Five giant billboards...
Five giant billboards which feature a cardboard version of the 4x4 leaping out have been attacked and the 3D model stolen. A company spokesman said: "We know people want to get their hands on the car, but this is ridiculous. We have 25-30 of these posters around the UK, yet it"s the ones in Birmingham that keep being pinched. Somebody is going to a lot of trouble, because you would need ladders, spanners and more than one person to carry it."
Executive models equipped...
Executive models equipped with driver-controlled autos can command a premium on forecourts, but according to Jeff Paterson, from trade bible Glass"s Guide, it"s on small cars where the bargains are to be found. "Semi-autos are worth the same or less than manual versions, and that should make them appeal, but it"s unfamiliar technology which is only slowly proving itself," he said.
Vauxhall"s Corsa Easytronic was the top-selling new semi-auto in 2003. In total, more than 30,000 cars with clutchless shifters found homes last year. That"s only 1.17 per cent of the market - but back in 1999, a mere 6,614 were sold.
Best-selling semi-autos in 2003*
Vauxhall Corsa Easytronic5,707
Ford Fiesta Durashift4,983
Volvo XC903,841
Toyota Avensis3,550
Smart City Coup탩2,588
* Source: SMMT