Are new car sales figures a fantasy?

A recent report from Germany claimed up to 30 per cent of new car sales were a fiction. Could the same be true in the UK? Despite the recession – and the lack of finance deals for a huge number of potential customers – new car sales in the UK seem to be rising inexorably.

Mazda pushes fuel economy, plans a new engine by 2011

Mazda's push to increase fuel economy across its model line will include a new range of gasoline engines and may involve the introduction of diesel and idle-stop technology in the United States. Mazda is aiming to increase fuel economy across its global lineup by 30 percent by 2015. The first stage of that transformation will include the introduction of a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder powertrain in 2011.

Jaguar XF-R unveiled at Detroit auto show 2009

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 10 January 2009 22:52 Jaguar's XFR is shown today at the Detroit auto show 2009 – and the XFR at a stroke becomes the fastest saloon the Midlands manufacturer has ever made for the roads. Jag has taken the XF saloon and fettled it with the new direct-injection 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that supersedes the familiar 4.2, but breathed upon by a new supercharger to crank out a wholesome 503bhp.The R model is extremely rapid, thanks to a classic Ayers Rock torque curve that peaks at 461lb ft from just 2000rpm and doesn't go away until 5000rpm. There's brawn wherever you need it, and the XFR scuttles to 60mph in a scant 4.7sec.