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Government to trial electric cars

Cabinet ministers could soon swap their luxury limousines for electric vehicles, in a bid to set an eco-friendly example. A Whitehall source told the London Evening Standard that electric car trials are likely to start as soon as spring. On Bing: see pictures of electric cars Find out how much a used electric car costs on Auto Trader London currently boasts a network of 800 charging points – but three out of four went unused in 2012.

Alfa Romeo 159 (2009): new engines and trims

By Tim Swietochowski First Official Pictures 28 August 2009 10:52 Alfa Romeo has announced two new additions to the Alfa Romeo 159 engine range, which will also find their way into the Alfa Brera and Spider later in 2009. New trim options for the 159 have also been revealed.The first new powerplant is a 16-valve, turbocharged 1.7-litre petrol, which features variable valve timing and direct injection, developing 200bhp and 236lb ft of torque. The new 1750 TBi, which takes its name from the Alfa 1750 Berlina, propels the 159 to 62mph from rest in 7.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 147mph.Joining the petrol motor is a new common-rail 2.0-litre diesel, the JTDM, which produces 170bhp and 265lb ft of torque to give the derv 159 a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 136mph.Are these new Alfa Romeo engines economical?The new petrol motor produces CO2 emissions of 189g/km (lowering the 159’s UK company car benefit-in-kind tax by six bands in comparison with the old 2.2-litre JTS engine) with the diesel pumping out 142g/km.

Retailers urged to cut fuel prices

FUEL RETAILERS have been urged to "immediately" ease pressure at the pumps by passing on a drop in wholesale prices to motorists. The RAC said a litre of unleaded petrol sold wholesale for 6p less since the end of August, while diesel was down by 2p a litre, giving petrol stations the power to lower prices on the forecourt. The car services company explained lower prices were due to a drop in oil prices since Syria agreed to sign an international treaty banning chemical weapons and the pound reaching a seven-month high against the dollar.