Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

UK car tax rises 'won't work'

By Tim Pollard Motoring Issues 29 May 2008 10:56 The UK Government's proposed tax rises won't deter drivers from picking a high-CO2 car, new research by CAR reveals. We surveyed more than 1000 motorists and asked if the new charges – quadrupling the annual tax bill for some cars – would put them off so-called gas guzzlers. Surprisingly, 76 percent of drivers said it wouldn't deter them one jot.

Preview: Fisker Surf

Fisker has released the first image of its new Surf vehicle, set to debut at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. Focusing on continuing with the company's philosophy, 'Pure Driving Passion' - the electric vehicle with extender range is said to be akin to the Fisker Karma sedan, but Fisker has intriguingly promised a new twist. Other than this and the sole image of the Surf, details of the car have been kept secret in the build-up to this year's Frankfurt motor show. CDN will be bringing you all the details and pictures from the show next week.

Saab: China’s Pang Da & Youngman to invest $7.5 billion. UPDATED

Saab: China to invest $7.5 billion Update: We have now been told by Saab that Pang Da and Youngman are to provide €50 million immediately and €600 million for short to medium finance. Funding for the revised business plan and provide long-term financial stability the new Chinese owners have also budgeted funding for the planned expansion of Saab Automobile’s portfolio and additional operations to be set up in China There will be a reduction of 500 in the employee numbers. Sales targets for 2012 of 35-55,000 cars and 2013 of 75-85,00 and long-term of 200,000 cars a year Interestingly, Saab says that ‘Saab Automobile has not received the funds from Pang Da and Youngman that have been committed for today.’ Oh, well. Although the deal which will see Saab sold to China’s Youngman and Pang Da is still subject to a raft of approvals – Swedish Debt Office, EIB, GM, Chinese Government… – it seems the Chinese have big plans to invest up to $7.5 billion in Saab in the coming years.