KEY POINTS:
Ford in the US will take the covers off the 2008 Mustang Bullitt at the Los Angeles Motor Show next week and start selling the vehicle in January. The car is available in both green and black, but Ford executives expect the majority of customers to choose green, harking back to the original Bullitt featured in the 1968 Steve McQueen movie of the same name.
Taxing green decision
Germany is expected to introduce car taxes based on CO2 emissions in January 2009, thereby joining other EU countries such as Britain, France and Sweden that have introduced similar CO2-related car taxes. All EU states are expected to have such schemes in place by 2010.
Toyota's emotional appeal
Toyota in the US is launching its biggest corporate ad campaign in a bid to build an emotional connection with Americans. The broadcast, print and online campaign has three themes: environmental commitment, economic impact and social responsibility, and is designed to give US consumers a better sense of Toyota's corporate vision.
Hyundai spins in control
From now on, every new Hyundai arriving in New Zealand will be fitted with ESP stability control. Electronic stability control works by acting on the engine and brakes to prevent the car from skidding or spinning.
Motorcycle in a scooter
Piaggio's innovative MP3 scooter has been introduced in New Zealand. The 250cc machine has two front wheels, but it's not an ATV. The MP3 leans, to give a motorcycle-like riding experience, but with added stability on rough or slippery surfaces or when braking.
Volvo's hot rod celebration
Volvo celebrated five years at the Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show in Las Vegas by commissioning Caresto to build a hot rod based on the S80 saloon. The Caresto is hand-assembled from aluminium and carbon fibre and lined with premium leather.
Ferrari theme park starts
The foundation stone has been laid for Abu Dhabi's 250,000 sq m Ferrari theme park. A time capsule, including a con rod and piston from this year's world champion car, was buried to mark the occasion. The capsule will be opened at Ferrari's 100th anniversary in 2047.
Cancer kids make their mark
The Child Cancer Foundation's Wheels of Courage is making a national road trip to allow every child being treated for cancer to place a colourful handprint on a Hyundai Santa Fe car - from their hospital bed, if necessary. The car will stop at over 20 destinations collecting hundreds of prints before being auctioned. Look for a progress report on the tour on www.childcancer.org.nz
