NEW 2 FOR MAZDA:Mazda has confirmed it will unveil its new Mazda2 at next month's Geneva Motor show.
Releasing the first images of the new car, Mazda has signalled a significant change in styling, from the boxy current model to more curves. A company statement said the new car signals the next progression in design terms for the brand.
FUTURE OF THE CIRCUIT:The future of the Circuit of Ireland 2007 still seems uncertain as of yesterday evening, with meetings taking place last night to resolve the future of the event.
One source suggests that the die is cast and the UAC will run an unsponsored two-day Circuit of Ireland out of Omagh, with stages in the Sperrin Mountains, for which the UAC has the necessary road closing orders.
The event will continue to be Round 2 of the Global International Irish Tarmac Championship. A release from the UAC is expected today.
SUBARU SUV HERE AT YEAR END:Subaru has confirmed its Tribeca SUV (below) is to be launched in Ireland at the end of the year, complete with seven-seats and a 3-litre petrol engine with automatic transmission. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are likely to start at €70,000.
TOYOTA'S LOW-COST CAR:Toyota will finalise a decision in April on where to build its ultra-low-cost car currently under development, with India topping the list of candidates, it was claimed yesterday.
Toyota has said it wants a cheap family car that could sell for under 800,000 yen (€5,000) in India, Brazil and other emerging markets where it lags behind rivals such as Suzuki and Hyundai Motor.
TVR HOPES RAISED:Union leaders expressed hopes that workers at the former TVR sports car factory could get their jobs back.
The Blackpool-based firm, in administration since last year, could be bought by Rochdale firm Melling Sports Cars, said the Transport and General Workers Union.
The union said it had been told by Melling's founder Al Melling that the TVR's workers would be a prime asset.
The board of Melling Sports Cars includes rock musician Rick Wakeman. The former Yes keyboard player is a well-known car enthusiast, who once owned 18 Rolls-Royce cars.
The outcome of the bidding will be known at the end of the month.