Vauxhall Astra (2010) ecoFLEX arrives

Vauxhall has added the ecoFLEX to the Astra range There was a time – not so long ago – when car makers trumpeted the arrival of the range-topping, high-performance model of a new car shortly after the main range launched. But now the fanfares are reserved for the super-eco model. Such are the times in which we live.

Uber smartphone app to take over taxi market?

A new smartphone app called Uber is threatening to put the traditional taxi out of business. The smartphone software allows users to ‘order’ a private car, connecting passengers with regular drivers willing to hire out their vehicles. However, these aren’t taxis… On Bing: see pictures of Uber Wifi hotspots for London’s black cabs Uber originally began in San Francisco in 2009, with users able to book and reserve a car driven by a regular member of the public for journeys via text message or the dedicated smartphone app.

Fiat's U.S. sales increasing with new ads, 500 Abarth interest

After a slow start, Fiat 500s are starting to move off of dealer lots, according to an article in the Detroit Free Press. Fiat executives claim that the public debut of the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth at the Los Angeles auto show and some provocative advertising have led to increased interest in the Fiat brand. February was the best sales month yet for the model that Fiat chose to reintroduce Americans to sub-$100,000 Italian cars.