Can you explain why most new cars no longer have the rubber or plastic strips down the sides that avoided many of those irritating dents acquired in car parks from other drivers carelessly opening their doors? The fashion seems to have started with upmarket makes, such as Audi and BMW, but now appears to be an industry standard. Is this because no manufacturer wishes to be considered old-fashioned or fuddy-duddy? This ridiculous trend must be a boon for body-shops. Is there any hope that car makers will eventually see sense? And can such strips be retro-fitted?