BMW'S NEW GREEN BRAND:BMW may launch an exclusively green brand to supplement its BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce marques.
The green brand would sell ecologically-friendly vehicles of a kind considered too extreme to sit comfortably within the company's existing ranges. "We cannot take the blue out of BMW and change it to green," said sales and marketing director Stefan Krause. "Maybe we could add a fourth brand."
BMW is already doing more than most marques to green its vehicles with its so-called Efficient Dynamics programme that introduced of various technologies to much of its existing range, including engine stop/start, regenerative braking and aerodynamic aids.
BMW first hinted at the possibility of creating a new marque last September. Part of its motivation will be to use the new marque to improve the average CO2 emissions of its entire range, with the European Union threatening fines for manufacturers that fail to meet its forthcoming CO2 reduction targets.
SUBARU SETS LEGACY:Subaru has released details of its new boxer diesel engine. The Legacy Sports Tourer and Outback models will be the first in the Subaru model range to get the boxer engine.
The 2-litre engine develops 150bhp and 349Nm of torque. In the Legacy Sports Tourer it manages almost 5.6 L/100km (50mpg) with 151g/km of CO2, with a 0-100km/h time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 202km/h.
Subaru claims this is one of the quietest diesels, thanks to its design, which reduces vibration and engine noise to provide exceptional levels of refinement, rigidity and throttle response. The car goes on sale here in the next few months.
AUDI'S NEW A4 IN SHOWROOMS:The new Audi A4 has arrived in Irish showrooms. Ultimately five engine options will be offered, but the initial arrivals are a 1.8-litre TFSI 120bhp, starting at at €36,300; a 1.8-litre, 160bhp starting at €40,300; and a 2-litre TDI diesel version from €44,200. The 1.8-litre petrol models have a CO2 rating of 169g/km while the diesel puts out 144g/km.
A 2-litre TDI "e" model with emissions of 134g/km is due later in the year. After July, this will fall into the new 16 per cent tax band for registration tax. Later in the year, an A4 Avant version will be added to the line-up.
NO MEN ALLOWED:Mexico City has started a women-only bus service to protect female passengers from groping and verbal abuse common on the city's packed public transportation system.
Millions of people cram into subway trains and buses in the Mexican capital, one of the world's largest cities, and women have long complained of abuse from men taking advantage of overcrowding.
The buses pull up at ordinary stops, but have large pink "women only" signs on the front and side.
BRITISH MOTOR SHOW:The British International Motor Show will open from Wednesday, July 23rd until Sunday, August 3rd at the ExCeL exhibtion centre at London's docklands.
The show will feature over 60 vehicle marques and 600 new cars.