Good oil: Stay put to avoid rush

A St Johns resident worried about traffic congestion from the Winstone's quarry housing development was told by a city planner not to go out in her car during rush hour. "I don't," said the planner.

So that's it, eh? The planner wants Aucklanders to stay at home during rush hour so there won't be a rush hour and the roads will be empty for everyone to use. Thinking like that will get him a job in Wellington.

* * *

Looking for personalised plates for a BMW owner? Give Ian Matsell a call. He's the boss of computer company Magnum Mac. The 3-Series Matsell has been driving has been laid to rest and he's selling the plates BVRIAN. Get it?

* * *

The automotive industry is the world's biggest media buyer. Car companies spent $US22.7 billion on advertising last year. The second-highest spenders were personal care product makers at $US17.2 billion.

Worldwide, General Motors is the industry's biggest buyer of advertising at $US3.92 billion. The 19 per cent increase in media spending pushed GM past personal care products giant Unilever to No. 2 overall.

* * *

Sub-zero temperatures in Detroit every January have stopped carmakers from taking their displays outside the motor show hall. Until next month, that is, when Jeep will build a snow mountain across the road from the exhibition centre to launch its new models.

The brand that crashed its Grand Cherokee through a plate-glass window in a Detroit debut will take the covers off the new two-door Wrangler and the lifestyle Compass, both of which will be available in New Zealand.

* * *

Inside the Detroit show, Chrysler Group nameplate Dodge is expected to unveil a concept coupe called the Challenger. The two-door show car is based on the chassis of the Chrysler's 300C and has the sedan's 5.7-litre Hemi V8 under its bonnet. Word is the Challenger will go into production in 2008.


* This column resumes on January 14. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Drive safely. Remember the late motorsport champion Ashley Stichbury's advice: "Only when you have found your way out of a corner, have you found your way into it."