What the papers say: December 19

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

Jaguar Land Rover bail out
The proposed bail-out of Jaguar and Land Rover is getting plenty of column inches in today's press. The Independent reports that Lord Mandelson and the Treasury are at odds over the bail-out plan. Business ministers are said to be sympathetic to Jaguar's pleas for one-off financial help, while the Treasury is concerned that it would set a dangerous precedent offering the car-maker a lifeline in the week that high-street store Woolworths announced its closure.
The Independent

The Times reports that the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) says the Government should give state aid. CBI director general Richard Lambert said: 'The whole industry needs access to credit and this is something that the Government could and should do with urgency.'
The Times

US car maker bail-out
President Bush is looking at 'orderly' bankruptcy as a possible way to deal with the US car industry, reports the Independent. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said bankruptcy should be avoided if possible, but an orderly reorganisation may be the best option to stop a total collapse.
The Independent

Oil prices plummet
The Financial Times reports that oil prices have tumbled to nearly a five-year low, trading below $35 a barrel. Oil was more than $140 a barrel during the summer.
Financial Times

Meanwhile...
Don't get too used to low fuel prices, however. Gordon Brown has warned that the price of oil could soon jump again as the world economy recovers from the downturn.
The Telegraph

10p pieces spark bomb alert
The Mirror reports how a disgruntled motorist had sparked a bomb alert when he made a protest by paying a parking fine in 10p coins. The driver had spent 7 to send the coins by recorded delivery. Staff were suspicious that the parcel was a bomb, and called in army bomb disposal experts.
Daily Mirror

Road rage lord
The Daily Mail reports on a court case where a peer of the realm, Baron Kirkham of Old Cantley, allegedly kicked and punched a motorist in a road-rage attack. Graham Kirkham, chief executive of the DFS furniture chain, denies assault occasioning actual bodily harm.