News in brief

22nd January 2008

UK diesel sales hit record levels

New car sales grew by two-and-a- half per cent in 2007 – with diesels snatching a record 40.2 per cent of the market. The demand for superminis and small family cars also went up, contributing to the average CO2 figure per vehicle dropping to 164g/km – a fall of 13.7 per cent since 1997. A total of 2.4 million cars left showrooms according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Ministers pledge cash for repairs

Erosion and cliff falls on the south-east coast have caused more than £1million worth of damage to roads. Government funds have now been earmarked to cover the estimated £1.3million repair cost of rebuilding two sites in Southend and Leigh on Sea in Essex, where there is a risk of land slippage.

Subaru slashes Forester gas bill

Switching to alternative fuels is now easy for Subaru buyers. All Forester 2.0-litre petrol models can be specified with a free LPG conversion worth £1,900, along with three years’ worth of free servicing, saving a further £770. The same package is being offered on 2.5-litre versions of the Outback and Legacy for £1,973.

Log on if you want a job at Bentley

Want to work at Bentley? Now it’s possible at the touch of a button. The firm has launched an online recruitment system allowing internal and external candidates to register interest in a post as soon as it becomes available. Bosses will be able to track the progress of their vacancies 24/7 at www.bentleycareers.com, while the system opens up opportunities for people who live outside the UK.