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Motor industry backs EU membership

MOTOR MANUFACTURERS have given strong backing for the UK staying in the European Union, citing benefits including business links and free movement of labour. A survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that 92% of automotive firms believed that staying in the EU would be best for their business, although most wanted to see reforms. The SMMT said its study showed how EU membership benefited the industry, such as access to a single market and funding for research and development.

2015 Vauxhall Astra means new UK jobs

Vauxhall has announced that it will take on 300 new staff at its Ellesmere Port plant, ready for production of the new Astra in 2015. It follows the plant’s successful bid to build the 2015 Astra, which secured investment of £125 million for the UK factory in 2012. 20 reasons why Britain’s car industry is booming Read a Vauxhall new car review Meanwhile, in 2011, Vauxhall’s Luton plant received a £185 million investment to build the new Vivaro van – and now the Bedfordshire base is planning to create a further 250 jobs.

Crash deaths down 40% since 1960

CAR CRASH DEATHS have plummeted over the last five decades despite the rising number of drivers on the road, figures show. Since 1960, the number of annual deaths from collisions in England and Wales has fallen by 41%, researchers said. There were 1,647 deaths from a road traffic accident in 1960 and 964 deaths in 2009, according to an article published online in Emergency Medicine Journal.