Inside the industry with Michael McAleer.
NATIONS CHARGED: The European Commission has taken Greece to court for forcing immigrants from other EU states to pay to register their cars. The Commission has also strongly criticised Denmark for charging "exorbitant" fees to get a licence plate.
It has asked the Danish government to change the rules or face the same fate as Greece. Under EU rules dating from 1983, the personal property of people moving from one member state to another cannot be taxed.
The commission has the power to take member states to court if their laws are not in line with EU internal market rules. Denmark has two months to reply to the commission.
MERC'S MPV ANSWER: Mercedes answer to the burgeoning MPV market is the GST, or Grand Sports Tourer (above), to be based on the new M-Class and due for launch next year. Produced at the DaimlerChrysler plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, it's likely to require about €600 million to be invested in plant expansion over the coming years.
A "GST Vision" concept study was presented at the Detroit Auto show early in 2002. The GST is primarily geared to the needs of the North American market. However, Mercedes sees growth potential in Europe for this big MPV.
McRAE'S WARNING: WRC driver Colin McRae has warned his new team they still face some rough times ahead despite their crushing victory in the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally. The Scot celebrated his debut for Citroen with second place yesterday - his best ever finish in the event - behind team-mate Sebastien Loeb while Carlos Sainz completed the clean sweep with third spot.
McRae's pace on his debut will have boosted his hopes that he can challenge for the drivers' crown in his first year with the French car company, after four unsuccessful attempts with Ford.
VEGI-GREEN DIESEL: British supermarket chain Sainsbury's is to sell a new car fuel which uses the same ingredient as in some salad dressings and margarines. It claims GlobalDiesel produces 5 per cent less carbon dioxide than than regular diesel while increasing fuel economy by one per cent.