Cash for clunkers: Is it ready for prime time in America?

One proposed solution to prop up new-car sales in the United States involves paying bonuses to owners of older vehicles who send their cars to the scrapyard and buy new ones. Proponents say that not only does the auto industry benefit, but so does the environment, as emissions decrease and fuel economy typically improves in newer models. Critics, however, say that scrapping older vehicles hurts collectors by reducing the number of older models available and also hurts those least able to afford to buy newer vehicles by driving up the price of used cars.

Hyundai delays Sonata Hybrid deliveries for change in sound device

Delivery to dealerships of most of Hyundai's initial Sonata Hybrids has been delayed until at least late March because the brand is altering the car’s device that emits an artificial engine noise at low speeds. Hyundai planned to have the car available in January but only a small number of the vehicles are in dealer stock, Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor said. Trainor declined to say how many Sonata Hybrids have arrived in the United States but said about 700 units are in port or at sea.

Toll road plans 'to be scrapped'

CONTROVERSIAL plans to create the UK's first toll road for a decade are to be dropped, it was reported. Improvements to the A14 will instead be paid for by the Government, the Financial Times said. The proposed toll is part of a scheme to widen and improve a heavily congested 25-mile stretch in East Anglia which carries traffic from the port of Felixstowe to the Midlands.