News in Brief

22nd November 2007

Mega Mercedes crystal amazing!
This is one Mercedes that should have rock-solid residuals! The fake diamond-encrusted SL55 (above) was displayed at the LA show, and was made with 300,000 hand-laid Swarovski crystals. Japanese accessory firm DAD is offering the treatment, which includes interior trim, for a cool £203,500!

Drivers in uproar over fines chaos
A council has been accused of ticketing drivers unfairly by using CCTV-equipped cars to ‘stake out’ traffic pinch-points. Wardens in Lambeth, London, then issue fines to cars that don’t give way when they should. Motorists have accused them of cropping images to make offences look worse. Elsewhere, wardens in Halifax, W Yorks, have ticketed drivers stopped on yellow lines during the two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday.

Price guide offers valuation bargain
Used car valuations are being slashed! Trade bible Glass’s Guide is dropping its usual price of £3.50 to £2.50, from 26 November to 2 December. And if you’re quick, you won’t have to pay a thing, as 15 Auto Express readers can get a free valuation report. Simply E-mail consumer@eurotaxglass.co.uk to receive a downloadable guide, which includes trade-in, dealer and private sale prices.

Citroen dealers’ green check-up
French giant Citroen is offering owners a ‘Stay Green’ health check for their car. Priced £29.99, it comprises diagnostic inspections to ensure emissions and economy are at optimum levels. The brakes will also be tested as part of a comprehensive 22-point health check of all major components to assess reliability and safety. Visit your local dealer for details.