No, I really think its an excellent car, honest I do

[David Gibb]

Are any other PHers getting concerned about the apparent largesse of car manufacturers to motoring journalists and the effects that might be having on their independence?

There seems to be any awful lot of journalists travelling with Land Rover for example to events like the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand when there didn't appear to be any real Land Rover stories that required covering?

This must have cost a fortune with business travel, luxury hotels, meals etc. Be honest fellow PHers how critical would you be of a new car after treatment like that?

The same comment applies to travelling to California ostensibly to cover the LA Show (vital these days old boy!! yeah maybe) and to drive a Landie Defender on a beach.

Or to drive the new Porsche 911 on roads totally unlike those we drive on in the UK. I know. I've been there!!

Jaguar has done similar events in South Africa according to my local dealers.

A Honda dealer was telling a mate about Honda handing out iPad type tablets on the recent launch of the new Honda Civic as well. Be interesting to know how many journalists accepted this essential piece of technology and how many turned it down.

Presumably this sort of thing wouldn't go on if the car makers didnt find it worked!!!

I wonder how long it will be before the Bribery Act catches up with some people because it seem to be getting pretty close to the bone.

what do othe people think?

Gibbsie

[v8will]

Couldn't care less. Global brands - global booze n schmooze.

All of it is a drop in the ocean if you look at the numbers invloved with the big players.

Besides how much of Joe Public are actually really influenced by what a car mag says.

[-Pete-]

I liked you in the Bee Gees...