What the papers say: December 1

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

Motorists hit by 1.4 million-a-week tax
The Daily Express leads with today's 2p-a-litre rise in fuel duty. The paper calculates the UK's motorists will be 'hammered' to the tune of 140 million-a-week with the new stealth tax. The AA says that the VAT cut will not be enough to cancel out the increase in fuel duty. The increase in fuel duty will earn the Treasury an extra 200,000 each day. The increase is despite Chancellor Alistair Darling claiming the increase would be neutral when combined with the VAT cut.
Daily Express

Oil production cut on way
OPEC, the oil production cartel has paved the way for a third cut in oil production in December. The Financial Times reports that the group's leader, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, has indicted he wants the price of a barrel of crude to increase from the current level of $50 to $75.
Financial Times

Oil production cut on way
The Times, however, reports that oil traders are bracing themselves for a further fall in crude prices. The paper claims OPEC has deferred any cuts in production amid rifts among its membership.
Times

GM and Ford seek help for Saab and Volvo
The Financial Times reports that General Motors and Ford have contacted the Swedish Government, in the hope of receiving state aid for their trouble Saab and Volvo brands. The paper says the companies want to bolster the two marques' finances ahead of selling them.
Financial Times

Christmas drink and drug campaign
Police forces across the UK will step up their fight against drink and drug drivers this Christmas, according to the Daily Express. The Christmas campaign will entail the use of more impairment tests to check if drivers are under the influence of drugs, as well as more traditional alcohol testing.
Daily Express

Britain must go electric
The Daily Telegraph reports that The Committee on Climate Change will report that large numbers of drivers will have to change to electric cars by 2025 if Britain is to meet legally binding reductions in CO2 emissions.
The Daily Telegraph

Hungover drivers
Drivers who get behind the wheel while suffering from a hangover are four times more dangerous than when totally sober. The survey commissioned by insurers RSA, revealed that the hungover drivers they tested drove nearly 10mph faster, left their lane four times more often and committed twice as many traffic offences as sober drivers.
The Daily Telegraph

8000 for 'toy' Ferrari?
The Daily Telegraph pictures an auction house worker who is sitting in a driveable model Ferrari 330P2, which is expected to raise 8000 at today's Bonham's motor auction.
The Daily Telegraph