Mini movie

Organisers of New Zealand's first official Mini gathering expect about 150 new Minis and a handful of originals at a special "drive-in" screening of the 1960's movie The Italian Job tonight. Mini owners will be able to watch the movie from their cars as organisers serve popcorn, ice-cream and coffee, just like a real drive-in. But in this case, sound for the movie will be piped through the car's FM radio. Gates at the Albany venue open at 6pm. Peter Jarratt, general manager of Mini in New Zealand, says the gathering is likely to be the first of many.

KOREAN HOLDENS

Korean-built Daewoo models are returning to Australia and New Zealand - badged as Holdens. It's because Daewoo is now a division of General Motors. In other export markets the same cars are badged Chevrolets. Holden Australia chief Denny Mooney said the GM Daewoo models would be available from the second half of the year. Mooney, a member of the GM Daewoo board, said Australian influences on the vehicles would be strong. "We have design personnel located in Korea and Holden engineering will be involved in areas such as chassis and engine performance."

GM BALKS AT CRITICISM

General Motors is in talks with the Los Angeles Times after the carmaker said it was pulling its estimated US$10 million-plus advertising spend from the paper after journalist Dan Neil wrote a story criticising a new sedan and calling for the removal of GM chairman Rick Wagoner and product chief Bob Lutz.

GM says Neil's criticism was based on "factual errors". Neil won a Pulitzer Prize for his motoring industry commentary last year. GM admits that it faces economic and product challenges, but Lutz blames the "import-biased" media for many of the problems.

More bumper stickers from the US:

* I want to die in my sleep like my grandfather ... Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car

* Forget about World Peace ... Visualise Using Your Turn Signal

* i souport publik edekasion

* Born Free ... Taxed to Death

* I Brake For No Apparent Reason

* IRS: We have what it takes to take what you have

* My karma ran over your dogma

* Hang up and drive

WE ARE THE WORLD

Pennsylvannia man Billy Reed insists on having his eyes closed in the photo on his driver's licence, because of freedom of expression and his "right to happiness". But the state's Department of Transportation doesn't agree. Nor does its Supreme Court. It ruled that Reed, 49, open his eyes at the next photo session. Reed said he would probably appeal.