BMW FLYER: There are some red faces in Munich as a draft of a flyer for dealers on the new 3-Series was somehow leaked.
Denying that it's just another pre-launch marketing ploy, the Germans have launched an internal investigation which is due to report by the end of this week. The paper, which includes promotional images, was in Slovenian but the source is thought to come from Munich.
MERC MOVES: In the latest in a number of moves at Mercedes importer, Motor Distributors Ltd (MDL) Stephen Byrne, service manager with Mercedes has been appointed chief executive designate.
Byrne (50) will take over from the current chief executive, Matt Fagan, when he retires next June. The move comes at a time when Mercedes is fighting off an aggressive assault by BMW, both internationally and in Ireland.
However Byrne is confident the three-pointed star will remain top in the luxury stakes. "We've got a strong customer base and we'll maintain that, along with some strong new products coming in the next months and years."
Meanwhile former Mercedes sales manager Bill Duffy, who retired earlier this year, is to return to the MDL fold to take over the helm of Mazda. Duffy will oversee preparations for the takeover of the brand's Irish distribution by Mazda Europe in 2006.
JAGUAR APPOINTEE: Jaguar Ireland has appointed JA Boland & Sons in Ferrybank, Co Wexford as its main dealer for the South East. Bolands already holds a Ford franchise and the Hertz car hire franchise for Ireland.
HONDA COVER: Honda has launched a new insurance scheme, Hondacare Insurance, for drivers of both new and used Hondas.
It's the latest effort by car firms to get involved in the peripheral but highly lucrative sidelines in the car business, outside of selling the car. The scheme is being administered by Coyle Hamilton.
AROUND IRELAND: This weekend will see 20 members of the Irish Subaru Drivers Club embarking on a 1,000km drive around Ireland in aid of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Jack and Jill Foundation. The drive starts in Portlaoise on Saturday morning.