FORD CHIEF ON VRT: Ireland is getting a bad press and a bad image with car taxation that doesn't favour the environment, according to Ford of Europe president and chief operating officer, Martin Leach.
Addressing the annual Cork Chamber of Commerce dinner last Friday, his objection, like that of most Irish motorists, was to Vehicle Registration Tax. "You have to ask yourself about the motivation of government," he said. "Is it interested in the environment or the economy, especially the amount of that it can garner for the economy?
"Many of the new ultra-efficient engines that we at Ford have developed are good for the former but not the latter. That's why we should have tax bands based on emission levels."
MERRY MERCEDES: As the industry continues to celebrate first-month sales growth in these depressing times, Mercedes-Benz recorded its highest number of cars ever delivered in a single month - 1,173 passenger cars delivered in Ireland last month.
Matt Fagan of Mercedes in Ireland said that, while the company expected increased demand for the full range of models this year, the level of sales was unique in its 49-year history in Ireland.
BRITISH SALES FALL: While we were breathing a collective sigh of relief, sales of new cars in Britain fell by 9.1 per cent last month. A total of 186,769 new cars were sold, with a fall in registrations by both private and business buyers. But the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders predicted 2.4 million cars sales in 2003, making it the third strongest year on record.
WINNING WAYS: Reigning world champion Marcus Gronholm (above) romped to victory in the Swedish stages of the World Rally Championship, but the story of the rally was the recovery of Colin McRae. He finished fifth despite slipping to 22nd after a spin into a snow bank. McRae shares the top of the championship standings with Citroën team-mate Sebastien Loeb.
CHOPPER DRIVER: A British farmer banned from driving for speeding has solved his problems by spending £45,000 (€68,000) on a helicopter and £9,000 (€14,000) on flying lessons.