http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=904
Volkswagen is expected to take a stake in Suzuki by the end of 2009, German industry publication Automobilwoche report, citing an unnamed Suzuki executive.
"We expect that there will be a basic agreement this year," the publication quoted the executive as saying on the sidelines of this year's Frankfurt auto show.
"For Suzuki and VW this connection would be a win-win situation. Suzuki would have access to a variety of VW's technology, while Volkswagen would have a solid supporting leg in India and Southeast Asia," the manager said.
Volkswagen declined to comment on the report while Suzuki Germany was not immediately available for comment.
There has been speculation previously that VW would be interested in a tie-up with Suzuki and a person familiar with the matter had told Reuters in August that talks had take place.
Last Monday, VW's Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn said that the product portfolio of Suzuki would fit well with that of VW, declining to comment further.
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Gauteng buses pulled from road
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Twenty-five out of 30 buses checked for roadworthiness were removed from the road on Tuesday in a law enforcement operation, Gauteng community safety said.
"This is an alarming rate considering that most of our people rely on public transport to ferry them daily," spokesperson Sizwe Matshikiza said.
The roadworthy operation by the Gauteng traffic police started on Tuesday morning and would be ongoing.
Matshikiza said the operation was in response to a public outcry.
"Commuters in and around Pretoria raised serious concerns about the poor state of buses that they use daily to and from their workplaces."
Matshikiza said the "outcry" was also heard during an imbizo held in Mamelodi, Pretoria, on September 17.
During the meeting commuters informed senior leaders of the Gauteng government and Tshwane Metropolitan Council that they often report late for work because of the unroadworthy state of buses they were forced to use.
"Some feared they would lose their jobs," said Matshikiza.
He said in a separate road safety operation earlier in September officials seized 30 taxis for roadworthy inspections.
It was later found that eight of the taxis seized were actually stolen vehicles.
The vehicles were handed over to the SA Police Service for further investigations.
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Carlsson Previews CK50 based on Merc E 500 Coupe
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German tuner Carlsson has released details previewing its tuning package for the Mercedes E 500 E-Class Coupe (C 207).
The CK50, as Carlsson has branded it, comes with an increase in power over the production model, with output dialed up to 320kW and 600Nm of torque. 8 of those extra killerwatts come courtesy of the stainless steel sport exhaust silencer, with dual oval pipes, that also provides for a more robust sound.
To help handle those extra 35kW (from the standard model's 285kW) is a coilover suspension with damping and height adjusting that can lower the car up to 30mm. Carlsson also offers its 1/5 REVO 20-inch light alloy wheels which come in a dual-tone finish.
The aerodynamic kit is rather spare, featuring only a front and rear spoiler. An optional RS front lip is also available.
For the interior Carlsson adds a few touches to mark its presence. These include gearshift and steering wheel covers offered in a leather/ultra-suede combo, aluminum covers for the pedals and illuminated floor mats with the Carlsson badge.
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Megane Renaultsport 250 Launched
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Renault will start selling the all-new Mégane Renaultsport 250 in the UK in November. The car is powered by a 2.0-litre twin scroll turbo engine making 184kW at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 340Nm made at 3,000rpm. This represents a 30Nm increase over the old Mégane R26 R. Renault says 80% of torque is available from 1,900rpm. Drive is through a 6-speed manual gearbox.
A number of new features have been installed in the Renaultsport 250. One is the Renaultsport Monitor which, through a central dashboard display, shows information such as lateral acceleration, 0 - 60mph acceleration, lap times and real-time engine performance.
The other feature is the Renaultsport Dynamic Management which controls the intensity of the Electronic Skid Control (ESC). At its most extreme the function can be totally switched off. Two chassis settings are available, the standard Sport setting which is more of an everyday setup and the stiffer Cup setting.
Styling enhancements include LED daytime running lights, an F1-inspired front bumper blade, side sills, wider wheel arches, a rear diffuser and an extended tailgate spoiler. The centrally-mounted tailpipe apparently gives out notes that can rival any comparable sports car.
The interior can be fitted with optional Recaro seats while the steering wheel is reach and height adjustable. Aluminium pedal covers are also included.
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AC Schnitzer Tuning Program for BMW Z4 (E89)
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AC Schnitzer has unveiled an extensive tuning program for the BMW Z4 (E89).
Under the hood, Schnitzer upgraded the turbocharged 3.0-liter engine (sDrive35i) so it now produces 265kW. Thanks to the extra 60 hp, the Z4 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 286 km/h.
Other performance modifications include a stainless steel sport exhaust system (with chromed 'racing' tailpipes) and a revised suspension.
To enhance the Z4's good looks, Schnitzer added an aerodynamic body kit with a new front spoiler, a chrome grille, aggressive front fenders (with integrated air vents), and a two-piece rear spoiler. The styling can be further accented by a wide variety of custom AC Schnitzer wheels available in 18, 19 or 20 inches.
Inside, the company adds an aluminum cover for the iDrive controller and an aluminum pedal set.
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