The crooks respond to...
The crooks respond to classified ads in the specialist press, and pay for vehicles with high-quality forged bankers" draft cheques. By the time the forgery is spotted - usually days later - the seller has handed over the keys and paperwork. The car is either exported or quickly sold on again.
SEMA is the world"s...
SEMA is the world"s largest expo for tuners and modifiers, and more than 100,000 fans packed the four-day event.
PUV seemed like a good name for the car - there"s a 650bhp supercharged V8 under the bonnet, and the vehicle was developed for Volvo by Californian outfit Aria Group. As part of the sporty bodykit, there"s a moose logo on the front wing to portray the maker"s Swedish heritage. However, one observer was heard to say: "The car is Ferrari racing red, so I think it"s a prancing moose!"
Hard to miss alongside it was a silver Evolve S40, with tyres so fat the rear suspension had to be moved into the boot. This car was a follow-up to last year"s SEMA hit, the Evolve S60.
Part of the show"s annual appeal is that there"s something for everyone - and 2004 was no exception. Modified BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches and even Bentleys dominated the expo. But it"s not only about cars; a cool ride is promised for drivers using new seat covers that soak up body heat. The "smart" fabric, launched by parts supplier Shawmut, is based on NASA materials which stop astronauts getting hot. The seat stores the warmth away from the occupant, and releases it when the car is empty.