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UK car production tops 1.5 million

THE NUMBER of cars built in the UK topped 1.5 million last year, the highest for six years, amid what's being called "surging" demand at home and abroad. Production increased by 3.1% in 2013, with analysts predicting that output would reach record levels of around two million by 2017. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the UK was set to become the third largest car manufacturer in Europe after Germany and Spain.

Skoda Fabia vRS to be dropped due to poor sales. Is that a good idea?

The Skoda Fabia vRS (pictured) is being axed The current version of the Skoda Fabia vRS has been with us since the Geneva Motor Show in 2010, and it’s a cracking little car. It’s the Skoda version of the VW Polo GTI and comes with the same 1.4 litre TSI supercharged with a healthy 178bhp, 7-speed DSG gearbox and performance and economy that satisfies – 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and 44mpg. But it seems buyers aren’t queueing round the block to drive off in Skoda’s hot little Fabia so it’s going to be dropped.

Ford Focus RS has 1000 UK orders

By Nick Eaton Motor Industry 11 September 2008 16:05 Ford UK has confirmed its dealers have received more than 1000 orders for the new Focus RS, despite the rampant hot hatch having only been unveiled at the British motor show two months ago. By way of comparison, Ford UK only sold 2200 previous-generation Focus RS models in two whole years. According to Ford, 40 percent of customers have requested the Electric Green paint (pictured in CAR's exclusive photoshoot above), while Frozen White and Electric Blue have also been popular choices. There’s been no word on ASBO Orange just yet… As well as the choice of colour, punters can spec a Lux pack, a premium sat-nav system and leather, though we’d recommend sticking with the standard trim on the excellent Recaros.