Car News & Reviews
Aston Martin History and Lineup
Jul 16th
Aston Martin is a prestigious name known far and wide beyond the UK. Although only few have the privilege of owning it (current models go for about £120,000), the name is universally recognized, even among those who are not all too familiar with sports cars.
Established in the UK nearly a century ago in 1914, Aston Martin is named after its founder Lionel Martin as well as Aston Hill, where Martin frequently raced. The first Aston Martin vehicle was built by fitting a Coventry-Simplex engine into a 1908 Isotta-Fraschini chassis. The company was established upon the belief that cars should have their own individual character, and as such, Aston Martin cars are hand-built to provide its drivers with a unique driving experience. This tradition continues even today, despite the company changing hands several times. Driving any number of new cars is a great experience, driving an Aston Martin – you’ll be lost for words.
The car maker has seen several instances of bankruptcy and business failure, but it still has endured throughout the years. After a couple of company failures, the original founder Lionel Martin left the company, after which it was taken over by a group of investors who took ownership of the Aston Martin name, even though the original Aston Martin cars were no longer in production. In those decades it again switched ownership several times, during which it spent a few years with Ford being its parent company.
Current production models include the V8 Vantage, the DB9 Coupe, the DB9 Volante, the Rapide, and the DBS. The Aston Martin name has probably been made the most famous by its various appearances in the James Bond film series. The DB5 appeared in 1964’s Goldfinger, and most recently, the Vanquish was featured in 2002’s Die Another Day. Other films to feature Aston Martin cars were the original version of The Italian Job (1969) and The Birds, a 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film.
With its centennial celebration coming up, Aston Martin has a lot to celebrate, despite its ups and downs as a company. Although the company itself has changed hands several times throughout the years, the Aston Martin brand remains one of the most prominent names in luxury sports cars today.
Becoming a Transport Freight Forwarder
Jan 12th
Freight forwarding is a rewarding job that involves many challenges and responsibilities. Typically people who have worked in the transport industry move into this position after several years of experience in other areas of transport.
For example, if you have previously driven a truck for the same company for several years, you might be promoted to a freight forwarding position since you would be familiar with many of the people with whom the company has done business. The following guidelines are tips on how you can become a freight forwarder; they are usually not required, but they are definitely helpful when it comes to doing business with international transport companies.
LoginTrans are an example of a european transport company setting up a road haulage and transport exchange software solution, to first and foremost counter the long life issue of cutting in transport and fuel costs for businesses. The idea is based around road haulage companies sharing and offering space on their trucks to carry goods across the european divide, Poland, Germany, UK and Ireland to name a few.
Speak multiple languages
Europe is home to many diverse cultures, and along with that comes a language barrier at times. If you do speak more than one language, you can help your company by being the point of communication between a major client in another country; the ability to bridge this gap will help your company to establish a solid rapport with the other.
Have experience in the European transport industry
As previously mentioned, experience in this industry is definitely helpful. Otherwise, you might find yourself unfamiliar with some of the terminology and concepts involved in freight forwarding.
Familiarity with other countries’ laws
Having experience in the transport industry will definitely help you to become familiar with the laws of different countries, especially if you have had to travel to these countries yourself on business.
Office Duties
As far as clerical matters are concerned, freight forwarders work in an office where deadlines and organization are crucial in ensuring client satisfaction. Familiarity with multi-line telephones and computers will definitely help in this area, as many freight forwarding companies now rely on online freight exchange websites to negotiate contracts.
Although the above criteria are not absolutely necessary in securing a freight forwarding job, they are definitely a great start, and they can make you more marketable in comparison to other people applying for the same positions.
CAMPING & Camper Vans are cool again in 2010.
Dec 1st
With the pound still weak against international currencies more British families are opting for driving holidays in the UK. Spring is less than eight weeks away, so here are 10 of the best new cars on the market for towing a trailer or caravan – the alternative to a Camper Van.
These types of cars and camper vans are becoming more popular in the UK since last year and Buyacar has seen an increase in demand for this type of vehicle.
Audi A3 Sportback
The 2.0 TDI Quattro edition offers maximum power of 4200rpm and torque at up to 2500 rpm. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes less than 8 seconds official figures show that the car is capable of more than 60mpg. Even pulling a 1,600kg caravan, this Audi is capable of 86mph in 4th and 5th gear in windless conditions. Acceleration from 0-62mph when towing the caravan can take less than 18 seconds. Prices begin at £16,000. Be quick.
Toyota Verso
Great for the camper who likes to take everything away including the kitchen sink. The Verso includes an under-floor storage system which is handy for bulky extras when touring off-site to the beach or castle with the caravan parked up.
Large comfortable seats make the Verso a winner with the kids on long journeys. Accelerates from 0-62mph in 15.7 seconds when towing. Prices begin at £16,000.
Kia Sportage
Want something that copes all year round – even when the terrain is boggy and wet. The Sportage has optional full-time four wheel drive for the serious wild camper who likes to off-road.
A five-speed manual gearbox is standard in the base four-cylinder. The 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 136 pounds-feet of torque is highly rated for uphill towing. Accelerates from 0-62mph in under 23 seconds when towing. Prices from £14,000 upwards.
Nissan Quashqai
If safe driving is your priority on holiday then the Nissan Quashqai is among the top performers in its motor class. The ESP is fitted as standard across range, while some models include a Speed Limiter as standard. Built in Britain, the car has reinforced its status as the as the perfect combination between a sporty hatchback and a compact SUV.
Prices begin at just over £15,000.
BMW X3
The X3 xDrive 18d special edition has the lowest carbon output and officially offers 45mpg. With prices beginning at £28,500, this BMW offers maximum acceleration at 0-62mph in a maximum of 10 seconds. Top speed of 107mph in 5th gear in windless conditions towing a 2000kg van.
Honda CR-V
A great performer in terms of power and economy, but safety features are a premium on this car.
The CR-V comes fitted with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. A back-up camera is available on the EX-L. The 2.21 offers up to 50mpg and accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.6seconds, with a top speed of 116mph. Prices start from about £18,000.
Mitsubishi Outlander
This car is about as tough as you can get while still looking good. Designed to cope with the most rugged terrains, it will accelerate from 0-62mph in 10.8seconds, although it will only deliver 38mpg. Prices begin at £19,500. A genuine work horse.
Citroen C4 Picasso
Air-suspension to the back means a smooth ride for the family on those long journeys. The panoramic windscreen offers a spacious feel. The 2.0HDi model boasts a maximum speed of 121mph. It’ll also give you 58mpg. Prices begin at £17,000.
Peugeot 407 SW
The 2.2 HDI 16v model is among the best for towing up hill and on steep roads. A solid chassis and a quality driving experience. Prices from £20,000.
Ford Focus C-Max
The C-Max offers some nice new technologies such as semi-automatic parallel parking and blind detection, perfect for the motorist who wants to navigate blind spots when parking up on site late at night.
The 2.0 Duratorq TDCi has a maximum speed of 122mph, accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds and is capable of 47.9mpg. Prices start at £17,000.
CHECKLIST FOR BUYING A USED CAR
Dec 1st
Before buying a used car it is important to check its condition thoroughly, test it out on the road and ask yourself a few questions:
• How does it feel on the road?
• Do the brakes provide smooth and reassuring braking?
• Is the car quiet, or are there rattles and clunks when it is moving?
Find out if the car has a current MOT certificate. If the car is more than three years old, it must have one, to prove it complied with the criteria of the MOT at the last test date. However, remember that this is not a guarantee that any subsequent faults will be put right by the dealer.
A full service history should ensure that the vehicle has been properly looked after. It might be an idea to check that the mileage is warranted in writing to avoid potential problems in the future. Mileage can be checked, for a small fee. Find out more at www.hpicheck.com.
Always ask to see the registration document and service record. Does everything match up? Does the logbook show how many owners the car has had?
Having test driven the car and looked at its documents, it is vital to inspect the car itself thoroughly:
• Check the underside for signs of rust, and welding. Any mysterious welding could signify that the car is a ‘cut and shut’.
• Check the exhaust system.
• Check the bodywork and fittings.
• Ensure that all tyres including the spare have the correct tread (1.6mm or more) and pressure.
• Paintwork should be in a good condition.
• Make sure no panels are a slightly different shade, or rippled, uneven, or heavily chipped by stones.
• Check all locks are in working order.
• Make sure rubber seals are intact, as leaks can be expensive to rectify.
• Windscreen wipers, and doors sills should also be checked.
The interior of a car can reveal a lot about the way it has been looked after and the mileage it has covered:
• Seatbelts should be free from damage.
• Carpets can hide high mileage; does the condition compare with the mileage and age of the car?
• Milometer, dashboard instruments and pedal condition should also be checked.
When you buy from a reputable dealer, the car’s financial history should have been checked to show there is no outstanding hire purchase agreement on it and there is neither an insurance total loss, nor has it been stolen. Ask the dealer for written proof that this check has been made.
Buyers should always be careful when parting with their money. Before entering into any finance agreement, accepting any warranty or indeed accepting a used car, make sure you read and understand all the documentation before signing or handing over any cash.
When buying a used car, it is best to buy from a reputable garage. Main dealers and independents that belong to the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) are bound by the conditions of their membership to provide a good service to their customers.’
How does the March 2010 Budget Affect You?
Dec 1st
The Chancellor has announced during his recent budget that to help families and businesses, fuel duty increases will be phased in gradually rather than being imposed directly after April 1st. Tax rises will be made over a period of months, the first increase of one-pence per-litre took place at just after midnight on April 1st but the second penny tax hike has been delayed until October 1st while the last increase set at 0.76p will be made on January 1st next year. However, it’s worth noting that one-pence per-litre (in real terms) will be added on the date of 1st April every year, from next year until 2014.
Alistair Darling predicts that the rise in the cost of fuel will reduce CO2 emissions emitted by vehicles by approximately 1.7 million tonnes by 2014/2015 as buyers choose their cars more carefully. It’s the Government’s way of persuading motorists to purchase less polluting, greener vehicles.
In addition, the budget on March 24th also saw the introduction of a one-off ‘Showroom Tax’ which is being levied on new car buyers. In a similar fashion to the road fund licence, the more polluting the car, the higher the tax.
Before the change on April 1st, cars having emissions of more than 255g/km of CO2 had to pay annual road tax set at £440. Now, anyone who purchases a car producing this level of CO2 emissions will be forced to pay £950 in the first year. The tax is then reduced down to an increased annual rate of £455.
Showroom tax on any vehicle included in tax bands ‘H’ and above is higher than the subsequent annual road tax. There’s good news for car buyers who choose to purchase cars emitting anything below 130g/km of CO2 as they’ll not have to pay any showroom tax at all. However, venture into the higher figure of 131g/km and they’ll be hit by tax set at £115. Tax rates continue to rise until you reach the maximum rate of £950 for any vehicle producing more than 255g/km of CO2.
This higher showroom tax will penalise motorists buying most large luxury prestige cars, sports car and larger 4x4s but then the majority of those in a position to purchase such vehicles in the first place may not be too concerned.
There are, however, some models which are unexpectedly effected by this new one-off, first-year showroom tax, cars such as Renault’s Kangoo 1.6-litre Extreme, with buyers being hit by hefty tax of £425.
So, the morale for any potential car buyer wishing to minimise the amount of showroom tax that they have to fork out must be this. Take your time to look carefully at the CO2 emissions produced by the cars in the sector of the market that you are most interested in making your purchase. Then choose wisely.