HERE’S the most interesting and talked about stories over the past five days, collated and summarised by us.

Monday, October 17

RENAULT has announced prices for its electric Kangoo Van Z.E. It will cost from £16,990. Customers will need to take out a subscription, from one of just 20 dealers set up to sell the EVs, for the batteries. It’s on sale in November.

THE Giulietta is now available with Alfa’s TCT dual-clutch transmission. Emissions and fuel consumption are down – consequently it’s now the lowest CO2 emitting car in its class.

VOLVO’s XC60 and XC70 models are now available in D3 spec with all-wheel-drive. The announcement completes the Swedish brand’s winter activities that include a free safety inspection and a winter tyre programme.

VAUXHALL has unveiled its new Combo van which will arrive in showrooms in February. It’s based on the Fiat Doblo and marks a new partnership between GM and the Italian maker. Prices start at £14,703.

Tuesday, October 18

MANHEIM Auctions has found that less than five per cent of motorists are planning to buy winter tyres this year, despite the chaos caused by the snow last year. Read more here

THE standard fitment of digital radio has jumped by 184 per cent in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, says the SMMT. It says it’s a clear sign the UK automotive industry is switching digital.

WORLDWIDE sales of Skodas have increased 16.8 per cent in the first nine months of 2011. Between January and September the Czech brand delivered 664,800 units to customers. Russia, China and India were the largest buyers.

PEUGEOT has auctioned a one-off RCZ in aid of Children in Need. The car raised £25k for the charity. It’s one of a number events Peugeot is supporting for the cause.

Wednesday, October 19

VAUXHALL will not be making a VXR version of its Astra Sports Tourer to rival the new Ford Focus Estate ST, a product manager has revealed. Concerns that VXR owners would not buy it is cited as the reason. Read more here

LEXUS dealers will be welcoming the brand new GS to their showrooms in March. The new luxury saloon features gadgets such as the world’s largest touch screen, and a clever radar-guided advanced pre-crash system. Read more here

INFINITI’s sixth dealership in the UK has opened. Leeds is the latest city to get a taste of the luxury brand.

VOLVO has topped the tables among European car makers for reducing CO2 emission levels. The Swedish firm reduced its emissions by nine per cent in 2010.

Thursday, October 20

MOTABILITY announce a raft of changes to its scheme after concerns people were cheating the system. The amendments include prices ‘rationalised’, and a clamp down on who can drive Motability cars and the ages of drivers. Read more here

CHANGES to the Motability scheme has prompted Nissan’s MD to predict car manufacturers will change the list prices of their cars to make them eligible for the charity scheme. Read more here

A NEW sports spec has been added to Lexus’ CT 200h range. The F-Sport will feature revised aero bumpers, a larger rear spoiler, side skirts, a mesh grille, full-leather upholstery, and heated seats, priced at £27,850.

THE Venga becomes the latest model to be built at Kia’s Zilina factory in Slovakia. It will join the Cee’d family and Sportage crossover, sparking a third production shift for workers and will see a second engine shop built.

Friday, October 21

RMI chairman Colin Parlett has called on the Government for a clarification on the MOT system ‘as soon as possible’. Read more here

MANHEIM Retail Services has partnered with Honda to create a brand new used car stock locator using the latest digital technology. Improved search engine optimisation and Facebook integration all feature on the website. Read more here

PEUGEOT has launched their Cold Weather Tyre Programme. Customers will be able to swap their summer tyres for winter ones, while the dealer securely stores the customer’s summer rubber.

ONE in five consumers use Facebook to air their complaints with their friends if they’ve had a bad experience with a dealer, new research shows. Young people between the ages of 18 and 24 are the most likely to voice their views. Read more here