Motorists should check that their vehicles are still in a fit condition to travel on UK roads as the country’s coldest winter for three decades continues, it has been claimed.

Automaker Vauxhall is reminding drivers that almost the entire country has experienced snow at some point and the UK’s road salt reserves were exhausted, meaning that cars have been under more stress than usual.

The group added that now is the time to ensure that vehicles are still in top condition.

A spokesperson for the organisation commented: "Regular servicing and checks are vital for trouble free motoring, particularly after the extreme conditions this winter has thrown at the UK’s motorists."

The representative added that using a car’s air conditioning is a simple and effective way to demist a vehicle and can be used to do so in winter as well as summer.

Earlier this month, automotive magazine Which? Car launched a contest to find the best car service and repair centres in the UK.

Automotive intelligence services provider HPI is updating its CO2 Certificate in line with the revised car fuel economy label recommended by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, it has been revealed.

According to the group, the move will enable dealers to make the greenest and most cost-effective choices available to them.

Daniel Burgess, automotive director at HPI, commented: "As consumer choice is vital to the reduction of road transport emissions, the updated Certificate will enable used car buyers to accurately compare vehicles and make an informed decision at the point of sale."

The updated certificate will encompass a vehicle’s estimated fuel cost over 12,000 miles, vehicle excise duty banding relating to CO2 emissions and miles-per-gallon figures.

In other environmental automotive news, magazine Road and Track defined five different types of car buyers likely to be interested in purchasing green vehicles – those looking to make a statement, pioneers, eco-warriors, those who are technologically savvy and people who are money-conscious.

Motorists who buy hybrid cars can be split into five distinct categories, it has been claimed.

According to automotive magazine Road and Track, ‘Firsties’ choose to drive the cars because they get a kick out of being trend-leading pioneers, ‘Techies’ enjoy being associated with the innovation of a hybrid vehicle and ‘Greens’ are motivated entirely by environmental concerns.

The publication went on to say that ‘Statement-makers’ are aware of what their car says about their place in society and ‘Pencil-outers’ tend to be pleased with the cost savings of driving the vehicles.

"Not unlike the ‘Techie’, the ‘Pencil-Outer’ is inwardly motivated, only in this case, it’s a matter of pocketbook, not textbook," says the magazine’s engineering editor, Dennis Simanaitis.

In other environmental motoring news, earlier this week French car manufacturer Peugeot announced the firm is gearing up to unveil officially unveil its new luxury hybrid concept car, the 5, at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Japanese automaker Toyota has announced a number of measures to improve the quality of its cars after recalling millions of faulty vehicles worldwide.

The company stated that chief quality officers will be appointed worldwide, a new special committee for global quality will be assembled, and a new framework put in place for receiving and monitoring customer feedback.

In addition, the group revealed that a brake-override system will be introduced on all future models and all vehicles’ electronic throttle fail-safe system will be tested independently.

A statement from the company added: "Toyota, taking to heart the customer feedback it has received, reaffirms, together with its dealers, suppliers and employees worldwide, its commitment to unwavering quality in products and services, and to the spirit of ‘customer first’."

Toyota is currently recalling around 8.5 million cars, due to faults ranging from dangerous floor mats, defective accelerator pedals and brake system failures in its flagship Prius hybrid.

Carmaker Kia is attempting to give drivers peace of mind with a new seven-year warranty scheme.

The company is now offering the protection on all of its models, whereas the offer had only previously been available on the firm’s European-built vehicles.

According to the group, motorists now expect safety, reliability and an enjoyable motoring experience from their cars and are no longer satisfied with simply making it from A to B.

Michael Cole, managing director of Kia Motors in the UK, commented: "The warranty covers every vehicle in our line-up for up to seven years – and no-one in the business can boast that.

"Even better, the warranty is transferable to subsequent owners bringing a big boost for used values."

In other automotive maintenance news, research carried out by Motor Codes earlier this month showed that 14 million people have been unhappy with the amount garages have charged them for work on their vehicles.

Swiss car manufacturer Rinspeed is set to unveil what it believes is the future of urban motoring at the Geneva Motor Show.

The company’s UC? vehicle is fully-electric, requiring just 40 minutes to fully-charge and boasting a range of 65 miles and a top speed of 75mph.

In addition, the car is just 2.6 metres in length and boasts an impressive range of in-built technology, including a permanent 3G network connection and an onboard computer system.

However, it is the fact that the UC? is designed so that it can be loaded onto a train for long-distance journeys that is likely to catch the eyes of delegates at the Geneva show, with the makers confident that the innovation will prove a hit with consumers keen to enjoy freedom in the city, but also happy to sit back and relax or catch up with some work over long distances.

"I can make more efficient use of my time than spending it driving on a boring highway," Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht explained.

"I’d rather visit the train restaurant or retreat to work in my car."

This comes as Hertz has announced that it is to offer the Nissan Leaf all-electric car as a rental from 2011.

Porsche has announced plans to introduce two new models to its Gran Turismo range, with the pair to be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show in April.

With the German sports car manufacturer having introduced its Panamera in 2009 to widespread acclaim, it has now confirmed that it will be expanding its range with the upcoming introduction of the Gran Turismo Panamera and the Panamera 4.

Both of the new models will be powered by a new 3.6-litre V6 engine, capable of producing 300hp and peak torque of 400nm.

The latest additions to the Porsche family also boast improved fuel efficiency over earlier models, with the Panamera capable of achieving a carbon emission rate of 218g/km and the Panamera 4 a rate of 213g/km.

Furthermore, both models come equipped with "a high standard of comfort and a luxurious interior ambiance", Porsche has stated, while they also boast adaptive air suspension and Bi-Xenon headlights as standard.

At the same time, the company is boosting its green credentials by fitting solar panels to its Porsche spare parts warehouse in Germany, with the new cells expected to generate an output of 2MW.

Nissan will unveil its all-new Global Compact Car at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, it has been confirmed.

Just a matter of days ago, the Japanese manufacturer announced that it is to use the upcoming Swiss event to launch its new Juke, which it claims effectively combines ‘SUV toughness’ with sporting style.

Now, it has been confirmed that Nissan’s replacement for its Micra will go on show to the world in March, just before it is launched onto the Thai market.

According to the company, the new Global Compact car is the first Nissan model to be built on its new V platform, designed to minimise weight and thereby keep costs and fuel emissions down.

At the same time, Nissan has also revealed that it will be using the opportunity of the Geneva Motor Show to put forward a number of other new models, including its Leaf C-segment car, which boasts a zero carbon emission rate thanks to its all-electric motor, and which is scheduled to be launched in Europe at the end of 2010.

In addition, Nissan’s Qashqai, as well as its Pathfinder and Navara have also been given makeovers, with the results due to be premiered to delegates at the Swiss industry event.

Meanwhile, Nissan is also looking to boost its presence in the Middle Eastern SUV market with the 2011 launch of its new-look Patrol.

Around one in three Britons would not even attempt to get the price of a new car down, research has found.

With the ‘10′ number plate set to be made available at the start of next month, a new study carried out by esure found that one in 25 drivers are considering getting a new, rather than an older car.

And, despite the country having only just come out of recession, 33 per cent of these prospective buyers wouldn’t attempt to haggle on the forecourt, while almost half would head to the dealer having done little or no homework into the types of financing available for new car purchases.

Furthermore, the study also found that 11 per cent of people would be happy to simply take whatever financing they were offered at a dealer, meaning many could find themselves seriously out of pocket over the longer-term future.

Commenting, Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure, said: "Motorists should never be afraid to haggle down the price of a new car.

"Shopping around is also key so whether it’s the insurance cover, finance package or the price tag of a new set of wheels, motorists should spend a little extra time doing their homework beforehand to make sure they get a good deal."

At the start of the year, a desire to take advantage of the lower rate of VAT was cited as a main reason behind the boom seen in new cars sales

Peugeot is gearing up to officially unveil its new luxury concept car, the 5.

The French manufacturer is scheduled to unveil its eagerly-anticipated new model to the world at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

However, details of the car have already emerged, with the first pictures and specifications news suggesting that the vehicle will be targeted largely at buyers in the luxury end of the market, and specifically those currently opting for the likes of Mercedes Benz and BMW.

In addition to its sleek shell, the 5 boasts cutting-edge technology designed to appeal to the more eco-friendly motorists.

Powered by Peugeot’s Hybrid4 technology, the car will be capable of producing either zero or 99g/km carbon emissions, depending on the specific model, while it will also be able to manage 163bhp, with a 2.0-litre HDI motor complemented by a 37bhp electric motor in the rear.

"This car is further proof of our environmental strategy," explained a spokesman for the company.

"The modular technology of the Hybrid4 system can be combined with a range of naturally-aspirated engines according to market requirements, and can be fitted to different body shapes and different platforms."

Meanwhile, Porsche is also set to unveil its new hybrid sports car at the Swiss motor show, which will take place next month.