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CALENDAR FOR NEXT TEST IN JEREZ SET

The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro is getting ready for this season’s second test session, on the agenda from 10 to 13 February at the Spanish Jerez de la Frontera circuit.

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FIAT YAMAHA TO UNVEIL NEW MOTOGP LIVERY IN MALAYSIA

The Fiat Yamaha Team unveiled its new 2010 livery today, on the morning of the first MotoGP test of the pre-season in Sepang, Malaysia.

News Briefs

• TOYOTA GB STATEMENT ON PRIUS BRAKING ISSUE. No problems reported in UK or Europe Toyota GB PLC can confirm that there have been no reported problems in the UK or Europe with the braking performance of the current, third-generation Prius, since its launch in August 2009. Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today issued the following statement following reports of problems received by its dealers in Japan and North America. Toyota-brand dealers in North America and Japan have notified Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) that they have received complaints related to brakes in the current-generation Prius. As TMC is in the process of confirming the contents of such notifications and is investigating the performance of the Prius as related to the complaints, it would be premature to comment at this time. #
• FTA cautious over simplification of speed limit rules. Government proposals to reduce the maximum legal speed limit for some lorries on our motorways have been met with caution by leading trade body the Freight Transport Association (FTA). Jo Tanner of the FTA said: “While we welcome DfT’s attempts to simplify the speed limit rules, any such proposals will need to be properly communicated to the general public and there will need to be clear signage on the road network. “This further emphasises FTA’s call to amend the Highway Code to teach drivers how to behave around larger vehicles and to be more understanding about other road users.” FTA is also wary about further legal speed reductions, which will widen the differential between commercial vehicles and motorists. Tanner concluded: “Slower speeds do not necessarily mean safer roads. Reducing the speed limit for some lorries will widen the speed differential between commercial vehicles and motorists, which may engender dangerous overtaking from frustrated road users and could actually pose a safety risk.” 1. The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for Transport (Paul Clark): The Department has today issued a consultation document on proposals to vary the motorway speed limits for certain classes of commercial vehicles. Under the proposals, the maximum speed limit for HGVs not exceeding 7.5 tonnes would be reduced from 70mph to 60mph. The change would also see the maximum speed limit for passenger carrying vehicles adapted to carry more than 8 passengers (PCVs) and not exceeding 12 metres in length reduced from 70mph to 65mph; and, the limit for longer PCVs increased from 60mph to 65mph. 2. FTA believes the possible benefits of increasing the speed limit for commercial vehicles on single carriageway, derestricted roads could be: a reduction in car drivers making dangerous overtaking manoeuvres through impatience a reduction in stress for lorry drivers – aware they are causing inconvenience for other road users shorter overall journey times meaning drivers spending less time behind the wheel unnecessarily improved fuel efficiency and reduced tailpipe emissions #
• SPYKER ISSUES CLARIFICATION ON SAAB FUNDING. ZEEWOLDE, The Netherlands (2 February, 2010) – Spyker yesterday provided details on how it intends to fund the USD1 billion required to return Saab to profitability. Following incorrect reports in the media, Spyker hereby clarifies again that the funding for this USD1 billion is in place, as follows: * $326M redeemable preference shares to be issued by Saab to GM * $556M EIB loan (securing this loan is a condition of the acquisition of Saab) * $200M estimated cash at bank at time of Closing With the EIB loan, which is still to be granted, Saab's funding is secured and no share issues will be required, provided the developments at Saab will be in line with the Saab Business Plan #
• TOYOTA ACCELERATOR PEDAL RECALL IN EUROPE There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. This is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn. This progressive wear, combined with certain operating and environmental conditions, can cause friction in the mechanism to increase and intermittently result in the accelerator pedal being harder to depress, slow to return or, in the worst case, stick in a partially open position. In case of occurrence, the driver may notice that the accelerator pedal is progressively harder to depress or is slower to return. A rough or chattered feeling may also be experienced when depressing/releasing the accelerator pedal. Toyota will implement a recall in Europe for this matter. The details of corrective action and implementation will be communicated directly to customers with vehicles potentially affected. The models and exact number of potentially affected vehicles is under investigation. A running change in production using different parts has already been implemented model-by-model in the European production. Therefore there is no need or intention to stop production in Europe. Whilst this condition is rare we advise customers who have concerns to contact Toyota GB Customer Relations (0800 1388744) for assistance ahead of the recall instructions being issued. As further information becomes available it will be posted at www.toyota.co.uk #
• OPEL INTENDS TO CLOSE ANTWERP FACILITY Necessary next step in rebuilding Opel Brussels/Rüsselsheim. As Opel moves quickly on its way towards a viable future, the company announced today the intent to wind down its manufacturing plant in Antwerp, Belgium in the course of 2010. Opel will continue to engage in the official information and consultation process with employee representatives regarding the envisaged restructuring. “We fully understand the effect this announcement has on the Antwerp employees and their families and we sympathise with them,” said Opel CEO Nick Reilly. “Many have been dedicated to the plant over generations and have done an excellent job producing great quality cars. The decision to announce this today was not taken lightly; instead, it is the unfortunate result of the current business reality. We must make this announcement now so that we can secure a viable future for the entire Opel and Vauxhall operations.” The global economic crisis has led to a major downturn in the automotive industry. The Western European car market in 2010 is expected to be 1.5 million vehicles below 2009 levels and almost 4 million below its peak in 2007. It is not expected to return anytime soon – if ever – to these peak levels, resulting in significant overcapacity in general and at Opel in particular. To ensure long-term sustainability for the company, Opel needs to reduce capacity by approximately 20 percent. In view of current capacity utilisation at all European Opel and Vauxhall plants, planned future product portfolio, timing requirements and financial impact, winding down the Antwerp plant would be the most logical approach for the company. If confirmed, production would conclude in the next few months. It is expected that the full restructuring plan, when completed, will affect all Opel/Vauxhall production sites and entities through measures such as capacity reductions, job redundancies and/or labour cost reductions. More details will be announced in due course. #