More motoring news in brief.
Cronin selected as Irish candidate to compete for WRC opportunity
Cork rally driver Keith Cronin has been selected as Ireland's candidate for the Pirelli Star Driver scheme, which will give five young rally drivers the opportunity of competing in a series of six World Championship Rallies in 2009.
The international scheme takes drivers from each of the 18 European states that host a round of either the World Rally Championship or the European Rally Championship. They then take part in a "shoot-out" test in Freistadt, Austria, from October 24th to 26th, where a panel of judges will select two of the five drivers. The other three will be selected from the Africa, Asian-Pacific and Middle East regions.
The drivers, all under the age of 27, will use identical Group N or Super 2000 cars in the six World Championship events in 2009, supplied and serviced under an FIA contract with a specialist preparation company.
Cronin (22), from Bantry, Co Cork, won the Billy Coleman Award last year. He currently drives a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 in the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK. He was chosen by Motorsport Ireland as the Irish representative.
John Naylor, president of Motorsport Ireland, said: "This is a huge addition to the opportunities already provided for our Young Rally Driver of the Year and I have every confidence that Keith will do us proud."
GM gets set to sell off its Hummer SUV brand
General Motors is in negotiations with Hummer dealers to buy out franchises, as it looks to sell the SUV brand whose popularity has plunged amid high petrol prices, Automotive Newsreported this week.
The car giant, which also owns Opel, Chevrolet and Saab, also paid out performance-linked bonuses to dealers in advance.
GM chief executive Rick Wagoner said GM has heard from some bidders interested in buying Hummer and was moving as quickly as it could towards a sale.
Volvo gives prices for new XC60
Volvo has released details of it new XC60 crossover, which arrives in showrooms this autumn. Prices will start at €49,950 for the 2.4D S model and include the firm's new low-speed autobrake as standard.
Two diesel engines will be offered: the 2.4D and D5 turbo diesel. Six-speed manual transmission is standard on both the 2.4D and D5 turbo diesel powerplants. Automatic versions will also be offered, starting at €52,510.
Honda reveals details of its new Jazz
Honda has announced details of its new Jazz, which will go on sale here at the end of the year. This will coincide with the arrival of the new Accord, tested in Motors last April.
The new Jazz will feature two new low-emission engines added to the line-up in 1.2-litre 90bhp and 1.4-litre 100bhp form, which offer 5.1 L/100km (55.4mpg) and 120g/km of CO2,½ and 5.2 L/100km (54.3mpg) and 123g/km of CO2 respectively. Prices will be released closer to launch.