New car sales surge by 7.6%

THE SURGE in new car sales has continued into the new year. There were 154,562 new vehicles registered last month, a 7.6% rise on January last year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. The society said sales of alternatively fuelled vehicle increased by 25%.

Saab bidding closed, buyer announced soon

We should know the buyer of Saab soon The Swedish press have been told that the bidding on Saab has now closed and that the successful buyer will be announced shortly. It’s amazing how much interest – and speculation - there is around the demised Saab; so much so we’ve probably reported as much on Saab after its demise as we did when it was in the throes of turmoil. Saab’s administrator, Hans Bergqvist, has revealed that the bidding process is now closed and that he will be talking to Saab stakeholders to discuss the bids and confirm which of the number of bidders is successful.

Miko's high performance material with an ecological edge

Italian company Miko specializes in the development and production of Dinamica, a high quality ecological microfiber that can be used for anything from car door panels or upholstery to fashion accessories. The faux suede material is produced from a combination of recycled polyester and polyurethane fibers, and is also 100 percent recyclable at the end of its lifecycle. Lorenzo Terraneo, CEO of Miko, says: "Our priority has always been to invest in the research and development of recycled and eco-compatible materials with special characteristics that go far beyond existing qualitative standards." It is a testament to Terraneo's commitment that his company achieved its early aspirations and eco credentials long before concern for the environment and the reduction of carbon emissions was high on the political agenda or prevalent in the public conscience.