Volvo on the other hand has excelled in producing low emitting cars, with the “introduction of 119g/km versions of both the S80 executive saloon and V70 premium estate”, reports Motortorque.com. President and CEO of Volvo, Stephen Odell comments on the success by saying “now that we have bought two of the larger models in below the magical 120g/km limit, few of our competitors can now match us”.

The recent findings reported on the Times Online have found that the scrappage scheme has “caused consternation among green campaigners”, who initially welcomed and encouraged the scrappage scheme and believed this would be an ideal way of reducing emissions by “encouraging drivers to opt for newer, more fuel-efficient cars”.

Both the S80 saloon and the V70 estate produced by Volvo, fall into Vehicle Exercise Duty Band C, which means it will only cost motorists £35 a year. Volvo believes fuel savings could reach as much as 60 litres a year – which is as much as a whole tank of fuel.

The economic success of the scheme however, is unarguable; car sales rose 30% last month and the government has extended the scheme until the end of March. This is added to the fact that according to BusinessGreen.com, “average emissions of a new car in the UK have fallen, thanks to technical innovation from manufacturers such as Volvo, coupled with changes in consumer spending habits”.

Sureterm Direct specialise in providing competitive 4×4 insurance, classic car insurance, caravan insurance, motorhome insurance and kit car insurance. Call free on 0800 999 2030 or for an online quote click here.

ShareThis

Spyker might have only just got their hands on the Saab legacy, but already the new owner Mr Victor Muller has big plans for the company, saying “within two years, the entire production line-up will be renewed”. Some might say these are big plans for such a small company, in fact these are almost the exact words reported on Top Gear, who have reported that “Saab globally sells 100,000 – 150,000 cars, while the likes of Mercedes, BMW and Audi do 10 times that amount”. In order for Mr Muller to get the success he believes is possible all of us car enthusiasts need more than just sentiment for this classic car maker, which Top Gear believe the simple answer is “people just need to start buying Saabs again”.

According to Dutch car news website Autointernationaal, “Spyker wants to bring back the essence of the old Saab 99/900 series with the next 9-3”. With additional body styles and using the Vauxhall Astra platform and its turbocharged 1.4-litre motor you should expect this new car to be here sooner rather than later.

TopGear.com reports that it’s a tough job to be distinctive when you’re a “small company who can’t afford its own proper engineering”, which is why with the injection of £347 million, approved by the European Investment Bank, Saab will have the fuel and resources to “develop and build fine cars” placing them in the position of being a credible rival to BMW and Audi.

Since the deal has been made between General Motors and Spyker there has been a lot of scepticism about the future of the Saab name, but the million dollar question is, can Saab attract customers back to the classic brand and make a profit? According to BBC News, Mr Muller of Saab has high hopes for the company and believes that “the main reason why we think Saab will succeed is its unique brand”.

If you want to bring back the essence of classic cars, trust Sureterm Direct to provide you with a tailored classic car insurance policy for your vintage vehicle and head out on the open road in style. Call free on 0800 999 2030 or get an online quote here.

ShareThis

Over its lifetime, Saab has produced several models that today are considered true classics. Of particular note are the Saab 900 Turbo, Saab Sonett and the 7-seater Saab 95.

GM has promised to continue honouring warranties, and the company’s debts will be settled, according to GM Europe President Nick Reilly.

‘Despite the best efforts of all involved, it has become very clear that the due diligence required to complete this complex transaction could not be executed in a reasonable time. In order to maintain operations, Saab needed a quick resolution,’ said Reilly.

Parts of the Saab business have already been sold including the car and engine technology to Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corporation (BAIC) in a deal that allows the Chinese company to make its own brand models in China.

Saab will follow other GM brands Pontiac and Saturn into the proverbial car graveyard, leaving Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Holden and Vauxhall/Opel in the portfolio.

Sureterm Direct specialise in the insurance for classic cars. Call us for FREE on 0800 999 2030 and speak to one of our specialists today.

ShareThis

Among the year’s highlights was the World record breaking sale for the highest price achieved at auction. The car in question was a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, which sold in Maranello, Italy in May for $12.4 million.

Other record breakers over the year included:

• A 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Team Car which sold for $910,745 at a London event in October.

• A 1952 Jaguar C-Type establishing a world record for any C-Type, selling for $2,530,000 at a Sports & Classics of Monterey event in August.

• A Ford Model 18 Deluxe Three-Window Coupe which doubled its original estimate, selling for a record price for a Ford Model 18 of $165,000 at the Automobiles of Amelia Island sale.

Overall, RM holds five of the top 10 records for the most expensive motor cars ever sold at auction, with four of these in the top 5.

“The market for ‘quality’ motor cars – exceptional, rare examples with important provenance and documentation – remains stable, with outstanding cars continuing to attract great prices at auction.” said Ian Kelleher, President and Chief Operating Officer, RM Auctions.

Sureterm Direct specialise in insurance for classic cars. Call us for FREE on 0800 999 2030 and speak to one of our specialists today.

ShareThis

Other special classic cars up for sale at the auction include a 1994 Ferrari Mondial T Cabriolet, a 1903 Oldsmobile and a 1955 Jaguar XK140 Roadster reportedly owned by Lord Colin Cowdrey.

So if you plan to make a purchase this weekend, why not contact Sureterm Direct for competitive classic car insurance quote either online or by calling 0800 999 2030.

ShareThis

The Light 20hp’s has been credited with innovations including a four-speed gearbox with direct drive on third and an overdrive top gear; all of which is said to have proved invaluable in the International Tourist Trophy Races where Rolls excelled in 1906.

Further details of the history of the car including pictures can be seen on the Daily Mail website.

Sureterm Direct specialise in classic car insurance. Call us for FREE on 0800 999 2030 and speak to one of our specialists today.

ShareThis

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports that new car sales have increased year-on-year in each of the past five months with a total of 158,082 new vehicles registered in November 2009.

The report released on industry figures is said to show that Ford’s Fiesta was the best selling model in November, as it has been in nine months of this year. The report is also said to reveal that UK car sales rose by 57.6% in November compared with the previous year’s results. Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, has been reported to comment:

“The increase in new car registrations in November reflects the positive impact of the scrappage incentive scheme, customers avoiding the VAT increase in January and the very difficult conditions we experienced a year ago”.

The SMMT have also stated that “the scrappage scheme accounted for 21.6% of all new car registrations in November”.

So at least we are keeping the Koreans in work through our heritage. Shame we don’t have an industry ourselves anymore.

ShareThis

The organisers, Emaar, have said they are preparing to create a more lavish spectacle of classic cars in this second edition with more participating cars, parades, competitions and attractive lifestyle events to appeal to all sections of visitors.

In its debut in February 2009, it has been reported that the event attracted thousands of spectators with hundreds of cars displayed ranging from turn of the century models to the early 1970’s.

Sureterm Direct specialise in classic car insurance. Call us for FREE on 0800 999 2030 and speak to one of our specialists today.

ShareThis

The site also contains an abridged timeline of motoring history which primarily concentrates on developments in Europe and North America and covers the progressive introduction of motorised road transport from the end of the 17th Century onwards.

Sureterm Direct specialise in classic car insurance. Give us a ring for FREE on 0800 999 2030 and speak to one of our specialists today.

ShareThis

The Classic Motor Show has started today at the NEC, Birmingham and is the traditional ‘season grand finale’ for classic motor enthusiasts. The show is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors during the 3-day event and Sureterm Direct are there to greet you with open arms. If you’re quick, there will be a free glass of champagne too.

You can find us at stand 4T122 in Hall 4, where we are celebrating the show in a classic 80’s style. There are some beautiful classics to be seen in every corner of the show, but you will be hard pushed to find a stand more entertaining than ours!

We are celebrating the launch of online live pricing which allows you to get the best rate for your Classic Car Insurance up to the minute and straight from your home computer! Home computing was just beginning back in the 1980’s and for this reason you can find some fantastic 80’s memorabilia at Sureterm’s stand such as early computers from the era and an amazing Audi Quattro in pristine condition taking centre stage. We at Sureterm are classic car enthusiasts too and would love to see you at the show.  

Classic Car Club Members

Members of classic car clubs get an instant 15% discount on their insurance courtesy of Sureterm Direct. This is on top of the very best deals that we can find for you. So if you are looking to buy your very first classic, or you’re already an enthusiast and looking for a great renewal quote, then drop by for a chat.

Sureterm are the understanding insurance specialists and would love to find a great classic insurance deal just for you. Give Sureterm a ring today for FREE on 0800 999 2030.

For further details about the show and ticket prices, visit http://www.necclassicmotorshow.com

ShareThis