In brief
WOULD YOU CREDIT IT?
You have the new BMW, now get the car or motorbike insurance or even the credit card (prototype below). BMW is to offer car and bike insurance by the end of the year. The move comes as its British operation launches a new BMW credit card and a financial services facility.
Final tenders are being considered for the scheme that will be offered to owners of new and used BMWs and Minis. It is not expected to be a major profit centre for the brand, and it will not be competing directly on price with more established insurance firms. Instead it will be offered more as a "lifestyle service" to customers.
One benefit of the new service will be that BMW dealers can directly insure long test cars without the customer having to transfer their own insurance. Similar schemes have proved successful in other markets such as the US and Australia. There are no immediate plans to introduce the offer to Ireland.
VW GETS READY
TO COMPETE: Volkswagen is entering a busy period of development with the imminent arrival of the new Scirocco and plans for a new premium model to compete with the likes of the BMW 5-Series and Audi's A6. It has also been reported that it is developing an entry-level car that could be sold by Dodge in America and possibly in Europe. Dodge is about to enter the Irish market in the coming months with the Caliber model.
OPEL'S NEW FLAGSHIP: Opel may soon have a new flagship model as part of a major product expansion. In an interview with Automotive News Europe published this week, Bob Lutz, vice-chairman of General Motors, said they were looking at adding several new models to the line-up including a VW Golf Plus competitor, a new smaller SUV and a city car based on the Trixx concept that was shown at the 2004 Geneva motor show.
OPEL GT FOR IRELAND: Opel has confirmed it will be introducing its GT sports car to Ireland. The two-seater open-top (above) will replace the Speedster and will come to market next spring, although only in left-hand drive. Prices have yet to be set.
RANGE ROVER GETS A NEW TURBODIESEL
Range Rover has added a new V8 turbodiesel engine to its line-up for next year. A development of the 2.7-litre TDV6 used in the Discovery, the V8's 272bhp means it significantly outperforms the outgoing BMW-sourced 3-litre diesel. Land Rover claims a 0-100km/h time of 8.5 seconds, down from 12.7 seconds. The official combined fuel consumption is much the same, at 25.1mpg.
The new format and engine doesn't arrive in Ireland until the end of the year and prices have yet to be confirmed.
PREPARE FOR RAIN: A notice on the website of the Institute of the Irish Motor Industry suggests that motorists should wash their cars in the rain in order to save water this summer.
"Don't let a rainy weekend spoil your fun. Why not grab your coat, wellies and a sponge and clean your car in the rain?" In a gesture to family fun it suggests: "If you have them, get the kids to help."