Groom crashes £233k Lambo (UK)

Any wedding, another supercar, another Lamboghini and another British driver. This time, it's a Murcielago Roadster, not a Gallardo.

A bridegroom's dream drive to his wedding ended in catastrophe when he crashed the £232,990 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster that his bride had hired for him.

David Gallucci and his best man walked away from the wrecked car with nothing more than bruising after crashing on a roundabout near Bradford. The car suffered more than £160,000 worth of damage and has reportedly been written off. Gallucci's new wife, Abi also lost the £5,000 deposit that she'd paid to cover the insurance excess for hiring the car.

Mr Gallucci opted not to tell his wife-to-be about the damage until after the ceremony, instead saying that the supercar had broken down. When he eventually came clean, his new wife saw the funny side. She said: 'I get in trouble with him if I get the slightest scratch on an alloy. It cost me £8,000 to hire the car for 1 hour but thankfully I paid the excess insurance, otherwise we'd have to sell the house.'

The hire company refused to comment on the incident.

2011 Buick Regal to be offer a 6 speed manual (U.S)

The 2011 Buick Regal will be offered with a manual transmission. How do we know? A major online-car magazine has test-driven a 2011 Regal. In Michigan, the journalist rolled down the window and called Jim Federico, the man behind the Insignia/Regal, over and said something along the lines of "This is a manual. What the hell?"

Federico responded that the 2.0 litre turbo version of the Regal (which will arrive a few months after the car goes on sale in the U.S. in Spring 2010) will eventually be offered with the 6 speed manual gearbox. This engine arrives in Summer 2010.

Apart from the 2.0 litre turbo, a 182bhp 2.4 litre 4cylinder petrol engine will be offered alongside a 220bhp twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0 litre. Both engines are mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission. Early Regal's will be built in Russelsheim, Germany with production shifting in Spring 2011 to Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Prices are expected to start from under $28,000.

No-show for Lamborghini, Bentley, Ferrari & Maserati at LA motorshow (U.S)

If you wanted to see the 4.5 litre V8 570bhp, $225k 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia at next month's LA motorshow, think again. Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley and Lamborghini have all pulled out of the show due to financial considerations.

A source close to the LA autoshow said the decision came months ago, though a report out of Detroit has drawn the Web's attention to it today.

Aston Martin is still attending, although Aston public relations officials recently said the company would have no official presence there – LA-based Aston dealers are still expected to pull together a booth.

Source tells us that show organisers tried to persuade the other exotics to do the same, but Ferrari and Maserati in particular were against that because they wouldn't be able to control the brand message going out to consumers.

The official exhibitor list can be view here.

First Kia rolls off production-line (U.S)

Kia Motors has unveiled its first U.S-built vehicle. The all-new Sorento SUV came off the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) plant. The 2,200 acre facility has a capacity of 300,000 units per year and employs 2,500 people. These figures represent yet another milestone in Kia Motors America's commitment to the country. Kia's U.S investment currently comes to about $1.3 billion since 2002.

In total the Korean company now has a global production capacity of 2.56 million units from locations in North America, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.

"The start of production at our first manufacturing facility in the United States further demonstrates our commitment to growth in North America and we are proud to be adding 2,500 jobs to the local economy," said B.M. Ahn, President and CEO, Kia Motors America (KMA) and KMMG.

The U.S spec Kia Sorento is available with either a 172bhp 2.4 litre 4 cylinder or a 273bhp 3.5 litre V6 petrol engines mated to 6 speed manual or automatic transmissions. The unibody SUV will have a choice of FWD and 4WD drivetrains. Standard equipment will include 7 seats, 17" alloy wheels, ABS, EBD, hill start assist w/ downhill brake control, ESC w/ TCS, 6 airbags, active front headrests, Bluetooth, USB/AUX sockets and SIRIUS satellite radio.

On the options list will be 18" alloy wheels, metallic paint, push-button start/stop ignition, rear parking sensor, satellite navigation system w/ voice control, rear parking camera and a panoramic glass sunroof. Sales start January 2010.

Press Release:
 
Kia Motors' first U.S-built vehicle, a white all-new Sorento, has rolled off the production line at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), officially opening the company's first U.S production plant.
 
KMMG is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles a year at full capacity and employ 2,500 people, with on-site and nearby suppliers creating 7,500 additional jobs in the region.

"The start of production at our first manufacturing facility in the United States further demonstrates our commitment to growth in North America and we are proud to be adding 2,500 jobs to the local economy," said B.M. Ahn, President and CEO, Kia Motors America (KMA) and KMMG.

Representing an investment of US$1 billion by Kia Motors, KMMG will establish new benchmarks for vehicle quality and productivity by utilizing some of the world's most advanced manufacturing techniques.

KMMG's general assembly area is outfitted with more than a half mile of height-adjustable conveyors to achieve the best installation position for each team member and reduce physical fatigue. The plant is also remarkable in being fitted with wooden flooring in the general assembly area to provide a more comfortable and forgiving work environment for team members.

Built on 2,200 acres, the complex includes a body stamping facility, a transmission shop where the Sorento's six-speed automatic transmission is produced and a two mile test track. The plant's 186-foot-long stamping press delivers 5,400 tons of pressure to stamp steel into 17 different types of vehicle panels for the Sorento, operating at a speed of seven to 15 strokes per minute.

The massive stamping equipment ranges from almost 20 feet below the floor to 39.4 feet above ground. KMMG continues Kia Motors' aggressive investment in the US market. Since 2002, more than $1.3 billion has been invested in various facilities throughout the country, including a dedicated corporate campus and design center in Irvine, California, a state-of-the-art research and development centre in Ann Arbor, Michigan and a custom-built vehicle proving ground in Mojave, California.

Kia now has production facilities in Korea - at Hwasung, Sohari and Kwangju as well as a joint-project facility close to Hwasung - in Slovakia and in China plus CKD operations in a number of Asian and African countries plus Russia. Total global production capacity currently stands at 2.56 million vehicles per year with the opening of Georgia. That figures is comprised of 1.53 million in Korea, 430,000 in China, 300,000 in Slovakia and now 300,000 in the U.S.

Toyota Prius SUV and station wagon rumoured

A Japanese newspaper is reporting that Toyota may be deep in development of a Prius SUV. The SUV could be in addition to the long rumoured Prius wagon since the Toyota Hybrid X Concept was put on display at the 2007 Geneva motorshow.

During that show, the manufacture suggested the possibility of a Prius wagon hitting the market in 2011/2012. Although Toyota does not market a wagon in North America in any shape or form, they do in other parts of the world like Europe. These models could serve as the base for a new hybrid, however, they also suggest the possibility of rebranding the Lexus RX 400h as the Prius SUV.

If released, we would expect that Toyota would include regenerative braking and a solar roof. Plug-in versions could be in the works as well. No word yet if Toyota would use the nickel-hydrogen battery pack seen on the Prius sedan or the Lithium-ion battery used on the plug-in model.

Toyota officials remained tight-lipped on the topic, but the upcoming shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, and Geneva could all be perfect settings for a debut.

2005 Lexus RX400h:

Hyundai Santa Fe pricing announced (UK)

Hyundai has announced prices for its updated Santa Fe range.

The range starts at £21,495, which is cheaper than the outgoing model and it includes a new engine, more equipment and a simpler two-trim range. You pay £25,495 for the 7-seat Premium automatic.

The new Santa Fe features minor styling changes. At the front, the black two bar grille is replaced by chrome-edged three bar version, while revised headlight clusters sit above a reworked bumper that houses new fog lights in a black surround. At the back there's a new bumper and light clusters, and the reworked SUV features a new alloy wheel design.

Inside, carbon black trim replaces the previous wood finishes and the standard single CD/RDS radio now comes with an aux-in/USB connection with full iPod control.

The range has been simplified with a two-model range now comprising the entry-level Style and flagship Premium trims.

Style models get 17” alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, rear fog light, ESP, air conditioning, x4 electric windows, x6 airbags, steering wheel mounted audio controls, USB/AUX sockets, trip computer, gear-shift indicator, height-adjustable driver’s seat, height adjustable steering wheel, electric/heated door mirrors, halogen headlamps w/ day-time running lights and remote central locking with immobiliser.

Premium adds 18” wheels, dual climate control with rear controls on 7 seaters, front electric leather seats w/heat function, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/ reversing camera, xenon headlamps, leather steering wheel w/ cruise control, front fog lamps, dusk & rain sensors and electric sunroof.

There's seven-seat option available for a £750 extra on both Style and Premium models.

Under the bonnet is a new 2.2-litre direct injection diesel delivering 194bhp and 311lb-ft of torque (322lb-ft when specified with an automatic gearbox) which amounts to improvements of 26% and 27% respectively on the previous engine. CO2 emissions on manual models are now 176g/km, down from 191g/km with combined fuel economy of 41.5mpg, up from 38.7mpg.

The new engine is mated to a 6 speed manual transmission and it can sprint from 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds. An alternator management system that disengages when not required saves fuel and an ECO' Drive Indicator on automatic versions monitors fuel efficiency. Manual versions have an optimum gear shift point indicator built into the trip computer display.

The new engine delivers an increased towing capacity, with a maximum braked towing weight of 2,500kg, up 300kg on the outgoing model.

Sales start in mid-December.

VAT rate confuses people (UK)

Tax doesn't have to be taxing, says the advert, but it's certainly managing to confuse manufacturers, dealers, car buyers and even HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC had originally said that the only way to avoid paying the increased rate of VAT being introduced on 1st January was to pay for the full balance of a car before the end of the year.

While that remains the case, HMRC has changed its tune slightly and says buyers can also avoid paying the increased rate, without handing over the full balance, if the dealer raises a full VAT invoice before the end of the year and pays the VAT due at their next return.

HMRC has confirmed that the rate will be returning to 17.5% on 1st January.

To take advantage of this invoicing opportunity, the car your order must also cost less than £100,000 and be delivered according to the manufacturer's usual schedules and within six months of order. You can't ask for a delivery to be delayed so you can take advantage, for instance, of the new registration plate in March.

Buyers do not have to clear the balance of the car to benefit from this, but dealers may be reluctant to hand over VAT due on cars that they haven't received the cash on.

The VAT rate due, in short, is calculated either when a full VAT invoice is raised by the dealer, and the tax paid at the next return, or when you clear the balance.

You pay 15% VAT on cars costing less than £100,000:

•When you've ordered, paid for and registered a car before the end of 2009

•When you pay for a car in full before the end of the year but, in the normal course of delivery schedules, it is registered in 2010 but no more than six months from order

•When you order a new car, a dealer raises a full VAT invoice before the end of the year and pays the 15% tax at their next VAT return. You do not have to pay the full balance in this case.

You pay the increased rate of 17.5% VAT:

•If you order a car in 2010

•If you order a car now and pay the balance in 2010

•If you order a car now, a VAT invoice isn't raised by the dealer, or the tax due isn't paid, before the end of the year.

•If you order a car now, a VAT invoice is raised and paid, but you ask for delivery to be purposefully delayed, perhaps in a bid to get the new registration plates in March or September.

•The car you order is delivered six months from order

•The car you order is worth more than £100,000.

What are the 10 best-selling car manufacturers saying? Here's what they said:

Audi: Transactions completed by the end of the year will attract the 15% rate. If a customer placed an order today, the price quoted would automatically include the 17.5% rate because our lead times are such that the transaction would definitely be finalised in 2010.

BMW: Customers need to order and collect the car in 2009 to benefit from the 15% VAT. Some dealers may offer special VAT-busting deals, but this will be on an individual basis.

Ford: It's a psychological barrier to sales rather than an actual barrier. There's so much space between the sticker price and the actual price that we think 2.5% doesn't really matter. Any negotiator worth their salt will ask for that.

Honda: Customers will have to collect the car this year to avoid the VAT increase. We'd suggest customers look for cars that are in stock now, or check lead times to make sure they benefit. We're not doing any special promotions.

Kia: At this stage, we have not announced a VAT-protection offer. We are looking at the situation, particularly with regards to scrappage buyers, but at this stage there is no protection offer.

Nissan: Any cars ordered before December 31 for delivery by the end of March will be charged at 15% VAT and Nissan will pay the remainder, up to 17.5%.

Peugeot: We are seriously considering absorbing the VAT increase for customers that order through December for cars delivered in 2010. We'll know for sure by Monday (November 23).

Toyota: Toyota has no offers in relation to VAT.

Vauxhall: We have no offers going into the New Year at the moment, but order a car before the end of November, and take delivery before the end of December, and you pay 15% VAT.

We also have an entirely VAT-free offer running to the end of November.

Volkswagen: Cars ordered before the beginning of November 2009, but delivered in 2010, up to the end of February, will be reduced in price by 2.5%.