Car sales boom above forecast in September October 4, 2012 CAR SALES exceeded expectations in crucial numberplate changeover month September, data from an industry body revealed yesterday. Car registrations were up 8.2 per cent compared to last year, hitting 359,612, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said, with analysts calling the boost “fantastic” for the car industry. This latest boost meant that 67,515 [...]
Killer threads: suiting Mr Connery October 4, 2012 IF you were being bold, you might argue that the 5 October 1962 – 50 years ago today – was the most important date in the history of Hollywood’s love affair with men’s style. It was the day Dr No opened in cinemas, giving the first glimpse of 007 as he sat at the baccarat [...]
Bond remains as cool as ever in latest outing October 4, 2012 Since Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond his wardrobe has been the domain of Tom Ford, working with the films’ costume designers. From the few Skyfall snippets we’ve seen, Ford is keeping things strictly on the straight and narrow, with slim, light-grey suits lifted by a mere hint of white pocket square. Maybe even Bond watches [...]
Europe weighs on S&P as car firms improve October 2, 2012 WALL Street ended little changed in a volatile session on Tuesday as uncertainty over when Spain might apply for a bailout shackled a market struggling to build on gains that took the S&P 500 to its highest in nearly five years. The market was also hamstrung by concerns about the upcoming reporting period that kicks [...]
Few compromises on this eco Ford October 2, 2012 With fuel economy figures of 78.5mpg, Ford’s Fiesta Econetic model is not just the most economical model in Ford’s range but one of the most frugal cars on sale anywhere. This is one reason why I am not overly excited to drive it: in my experience, most super-economical and green cars are lacking enjoyment-wise. Which [...]
Pitt’s latest is blunt, violent and zingy as hell September 20, 2012 FILM KILLING THEM SOFTLY Cert 18 | **** Killing Them Softly has the kind of script that, in lesser hands, and with lesser actors, could have been laughably bad. But director Andrew Dominik, the man behind the excellent The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, never blinks as he unfurls this ultra-violent, [...]
Solvency II insurance reforms could be delayed once again September 19, 2012 EUROPEAN commissioner Michel Barnier has proposed delaying the introduction of the EU’s new capital requirements for insurers – known as Solvency II – from 2014 to 2015, it was reported yesterday. Tim Ford, a Solvency II specialist at Ernst & Young, told City A.M. that a forthcoming impact study means delaying it now could result in a [...]
Ford suffers as falling car sales across Europe hit automakers September 18, 2012 EUROPEAN car sales fell 8.5 per cent in August, making it the 11th straight monthly decline. The drop was led by Ford, General Motors and Fiat as mid-market brands bore the brunt of the slump in markets including Italy, France and Germany. The region recorded 722,483 registrations last month, the Association of European Automakers said, [...]
What the other papers say this morning September 12, 2012 FINANCIAL TIMES UBS looks to cap banker bonuses UBS is looking at capping bankers’ bonuses following regulatory and investor pressure. Switzerland’s largest bank by assets is considering a range of options including putting a lid on executives’ bonuses, increasing the time for deferred pay to five years and aligning its absolute remuneration level with the [...]
Have you got a…Scents of occasion? September 10, 2012 THE BIG NIGHT OUT For those nights of drinks and dancing and general debauchery wear heavy, intoxicating scents. Spicy, musky tones offer a sense of warmth with floral notes adding a richness to the scent. Chanel Coco Noir; £106 Claiming to capturing the seduction, elegance and magnetism of the colour black, this rich scent is [...]