News In Brief

Latest SMMT figures show that registrations of new topless models have soared this year. Despite a rain-drenched summer, the January to August market rose 21 per cent from 64,386 units in 2003 to 77,946 new cars this year.

Auto Express Car Reviews

15th September 2004

Meanwhile, although the market for new 4x4 cars continues to rise across the UK, latest regional figures from SMMT reveal that in London sales are lower than the national average. From January to August 5.9 per cent of new cars sold in London were 4x4 off-road vehicles compared to a national average of 6.8 per cent.

Vehicle information provider HPI has launched a new Document Check service as a standard part of its HPI Check. Any used car buyer can now confirm that the V5 accompanying a vehicle for sale is not recorded as stolen, and that it relates to the specific vehicle in question. Enquirers can check the unique serial number of a V5 against a register of those known to be stolen or duplicate.

The Association of British Drivers (ABD) is calling for more transparency from the UK's Camera Partnerships. The ABD believes that Camera Partnerships are potentially covering up causes of accidents and trying to avoid damaging scrutiny that would show exceeding speed limits is not their main cause.

Dating website www.datingdirect.com is launching a celebrity auction, with all proceeds going to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. More information from the website.