Breaking News about Cars, Movies, Music and Travel

Sports Cars and Convertibles in demand as Brits promised sunny staycation...

TIGHT BANK BALANCES, a weak pound and predictions of a 'barbeque summer' by Met Office forecasters are encouraging many of us to stay in the UK this year.

Erento.co.uk, the world's largest and fastest-growing online rental marketplace, is seeing a huge demand for sports cars and convertibles as those planning a 'staycation' treat themselves to a mini-break with a more enjoyable driving experience.

Instead of planning a beach holiday in Europe, many are opting for time at home, a holiday in the countryside or a long weekend by the sea.

Bognor Regis has secured Rolling Stone's Charlie Watts and Butlins is booming in a newly-austere Britain with bookings up by 15 per cent this summer.

Indeed, tourism boards across England, Wales and Scotland are all expecting a bumper holiday season. At the same time, many car enthusiasts have sold their rapidly depreciating sports cars while others have delayed buying a new car.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), UK production fell by a staggering 55% in April, compared with the same month last year.

Having saved significant sums by staying in Blighty and avoiding car purchases, many appear to be enjoying a relatively small indulgence.

Demand for a wide range of sports cars and convertibles — from a Caterham or Mini Cooper S to a convertible Mercedes or Porsche — has surged by 22% compared to this time last year.

Even classics such as MGBs and Jaguar E-Types are enjoying increased demand as holidaymakers opt for a more quintessentially English break.

Erento provides a one-stop shop for the hire industry, making it quick and easy to search for virtually any rental product. By bringing together over 1.5 million rental items from 9,200 trusted hire companies, erento enables people to rapidly find the most appropriate rental service based on location as well as price.

* Mini Cooper S Cabriolet Ł116 per day | 1964 MGB 1800 Convertible Ł150 per day | Mercedes SLK Convertible Ł225 per day | Porsche Boxter Ł264 per day | Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Ł275 per day.

Pimp your Pet’s ride with Autoglym’s new
Canine Collection...

PAMPERED PETS are used to the best in life and leading car care company, Autoglym, has now created a special 'Canine Collection' cleaning kit to ensure that the family car stays clean and fresh for its special passengers.

Available from retailers from early June, Autoglym's kit contains a specially developed hair removal brush, a dashboard and upholstery cleaner, a glass cleaner and an odour eliminator.

Autoglym Canine Collection

"The family pet can have a significant impact on the appearance and smell of a car's interior," comments Autoglym Director, David Rogers. "Autoglym's research into dogs in vehicles identified several 'pet hates' that motorists would like to address.

"From muddy paws and wet noses on glass, to fur on seats and unwanted smells, our new Canine Collection has been designed to tackle every pet-related cleaning challenge."

Autoglym's Pet Hair Removal Brush is double-sided, allowing removal of long and short hair. The easy-to-use spray and wipe Interior Shampoo removes dirt and freshens upholstery, while the worst smells can be dealt with using the Odour Eliminator spray. Completing the kit is Fast Glass, a super-quick cleaning treatment that removes smears, dirt and doggy-drool from windows.

Autoglym's Canine Collection retails at Ł19.99 (RRP) and is available from independent car accessory outlets.

To discover more about Autoglym's range of premium products and to find your nearest retailer, go to Autoglym.com or call 01462 677766.

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The Italian Job 40th Anniversary Special Edition DVD & Blu-ray...

THE ITALIAN JOB has been blowing the bloody doors off for the past forty years and to celebrate, Paramount Home Entertainment is presenting a rare special edition that will have collectors racing in their Minis to get their hands on a copy.

With over 100 minutes of special features, including rare interviews with cast and crew and a special chat with everyone's favourite cockney — Michael Caine — this special edition is a must for fans of one of the most iconic British films of all time.

The Italian Job 40th Anniversary Special Edition

This classic heist, which has been paid homage to time and time again, stars Michael Caine as main con Charlie Croker. Charlie and his gang of thieves mastermind a job to rip off a cache of gold in Turin, with the help of three unforgettable Minis. With the police hot on his heels, Charlie soon finds that grabbing the money is child's play compared to getting away with it...

With 60's style, British humour, a seminal car chase and a real cliff-hanger of an ending, The Italian Job genuinely deserves its place as one of the most iconic British films of all time.

Have the ride of your life with a host of special features including mind-blowing 'Mini stunts', an amazing restoration, the making of the iconic Self Preservation Society theme tune, thrilling documentaries and a ton more.

The Italian Job 40th Anniversary Special Edition (2-disc) is available to buy on DVD & Blu-ray on June 15 (2009) from Paramount Home Entertainment at a RRP of Ł12.99.

‘Summer Sensations’ deals
at Macdonald Hotels
near Ascot and Camberley:
£99 B&B family rooms...

FAMILIES SHARING A ROOM at the Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa, near Ascot, Berkshire and the Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel & Spa, near Camberley, Surrey, can stay for just Ł99 including full English breakfast for two adults and two children under five (breakfast for youngsters aged 5-12 is at the reduced price of Ł5).

The 'Summer Sensations' offer is valid from 26 July until 6 September.

Both hotels are within easy reach of several family attractions for a variety of days out: these include Legoland, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventure, Windsor Castle, Eton College, Savill Garden and Guildford Cathedral.

Alternatively guests can enjoy a leisurely walk around Windsor Great Park or a relaxing boat trip on the River Thames.

All rooms at the Berystede and Frimley Hall hotels are air-cooled, have a mini bar and free Internet access. Guests also have full use of the VITAL Spas in both hotels with their large indoor pools, thermal suites, relaxation areas and Technogyms.

Head-to-toe pamper treatments are available for men and women in the beauty studios using Decleor products from Paris and, in the case of the Berystede, the luxury Carita range too.

For details or to make a booking

Macdonald Berystede Hotel:
Tel 0844 879 9104 or go to macdonaldhotels.co.uk.

Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel:
Tel 0844 879 9110 or visit macdonaldhotels.co.uk.

Special Legoland accommodation / admission packages are also available — ask for details when calling.

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