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Viper sports car division no longer for sale

By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 13 July 2009 14:08 Viper’s yo-yoing lifeline looks to be finally secured after ailing parent company Chrysler said the sports car maker was no longer for sale. Rather than killing off its muscle-bound brand, last summer Cerberus-run Chrysler considered selling off the rights to the Viper, hoping to achieve around $10m for the Detroit assembly plant and brand equity to bolster its dwindling cash reserves and stave off imminent bankruptcy. After an initial surge of interest from similar-minded companies like Roush and Saleen, curiosity nosedived along with the global economy.

Remote areas may get fuel duty cut

REMOTE RURAL areas in Scotland, North Yorkshire and Devon could benefit from a 5p-per-litre fuel duty cut, under plans put forward by ministers. The Government has applied to the European Commission to vary the duty rates in 10 towns across Britain. Discounts have never been permitted on the mainland before, although they are already in place for the Scottish islands, Isles of Scilly and other island communities in Europe.

Anniversary Edition MX-5 Debuts At New York Show

AS part of the quarter century milestone celebrations focused on its iconic MX-5 roadster, Mazda has revealed a special edition to mark the car’s 25th anniversary. Taking pride of place on the firm’s stand at the New York International Auto Show along with a collection of heritage cars, the special edition model is based on the 2.0-litre 160 horsepower Roadster Coupe with the retractable hardtop. It’s available exclusively in metallic red and boasts a number of exclusive trim and colour additions.