TyreSafe, the non profit tyre safety organisation, has undertaken some recent research and has found that as many as one in six drivers had bought part worn tyres for their car at some point. It was also found that younger drivers are much more likely to compromise their safety than older drivers.

In 2008, illegal and under-inflated or defective tyres contributed towards the deaths of 34 drivers and 900 injuries of other drivers, showing this to be a worrying concern.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, said “Tyres play a critical role in vehicle safety and consequently, some very strict requirements exist regarding the sale of part worn tyres. If part worn tyres are bought from an unreliable source or do not meet the required standards, drivers could be placing themselves and other road users in significant danger”

Maserati

Fernando Alonso, the two-times Formula 1 World Champion, has unveiled his brand new Maserati GranCabrio, opting for a darker shade for the exterior plus two-tone upholstery inside. His exterior colour choice was Granite Grey and Pearl Beige and Bordeaux leather interior leather (with a Bordeaux soft top roof).

The Maserati GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7i V8 delivering 440 HP coupled to a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission and is the perfect four-seater convertible with the hood folding in just 20 seconds (28 seconds including the movement of the four independent windows).

Saab 9-5

The new Saab 9-5 pricing has been announced by Saab and cars should be available in showrooms by the summer. The all-new 9-5 is a top of the line contender in the premium saloon saloon sector and is extremely well equipped.

High -tech features include Head -Up Information display (HUP), adaptive head lights (Bi-xenon smart beam), MP3/iPod integration, Harman Karden audio system, DAB radio, adaptive cruise control, DriveSense adaptive chassis control, keyless entry and starting, dualzone climate control,  adaptive parking assistance and XWD with electronic LSD (AWD).

The new Saab 9-5 is available in Vector SE, with two petrol engine two diesel engine options (all -turbo powertrain) or the Aero model with a diesel option or two petrol versions. Saab contract hire pricing will be available shortly.

Skoda

Skoda UK has been awarded Skoda’s Auto Human Touch and Customer Care Award for the second year in a row. Skoda UK has already been placed in the top five of the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey for the past 14 years so great service is at the core of the Czech manufacturer.

Robert Hazelwood, Skoda UK Director said,”Winning this award is a testament to our retailers’ commitment to providing outstanding customer service, which is the reason Skoda consistently ranks so highly in customer satisfaction surveys”.

Fiat 500EV

Chrysler Group LLC is working with the Fiat Group to provide a zero-emission Fiat 500 electric vehicle in the USA. The Department of Energy in the US, is providing a $48 million grant towards a test fleet of 140 Ram Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles.

The Fiat 500Ev powertrain comprises of three main systems: high power electric powertrain module, an advanced lithium-ion battery and an EV control unit to manage power flows. The production will start in 2011 and this arrangement demonstrates the benefits of the alliance between the Chrysler Group and Fiat.

Ducati days

Ducati UK, in conjunction with MSV, will be holding three track days at Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park and Oulton Park. Ducati owners can book through a Ducati dealer or with MSV directly @

 www.clubmsv.co.uk/ducatidealer

The dates are as follows:

1. Brands Hatch Indy circuit – 2nd June 2010
2. Oulton Park on the 6th August 2010
3. Cadwell Park on the 28th and 29th June 2010 

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The exciting new Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Ferrari theme park is set to open this year and will be a “must-visit” experience for all Ferrari fans. The highlight of the Ferrari theme park is the sleek red roof which is directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body.

Situated at Yas Island, a 10-minute drive from Abu Dhabi, the park is set to become a hot tourist attraction and has 20 state-of the-art rides and  attractions, including rides for children of all ages.

Each ride is designed to bring life to a different part of the Ferrari story, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster which travels at 200 km/h and emulates the thrills of a Ferrari Formula 1 car or a flume ride through the heart of a Ferrari 599 engine.

A survey conducted with UK motorcycle riders has found that Honda dominates with Honda machines taking eight out of the top ten positions in the Top Ten Most Reliable Motorcycles.

Models across the Honda range include Deauville and Pan European, sports -tourers such as the Super Blackbird and VFR plus of course the Honda Fireblade. All made it into the Motor Cycle News reader survey with the Honda NT700V Deauville winning with a 98% score.

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles said,”This praise keeps coming and it means a lot to Honda, because it is the opinion of riders – our customers- that really means something”.

SEAT, the sporty Spanish car manufacturer, is stepping up its search for the soccer stars of tomorrow with its Kicks and Tricks online competition.

The competition challenges over-18s to submit video clips of their “freestyle” football” skills via SEAT’s membership website, Club SEAT.

An online vote by Club SEAT members will decide which talented youngsters will go onto perform at the SEAT FIVES final in April. You can also win tickets at the 2010 UEFA Europa League Final in Hamburg.

Visit www.club-seat.co.uk/kicksandtricks for further details.

Classic cars

The Bromley Pageant of Motoring will be held at Norman Park, Bromley, on Sunday the 13th June with celebrations for the centenary of the Alfa Romeo and the 75th anniversary of the Aston Martin Owners Club.

The Pageant is a one-day extravaganza of classic cars, bikes, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, stationary engines and much more, with exotic sports cars through to thoroughbreds on show. So if you fancy a looking at Morris to Porsches, Mini’s to Ferraris, or Triumphs to Jaguars plus plenty of American Muscle then it could be a great day out.

Tickets for adults start from £10.50 for Adults and £4.50 for children, when booking in advance. For car entries, trade stands and general information you can call 01775 768661.