The new Volkswagen Polo.

In autumn this year, at the showroom in Paris Volkswagen promises to introduce a new generation Polo. This car from the Germans special rate because "W" segment in the European market is now one of the biggest. In addition, the new Polo should make a serious competition for models such as the Opel Corsa and Peugeot 207. Interestingly, the Polo would do not only as a 3 - and 5 - door Hatchback. It is expected that the Germans will extend range and even odnoobemnikom convertible! Is not excluded, and the emergence of off-road version of Polo. Volkswagen Polo next generation will be slightly more than his predecessor. But under the hood of the machine will begin to put a petrol engine volume 1.4 litres. (in atmospheric form and the turbo), and economical diesel engines, which will spend less than 4 litre diesel in the city.

Volkswagen Scirocco is shown

Volkswagen introduced the official photographs of serial version of its coupe called Scirocco - this model will be shown next week at the motor show in Geneva. The car will look very interesting, although his appearance does not look such a predator, like a debut as early as 2006, the concept Iroc. All the technical details of the new Scirocco has not yet been communicated. But now known that the model will be equipped with a petrol engine volume of 1.4 litre turbo, which delivers 122 horsepower from up to 170 hp depending on the configuration. There will be more powerful 2.0 - Layout litre (200 hp). How much will it cost and when Scirocco machine will be on sale now is not known.

Mazda is preparing yet another "Six"

The market soon, another version Mazda6. This is a sedan car in the body, which is intended for sale in the American market. Car generally looks like a European version of "Six", which we have already sold. However, the model will receive slightly different design of the front and rear parts. In addition, the classic American features - and a special red povorotniki vyshtampovka under the "number" shtatovsky know.

Rather, under the hood of American Mazda6 will raise petrol 4 - cylinder engine volume of 2.5 litres. Moreover, it is possible that "Six" will be equipped with V6 engine

Suzuki this year will begin selling large sedan

Representatives Suzuki confirmed that already this year, they will present a serial version of its new large sedan Kizashi. The car will be competing models such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Mazda6. Suzuki, in recent years, developed very actively. If, in 1997, it sold 1 million 654 thousand cars, in 2009, the Japanese want to reach 3 million mark That is why Suzuki wants to have their cars not only mikro ones and SUV segment, but also in the class "D". Serial car will be built in the same style as Kizashi concept shown last September at the Frankfurt motor show (it is in the photos). It is anticipated that under the hood of this model will be put motors volume of 1.8 litres to 2.5 litres, but more detailed information about the technical features of Kizashi will appear later.

Production of Ford Kuga

Today at the Ford plant in the German city Saarluis began production Ford Kuga. Ford Company plans to collect this year, about 45 thousand crossovers, nearly 10 percent of total annual output of the plant. To support the production of Saarluise Kuga, a company Ford has invested heavily in new production technologies. "Kuga bring into this rapidly growing market crossover segment such dignity, as recognizable exterior with" kinetic "design, zasluzhivshie recognition road driving quality and Ford increased the quality of construction" - said President and CEO of Ford of Europe, John Fleming. Kuga - fourth model, which began production in Saarluise over the past 12 months. It follows the new Ford C-MAX, emerged in March 2007, the new Ford Focus, emerged in December 2007, and the new Ford Focus ST, emerged earlier this month. Now the plant for the first time in Saarluis simultaneously produces three different model programs - Focus C-MAX and Kuga. Ford Kuga will meet only in Saarluise, 84 per cent of manufactured cars will be exported to 32 countries. Russia, according to representatives of Ford, will be the first market in which to begin Kuga. On the domestic market will be the first machine during the UEFA Champions League finals in late May.

BMW 5 - the series will receive exclusive bundling

BMW will show at the Geneva motor show in the "top five" at one of three new bundling. These series will receive special designation Sport, Lifestyle and Exclusive. According to the Bavarian concern, the emergence of limited Sixes parties "need" to better meet the needs of the clients, who sometimes want to travel to a lack of standard machines. So, what is new bundling will be different. 5-Series Edition Exclusive will be a special platinum-painted bronze paint, and on the bodywork have additional elements of chromium. In addition, the original 17 - inch wheels, but there inserts in the cabin of wood. Lifestyle-5 series is intended for young people who follow the latest fashion trends. Glamorous "five" will be painted in very unusual blue-grey color, but in the cabin of such machines will be plenty of chrome and leather. Regarding Sport versions, these cars will be painted in red or dark blue, and will include a complete set of models 18 - inch wheels. Moreover, such a model would differ by more rigid suspension, which will resemble a flying from the BMW M5, sport steering wheel and seating area of "emki".

Meat can be made directly into the silencer

Recently, the Internet site Designboom held a competition for the best idea of cooking in 2015. I recorded one of the Iranian won designers, who presented the project cooking fried meat ... silencer road! According to the creators, vehicle exhaust are fairly high temperature, which is a sin not to use. That's why the Iranians offered little to change the traditional form silencer and equip its special box, where you can put meat. In the process of driving through the exhaust gases boxing will be as soaked, which will help prepare delicious meat in own juice.

Three were listed as the best car in the world

On 20 March this year at a motor show in New York, will be declared the best car in the world in 2008. But now known names of three semifinalists: Ford Mondeo, Mazda2, Mercedes-Benz C-class. That some of them will be the winner of the World Competition "World Car of the Year". In addition, the semi-named in three additional nominations. The best car Ford Mondeo Mazda2 / Mazda Demio Mercedes-Benz C-Class The best sports car Audi R8 Audi S5 Coupe BMW M3 The best "green" car BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics SmartForTwo cdi Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI The best automotive design Audi R8 Mazda2 / Mazda Demio Volvo C30

In Renault will turn all four wheels

Renault presented the first photographs of the fastest versions of the model Laguna. The car was named Laguna GT. These machines will have a new aerodynamic bonnet, reinforced brakes, a tougher suspension. And the engines would also be a very decent - or 2.0 - litre diesel engine (180 hp), or motor gasoline volume turbocharged 2.0 litre (205 hp). But the most important feature of Laguna GT will not be another appearance and is not even in the engine. This machine will receive Active Drive system, which will rotate in the direction of not only the front, but the rear wheels! True, only a small angle. We can not say that Laguna GT will be the first in the world fuldriven car. In Japan, the machines did back in 80-90 - of the last century. However, the Japanese have renounced such "novelty" - too expensive and technically complex obtained cars.

Jaguar will show in Geneva, the new Jaguar XKR Portfolio

New products will be available as early as July. The new Jaguar XKR Portfolio will be selected from the crowd for its aluminum "gills" on the sides, varnishing exclusive "Shadow Grey", the emblem of a red Jaguar, the sports braking system with 400 mm. and 350 mm. braking "washers", as well as the 20 - inch disks with the sport-tyres. In the interior, the new Jaguar XKR Portfolio acquired sufficient leather finishing, timber expensive varieties, expensive lacquer coating and a powerful multimedia system. With regard to the power plant, the Jaguar put in the old - 4.2 - litre V8 power at 416 horsepower and maximum torque of 560 nm, which is staffed six-speed auto transmission, with the possibility of switching speeds with the help of "petals" on the steering wheel. Price news is not reported.

Cheap Mitsubishi Outlander XL

A Mitsubishi Outlander XL c 2.4 litre engine. It is worth from $ 33000 - with the ICIE and cloth, or from $ 38000 - Skin and variatorom. Motor gasoline volume 2.4 liters - the result of a joint project of the World "engine" company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai Motor Company. Its distinctive design features - cast aluminum block under pressure cylinders, electronic control system and the gas distribution phases lifting height valves (MIVEC), back located exhaust manifold. 2.4 liter motor paired with variator allows for a very comfortable ride Outlander at speeds of 160-170 km / h, keeping 3000-3500 revolutions.

Chrysler 300C SRT issued a diesel for Europe

The European market a diesel car with sporting honors 300C SRT-Design. At the car set V6 engine volume 3 liters and 218 hp power, maximum torque - 510 Nm Cardir writes. Model distinguish new lights, dash panel and the central console is a new design, spoiler on the trunk and a new ignition key. Multimedia navigation system - with hard drive and a 20 GB TFT screen.

BMW has set up a diesel hybrid

This year, mostly car company BMW at the motor show in Geneva will predseriynaya hybrid version X5. Representatives of BMW refused to say when such a car will go into production, but, according to the German journalists, it can happen at the end of the year!

The most interesting is that BMW H5 Vision EfficientDynamics will have no petrol engine, which operates in a pair of electric and diesel! And, 4 - cylinder 2.0 litre total volume. But do not think that this machine will be suitable only for an hour at speeds funeral procession. New Bavarian diesel gives splashes 204 hp and 400 Nm! And if added to the more electric, which has a 20 hp and 210 Nm, it is clear that a hybrid BMW X5 will be quite dynamic machine. According to BMW, Time disperse 0-100 km / h from the model takes 8.9 seconds. No significant others. Fuel Hybrid SUV reach 6.5 liter diesel!

In addition to the availability of electric, hybrid BMW X5 will be different availability of a special battery, which can store energy received during braking. And then this energy will be used to ensure the viability of various electronic systems that provide comfort: climate control, music and other things.

Not only on the roof of the car will be solar battery! That is slightly lower fuel consumption.

Kia will show just three crossover

Kia Motor to introduce in Geneva immediately Three conceptual SUV. These vehicles must show will look like little crossover from the Korean company, which may appear on the market before 2010. It is expected that this model will stand on the step below Sportage. Thus, it may be assumed that it will be one of the most affordable cars on the market of such a plan.

It is anticipated that under the hood of a small car from Kia will raise the volume of motor gasoline 1.6 litres, as well as the volume of 1.5 litres of diesel. Drive in front will be the basic version, but buyers will be able to order if desired, and all-transmission.

Peugeot makes little crossover

Rumours persist that Peugeot will do crossover to the new 308 models are confirmed. The French have already begun tests of this car, which will appear on the market in 2009. In the basic version of small crossover Peugeot receive front drive, but expensive versions will be equipped with all - speed transmissions. Under the hood will be the same model of motor gasoline volume of 1.6 litres in a few modifications (like turbo or without), as well as the volume of 1.6 litre diesel engine and 2.0 litre.

Most likely, the machine will be called the Peugeot 3008. The main competitors of this model will become popular in Europe, such as cars and Nissan Qashqai Toyota Urban Cruiser.

BMW India plans small luxury car

Luxury car manufacturer BMW India is launching a market study on the feasibility of a small car in the luxury segment. “We have not decided on our plans for small cars in India... but are conducting a study to analyze the market,” BMW India president Peter Kronschnabl said.

“Our small cars cost Rs 10 lakh overseas. Importing them here will increase the price by more than 100%. We are not sure whether a small luxury car with such a pricing will work in India,” he added.

BMW directs to the top position in India in the luxury vehicle segment over the next 3 to 5 years and has concluded to focus on the Indian market. Company has no views of exporting the BMW 3 and BMW 5 series cars manufactured at its Chennai plant.

The company is also going to increase its dealerships to 12 by 2009, having opened a ninth dealer outlet in Pune in partnership with the Pune-based auto retailer Bavaria Motors. “There is a good potential for luxury cars in India. As the total car market in India was growing at 16%, luxury car market is growing at more than 50%.

There are close to 3 500 luxury cars in India now and 2008 will add almost 4,500 luxury cars in India. We predict to reach the top position in this booming market,” said Mr. Kronschnabl.

Businessman forks out record 14 million dollars for licence plate at charity auction in Abu Dhabi

The millionaire in the United Arab Emirates are bidding massive sums of money for out-of-the-ordinary car license plates as the Gulf state basks in an oil-driven economic boom.

"It is not huge compared to my family's fortune," Saeed Abdel Ghaffar Khouri said after he bid 52.2 million dirhams (14.2 million dollars) for an Abu Dhabi license plate bearing the single number "1".

Funds from the auction will go to charities, including one to build a hospital for casualties from road accidents.

"Emiratis love cars and everything related to automobiles. They also love giving to charity," Abdullah al-Mannaei of Emirates Auction said.

But the number "1" plate that made the record price was unveiled to prospective buyers attached to a Pagani Zonda -- one of the world's fastest and most expensive cars.

Khouri said that he would have been willing to pay up to 100 million dirhams (27.4 million dollars) to get his hands on the number "1".

The Luxury Cars You Won't Find in the U.S.

Among the sets of wheels not available to U.S. buyers are the French-made Peugeot 407 and Citroen 6, and Italian-made Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider, and Lancia Thesis.

The causes are obvious. Many European carmakers, such as Peugeot, produce diesel-engine vehicles, which haven't demanded by U.S. car buyers. And some vehicles made in Europe, like the BMW 1 Series hatchback and Mercedes-Benz B Class compact, have yet to move enthusiasm among U.S. luxury vehicle buyers who bypass such small hatchbacks, preferring roomy sedans and coupes.

Preferences aside, economics also play a role. It takes a substantial investment to produce vehicles that meet strict U.S. safety and emissions standards, and establish a dealer network, says Cody Lusk, president of the American International Auto Dealers Association, representing import auto makers. Those with a limited U.S. audience often aren't willing to spend money on developing a following.

"The U.S. is one of the most rival car markets in the world," says Lusk. "Import automakers have to resolve if they want to enter a shrinking, mature market like the U.S., or take their business somewhere, to an emerging market like China."

2008 Nissan Altima

The latest generation Nissan Altima was a big step for the automaker, which gave it a look bold and powerful V6. The car should really have done better against the Toyota Camry No. 1 and No. 2 Honda Accord.

The style is planer, though the 2007 Altima is very similar to the 2006 version. A smoother, more refined 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine continues with 175 hp and 2.5 levels powers finishing. The trim levels were 3.5 revamped 3.5-liter V6, which produces 270 horse power. That’s up from 250 hp for the standard 2006 V6. (The SE-R 2006 hot rod version V6 with 260 horsepower).

V6 Altima has a standard anti-lock brakes, which are facultative for the 4-cylinder versions excluding the entry level of finish.

The security facilities are evidently important to many customers of mid-size sedans. Standard items include Altima security front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. The traction control is standard on V6 trim levels and not available on the 4-cylinder versions. An anti-skid system with a full-size spare tire is offered for the 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL.

The base Altima is well enough equipped, with items such as trip control, tilt / telescopic helm, center console, split-folding rear seat, and power mirrors, windows and locks keyless entry with remote control.

New Ford Fiesta

Ford’s new compact family car using the name Fiesta in the world, the company approveed today. Designed and developed in Europe for customers in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010, the new Fiesta is the first major product of the new Ford product development process overall. The Fiesta was also offered in the United States from 1978 to 1980.

“The new Ford Fiesta captures all aspects of what is defined as a leader Ford small cars in Europe and relies on it in terms of driving dynamics and design,” said Mark Fields, president of the Americas, Ford Motor Company. “When he arrived in North America in 2010, the Ford Fiesta will launch a new standard in the compact car segment. Even before the arrival on the market, albeit the new Fiesta demonstrates how to maximize our strengths. More over can produce other benefits for clients throughout the world.”

In Europe, the new Fiesta will start first in the production as a pretext for the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March and will go on sale in fall 2008 in three and five-door hatchback body types. In 2010, the new Fiesta will go on sale in markets across Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and North America in a variety of models adapted regionally comes from a plate - common form.

Porsche GT3 RSR: most powerful racing 911 considerably improved

The Porsche GT3 RSR rolls out the new model year with extended modifications. The most powerful race car based on the Porsche 911, which last year scored wins at the 24 hour races of Le Mans and Spa as well as overall victory at the Nuerburgring 24 hours, competes in the GT2 class at international long distance races.

The most difference of the new GT3 RSR is the front end which gained major improvements to the aerodynamics. The generality of innovations though are hidden under the weight-optimized body.

Aside from the easily recognizable additional spoilers on the front apron, so-called flicks, an optimized air ducting with newly-designed side air outlets generates more down force and reduces drag. The rear end including the rear wing was taken over from the predecessor. Extensive changes to the suspension cinematic increase mechanical grip considerably. The range of probable suspension set-ups was extended.

The 3.8-litre boxer engine of the GT3 RSR wasn’t changed apart from slight improvements to details. It delivers 465 hp (342 kW) at 8,000 revs per minute and produces a maximum torque of 430 Nm at 7,250 revs. The rev limiter of the efficient six-cylinder kicks in at 9,400 rpm.

Mercedes C-Class Is Sexy, Modern Killer in Commuter Wars

We all know that charging to and fleeing from work is a daily battle, executed in the dawn and dusk, and made even worse by winter weather. The goal isn't just to survive but to prosper in the crush of highways and fender-banging foxholes of city streets. If your budget is lower than $45,000, you need the perfect small arm, the auto equivalent of an AK-47. BMW's 3 Series is a stalwart, of course; Cadillac's revamped CTS is suddenly a contender; and, since its introduction in 1993, there's been the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. There are great perspectives on the fourth-generation C- Class's attractive new shoulders. The producer has had serious reliability issues, and as its entry-level luxury sedan, the C-Class is probably to make or pause the loyalty of new customers. All-wheel-drive (4Matic by Mercedes's term) is available on both the ``sport'' and ``luxury'' C300 models (though not the more powerful C350). The premium for AWD on the sport model is about $3,200, and the option weighs an extra 145 pounds. Both downsides. Upsides are greater survivability on ice-skimmed roads and better holding power through curves.

Daimler Posts Profit After Chrysler Sale, Job Cuts

Daimler AG, the world's second-largest maker of luxury cars, announced a IV-quarter profit after selling the Chrysler division in the U.S. and cutting jobs at Mercedes-Benz Cars. Net income equals 1.7 billion euros ($2.5 billion) compared with a year-ago loss of 12 million euros, Germany Stuttgart - based Daimler said in a report today. Revenue fell 1.9 percent to 26.5 billion euros. CEO Dieter Zetsche foretold further earnings raise in 2008 as demand for cars in emerging countries outweighs a probable recession in the U.S., Daimler's biggest market. Chrysler's selling last year will let Daimler concentrate on improving profitability at remaining divisions, including truckmaking and vehicle finance, Zetsche said today. ``These figures are another indication that the situation is much rosier than the current stock market value indicates,'' said Juergen Meyer, who helps manage 1.2 billion euros in investments, including Daimler stock, at SEB Asset Management in Frankfurt.

European January Car Sales Fall on Taxes, Consumer Confidence

European monthly vehicle sales dropped down in January, led by Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors Corp., as concern that economies are slowing prompted consumers to cut spending and France imposed an emissions tax on larger cars. New car registrations declined 0.3 per cent last month to 1.31 million ones, the Brussels-based European Automobile Manufacturers Association said today in a announcement. Purchases in Italy and France, Europe's second- and third-largest markets, slipped 7.3 per cent and 5.6 per cent, respectively. German registrations rebounded 11 per cent. ``The global credit crunch, impacting spending and confidence,'' weighed on car sales, the association said. Sales at Toyota, the world's second-largest carmaker, dropped 11 percent to 75,801 vehicles. The Toyota City, Japan- based carmaker's European market stake declined to 5.8 per cent from 6.5 per cent. Registrations in Detroit-based General Motors region fell 8.1 percent to 124,219 vehicles, while its market share dropped to 9.5 percent from 10.3. Ford Motor Co., which ranks third in the region, recorded a 3.5 percent slide to 141,572 vehicles.

Limo blow for Scarning man

Alan Bell was determined to live, not out of the state when he was dismissed after he spent most of his working life at Crane Fruehauf in Dereham. The former production supervisor staked his savings to rent a limousine. But now Mr. Bell, 45, is facing a court battle with Breckland Council was rejected after a licence for his left hand drive American car with black-out windows. Mr Bell said: "What is really frustrating is that it buddies of mine in King's Lynn doing the same with the same kind of car. "Breckland have said that they will not license me because my car is American, as all limousines, and it is left, which they think is dangerous." Mr. Bell lives in Scarning with his wife, Clare, her two daughters, Chloe, 14, and Georgia, nine, and his mother, Winifred, 80 He said: "I am just trying to support the family. We have all our ploughed in cash. My wife is a nurse in Dereham hospital, so they supported us at the moment. Helps the whole family, including my mother with her pension . " Mr. Bell at a meeting of the Licensing Committee's Breckland end of May and was crushed by the decision, which he left in between the dreams shreds. "I have only so much into this, so I decided to appeal. I do not see why it was in King's Lynn, but not here," he said. "I myself have my first-aid certificate - I have done everything I can to please the Council, and I am not the task that easily." Breckland claims that the left-vehicles have restricted vision and therefore a higher risk of accidents. He says it is against the policy of the Council license unsuit vehicles are stretched because they are the group of narrow streets. Principal environmental health officer, and Nigel Burrows, said: "We have understanding for the decision of Mr. Bell, and were consulting him on the possible options. We have explained why we have him." Mr. Bell has a complaint against the decision and will appear at Thetford Magistrates' Court next Monday to argue his case. He will come in the car in question, accompanied by his friends from Bob's Stateside lemonades in their cars identical. Mr Bell said: "I thought, I can go with a bang, if they do not change their minds." Breckland is not the first town in Norfolk to ban stretch limousines. Last year, South Norfolk Council voted to deny Lee Tutton a license for his limousine on similar grounds. It was also concerned about the age of the car and because he left.

Stretch limos to be licensed in safety drive

ALL stretch limousines in Rotherham are licensed under new plans by municipal leaders. From 1 January next year, all stretch limousines in the city to be licensed under the new "special occasion" private hire category, as part of Rotherham Council's commitment to public safety. After the huge increase in the use of such vehicles - currently there are about 40 companies advertising stretch limousine hire in the Rotherham area - the authority will be proved that the vehicles used and operated safely. Rotherham Licensing Board also wants to ensure that the drivers are fit and proper members of the public and are competent drivers of such vehicles. Licensing enforcement officer Tony Minett said that in the past, these vehicles only for weddings and funerals. He said: "Today, however, they are rapidly become a popular form of transport for days and nights, special events and school parties. "At the moment the majority of limousine drivers are not in any kind of criminal history check during the on-site inspections by our officers have revealed that alcohol is consumed, passengers under 18 years of age." The problem was on the issue of Ficers in a dilemma, because stretch limousines do not fall into one of the existing licensing criteria. No matter how big the vehicle, limousines are really only for a maximum of eight persons. There are no exceptions and every company with a booking with more than eight are illegal. To legally carry more passengers, vehicles must be registered as a public service vehicle and have a special certificate of fitness. But limousines are not issued with this type of certificate, because they are not in conformity with the relevant requirements. According to the law, any vehicle with eight passenger seats or less for rent or reward must be licensed as a Hackney carriage or a Private Hire Vehicle. As limousines are usually booked in advance in advance for a short-term hire or reward, this stretch limousines, as falling within the jurisdiction of the private rented.

Ford brings 'green' touch to luxury car

US automaker Ford Motor Co recently announced its Lincoln MKT concept car, which features a body with plastic panels made up of 85% post-consumer recycled materials. Most of the MKT's body panels include the Xenoy iQ polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate resin from Sabic Innovative Plastics. This equals to utilizing 2000 reused PET bottles. The MKT is 104 lbs lighter with the use of the recycled polyester compared to standard materials, and is easier to shape because of added flexibility. Polycarbonate was large used for the car's back window, roof and windscreen. To enlarge wear, the plastic was mixed up with a glazing system from Exatec LLC, a Sabic subsidiary. Certain components of the car that consumers will not see, like electrical wires and connectors, are also made of plastics, including the Valox iQ. Sabic's Xenoy was previously used in the body panels of General Motors Corp's Volt electric car concept and Hyundai Motor Co's QarmaQ crossover concept.

Ford brings 'green' touch to luxury car

US automaker Ford Motor Co recently announced its Lincoln MKT concept car, which features a body with plastic panels made up of 85% post-consumer recycled materials. Most of the MKT's body panels include the Xenoy iQ polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate resin from Sabic Innovative Plastics. This equals to utilizing 2000 reused PET bottles. The MKT is 104 lbs lighter with the use of the recycled polyester compared to standard materials, and is easier to shape because of added flexibility. Polycarbonate was large used for the car's back window, roof and windscreen. To enlarge wear, the plastic was mixed up with a glazing system from Exatec LLC, a Sabic subsidiary. Certain components of the car that consumers will not see, like electrical wires and connectors, are also made of plastics, including the Valox iQ. Sabic's Xenoy was previously used in the body panels of General Motors Corp's Volt electric car concept and Hyundai Motor Co's QarmaQ crossover concept.

Airline limousine operators welcome Superior Court resolution

The Airport Limousine Operators Association (ALOA) welcomes a decision granting an interim injunction to suspend a City by-law that would have barred them from picking up fares in Toronto effective February 1, 2008. "Since 1935 we have provided the traveling public high quality, reliable and courteous ground transportation to and from Pearson International Airport," said representative of the ALOA Louis Vittas. "Without this injunction, our operators would have been put away of business, some 2,000 jobs would be gone and customer choice and competition would suffer." In her decision, Madam Justice Wailan Low in the Ontario Supreme Court said that the city has taken on the right without any consultation and found evidence of bad faith and the availability of collateral for its adoption. "Pearson Airport serves the entire GTA and a fair and consistent licensing system that offers a range of ground transportation alternatives is in the best interest of the traveling public; licensing decisions should not be left to the City alone. We hope that Justice Low's decision will motivate City and Provincial policy makers to cooperatively develop such a system," added Vittas.

Etihad introduces new fleet of limousines

Etihad Airways expanded its ground services with the piece-by-piece installation of a new fleet of luxury limousines for first and business class customers using the airline's "Etihad Chauffeur" service. Since its start in 2005, Etihad Chauffeur has stated itself as one of the airline's most popular ground services with more than 12,000 customers using the service every month in the UAE. The new fleet, was rolled-out in the UAE 1 Jamuary, will supply Diamond first class customers with a luxury Cadillac DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) and an executive Caprice Classic for Pearl business class customers. Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways executive vice-president for marketing and product, said: "Etihad has established a reputation for offering customers the highest standards of hospitality on the ground as well as in the air and the new Etihad Chauffeur limousines are a further example of our service quality. "The Cadillac DTS and Caprice Classic have both been specifically chosen because they reflect the profile of Etihad's first and business class customer." Etihad Chauffeur proposes premium customers a luxury transfer to and from Etihad's home base at Abu Dhabi airport to any location in the UAE. The luxury service is now available to Etihad's premium customers in several of Etihad's key global destinations including London Heathrow, Manchester, New York, Munich, Frankfurt and Sydney, with many more to be added throughout 2008.

D.C. limo company buys its Baltimore franchise

The DC limousine company said Tuesday that it has purchased its franchise in Baltimore for an undisclosed amount. The purchase brings Carey's fleet to 86 vehicles in the Baltimore and Washington. "This is a very important acquisition for Carey," said Devin Murphy, President and CEO, in a statement. "It will allow us to consolidate in Northern Virginia, Maryland, DC, and in a single franchise-owned enterprises to a better service for our customers and the region's three major airports." Carey, more than 80 years ago, is in more than 550 cities in 65 countries. The company offers chauffeur services, and transportation and event-management services, such as meeting planning, logistics, on-site coordination and centralized billing.