Apprentices steal the show at UK skills

Honda apprentices dominated at the UK Skills final on 18 June, with two members from the Honda-trained team taking first and second place. UK Skills is a national competition for young technicians that takes place bi-annually and involves a range of industries from automotive to hairdressing.

In total, four of the seven national finalists were Honda apprentices, and at the regional finals in March 2009, Honda had seven apprentices competing – an outstanding achievement given the stiff competition they faced from the rest of the UK as well as other industries.

Luxury off-road range boosted by addition of Tauareg Bluemotion

A BlueMotion version of the Touareg is now available to order, offering improved fuel efficiency and emissions of 219 g/km, well below the tax threshold of less than 225 g/km.  Prices for the most efficient version of Volkswagen’s luxury off-road vehicle start at £34,150 on the road RRP for the entry level model and rise to £37,545 for the SE.

Hot Rod & Custom Car Drive-In Day - 21st June 2009

Come to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu on Sunday 21st June and see hundreds of stunning Hot Rods and customs, sunning themselves in the picturesque Beaulieu grounds. Over 250 vehicles from all over the country attended the first Hot Rod and Custom Drive-In Day in 2008 and even more are expected this year, from Hot Rods and Customs to Classic Americans, Chops and Bobbers.

There will be a display of iconic Airstream caravans, Tot Rods and a Static Wild Bunch Dragster Exhibition, plus trade stands and a prize giving for the best vehicles. Live music will be provided by strolling players, Mariachi el Mexicano.

Dad's dream up for auction

DVLA Personalised Registrations’ June 3 auction is perfectly timed for anyone searching for the ideal Father’s Day present.

DAD 4S, arguably one of the finest “daddy”-related plates still available from the DVLA, will go under the hammer with a reserve of just £400 during the first of the three-day event, allowing just enough time for the paperwork to be processed allowing the winner to place it on the car of their choice in time for Sunday, June 21.

MPH featuring Top Gear tickets are expected to shift faster than a Bugatti Veyron

Disappointed fans who missed out on last year’s sold-out MPH featuring Top Gear Live shows are expected to be at the front of the queue when tickets for 2009 go on sale from Monday 1 June at 9.00am.

Unprecedented demand for last year’s shows in London and Birmingham meant they sold out with weeks to go, leaving fans frustrated but resolute to snap up 2009 tickets.

Renault unveils the new Clio RenaultSport 200

Clio Renaultsport launched in two versions: Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup and Clio Renaultsport 200
New, more aggressive design with F1-style frontal aerodynamics, new alloy wheels and rear diffuser
Independent steering axis front suspension with revised suspension and steering settings for the standard and Cup chassis
More powerful engine with improved low-down torque, economy and emissions
Best power-to-weight ratio in its class (166hp per tonne)
Extensive personalisation choices with interior and exterior colour options available through the Renault i.d. programme
UK launch 15th May with first deliveries from end of June
Priced from £15,750 on the road

I-spy... A new craze for driving holidays

The May Bank Holiday is nearly here and the British public are ready to experience the independence, fun and freedom of a motoring holiday, with one in five people saying they will hit the roads and take a driving holiday this year according to a survey by Volkswagen campervans.

The findings also showed that more than half of Brits are planning to stay in so-called ‘no-tels’ – anything other than a hotel or apartment – and are intending to take more spontaneous and adventurous holidays, staying in campervans, motorhomes, tents or caravans instead.

Bangers for cash scheme not so tasty, warns UK leader

In the wake of the Chancellor’s recent introduction of a UK vehicle scrappage scheme, one of the country’s leading used car hypermarkets has expressed doubt over how much it will actually help car buyers.