The GEM Blog
STAR90: Gone but not forgotten
Posted on May 24th, 2013, by Rob Marshall, in Motoring News
One would have thought that a car manufacturer, which closed down almost 30 years ago would be long forgotten by now, let alone another famous name that has not featured upon a British made vehicle for almost half a century. Yet, classic car fans could not get enough of the relics, as they flocked to STAR90 (Standard-Triumph Anniversary Rally), which was held last weekend, between the 17 and 19th May. … read more
Guess the car
Posted on May 21st, 2013, by Rob Marshall, in Competitions
Introduced to the UK several months ago, the latest-generation Renault Clio was the subject of the previous Guess The Car competition. The latest contest features a technically-fascinating model that hailed from Japan. Can you tell what it is? Place your answers either in the comments box on the GEM website or on our Facebook or Twitter page. If you need a closer look, click on the picture and a bigger … read more
University finds that motoring gadgets help boost driver safety
Posted on May 16th, 2013, by James Luckhurst, in Motoring News
Research by Loughborough University has shown that motoring gadgets, such as satellite navigation systems, bring positive changes to drivers’ behaviour, making them feel safer and be more fuel efficient. The €15 million international TeleFOT – Field Operational Tests of Aftermarket and Nomadic Devices in Vehicles – study was one of the biggest traffic ICT projects in Europe. Driver support services tested included static and dynamic navigation systems, green driving support, … read more
Stars and their Cars – Tom O’Connor
Posted on May 15th, 2013, by David Motton, in Stars and their Cars
Tom O’Connor has been a household name for decades through his stand-up comedy and television presenting. As well as hosting his own entertainment shows, including ‘The Tom O’Connor Show ’, ‘Wednesday at Eight’, ‘Night Out at the London Casino’ and ‘London Night Out’, Tom is well known for his quizzes and game shows, such as ‘Name That Tune’, ‘Gambit’ and ‘Cross Wits’. Good Motoring asked him about his 50 years … read more
Jail for 122mph motorcyclist
Posted on May 14th, 2013, by James Luckhurst, in Motoring News
A speeding motorcyclist who persistently lied to the police and admitted his deception on an internet forum has today been jailed for eight months. York Crown Court heard how Andrew John Kelly finally admitted two counts of perverting the course of justice and one charge of speeding after being caught riding at 122mph on the A63 at Newthorpe, Selby on 20 June 2012. Kelly looked to the internet motoring forum, Pepipoo, … read more
Guess the car
Posted on May 8th, 2013, by Rob Marshall, in Competitions
The taillight of the recently-launched MINI Cooper S Paceman featured in the previous ‘Guess The Car’. We are still keeping relatively current, with another model that was introduced within the last twelve months – but what is it? Click on the picture for a larger image and post your answers either on the blog comments box below or on GEM’s Facebook page.
Rob’s news highlights for April
Posted on May 7th, 2013, by Rob Marshall, in Motoring News
Several interesting news stories managed to escape the Spam Filter on the Chez Marshall computer last month, kicking off with the Classic and Sports Car Magazine item that reported thieves are targeting easy-to-steal classic cars. Many older cars are worth more in parts and, thus, restoration projects are viewed as especially vulnerable. According to the article, Minis, Ford Escorts and Volkswagen Campervans are being targeted specifically. Older car-orientated publications have … read more
Avoid a motoring ‘mayday’ this bank holiday weekend
Posted on May 2nd, 2013, by motoringassist, in Press Releases
As people travel away from home to make the most of the bank holiday, often opting to drive to their destination, the roads are going to be exceptionally busy this weekend. However, GEM Motoring Assist, the road safety charity and award-winning breakdown cover company, has prepared top tips to combat what could be motoring madness this weekend, to help avoid spending too much time stuck in traffic. David Williams MBE, … read more
Coast on the motorway
Posted on May 2nd, 2013, by James Luckhurst, in Motoring Advice Articles, Motoring News
Thank goodness for motorways. They’re the backbone of most countries’ road infrastructure. At their best they offer the opportunity to cover long distances briskly and economically. But when things don’t go so well you can be stuck for hours and hours… Positive news to start with… if you follow the advice in this chapter we can reduce your risk levels to almost zero. But before you venture onto the motorway, you … read more
Guess the car
Posted on May 1st, 2013, by Rob Marshall, in Competitions
A battered Toyota Corolla was the subject of the previous Guess The Car. This time, we are looking at the rump of a brand-new model, which was introduced in March. The model is built in Austria but what is it? Place your answers either in the comments box on the GEM website or on our Facebook page. For a larger view, click on the picture and a bigger image will … read more