Government Extends Scrappage Scheme

The UK's scrappage scheme will be extended until the end of March, the government has confirmed.

The government had previously set aside £400 million towards the scheme and it was due to run when all the money had been spent or at the end of February, whichever came first.

However not all the scrappage money will be spent by the end of February. In order to stop it remaining unspent, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has moved the deadline by 30 days, to the end of March 2010.

Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary, said: “Against the background of the economic downturn the scrappage scheme has proved a great success, driving UK car sales, protecting jobs and supporting the supply chain for car manufacture at a time when this sector needed it most.

“If you’re considering buying a new car, you should place your order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, because the budget is strictly limited.”

Golf tops NCAP Safety League

The new Golf has topped the Euro NCAP safety tests, nudging two hybrids – Honda’s Insight and Toyota’s Prius – into second and third places.

Euro NCAP tested 33 models in 2009. The new Golf was awarded five stars overall and achieved the highest rating to date for adult occupant protection by scoring a near-perfect 97 per cent.

To achieve the overall rating, each car is put through four crash tests and a component test. It is then assessed by an inspector who considers test results and the safety equipment and features of the car.

Top seven cars tested by Euro NCAP

• 1. Volkswagen Golf
• 2. Honda Insight
• 3. Toyota Prius
• 4. Hyundai i20
• 5. Toyota Avensis
• 5. Volvo XC60
• 5. Opel/Vauxhall Astra

Visit our website for more information and special offers on the the new Volkswagen Golf.

Volkswagen Touareg wins the Dakar Rally

Picture: Getty images

Carlos Sainz has won the 2010 Dakar Rally, driving a heavily modified Volkswagen Touareg. The victory was made all the more by a full winners podium made up of the Touareg teams.

Sainz finished just 2 minutes 12 seconds ahead of 2nd placed Nasser Al-Attiyah after 14 stages of the Dakar rally.

Volkswagen also showcased the new Amarok pickup truck as support vehicles.

The Dakar rally is an endurance test over 17 days and 5500 miles. The event is split into different catergories for cars, trucks, motorbikes and quad bikes.

The route is a loop, beginning and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The course also takes in a large part of Chile, including the brutal Atacama desert.

The 2010 Car of the Year is...

The 2010 Car of the Year has been revealed.

The winner is...

The new Volkswagen Polo is Car of the Year 2010

The award comes from a collection of car magazines around the world, including the UK based Autocar. The new Polo beat off stiff competition from the likes of the Ford Fiesta.

Learn more about the New Volkswagen Polo

Snow Day at Pulman

Pulman is still open for business, regardless of the snow! Check out our wintery photos below from our Durham site and drop in for a nice hot drink if you're passing by.

Pulman kicks off Partnership

Pulman Volkswagen and Newcastle United FC are proud to announce a 3-year partnership. The deal will see Pulman become the clubs exclusive car supplier.

Pulman, with sites across the region, has supplied the club with 10 new Volkswagens including the sleek Passat CC, the sporty Passat R-Line and the class leading Golf.

Paul Adams, Fleet Sales Manager at Pulman Volkswagen said, "We are really excited about the fantastic opportunities the partnership with Newcastle United will bring. We are confident the partnership will deliver great results for both parties, in what we hope will be a really successful season for the club."

Barry Webber Commercial Director at Newcastle United said "We are delighted to have Pulman Volkswagen join our exclusive family of commercial partners with immediate effect and are looking forward to developing a comprehensive marketing programme. The relationship with Pulman Volkswagen offers the Club the very latest cars and an alliance with one of the most respected names in the region in terms of customer service and value for money. Pulman Volkswagen fits perfectly alongside the likes of Adidas, Northern Rock, Coors, Thomas Cook, Collingwood Insurance, MBNA, Seat Exchange and MDS Group Telecom."

The partnership will officially launch at the local derby with Middlesbrough on Sunday 20th December 2009 at St James' Park.

Autocar drive the new Scirocco R

Autocar have had first hand experience of the new Scirocco R, check out their review on the official website by clicking the link below.

Autocar Drive the New Scirocco R