Max Auto Updates - 19/03/2010

Porsche most expensive to insure



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America, despite its domestic manufacturers having gone through some traumatic financial restructuring last year, still sets the tone for the global car market.

So, in this massive (yet diverse) market – what are the dearest cars to ensure? Those performance cars most likely to end up hugging some roadside furniture - like the odd lamppost?

Well, according the median figures for a 40-year-old male with a clean driving record the suicidal rear-wheel drive Porsche 911 GT2 tops the list – siphoning $2 943.78 off your salary annually for cover.

There are some rather surprising positions within the rankings too.

Mercedes-Benz’s S65 AMG (number two on the list) is considered a riskier bet than the SL 65 Black Series (14th spot). The Black Series car is $207 cheaper to insure despite its limited edition billing.

Other notable peculiarities include the Porsche Panamera S being more expensive to insure than Zuffenhausen’s seminal supercar – the 911 Turbo.

Mercedes-Benz was the highest risk manufacture to insure, sporting an (un)enviable eight cars in amongst the top 20 most expensive vehicles to insure. This statistic goes some way to dispel the famous Germany luxury brand's image as a purveyor of stodgy sedans for retirees.

It would appear Merc owners are in actual fact rank hooligans.

Or perhaps American car thieves just happen to have a preference for the three-pointed star…

America's 20 most expensive production cars to ensure

1. Porsche 911 GT2: $2943.78
2. Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG: $2863.03
3. Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe: $2851.89
4. Porsche Panamera Turbo: $2837.39
5. Dodge Viper SRT10 Roadster: $2815.90
6. Mercedes-Benz CL600: $2754.80
7. Audi R8 V-8 Coupe: $2751.55
8. Porsche Panamera S: $2744.78
9. Mercedes-Benz SL600: $2715.86
10. Porsche 911 Turbo: $2706.04
11. Mercedes CL65 AMG: $2699.74
12. BMW M6 Convertible: $2689.13
13. Mercedes S600: $2667.48
14. Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series: $2655.15
15. Mercedes SL65 AMG: $2653.53
16. Mercedes CL63 AMG: $2646.92
17. BMW M6 Coupe: $2627.27
18. BMW 760Li: $2565.59
19. Jaguar XKR Portfolio SC: $2537.79
20. Jaguar XKR Supercharged: $2533.48

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Golf 1.4 TSI is car of the year



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The South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) announced the VW Golf 1.4 TSI as South Africa’s 2010 Car of the Year (COTY) at a gala banquet at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, on Thursday.

The announcement of the prestigious accolade comes after a stringent process of voting and physical testing of eligible cars launched onto the SA market from 1 November 2008 and 31 October 2009.

An in-depth poll of the SAGMJ full members, followed by a second vote by the COTY jury, arrived at eight finalists towards the end of last year. The COTY jury, made up of the top motoring journalists in the country, then put the finalists through two days of testing in February and subjected them to a rigid scoring process.

The final audited scores showed VW Golf 1.4 TSI as the eventual winner of what is widely considered to be the most prestigious accolade in the motor industry. The SAGMJ, a professional body of qualified motoring writers, has annually awarded the title of SA’s Car of the Year for 25 years.

The VW Golf 1.4 TSI beat off strong competition from the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 Turbo, Audi Q5 2.0T S tronic, Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LS, Hyundai i20 1.6 GLS, Suzuki Alto 1.0 GLS, Toyota Prius 1.8 ECVT Advanced and Volvo's XC60 3.0T Geartronic which were the other finalists vying for honours in the country’s premier motoring event.

By definition, the SA Car of the Year should evoke automotive passion and excitement to make it a truly outstanding car both in its class and in the whole market.

The COTY competition is about automotive excellence and the winning car must score highly in its class across a variety of categories including those which reflect value for money, safety, dynamics, technology and aesthetics.

It should also demonstrate that it strives towards representing innovation and ingenuity in marketing and engineering in its class and should represent a brave step forward in motoring, preferably setting new benchmarks in its market segment. The winner must show that is truly worthy of the ultimate accolade and the singular title of ‘The South African Car of the Year’.

• Previous winners:

1986 Toyota Corolla Twin Cam
1987 Mercedes 260
1988 BMW 735i
1989 Toyota Corolla GLi Executive
1990 BMW 525i
1991 Opel Monza 160 GSi
1992 Nissan Maxima 300 SE
1993 BMW 316i
1994 Opel Kadett 140
1995 Opel Astra 160iS
1996 Audi A4 1,8
1997 BMW 528i
1998 Ford Fiesta Fun
1999 Alfa Romeo 156 T-Spark
2000 Renault Clio 1.4 RT
2001 BMW 320d
2002 Audi A4 1.9 TDI
2003 Polo TDI
2004 Renault Megane 1.9 dCi
2005 Volvo S40 2.4i
2006 Audi A3 Sportback 2.0T
2007 Honda Civic 1.8VXi Sedan
2008 Mazda2 1.5 Individual
2009 Honda Accord 2.4 Executive

Max Auto Updates - 18/03/2010

'Blue light victim' to stand trial

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A grandmother, Jude Ward, who laid a charge of aggravated assault against a "blue light" traffic officer, is to stand trial, the Magistrate's Court in Camperdown heard on Tuesday.

Ward faces charges of inconsiderate driving and failing to obey a traffic officer's instructions on June 15, magistrate Thys Taljaard has ordered.

The charges are considerably less serious than the reckless and negligent driving charge originally levelled against her.

The charges against her and the counter allegations she made arose when she fled from a traffic officer on the N3 highway, suspecting a hijacking attempt.

She drove to the Camperdown police station to seek safety.

She said that the traffic officer who followed her to the police station drove an unmarked vehicle.

Assaulted

At the station she was allegedly assaulted by the traffic officer, including being thrown to the floor of the charge office and throttled in full view of eight police officers, including two women.

Ward alleged they did nothing to protect her from the assault which only ended when her husband and other farmers arrived in response to a panic call she made.

It is understood that her alleged assailant would also be charged but he has not appeared in court.

Her attorney, Karen Hattingh, is to launch a civil claim and has referred the matter to the Independent Complaints Directorate.

Ward started a fund named "Ward Off Blue Light Bullies" to be administered by attorneys Wessels and Hattingh.

She said the fund was to help blue light bullying victims who could not afford to take action against the perpetrators' department.

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Stiffer raps for reckless drivers

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The transport department and National Prosecuting Authority are in talks over prosecuting more road offences, following a spate of fatal crashes this week.

"Public transport operators carry the lives of our nation, and therefore those who compromise the safety of their passengers must be dealt with harshly," Transport Minister S'bu Ndebele said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The driver of any motor vehicle who is found guilty in a road crash should be sent to jail."

Ndebele said the department would use education to get its message across, but would emphasise enforcement.

"As government, we are going to be using education, enforcement, enforcement and enforcement."

Ndebele's statement follows the deaths of 24 people in road accidents since Sunday.

Eight people were killed and five injured when a minibus taxi overturned on the Mabopane Highway, near Rosslyn in Pretoria, on Monday. Later on Monday a man was killed and 16 people were injured when a minibus taxi collided with a bakkie on the N14 outside Pretoria.

On Sunday night, 15 people were killed and 21 seriously injured when two minibus taxis and a bakkie collided in Bothaville, in the northern Free State.

On Tuesday, Ndebele, Tshwane councillors, representatives of the transport department, Road Accident Fund and Road Traffic Management Corporation visited the families of the Mabopane highway crash. According to the statement, Ndebele announced during the visit that the RAF would cover the cost of all eight funerals.

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Peugeot launches premium brand



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Plans are afoot at Peugeot to launch the carmaker’s own premium range of vehicles in the hors-série line.

Following the example of sister brand Citroen and its DS range, hors-série builds on the growing trend of creating niche models with higher sticker prices using volume platforms. The title hors-série relates to cars built out of (hors) mass production (série).

Peugeot’s RCZ coupe is the carmaker’s first hors-série model. It is based on the 308 hatchback.

The second hors-série model will be launched next year. It is likely to be a station wagon variant of the model that will replace both the 407 and 607.

A third hors-série model is expected in 2012, Automotive News reported.

Citroen launched the first model in its DS range recently. The DS3, which is based on the C3 hatchback, arrives in South Africa in April.

The DS range will be expanded early next year with the DS4; a model based on the new C4 and previewed at the recent Geneva Motor Show as the DS High Rider concept. A DS5 model based on the new C5 sedan is expected in 2012.

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Entry Level BMWs to be Front-Wheel Drive



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At the annual accounts press conference in Germany today, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer confirmed that his company has plans to build a small, front-wheel drive car likely to compete with the Audi A1. The car could be assembled on a new joint architecture currently in the research phase.

This platform would be suitable for both front- and four-wheel drive systems, and would likely be shared by both MINI and BMW. Any architecture for this purpose would be "modular," and be applicable "to various models and brands," according to the executive.

"In the future, we will generate growth both in the large model segments and in the compact and sub-compact model segments," Reithofer said. Noting the growth potential of the city car market, he continued to say, "We will launch more MINI and BMW models and variants - also in the small car segment."

Although all BMWs currently produced are rear-wheel drive, Reithofer clearly states that will not be true for very long. "There will be front-wheel drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle classes in the future," he said.

The MINI range of vehicles are all front-wheel drive, and platform sharing between the two related brands could save money in the long-run.

Look for the new platform to debut on the 2013 MINI Cooper, set to replace the second generation hatchback. The architecture could then be used on up to 20 different models.

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TopCar Porsche Panamera Stingray



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Russian tuners TopCar are showing off their package of modifications for the Porsche Panamera called the "Stingray."

The interior uses a carbon trim with a checkerboard look. Combined with the perforated, quilted nappa leather the interior features many different patterns.

Its exterior features a new front bumper, carbon fiber hood, skirts, and rear 2-part spoiler, bumper, and diffuser. Finishing trim includes tailamp covers and carbon fiber look window reveal mouldings. The company claims the aerodynamics are significantly improved over the stock vehicle with these changes.

The engine has been retuned to produce 405 kW, though these changes were not detailed. A new exhaust was also fitted.

The TopCar Porsche Panamera Stingray will debut at Dream Car 2010 in Moscow on April 2, before getting a wider introduction at Top Marques Monaco on April 15.

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GM Developing Next-Gen Head-Up Display Technology



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General Motors first went to market with Head Up Display technology in 1988. Since then a number of other automakers sell cars with HUD. Now the General is working to up the game by collaborating with a number of universities on a next-generation system.

"We're looking to create enhanced vision systems," says Thomas Seder, group lab manager-GM R&D. "Let's say you're driving in fog, we could use the vehicle's infrared cameras to identify where the edge of the road is and the lasers could ‘paint' the edge of the road onto the windshield so the driver knows where the edge of the road is."

Current systems rely on a small portion of the windshield being HUD-active, and in most cases only the driver can see the information on display. GM wants to make the entire windshield an HUD hub by coating it with a series of transparent phosphors which emit visible light when excited by a light beam. For these purposes that light beam comes from a compact laser.

Combined with an advanced night-vision system the new HUD would pick up pedestrians and animals within close proximity in extremely dark or foggy conditions, and display the information very clearly. It can even be mated with the Insignia's sign-reading technology to alert the driver about relevant road signs.

"We have done testing on a number of drivers and their performance is better relative to head-down systems that are commonly used in vehicles today," Seder said. "It's a compelling design."

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Honda recalls 412000 vehicles for soft brakes



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In the latest blow to a Japanese automaker, Honda will recall 412,000 vehicles to fix a faulty braking system.

Consisting of 344,000 Odysseys and 68,000 Elements, from 2007 and 2008, the recall aims to fix "soft" brake pedals. When the 'vehicle stability assist modulator' tests itself on startup, a small amount of air is allowed into the hydraulic brake lines. Over time, the air can build up and cause the brake pedal to require more force to get the vehicle to stop.

According to Honda spokesman Chris Martin, "It's definitely not operating the way it should, and it's safety systems, so it brings it to the recall status."

Owners will receive a letter in the mail, by the end of April, with additional information about the recall. If your vehicle already has a "soft" pedal, Honda dealers can bleed the braking system which should temporary fix the problem until recall parts (plastic caps and sealant) are available.

So far, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported three crashes related to the recall. No one has been killed, but minor injuries have been reported.

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VW Marks 60th Anniversary of Most Iconic Van



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The Volkswagen Transporter was first produced in March 1950, making this month its 60th anniversary. The popular van has subsequently sold over 10 million units worldwide and gone through five generations of evolution. The latest T5 facelift was launched in the fourth quarter of 2009 and comes in styles such as the people-carrying Caravelle as well as the campervan California.

That first model, the T1, featured a four-cylinder, air-cooled, 1.1-litre petrol engine typically fitted at the rear end. It made 18 kW and could muster a top speed of 97 km/h when really pushed.

In comparison the latest T5 model is powered by a 2.0-litre common rail turbo diesel unit pushing out between 62 kW and 132 kW, and can run up to 192 km/h.

Over the years the Transporter became an icon for both business and leisure use. From rock bands to fleet managers, to families of seven, people bought it for its generous interior space and comfort.

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Porsche Celebrates 60 Years of Production



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Porsche is celebrating the 60th anniversary of car production in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.

It all started back in 1938, when Porsche moved the Design and Construction office from downtown Stuttgart to several new buildings in the District of Zuffenhausen. Once the move was completed, Volkswagen Beetle production began. Despite the optimism surrounding the Beetle's launch, World War II changed everything.

After the war, the company started to build the 356 in Gmünd, Austria - but this was never a permanent solution. So in 1950, with the US Military still occupying the plant in Zuffenhausen, Porsche rented a production hall from Reutter & Co. GmbH Coachbuilding. On April 6th, the first Stuttgart-built 356 rolled off the assembly line. Only 369 cars were made in 1950, but the model's success would allow Porsche to open 'Plant 2' in 1952. Eight years later, the company opened 'Plant 3'.

While the 356 brought growth and prosperity, the 911 enabled Porsche to buy Reutter Coachbuilding in 1964. As of today, more than one million Porsches have been built in Stuttgart.

To celebrate this milestone, the Porsche museum will host a special exhibit with a series of early production photographs and the first 356 Coupe built in Zuffenhausen. The event runs from March 20th to May 9th.

Max Auto Updates - 17/03/2010

'Nothing wrong' with breathalysers

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There was no truth to reports that breathalyser testing was stopped in the Western Cape, the Western Cape transport department said on Monday.

Testing with the Dräger machines will continue as usual, department head Robert Carlisle said in a statement.

"Neither the Western Cape provincial government nor the director of public prosecutions has received any instruction from the National Prosecution Authority to stop using the Dräger breathalyser machines to test drunk driving."

Newspaper reports in the Cape on Monday said breathalyser tests were invalid. Carlisle said these reports distorted the facts.

"The fight against drunken killers on our roads is one of the biggest challenges facing South Africa."

He said drivers were still tested with the system over the weekend.

"No escape"

"It is vital to understand that there are four stand-alone evidential methods: the police officers' testimony, video testimony of the accused at Shadow [Safely Home Anti Drunk-driving Operations War room] which is admissible in court, the Dräger result, and blood samples when drawn.

"Any of these can be used to secure a prosecution of driving under the influence of alcohol or drunk driving."

Carlisle said the Western Cape's approach was to use at least three of these methods in every case.

"There is no escape. I want to send out this message loud and clear: anyone who drinks and drives tonight and is stopped by the law enforcement agencies will be taken to Shadow to be tested. If they are over the legal alcohol limit, they will be arrested and taken to the cells like any other night."

The NPA said drunk drivers caught in Gauteng recently could be off the hook after the breathalyser device used to test them was suspended.

"The Dräger machine has been suspended in Gauteng for the past two weeks due to a certification problem," spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said.

"We have also withdrawn all drunken driving cases which had not yet started that relied solely on the machine's readings."

Case against ANC spokesman in jeopardy

Mhaga said the NPA was still in talks with authorities in other provinces about use of the breathalyser. If these talks resulted in the suspension of the breathalyser, it could mean the end of the state's case against ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu. Mthembu was arrested in Cape Town last Thursday, allegedly for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was only tested with the Dräger device.

Neither Carlisle nor Mhaga could comment immediately on whether Mthembu's case would be dropped.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said there was nothing wrong with the devices.

"All the machines need to comply with the country's standards is the SABS [SA Bureau of Standards] stamp and we hope they would be functional soon. For now we only use the breathalyser for screening before taking the driver for a blood test."

The Road Traffic Act governs drunk driving prosecutions, and the machines have to comply with national standards.

The Star newspaper quoted Dräger product manager for breathalyser equipment Chris Vertue saying a change in prosecutorial guidelines had caused the machines to fall outside the necessary certification. There were no defects with the machines.

Vertue said the company was waiting for the relevant paperwork from Germany before sending the machines to be re-certified. This could take several months.

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Crackdown on unsafe buses

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The North West department of public safety will test 600 buses for roadworthiness, MEC Howard Yawa said on Monday.

Yawa said his department would test the buses during the next 10 days, starting on Tuesday.

"The operation is intended to guarantee a safer bus transport system during and beyond Easter and leading up to the Soccer World Cup in June," said Yawa.

The operation would be structured in such a way that it didn't unnecessarily disrupt the routine operations.

"Official instruction has, as per Road Traffic Act, been given to all bus companies to avail their buses for roadworthiness tests at testing centres in their respective municipalities."

Buses found in a critical condition would be removed from the roads.

"Those found with minor defects would be subjected to another round of tests after repairs," said Yawa.

Last year, 23 buses were scrapped off the road in a similar operation when 345 buses were tested.

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'Electronic' tolls come to SA

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Open road tolling is an equitable method for motorists to pay for what they use, the SA National Roads Agency said on Tuesday.

"This is because the capital raised via tolls is directly returned to the toll road network," Sanral's project manager Alex van Niekerk told a media briefing in Johannesburg on the progress of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project.

Open road tolling on Gauteng freeways - due to be implemented in April next year - means transactions would be conducted electronically without traffic flow being impeded and tariffs being collected. Physical tolling booths would be eliminated, eradicating delays and vehicle emissions associated with stop-start driving.

Overhead gantries would be placed along Gauteng's newly-upgraded roads.

"The gantries will have detection devices and will pick up details from the e-tag which the motorist will have on the windscreen of the vehicle."

Automatic deduction

Devices on the gantry would record the vehicle's number plate and money would be taken off motorists' credit cards or out of their bank accounts.

If a motorist had no money in his or her account, Sanral would take a "tough stand". It would also not tolerate motorists with no e-tag or account.

"An invoice will be sent to motorists who have no money in their accounts and after that, if no progress has been made, the legal process will begin."

Van Niekerk said it would be easy for motorists to obtain an e-tag and open an account.

"There will be a user-friendly call centre as well as a dedicated website for this purpose. We will also set up kiosks at shopping centres."

One million accounts expected

Sanral expected one million accounts to eventually be opened.

The toll roads would cost 50 cents per kilometre.

Van Niekerk estimated a motorist travelling between the Pretoria and Johannesburg CBDs on a return trip would have to pay about R25.

"But we will have discounts for frequent users. We want to make this as affordable as possible."

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Bad roads 'costing SA billions'

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Poor road maintenance caused 1 694 deaths and cost around R10 billion a year between 2004 and 2008, a Road Traffic Management Corporation official told parliamentarians on Tuesday.

Hlengani Moyana, an RTMC research manager, told the portfolio committee on transport the findings of the research, conducted between 2004 and 2008, indicated an urgent need for funds "for maintenance issues".

"Fatal crashes accounted for 1 694 casualties on average and the cost thereof was over R1.3 billion," he said.

"Overall, on average over the five years, just road maintenance related crashes accounted for almost R10 billion per annum.

Lack of funds

"When we looked at the problem that resulted from poor maintenance, we discovered there is a need to have funds for maintenance issues."

He said provinces had indicated they felt road maintenance was "something they are not expected to do".

"Those that do assessments sometimes put the reports away instead of implementing the recommendations," Moyana said.

"When we wanted to know why, they attributed lack of action to lack of funds. If we can think of ways to raise funds to address this infrastructure problem we can go a long way to solving the problem."

Potholes

Chief executive of the SA National Roads Agency, Nazir Alli, told the committee he believed potholes were caused by "poor management systems", not a lack of funds.

"I am of the opinion that potholes are a manifestation of poor management systems in the different road authorities. It is not a lack of money. It is an issue on how effective are we in our expenditure."

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VW Officially Announces R GmbH Performance Arm



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Volkswagen has officially launched the new R GmbH performance subsidiary.

Meant to meet the "increased global demand for individualized vehicles with contemporary sportiness and exclusivity", the subsidiary will handle sales and development of high performance and Exclusive (aka Individual) models. In essence, R GmbH is Volkswagen's answer to BMW's M and Mercedes' AMG divisions.

Described as the "specialist for sporty exclusive models from Volkswagen in the future," R GmbH has already taken responsibility for the Scirocco R, the Golf R, the R-Line design packages, and the aforementioned Exclusive range.

Based in Warmenau, Germany (near VW's Wolfsburg headquarters) R GmbH employs a staff of more than 350 people. In the future, the subsidiary promises to intensely the sportiness of Volkswagen R models.

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ENCO Exclusive Audi Q5



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German tuners Enco Exclusive have developed a new set of modifications for the Audi Q5. Although parts can be purchased separately.

The package put together for the five-door is meant to reflect a similar look as the Enco Q7, though there are distinct differences between the two bumpers. LED daytime running lights have been built in alongside enlarged air inlets, and a new hood lays above it all. New sidesills lead to a remodeled rear that now includes a rear spoiler and dual oval exhaust pipes seen on the Q7.

Carbon fiber has been used throughout the interior. Also thrown into the mix are 10x22-inch monoblock wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires. Wheels come standard in silver and can be painted if desired.

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Maybach Brand to be Shut Down

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British mag Auto Express is reporting that Daimler executives have a plan in place to close the door on Maybach. The ultra-luxury brand, purchased by Daimler-Benz in 1960, was restarted as an automotive brand in 2002 following the 1997 introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Maybach concept in Tokyo.

Maybach was founded as a heavy-duty engine production company in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach, a former technical director at Daimler. The company's first concept car debuted in 1919, and began assembly of extravagant vehicles two years later. The company halted automotive production in 1940, when they began building engines for German tanks in World War II. Car manufacture stalled for 60 years.

Sales at Maybach have flatlined since 2007, and were made worse by the global economic downturn. Further, Daimler may be looking to block Maybach from cannibalizing sales within their house brand, as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is scheduled for release in 2014. The S-Class is set to be a top-shelf car with an impressive touch screen that lets the user control most interior functions with hand gestures.

Maybach's short-term plans include a facelift only, and no new engines. A redesign will include LED daytime lights, new grille, freshened bumper, and a hood with a new look. The facelifted Maybach could get a debut in April at the Beijing Auto Show.

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Are Cosmic Rays Causing Acceleration Problems?



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According to a recent report, U.S. regulators are investigating a potential link between cosmic rays and Toyota's sudden acceleration problem.

While details are limited, an anonymous tipster told National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officials that Toyota's microprocessors, memory chips and software could be susceptible to interference caused by radiation from cosmic rays. Despite sounding crazy, the tipster's complaint is creditable considering that airplanes and satellites are affected by single event upsets (SEUs).

For years, scientists have known cosmic rays can cause computer and electronic errors, but as the tipster indicated, "the automotive industry has yet to truly anticipate SEUs." This is an interesting possibility, as today's small circuits could be thwarted by cosmic radiation.

When the Detroit Free Press asked Toyota for comment, the company responded by saying their systems are designed for "absolute reliability" and "the durability, size, susceptibility and specifications of the automotive electronics make them robust against this type of interference."

Max Auto Updates - 16/03/2010

2011 BMW 5-Series Touring Revealed



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Set to go on sale in September (in the UK), the 5-Series wagon features Dakota leather upholstery, matt aluminum roof rails, Park Distance Control, and Bluetooth connectivity. More importantly, the wagon has a luggage capacity of 560 liters - 60 liters more than the outgoing model. When the rear seats are folded down, the boot expands to hold a massive 1,670 liters. Should you need more room, BMW offers the Extended Storage package. It features more upright rear seatbacks, which adds 30 liters of cargo capacity by minimizing "wasted space" behind the rear seats.

At launch, four different engines will be available. The 520d has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 135 kW and 380 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, before topping out at 222 km/h. Featuring an engine Start/Stop system, the 520d has a combined fuel consumption of 5.2l /100km and a CO2 emissions rating of 137g/km.

Powered by a straight-six turbodiesel engine, with 180 kW and 540 Nm of torque, the 530d accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. Thanks to upgraded piezo-injectors, it emits 165 g/km while averaging a combined 6.3l /100km.

On the petrol side, BMW offers the 523i and the 535i. The 523i features a naturally-aspirated engine with 150 kW and 270 Nm of torque. It enables the wagon to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, before reaching an electronically-limited 250 km/h. Expect to average a combined 7.8l /100km, while emitting 183 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

The 535i has a turbocharged 3.0-liter engine with 225 kW and 400 Nm of torque. It runs from 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. With the optional eight-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is standard on all models), the 535i consumes a combined 8.5l /100km and emits 197 g/km.

Options include Adaptive Drive, Park Assist, Active Steering, Surround View, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info, and two rear entertainment packages.

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UK green lights GM loan

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Britain said on Friday it would provide a 270 million pound loan guarantee to General Motors Europe to help secure the company's operations in Britain and the rest of Europe.

"We need Vauxhall to thrive as part of Britain's automotive manufacturing base, and following our negotiations with GM Europe I am confident it will do so," Business Secretary Peter Mandelson said in a statement.

He said the outline agreement followed long and highly complex talks between the government and GM.

Vauxhall is the UK operation of General Motors and has two plants in England, one north of London at Luton, and the other in Ellesmere Port in the north-west. They employ 4,700 people.

"The company has been in discussion with the British Government for many months and this very positive conclusion means that Opel/Vauxhall can forge ahead with its restructuring plans and strengthen its product lines," Opel/Vauxhall said in a statement.

The European unit of beleaguered U.S. automaker GM is seeking 2.7 billion euros in state aid from countries with Opel and Vauxhall plants, as it seeks to slash jobs and production capacity in a bid to become profitable.

Mandelson's department said discussions would continue with GM and other European governments to finalise the remaining details of funding terms and arrangements enabling the implementation of its business plan.

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Used vehicle prices on the rise

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1372

The local market is still experiencing severe shortages of used good-quality vehicles, and as a result prices are rising - not only of those vehicles offered for sale, but also of trade-in values. Fewer used vehicles are also leaving the floors.

Mike von Höne, chief executive of TransUnion South Africa, describes the strengthening of used-vehicle prices to be the most important information coming out of the company's recent forum which supplies information on the motor industry.

If only there was a greater supply of good quality-stock, they would be able to sell more, says Von Höne, one of the speakers at the forum in Johannesburg on Friday.

Many motor dealers have survived the crisis in the motor industry thanks to sales of used vehicles.

November saw a peak of 2.4 used vehicles being sold for each new one. In February the figure was 1.83 for each new unit. With new vehicle prices remaining reasonably stable for now because of the strong rand, the difference between the prices of new and used vehicles has narrowed.

Rising vehicle prices are not new - prices have lifted over the past couple of months.

Last year there was a period when the prices of new vehicles were rising while those of used vehicles came down.

Von Höne says this was a good indication of the tremendous pressure consumers were under. The market "literally sold nothing", he observes.

But with fewer people being able to afford new cars, or others too afraid to enter the market, the flow of used vehicles to the market has diminished. Two other key sources have also begun to dry up - banks are repossessing far fewer vehicles, while fleet-rental companies are holding on to their cars for longer to meet the anticipated demand during the World Cup soccer tournament.

Because of the shortage, in certain cases dealers are paying more than the market value for certain models.

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Carmakers form electric car group

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1373

Toyota and three other Japanese automakers together with a power company have set up a group to promote electric vehicles by standardizing recharging machines and marketing the technology abroad.

Representatives of Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co., Mitsubishi Motors Corp., Fuji Heavy Industries and Tokyo Electric Power Co. gathered at a Tokyo hotel Monday to announce the association, which includes about 160 businesses, some of them foreign, and government organizations.

The officials said the time may have arrived for electric vehicles to really take off not only in Japan but also around the world as concerns grow about emissions and dependence on oil. But the main hurdles that need to be overcome are better battery technology, costs and having recharging stations in convenient locations.

"Automakers are competing in many aspects, but the entire industry needs to come together and offer convenience for our customers," said Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga.

Electric vehicles

Nissan is planning to start selling in limited numbers an electric vehicle called Leaf later this year, and Mitsubishi and Fuji Heavy already have electric vehicles on the market. Toyota has begun offering for rental a plug-in version of its gas-electric hybrid vehicles.

But electric vehicles still remain largely experimental. The main users now are government-related groups with only a niche market among regular consumers.

The Japanese government has made reducing greenhouse gases a pillar of its policy, and encouraging electric vehicle use is seen as a key way that can be achieved.

"Please make this an all Japan effort," Teruhiko Mashiko, the economy minister, told the crowd.

Standardised recharging platform

The group is still working out the details of its recharging platform. Standardization would require all makers to agree on the voltage, outlet and other aspects of the technology while also ensuring relatively speedy recharging.

Although some participants expressed hopes the standard would spread internationally, Toyota executive Koei Saga said that was "close to impossible" because of different needs and uses overseas.

Among the other businesses in the group are Pacific Gas and Electric Co., French carmaker PSA, Japanese electronics maker Toshiba Corp. and KDDI Corp., a major Japan telecommunications company.

The association is called "CHAdeMo" which comes from the words "charge" and "move," and sounds like Japanese for, "Care for some tea?"

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Congressional Memo Casts Doubt on Runaway Prius



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1374

Doubts have been raised about one of the runaway Toyota Prius incidents from last week.

Federal investigators have been unable to reproduce the sudden acceleration experienced by a Toyota Prius that James Sikes said went out of control as he drove on a California freeway in the San Diego region last Monday.

"In this case, knowing that we are able to push the car around the shop, it does not appear to be feasibly possible, both electronically and mechanically, that his gas pedal was stuck to the floor and he was slamming on the brake at the same time," reads a report by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the congressional body investigating claims of uncontrolled acceleration by Toyota models.

A Toyota official who also attended the inspection of the car said that an electric motor would "completely seize" if the stop-start system fails to shut off the flow of gasoline to the engine when the brake pedal is pressed.

Reporters have been looking into Sikes' past and have found reasons to doubt his veracity, including a recent bankruptcy filing.

But according to the California Highway Patrol, which first investigated the incident, they're taking Mr. Sikes at his word until it is proven otherwise. And a CHP officer who first caught up with Sikes' speeding Toyota said that he had smelled burning brakes.

Sikes has hired an attorney to represent him.

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration continues to look into more that 60 reports of runaway Toyota's that were already said to be repaired as part of a recent recall.

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Cargraphic Turbo Look for Porsche Cayenne Diesel



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1375

Cargraphic has unveiled a new styling package for the Porsche Cayenne Diesel.

Consisting of a rear valence and a stainless steel exhaust system, the package evokes the rear-end of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Of course, to complete the Diesel to Turbo transformation, you'll also need the front valance and side skirts.

If you feel inclined to boost the diesel's performance, Cargraphic offers a revised ECU module. It enables the 3.0-liter V6 to produce 213 kW and 630 Nm of torque - up from 176 kW and 550 Nm of torque.

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Novitec Rosso Takes Ferrari California Up to 446kW



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1376

The Ferrari California has had its power boosted and its performance systems improved again by tuner Novitec Rosso. A previous programme took the car up to 368kW. From the factory the 2+2-seater's 8-cylinder motor develops 338 kW and 485 Nm.

Technical highlights include the use of a mechanical supercharger, a custom intake manifold and larger injectors as well as a water-to-air intercooler. A Novitec Rosso stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with sport catalysts was installed and the ECU remapped.

The baby Ferrari now boasts 446 kW developed at 7,900 rpm. Maximum torque goes up to 603 Nm at 5,500rpm. The 0 - 100 km/h sprint takes just under 3.8 seconds and top speed is 325 km/h.

Some of the suspension work includes sport springs that can be lowered by 35 millimeters and a hydraulic lift system that can raise the front of the car by 40 millimeters for better navigation of everyday obstacles like speed bumps.

Aerodynamic and styling changes include new rocker panels with integrated airfoils and black side markers, a rear diffuser, rear spoiler lip and carbon fibre rear molding. Wheels are 9Jx21 size in front and 11.5Jx22 at the rear, shod with 255/30 ZR 21 and 315/25 ZR 22 Pirelli tyres respectively.

Novitec Rosso has a comprehensive interior customisation programme to suit any taste and size pocket.

Max Auto Updates - 15/03/2010

Ford SA strike over



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Striking Ford workers were told to go back to work at the Silverton plant on Friday after the National Union of Metalworkers of SA said they had resolved the issues that led to a work stoppage.

They downed tools at the assembly plant on Thursday, March 4, but a meeting led by general secretary Irvin Jim and president Cedric Gina with management resolved the issues on Thursday.

"As Numsa we call on all our members at Ford Motor Company in Silverton to resume duty as follows: The first set of the workforce, the [Customer Service Operation], will resume duty on Friday, 12 March 2010 in accordance with their respective shift operations.

"The rest of the workforce (assembly operations and supporting areas) will resume duty on Monday, 15 March 2010."

Reduced hours

Bargaining head Alex Mashilo said the work stoppage was related to the reduced hours of work as the automotive industry reels from the global economic crisis.

The company had reduced working hours in terms of an agreement in the automotive sector national bargaining forum, which was struck before the crisis set in.

This meant that in the week of February 22 to 27, they did not receive any pay.

The unions are also trying to revisit the terms of that agreement, as well as get workers into the government's training lay-off scheme, which reskills workers instead of retrenching them when there is not enough work.

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Man run down by his wife... twice

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1368

A New Zealand man is recovering from injuries after being run over by his wife - twice, local media reported on Friday.

Sandy Telford ran over her husband, Terry, as she backed down the driveway of their rural property in the Hawke's Bay region, 350km north-east of Wellington, the Dominion Post newspaper reported.

Not realising what she had done, Telford then drove her car forward, running over him again.

Police said the woman was distraught and too upset to speak to them.

"We are treating it as an accident," a police spokesman told the newspaper.

Ambulance authorities said the husband suffered moderate head, chest and back injuries, but was "conscious and talking" after the incident.

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Nowack Motors Bumps BMW X6 M up to 533kW



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1369

Dubbed the N700 4.8, the package features a complete revamp of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. According to Nowack, customers simply need to "deliver a standard X5 M or X6 M" and they'll "strip it back to a skeleton."

While this sounds like typical tuner hype, Nowack completely disassembles the standard engine (leaving only the external parts of the engine unchanged) so it can be bored and honed. Once completed, the company installs oversized pistons, a new crankshaft, high performance connecting rods, new valve pockets, larger intake valves, free-flow cylinder heads, and special valve springs.

Elsewhere, Nowack modified the turbochargers, added high performance exhaust manifolds, installed motorsport catalytic converters, and reprogrammed the ECU module.

Thanks to all these changes, the N700 produces 533 kW and torque of 845 Nm of torque. This compares to the standard BMW X5/X6 M with 414 kW and 677 Nm of torque.

Besides the engine upgrades, Nowack offers a sport suspension, 22-inch light alloy wheels, and Scottish leather upholstery.

Max Auto Updates - 12/03/2010

Gauteng road users to suffer

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1362

Maintenance on Gauteng roads will suffer as about R300 million has been diverted from the province's road maintenance fund to pay for unexpected expenses, the Democratic Alliance said on Wednesday.

Neil Campbell, DA spokesman on roads and traffic, said more than R300 million had been diverted from Gauteng's road maintenance and construction programmes to fund expenditures to duplicate the offices of Roads and Transport and Infrastructure Development, which previously fell under the same department.

Funds had to be raised to duplicate the offices of the MECs with new heads of departments, chief financial officers and other positions.

"The full cost of this exercise has not yet been quantified although the MECs' offices cost R1 million," said Campbell.

Money was also needed to make up the shortfall for subsidised bus services inherited from the North West Province, following the re-incorporation of the Khutsong area into Gauteng.

This, Campbell said, amounted to R32 million over the whole year.

A further R151 million was used to facilitate the Gauride operation which provided free transport to soccer fans during the Confederations Cup.

"This amounted to R10 million in administration costs and R141 million actually paid to taxi owners," said Campbell. "Further costs will be incurred for the World Cup."

He said the closure of the unsuccessful Impophoma Infrastructure cost the department extra, as well as R8.8 million for additional salaries.

R300 million incorrect

Cobie van Antwerpen, acting chief financial officer of the Gauteng department of roads and transport said the figure of R300 million was not correct.

"The assertion that 'potholes in Gauteng will remain' is not necessarily true," said Van Antwerpen.

"What he [Campbell] fails to mention is what we said in terms of our plan to restructure our maintenance programme and the fact that we are going to finance them better than in the past."

Van Antwerpen said the department had sought an alternative funding approach in the form of public-private partnership.

"To this effect, we have secured a funding commitment to the tune of R5,5 billion towards road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance programme for the next five years."

Van Antwerpen said funding within the department was reprioritised to fund the two new departments from the existing budget.

He said most of the shift from infrastructure was for the Confederations Cup.

"The funding in respect of the Confederations Cup was mainly sourced from the Infrastructure branch. However, in respect of World Cup expenditure to be incurred, a special allocation was made to the department for the 2010/11 financial year," he said.

He said the R8.8 million for additional salaries was not taken from the maintenance and infrastructure budget.

"In general, the adjustments made to the budget as tabled in legislature in June 2009 were to align the actual budgets of the units to what should be published," said Van Antwerpen.

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Peugeot guns at Corsa bakkie?



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1363

Peugeot has revealed a pick-up with a 750 kg payload and a 207 face…

Like South Africa, bakkies are big in Brazil and Peugeot has answered to this call with the introduction of the Hoggar.

Designed in Brazil for its local market, Hoggar is an extension of the 207 line alongside the hatchback, sedan and station wagon. The company hopes to garner 10% of all pick-up sales in Brazil this year, with Hoggar providing the main thrust, of course.

The adorable little bakkie has a load volume of 1 151 litres and a payload of up to 742 kg.

It launches in Brazil in May with three trim levels and a choice between 1.4- and 1.6-litre engines.

While it seems an interesting proposal, the carmaker will restrict Hoggar sales to the Brazilian market for now.

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Driver fixes potholes himself

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1364

Despite threats of arrest, a member of the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) has started fixing potholes on a road to his smallholding himself, saying they pose a danger to the lives of him and his family.

Pierre Bouwer, 54, a businessman from Vanderbijlpark and a committee member of the Vanderbijlpark NTU, started fixing potholes on the Stokkiesdraai Road, just outside the town, along with some of his workers on Wednesday.

"I'm fixing the potholes myself, because my family and I drive to and from our smallholding on this road at least seven times a day, and each time our lives are in danger."

Threatened with arrest

Mari Myburgh, chairperson of the local NTU, said she was threatened with arrest if they fix the potholes by themselves.

"Supposedly we don't have the expertise to do it alone, but Pierre has done his homework. He learned from the supplier of the material that one of the most important steps is to compact the base filler and tar," said Myburgh.

Bouwer said: "I'm not just filling the hole with soil to hide the problem.

"Rain water won't be flushing out these potholes so easily any more. I'll be giving lessons on Sunday afternoons," he joked.

He has challenged others to do the same.

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VATH Rocket Compressor based on SLK 55 AMG (416kW)



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1365

The VÄTH V58 is no ordinary sports car. It is based on the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG but with pockets more punch. Besides the engine, which we will talk about shortly, VÄTH also added its breakneck styling and aerodynamic package for visual delight.

The kit includes black carbon fibre front lips and a rear diffuser with large fins. A quartet of 19-inch wheels wearing 235/35 tyres at the front and 275/30 types at the rear can be ordered in silver, black or a different colour. A six-piston brake system with 378-millimeter brake disks is installed up front.

Power comes from the 5.5-litre V8 upgraded to a 5.8-litre displacement and strapped with a compressor. It takes maximum thrust from the factory 265 kW and 510Nm up to a huge 416 kW and 770Nm of torque. The 0 - 100km/h sprint was not quoted but a top speed of 310km/h is envisaged.

Other technical upgrades include a performance chassis, an optional differential lock, high-grade steel catalysts, sports pistons, polished cylinder heads, a sports air filter, a long-stroke crankshaft and exhaust manifolds.

The interior package lists things like a sports steering wheel with leather, carbon or fine wood trimming, depending on the customer's tastes.

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Mitsubishi In-House Tuner Ralliart Closes Doors

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1366

The company responsible for handling rally and off-road tuning for Mitsubishi will be shutting its doors. Japanese tuner Ralliart will be closing up shop on April 1 after 27 years in business.

In an open letter to his customers, Ralliart president Masao Taguchi said his firm is another victim of the economic downturn. The company will cancel their technical support plan and will no longer advise motorsport customers. The Mitsubishi/Ralliart Driver of the Year award has also been cancelled.

Only production of FIA VO Ralliart items will remain, but that will now be taken care of by Mitsubishi. Their catalogue of aftermarket tuning parts for normal customers has apparently been axed.

"We would like to express our sincere apology to all of customers," Taguchi said.

Max Auto Updates - 11/03/2010

Unions foil Opel plant rescue



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1357

Belgian union leaders rejected a plan from General Motors' European arm Opel to rescue a plant in Antwerp, Belgium, arguing the proposal would result in too many job cuts.

Opel said on Tuesday it had put forward a new plan under which an investor would be sought to take over the Antwerp plant, with Opel possibly maintaining a minority stake.

The plant, it said, would be significantly downsized, but would continue to build the Astra TwinTop while also trying to attract business from third parties.

Union leaders said this entailed a steady winding down of production to some 4 000 to 5 000 cars per year with a workforce of just 400 envisaged at the end of 2011, down from 2 600.

"It's just too little," said Eddy De Decker of the ACV union who attended talks with Opel in Germany on Tuesday.

Transition period

He said the unions had instead demanded that Opel withdraw an existing plan to close the plant by the end of June and give workers more time for an alternative to be found.

"We need a transition period until the end of 2011 or into 2012 in which we are able to produce a meaningful number of cars," he said, adding that should be around the 80 000 to 85 000 units the plant was currently making per year.

De Decker said the unions were awaiting Opel's response.

No one from Opel was immediately available for comment

A source familiar with the situation said the Opel proposal envisaged finding a private investor for the plant, with whom Opel would cooperate, perhaps in making convertible models.

Keeping Antwerp open would mark a sharp reversal for Opel Chief Executive Nick Reilly, who has angered labour leaders by trying to push through a plan that would reduce capacity by a fifth and eliminate 8,300 jobs in Europe.

GM last week tripled its funding commitment for Opel and cut its request for state aid in a bid to win support from governments and labour.

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Pricier pipeline to hit drivers

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1358

The cost of Transnet's new fuel pipeline linking Durban with Gauteng has risen by R2.7 billion.

The pipeline, which would have cost R12.6 billion last year, will now cost R15.4 billion. What is more, completion has been delayed by a year.

The project will now be ready only in December 2012.

Neville Eve, Transnet's head of capital projects, says the cost increases can be attributed to several factors.

These include changes to the scope of the project and the decision to provide the pipeline with backup power. Electricity generators at all the pump stations have added R180 million to the bill. Steel costs have also risen as much as R1.06 billion since 2007.

According to Eve, delayed property transfers and environmental impact studies have also had a significant impact on the price.

Chris Wells, Transnet's acting chief executive, says Transnet will fund the cost increases with internally generated debt and cash. But, as soon as the project is completed, tariffs will have to rise - which in turn will affect the consumer's pocket.

The impact of the new pipeline on consumers' pockets will be seen as soon as from April 1 this year, because Transnet has asked the National Energy Regulator (Nersa) to increase the tariffs on its existing pipeline by 51.3%.

If this increase is approved, the direct effect on a litre of petrol in Gauteng will be about 4c.

This increase represents only R1.6 billion of the total cost of the pipeline, which will be acknowledged as an asset at this time.

Transnet realises a return on its assets only once the assets have been completed and taken into use. Consumers can therefore expect a bigger shock in 2011/12, when Transnet expects to recognise up to R10 billion of the pipeline as an asset.

Consumers are already paying a levy of 7.5c/litre on fuel - from which Transnet receives R4.5 billion.

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Kicherer E 50 Coupe based on 2010 E-Class Coupe



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1359

Based on the Mercedes E500, the car features a revised ECU module and a sports exhaust system. It enables the 5.5-liter V8 to produce 316 kW and 550 Nm of torque - an increase of 31 kW and 20 Nm. While Kicherer declined to release performance data, they stated the E 50 can hit a top speed in excess of 250 km/h.

In terms of styling, the E 50 boasts a carbon fiber ‘Kicherer Performance Series' package. It includes a front lip spoiler, aggressive side skirts, a rear diffuser, and special mirror casings (a three-blade sports grille is optional). Elsewhere, the company added 20-inch RS-1 wheels and a high performance brake system (with six piston calipers and carbon composite discs).

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Vorsteiner VR-7 Sportiv Styling for BMW 750i/750Li



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1360

The new Vorsteiner line of aero products for the BMW 7 Series short wheelbase and long wheelbase (codenamed F01 and F02 respectively) has been announced. Called the BMW VR-7 Sportiv Aero Package, it covers aerodynamic components that enhance the car's looks to give it a more aggressive yet elegant appearance.

The front end consists of a VR-7 carbon fibre add-on front spoiler, a carbon fibre add-on rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. The front spoiler gives more downforce and stability in handling. The suspension was also lowered by 48mm.

Featured in these pictures is a 750i model bearing 21" x 9" front and 21" x 10.5" rear wheels shod with 255/30-21 front and 285/30-21 rear Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres. The wheels are available in finishes that include brushed aluminium, silver, black, gunmetal and chrome. Customers can also specify their preferred custom finishes as well.

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Runaway Toyota Prius incidents arise



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1361

A 61 year-old US man apparently experienced the shock of his life when his 2008 Toyota Prius accelerated out of control and sped to over 145km/h along a California freeway. James Sikes told reporters he was driving along the road when he tried to overtake another vehicle. Suddenly the accelerator "did something kind of funny," jumped and got stuck. He says he tried applying brakes but to no avail.

Eventually he managed to call 911. An officer was dispatched and caught up with Sikes. The man used a loudspeaker to tell him to use emergency brakes and switch the ignition off. In the end the Prius stopped with the officer also having eased his patrol car in front of it.

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Toyota Motor Corporation then sent investigators to inspect the runaway Prius. It was later taken to a dealership in El Cajon, California, where investigations into the incident are continuing.

According to Sikes, he had received a recall notice to take his car to a Toyota dealership but was told upon arrival that it was not on the recall list.

The Prius has also been part of Toyota's recent massive global recall campaign, but for a different reason from the other models.

Max Auto Updates - 10/03/2010

Toyota takes on critics



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1353

Crisis-hit Toyota hit back once again Monday at allegations that the electronics in its vehicles caused the problems with sudden acceleration which led to the recall of millions of vehicles.

The Japanese automaker staged a technical demonstration in which it tore apart as "unrealistic" and "contrived" a study by a vocal critic showing that crossed wires could send a false signal that would cause Toyota cars to speed out of control.

David Gilbert, a professor of automotive technology at Southern Illinois University. told a US congressional investigation last month that affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles may have an electronics design flaw.

Created fault

The carmaker dismissed his findings, saying he had re-engineered and rewired the signals from the accelerator pedal in order to create the flaw rather than analyzing "real world" evidence.

"If an electrical system is re-engineered and rewired it's not surprising that subsequent testing of the system may cause unrealistic results," Toyota spokesman Mike Michaels told reporters.

"Speculation is easy. Science takes a lot more effort."

Engineers from the consulting firm Exponent - which Toyota has hired to analyze its systems for potential faults - demonstrated how the process would create a similar result in vehicles made by General Motors, Honda, Ford, Chrysler and BMW.

"This in no way indicates a defect with this vehicle," Matthew Schwall, a managing engineer with Exponent, said as he showed how the altered circuits could send false signals.

"The only reason the engine accelerated is because we followed Mr. Gilbert's method and rewired it to do that."

The only way the fault could be created, they explained, was if the protective coverings on the wires were eroded and a specific electrical charge was created as two non-adjacent wires connected.

Not only is it highly unlikely in the real world, but it would also leave behind obvious physical evidence which has not been detected in any of the problem vehicles, the engineers said.

"You cannot rewire a circuit and expect it to behave as it was originally designed," said Chris Gerdes a mechanical engineering professor who is the head of Stanford University's Center for Automotive Research and attended the briefing at the automaker's US headquarters near Los Angeles.

Gilbert's report to congress "draws conclusions about the Toyota circuit based on tests on a different circuit" and contains "no evidence of any real world circuit malfunction," he said.

Incomplete repairs

Two US lawmakers on a committee looking into the Japanese auto giant's woes asked the company Friday for documents backing up its position that electronic defects were not to blame for acceleration problems.

Toyota's demonstration was a "convincing rebuttal" which effectively proved that an electronic hardware problem is not likely at the root of the problem, said Bill Visnic, a senior editor at the automotive website Edmunds.com.

US regulators said last week that they had received more than 60 complaints from Toyota owners reporting sudden unintended acceleration despite having their recalled vehicle repaired by a Toyota dealer.

Toyota is in the process of investigating those complaints and has found that some of the incidents were a result of incomplete repairs, Michaels told reporters.

"We remain confident that if the modifications to the vehicle are deployed and done properly that they are effective," he said.

Toyota, which overtook General Motors in 2008 to become world number one automaker, has seen its reputation tarnished by a litany of complaints ranging from unintended acceleration to brake failure and steering problems.

The Japanese auto giant's president, Akio Toyoda, met Monday with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who urged the founding company scion to strive to restore confidence in its brand.

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Deadly dice claims 4 teens

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1354

Four high school pupils were killed when a speeding car smashed into them in Soweto on Monday, Johannesburg emergency services said.

The four boys, aged between 17 and 19, were walking home from school with two other friends in Mdlalose Street, Protea North at around 4pm when the accident happened, spokesman Percy Morokane said.

Johannesburg metro police spokeswoman, Inspector Edna Mamonyane said two Mini Coopers were racing down the road, which runs between Protea Glen and Protea North.

"It is a two-way street and one of the cars went into the other lane, driving in the lane of oncoming traffic, parallel to one another."

Swerved and crashed

When a car came from the other direction, the driver tried to swerve back into the right lane and crashed into the Mini he was allegedly racing.

"They both drove onto the pavement and mowed down the four young boys who were still in school uniform," Mamonyane said.

Morokane said four of the boys were killed. The other two were in critical conditions with multiple fractures and head injuries.

Local ward councillor and Inkatha Freedom Party Soweto leader, Dlangezwa Mvelase, said that the community was "very angry" over the death of the four boys.

"The law must deal accordingly with people who play silly games on the roads, killing innocent children," said Mvelase.

Drivers arrested

Three of the boys killed were from Jules High School in the Johannesburg CBD and one from Altmont High School in Protea North.

Soweto police spokesman Inspector Kay Makhubela said the two drivers were arrested following the accident and that they will appear in the Protea Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

The two drivers will be facing charges of culpable homicide and negligent and reckless driving.

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Lexus IS F-Sport Package Announced for UK



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1355

Lexus has released their own upgrade kit for the Lexus IS series. The F-Sport package will cost UK consumers £3,940 over the price of the base IS 220d SE, and £4,080 above the IS 250 SE automatic.

Perhaps the extra money is for the lowered suspension and new gear lever, which only comes on the 250 F-Sport. Included in both versions of the package are 18-inch alloys and a decklid spoiler. The all-black with grey stitch interior features Alcantara and leather, along with sport seating, new steering wheel, and aluminum pedals.

Other equipment seen on the IS F-Sport units include HID headlights, front seat position memory, door mirror memory, and a 13-speaker premium audio system. You can read more about the F-Sport package and the 2010 Lexus IS series in the press release below.

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Lamborghini Gallardo by BF-performance



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1356

Swiss tuners BF Performance have completed work on a new tuning kit for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Called the GT600, their package can be used on either the coupe or the Spyder.

The company says their inspiration was driven by their perception that "the Gallardo is too innocent and neither dynamic nor individual enough." To that end, they designed a set of aerodynamics that gives the car an even more aggressive look, while cutting down on weight.

New body parts are made entirely of carbon fiber, and include new side skirts, rear diffuser, and a rear wing. A set of wing doors is also a part of the package.

BF Performance claims that they have tuned the engine of the Gallardo, though they provide no specifications. They do say that, between the mods and the 43 kg reduced weight, their GT600 has better acceleration than the LP640-4 SV. Carbon-ceramic brakes were used to better control speed.

Inside, the company installed five-point belts and sport seats. Carbon was used on the handles, vents, switch casings, and steering wheel to further reduce weight. A rollover cage was also fitted to better protect passengers.

The BF Performance GT600 is now available for order. The company says they can reconfigure the car from a four-wheel drive to a rear-wheel drive, if desired.