (both on the road and SORN) compared to the amount originally built. The results are published at classics.honestjohn.co.uk– a newly launched site that contains a wealth of research and information about classic cars.

Top 20 fastest disappearing family cars in UK by model

1.	Austin Allegro	0.05% remaining
2.	Austin Montego	0.05% remaining
3.	Austin Princess	0.05% remaining
4.	Hillman Avenger	0.06% remaining
5.	Vauxhall Viva	0.07% remaining
6.	Morris Marina	0.08% remaining
7.	Austin Maxi	0.08% remaining
8.	Morris Ital	0.1% remaining
9.	Rover SD1	0.1% remaining
10.	Vauxhall VX-Series	0.1% remaining
11.	Austin Metro	0.1% remaining
12.	Ford Cortina	0.1% remaining
13.	MG 1100|MG 1300	0.1% remaining
14.	Austin Maestro	0.2% remaining
15.	Vauxhall Chevette	0.2% remaining
16.	Austin Ambassador	0.2% remaining
17.	Hillman Imp	0.2% remaining
18.	Rover 200	0.3% remaining
19.	Triumph Acclaim	0.4% remaining
20.	Ford Sierra	0.4% remaining

Top 10 classic survivors in UK by model

1.	Lotus Elan	38% remaining
2.	Triumph Stag	25% remaining
3.	Reliant Scimitar and SS1	21% remaining
4.	Aston Martin V8	21% remaining
5.	Lotus Europa	20% remaining
6.	Aston Martin DB5	19% remaining
7.	Aston Martin DB6	18% remaining
8.	Daimler SP250 Dart	17% remaining
9.	Aston Martin DBS	15% remaining
10.	Triumph TRS	13% remaining

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The OX – the world’s first ‘flat-pack’ truck

Although 10% of the world’s population lives in Africa, there has never been a vehicle specifically designed and manufactured in volume to meet the rigours of the continent. That situation is about to change with the development of the OX, a highly unconventional ‘flat-pack’ all-terrain light truck that could benefit  people living in remote villages and townships across Africa and other parts of the developing world.

Designed and built in Britain, the OX is unlike any other vehicle and has no competitor – whether from a concept, performance or pricing point of view. It is the result of the Global Vehicle Trust’s (GVT) ambition to help people in the developing world by providing cost-effective mobility for communities to undertake crucial daily tasks, such as collect drinking water and transporting grain, fertilizer or building materials.

Simple and fast to build

Simplicity is the guiding principle behind every aspect of the OX, and notably it is the world’s first flat-pack vehicle.  Most panels are interchangeable from one side to the other, while the fewest possible components are used to give it a fast build-up time.  It takes three people approximately 5.4 hours to create the flat pack in the UK prior to shipping.  It then takes three people 11.5 hours to assemble the vehicle from flat pack at its destination and no special skills or equipment are required.

The revolutionary nature of the OX programme extends beyond the vehicle itself and uniquely, OX is capable of being flat-packed within itself.  That means there is no requirement for an expensive box or individual pallets for transportation, ensuring freight costs can be kept to a minimum.  Six OX vehicles, including engines and transmissions, fit into a standard 40ft hi-cube container.  In addition, assembly labour is transferred to the importing country, where local professional companies will be found to assemble and maintain the finished vehicles.

Robust and cost-effective

OX can drive through 75 cm depth of water and has a very wide track to ensure excellent stability on badly rutted roads.  Maximum payload is 2.0 tonnes (twice the capacity of most current pick-ups) and following EU size guidelines, OX can seat up to 13 people or carry eight 44 gallon drums or three Euro pallets.  It has a simple power take-off capable of pumping water, sawing wood or running a generator.

Designed to be at home on the roughest terrain, the OX has a high ground clearance and short front and rear overhangs to tackle the steepest inclines.  Independent suspension, front and rear, allows easy transit over rough ground, while the uncluttered underside ensures that sand, mud and other hostile surfaces do not obstruct progress.

With an overall length similar to an average family car, the OX weighs just 1.5 tonnes.  It has front-wheel drive and is powered by a robust 2.2 litre diesel engine with a manual transmission.  Unladen, 73% of the OX’s weight is over the front axle and when fully loaded 53% is still over that axle.  This contributes to excellent traction in both conditions.

The driving force behind GVT and the OX is Sir Torquil Norman, founder of the Norman Trust which raised more than £30 million to transform the Roundhouse in Camden Town into a media skills training centre and one of London’s most popular venues.

– My inspiration for the OX goes back to the ‘Africar’ project of the 1980s.  OX became a dream three years ago and is now a realistic ambition with a working prototype that has already completed its initial testing programme, says Sir Torquil Norman.

– Our sole objective at GVT is to help people in the developing world.  As part of an aid programme, the OX could provide an essential element of infrastructure to enable the local population to raise the community’s standard of living and to assert its independence by gaining control of its transportation needs and costs.  The OX could also be an enormous help in transporting medicines, doctors, patients and other materials in emergencies and at times of natural disaster.

Driving the next stage of development

– We have spent around £1 million bringing the OX to the working prototype stage and we need a further £3 million to take the project through to a production-ready status, said Sir Torquil. – This is why we are now ‘going public’ to highlight the need for investment and support in order to progress the project to completion.

– Our priority now is to raise the funding to complete the testing and take the project to fruition.  Our aim is that the OX will be purchased by charities, aid organisations and development programmes, rather than private individuals.  My dream is to one day see an OX in every village in Africa, concludes Sir Torquil.

Although initially planned and designed for developing countries, there has subsequently been a realization that there is likely to be demand for fully-assembled vehicles in some European markets.  It is anticipated that OX will appeal to farmers, estate owners and others due to its huge carrying capacity and ability to traverse rough terrain.  Any profits generated by selling fully-assembled vehicles in Europe will be ploughed back into the Global Vehicle Trust charity to fund future developments of the OX.

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