The Vehicle affected is the Vauxhall Corsa with registrations plates with a 59 or 10 identifier.  The fault lies with the fitting of the handbrake cable.  The cables supporting bracket could move under the body of the vehicle and as a result there could be a sudden loss of hand brake function.  In a statement, Vauxhall said:

“There is a possibility that the handbrake cable end fitting could move within the supporting bracket welded to the under body of the vehicle.  If this fault occurs, it might lead to a sudden loss of handbrake function at any time.”

This is the latest in a few recalls Vauxhall have issued.  The Corsa was recalled in 1998 because of a possibility of fire risk, in 2008 for a loss of breaking function and for the possibility of a steering failure in 2007.

In addition, The Driving standards has issued a statement saying they will not be using the Corsa as a test car until the problem is rectified. 

Vauxhall have revealed that the 2010 Corsa will be the first to have Start/Stop technology installed.

The development allows driver to increase fuel economy to around 70.6mpg almost seven percent up on previous models.

Start/Stop works by shutting of the engine when the car is stationary at traffic lights or crossings, rather than the current method of leaving the engine idle. When the traffic lights turn green or traffic starts moving all the driver has to do is press the clutch and the car will restart, they then engage into first and it’s off.

Obviously all the cars systems such as steering control, braking etc are maintained whilst the engine is shut off. Vauxhall believe that urban drivers will reap the most benefits from the system as this is where this sort of traffic is rife. Start/Stop can also be easily turned off if on a long journey for example, all the driver needs to do is press a designated on/off button on the dashboard.

To take up the Start/Stop technology will only cost £260 extra, if you’re interested in getting a new Vauxhall Corsa why not get a quote from Leasebam who will search local dealers for you and try and get the best price.

The number of new cars sales has increase over the last 12 months with Vauxhall coming top. 

The souse produced Astra came in right at the top of new car sales figures with over 10,000 units sold.  Vauxhall also had two other entries in the the top ten:  In a close second came the Corsa and lavishing in a respectable eighth place came Vauxhalls Insignia.

Across the industry: Is this a sign the economy is improving?

Over all, in June the UK new cars sales rose by 10.8% on the previous month to 195,226.  

Even with then ending of the scrappage scheme in march, sales continue to rise.  The industry managed to sell a fifth more cars in the last 12 months that in the 12 months previous. 

An indication of improved business confidence. 

There has been a report of increased fleet sales.  According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers, fleet sales are up by one quarter.   In commenting they said “this could indicate improved business confidence.” 

(Source:  The Sun)

The news was not so good for other European plants with up to 9000 jobs going in total, the brand name of Opel is used over the rest of Europe rather than the traditional vauxhall brand here in the UK. One of the contributing factors could be the extension of the scrappage scheme which has kick started sales of new smaller cars, but the return of VAT back to 17.5% will probably mean all cars will go up January the 1st. The BBC reported it as here Vauxhall Jobs Losses.

In fact just a glance of the UK roads and you will see every generation of the Vauxhall Corsa, proving these cars go on for some years. Businesses choose these cars for the low running costs and you will see many companies leasing Corsas by the dozen. Go abroad to Spain and there is a strong chance that the car you are given as a hire car with be a Corsa. Even training businesses like the Red Driving Instructor Training school advertise using the Vauxhall Corsa on their website and their TV adverts. This is important branding, that needs not to put potential customers off, so the Vauxhall Corsa must be seen as a positive addition to the brand.

One of the min attractions recently is that Vauxhall have got these cars looking great to the fact they are probably the best looking cars in their class and so the new fiesta has a lot to look up to.