What the papers say: December 22

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

Brown puts millions on the table to save Jaguar
The Times reports that the planned Government bail-out of Jaguar has enabled the company to secure last-minute funding from banks. The paper says that the Government's tough rhetoric in public combined with private assurances has helped Jaguar's Indian owners, Tata, to secure enough private cash to postpone the state bail-out until after Christmas.
The Times

Mandelson's Jaguar brinksmanship
The Daily Mail reports that Lord Mandelson has ruled out a blanket bail-out for Jaguar, however, he has left the door open for limited assistance to the troubled car maker. The paper says that the Business Secretary has told Jaguar's Indian owners to look to their own resources to keep the company afloat, with Tata looking for up to 1 billion to help it through the worst downturn in car sales for 10 years.
Daily Mail

Ministers prepare for Jaguar rescue
The Guardian, however, reports that the Government is about to embark on one of the 'biggest industrial bail-outs in a generation', as it prepares to save Jaguar Land Rover from collapse. The paper says that the Government will hold out for as long as possible, but is prepared to swing into action at short notice.
The Guardian

Tata inject cash into Jaguar
The Financial Times reports that Jaguar's Indian owner Tata has agreed to inject 'tens of millions' of pounds into the ailing car maker. The move is to prevent an imminent cash flow crisis, while the Government continues to consider the case for a full bail-out of the company.
The Financial Times

Why save Jaguar, but let Woolies face the wolves?
What's the difference between a car maker and a high-street institution? That's the question posed by The Times, as the paper debates why Jaguar should be saved with public cash, while Woolworths is allowed to fail.
The Times

Car failures would cost Pension Protection Fund 500 million
Britain's Pension Protection Fund (PPF) faces a bill of 500 million if both Jaguar Land Rover and Vauxhall are pushed into administration, according to The Daily Telegraph. The PPF guarantees pension funds in the event of firms collapsing.
The Daily Telegraph

Citroen dealer in 'bogof' offer
The Daily Telegraph reports on a car dealer offering customers a buy-one-get-one-free offer in a desperate attempt to attract business. The dealer, from the Isle Of Wight, is giving customers a Citroen C1 Vibe (worth 6000) if they buy a top-of-the-range C4 Picasso Lounge, with a list price of 23,995.
The Daily Telegraph

Are you a 'Homer' or a 'Spock
Britons fall into two distinct character groups when travelling, according to a report in The Daily Telegraph. The study, carried out by the University of the West of England claims that one group - the 'Spocks' - will check out all available resources to ensure their journey is as efficient and economical as possible, whereas the 'Homers' will simply accept delays and congestion as a fact of life.
The Daily Telegraph