What the papers say: November 19

What car-related news is making the national press today? Find out here with our daily review.

British car industry wants state aid
UK car makers yesterday asked for state aid, reports the Financial Times. Groups representing car makers and dealers wrote to Chancellor Alistair Darling, asking that they be allowed to tap the special liquidity deals made available to banks. They also want a Government-backed credit facility created to allow the industry to continue investing during the economic slowdown.
The Financial Times

Motorists gain from falling oil price
The average price for a gallon of petrol has fallen by a record amount during the past month. The Daily Telegraph reports on findings by the AA that reveal the average price for a litre of unleaded has dropped from 106.4p in mid-October to 94.86p in November.
The Daily Telegraph

Petrol prices record fall
The Sun also covers the record slump in petrol prices, revealing that filling a 50-litre tank now costs 5.77 less than a month ago and 12.42 cheaper than in July.
The Sun

Ford to sell Mazda holdings
The US car maker is to sell off the majority of its holdings in Mazda. In an attempt to raise desperately needed cash, the company will try to raise $540 million by selling its 20% stake in its Japanese affiliate and manufacturing partner.
The Financial Times

Senators argue against aid for US car makers
Republican senators yesterday argued that US car makers should look towards bankruptcy protection rather than a state bail-out. The senate hearing was told that state aid would merely be a short term answer to a long term problem.
The Financial Times

Buy a home get a car free
A property developer is giving away a new 110,000 Aston Martin DB9 V12 Coupe to the first person to buy one of four new houses he has for sale. For those who may be interested, the houses cost up to 1.6 million and are located in Eastbourne, Sussex.
The Daily Telegraph

Opel may not see fruits of German protection
Business and labour leaders reacted cautiously to German state plans to offer financial help to Opel. They believe the move could unleash a run of similar requests from ailing companies. Berlin said on Monday that it would consider offering the company a 843 million credit guarantee.
The Financial Times

Oil price expected to fall
The world's oil companies expect to see the price of a barrel of crude fall to $40. The result of which could be cancellation of planned and future investment in the industry.
The Financial Times

The Flatmobile
The Sun has pictures and a report on the 'Flatmobile' a jet-powered car that's the lowest road-legal vehicle at just 19in high. The car was built from two Hillman Imps and can easily reach 100mph.
The Sun