New Car Prices to Stay?

As many long term readers of Wheelspin will know, John Daniels regularly reported on the fight to bring UK new car prices down. There may be disappointment on the horizon, as it is widely rumoured that the forthcoming government report on the matter is set not to challenge manufacturers to bring prices in line with our European neighbours.
The report has been long delayed but is set to disappoint consumer groups. Apparently the study concludes that price cuts could damage an industry already on slender margins. The Retail Motor Industry Federation is also unhappy, believing uncertainty over the report's conclusions to contribute to a cooling off of new car sales as buyers wait to see if prices will go down.
In a further twist to the story, a plan by UK dealers to sell cheaper imported models from Europe has been blocked by their own national trade association, the NFDA. Dealership were nervous about losing trade to cheaper deals from the likes of the Consumers Association (Which? magazine) and internet based car dealers. The NFDA is blocking any atempt by dealers to bypass the tight dealer / manufacturer bond, and is awaiting the final government report.

Mobile Dangers

Using a hand held mobile one whilst driving is an obvious danger, but if you drive a car built within the last ten years, it could interfere with the car's electronic systems, including the brakes. In much the same way as airlines ban the use of mobiles in flight, a mobile phone's signal can jam the electronics in modern cars, although older, mechanical, cars are unaffected. BMW has already admitted that mobiles can set off airbags in its models, whilst the manual that comes with Vauxhall's Corsa highlights the dangers of mobile use on electronics. Honda is also aware of problems in its cars. That said, using a mobile on the road is a bad idea in the first place.