The breakdown group...
The breakdown group has just revealed its most unusual call-outs - and animals have caused many of the bizarre problems.
First up is the Ampera...
First up is the Ampera ò€“ an all-new concept designed to lead the British manufacturerò€™s charge into the electric car market. Itò€™s tipped to line up alongside the forthcoming flagship Insignia, the VXR, which we reveal for the first time in our spy shot.
Official details are still scarce ò€“ the only picture of the Ampera is this Opel-badged example ò€“ but Auto Express has learned that itò€™s powered by GMò€™s groundbreaking electric propulsion technology, called Voltec. The drivetrain debuted in the advanced Chevrolet Volt, and uses an advanced lithium-ion battery.
This alone can power the Ampera for short trips of less than 30 miles, after which it can be charged via a regular electricity socket.
For longer distances, the car will continue to drive using its battery, but will supplement its energy supply with power generated by a small internal combustion engine.
Thereò€™s no official confirmation of when the Ampera will go on sale yet, but itò€™s likely to hit the road as early as 2011, and could be built alongside the new Astra.