UK Car Sales in March Plunge 30.5 Percent

UK Car Sales in March Plunge 30.5 Percent

New car registrations in the U.K. fell 30.5 percent in March compared to the same month last year to 313,912 units, as the recession crippled demand. The overall drop in car sales from the beginning of the year (January to March) is 29.7 percent or 200,000 less vehicles than the same period in 2008. In a statement issued today, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) said that the government needs to take more actions to help the sector.

"March new car registrations are a barometer of confidence in the economy, from businesses and consumers alike," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "The fall in the market shows that government needs to do more to boost confidence. A scrappage scheme will provide the incentive needed and the evidence is clear that schemes already implemented across Europe do work to increase demand. The UK is the only major European market not to implement a scheme."

Ford topped the sales chart in March with 52,289 units followed by GM's Vauxhall (40,000 units), VW (24,440 units), Peugeot (17,412) and Audi (16,250 units). The Ford Fiesta was the UK's best selling model for a fifth successive month in March with 20,654 units. It was followed by the Vauxhall Corsa (14,993 units), Ford Focus (13,942 units), Vauxhall Astra (8,713 units) and VW Golf (8,024).

MARQUE	Sales March 2009	Sales March 2008	Change %
Total	313,912	451,642	(30.50)
Ford	52,289	67,676	(22.74)
Vauxhall	40,000	57,008	(29.83)
Volkswagen	24,440	32,285	(24.30)
Peugeot	17,412	25,545	(31.84)
Audi	16,250	18,094	(10.19)
BMW	15,654	22,755	(31.21)
Toyota	15,624	22,760	(31.35)
Honda	13,005	21,862	(40.51)
Mercedes-Benz	12,231	16,179	(24.40)
Citroen	10,755	16,805	(36.00)
Renault	10,227	21,769	(53.02)
Nissan	8,788	16,673	(47.29)
Fiat	8,001	11,908	(32.81)
Mazda	7,734	10,355	(25.31)
Kia	6,346	6,496	(2.31)
Hyundai	6,218	6,503	(4.38)
Land Rover	6,027	9,576	(37.06)
MINI	5,976	8,858	(32.54)

READ MORE - UK Car Sales in March Plunge 30.5 Percent

SSC Ultimate Aero TT: World's Fastest Production Car Auctioned on eBay

SSC Ultimate Aero TT: World's Fastest Production Car Auctioned on eBay

THE - not one of, but the- fastest production car in the world, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT, has been put up for sale on eBay. This is the actual vehicle that holds the Guinness World Record for the World's Fastest Production Car with an official average top speed of 256.18 mph or 411.93 km/h. The 2007 Ultimate Aero TT-02 is powered by a twin turbocharged, hand built 387.2 cid V8 engine that develops an outrageous output of 1,183 bhp at 6075 rpm and 1,094 ft-lbs of torque at 6150 rpm.

Those interested in buying the car have until the 23rd of March to place a bid on eBay. As we speak (Tuesday, March 16), the highest bid is $425,100.

Link:

Performance:

0-60 mph: 2.78 seconds

1/4 mile: 9.90 seconds at 144 mph

Top Speed: 257.41 mph (414.31 kph) / Official Average: 256.15 mph

Skidpad: 1.05 g

0-100pmh-0: 11.66 seconds

60mph-0 (braking): 103 feet

READ MORE - SSC Ultimate Aero TT: World's Fastest Production Car Auctioned on eBay

Kia Increases UK Prices by Three-Percent

Kia Increases UK Prices by Three-Percent

Following in the footsteps of Ford, Audi and Bentley, Kia has announced that it will be raising prices across its UK range in response to the weakening pound on international currency exchange. Effective from April 1, an increase of approximately three per cent will apply across the Korean firm's range with the exception of the recently launched Soul and Magentis facelift models.

Commenting on the company's decision, Paul Philpott, Managing Director Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: "We have held off on an increase for as long as possible and did not make any pricing changes during the first quarter. The increase we are making now will be kept to an absolute minimum and still maintains Kia's competitive position in the market.

"This has come about purely as a response to the weakness of the pound, and strength of the Euro and Dollar which have impacted on Kia Motors (UK) Limited and the whole industry in recent months," he concluded.

READ MORE - Kia Increases UK Prices by Three-Percent

For Sale: Unique Bugatti Veyron Vincero by Mansory

For Sale: Unique Bugatti Veyron Vincero by Mansory

With so much money going around in Dubai, even a Bugatti Veyron seems passé these days. Having said that, it's not at all surprising that you can find cars in Dubai that you've never heard about like this Mansory-prepped Veyron called Bugatti Vincero, which is up for sale by Prestige Cars. There's no official information on the customized Veyron other than that, according to Prestige Cars, only three examples have been built. Bugatti Elijah is also 1 of the best and amazing car. Bugatti Chiron beat all the concepts but a remarkable choice for beauty.

From the pictures we see that the Veyron-based Vincero features an awesome paint job complemented by a nice set of black alloy wheels and plenty of carbon fiber parts. The interior has also been overhauled - though in a less tasty way. Prestige Cars has not said how much it's asking for the Vincero but we gather that our readers Christmas presents combined wouldn't even do the job.

READ MORE - For Sale: Unique Bugatti Veyron Vincero by Mansory