A round-up of motoring stories in brief.
RUMOURS ABOUND AROUND 2008 E-CLASS
Rumours are starting to make the rounds about the next-generation 2008 E-Class. While a minor facelift is expected next year, the next generation model is not due until 2008 and the word is that Mercedes is moving away from supercharging in favour of the much-improved turbo technology now around.
A hybrid version is also rumoured. The 2008 E-Class is also said to have a larger cabin, and include new technology such as head-up displays, night vision, lane departure warnings and sat-nav.
VW UNVEILS THE NEW US-STYLED CARAVELLE
Volkswagen has introduced its new camper version of the Caravelle. Called the California, it's a factory-built and equipped four-berth camper. Fitted with an electro-hydraulic pop-up roof as standard that incorporates a second bed, the California is available with three engine options - a 1.9 TDI developing 104bhp and two 2.5 TDI engines of 130bhp and 174bhp power output.
Standard also are the 42-litre fridge, 30-litre fresh water tank and twin burner gas stove. Prices start at €52,395 for the 1.9 TDI models and €58,595 for the 2.5TDI models.
EX-BMW STAFF SUSPECTED OF TAKING BRIBES
German prosecutors are investigating three former employees of car-maker BMW on suspicion of taking bribes, Der Spiegel magazine reported.
The magazine said a purchasing manager, who has been detained, was among the suspects. It also said prosecutors in Munich were now trying to trace the flow of money in Switzerland.
A BMW spokeswoman said the three workers had been dismissed last year. The authorities accused them of taking bribes from German, US and Austrian suppliers.
FERRARI'S NEW V12 MOST POWERFUL YET
Ferrari has introduced its most powerful V12-engined production car ever. The new 599 GTB is powered by a 5,999cc offering 620bhp with a weight to power ratio of just 2.6 kg per horsepower thanks to its aluminium body and chassis.
The two-seater coupé was designed by Pininfarina and replaces the 575M Maranello. The new car will be officially unveiled at the Geneva motor show at the end of next month.
DAIMLER-CHRYSLER SUSPEND SIX MANAGERS
DaimlerChrysler, the German-US car-maker, has suspended at least six of its high-ranking managers following an internal investigation into allegations the company paid kickbacks for contracts under the United Nations' oil-for-food programme in Iraq.
People close to the car-maker said up to 10 managers had been put on leave - most work in the firm's overseas division. The suspensions mark one of the first public steps undertaken by one of the several thousand companies accused of taking part in the scandal.
RETIRED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS' MEETING
CAR, representing active retired people from the Irish motor industry, is having its fourth meeting tomorrow in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin at 11am.