Diesotto project

Mercedes-Benz is developing a sparkplug-free engine that runs on a blend of petrol and diesel. It says a diesotto engine running on synthetic fuel could replace petrol and diesel within 10 years.

Tracking system

Holden New Zealand has landed its first car equipped with an after-market satellite-navigation system. The Commodore VZ Monaro uses a German VDO-Dayton unit, developed by electronics giant Siemens. The digital mapping of New Zealand for Holden was done by Auckland company Geo Smart, which also did the mapping for BMW's factory-fitted units.

Peugeot dropped

Auckland dealer Bill Tapper European has been selling new Volkswagen and Peugeot cars for some years, but is about to become a dedicated VW outlet. Now his new-car division is about to drop Peugeot and become a dedicated VW outlet."We have had a strong association with Peugeot and it is sad for it to have to end," he said. Tapper cites VW growth over the past 10 years as one reason for the change. "In 1994 VW sold around 200 vehicles in New Zealand. Last year it sold nearly 2000."

Russian riding

Iconic American motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson has set up its first shop in Moscow, Russia. The outlet will be one of ultimately three in the Russian capital selling Harley bikes, accessories and clothes. Said Harley-Davidson Europe chief John Russell says: "We want all our Russian customers to enjoy the benefits of belonging to a worldwide family of riders that is fast-approaching a million people."

We are the world

Hairstylist Waddah (Martin) Mustapha was awarded $360,000 by a court in Windsor, Ontario, after he said he suffered depression after finding a fly inside a bottle of water. Mustapha told the court he and his wife vomited at the sight. He said he required extensive psychotherapy for nightmares, loss of sense of humour, increased argumentativeness, lack of desire to shower regularly, and constipation.

* Police in St Louis, Missouri, wondered why the driver of a car parked on a busy freeway shoulder on a cold morning was shirtless. They found him wearing an Indian vest, cargo pants and combat boots, and next to him were several loaded pistols, an assault rifle, two hunting rifles, a long-bladed knife, 400 rounds of ammunition and various drugs. The driver, John W Hill said he was heading toSouth Dakota to deliver supplies and Bibles and was armed because the West is "dangerous." He was charged with possessing loaded weapons while intoxicated.