A JAG SNAG: Ford's Europe chief executive can testify to the strength of the new aluminium frame on the Jaguar XJ.
While test driving the new car in Seville last week, he was rammed from behind and shunted into a truck.
Luckily he escaped with only a sore neck. "You don't always test them like that but it's nice to know that it works," he said.
TRÉS SPORTIF: Mazda chose Geneva to reveal its new design concept, the MX Sportif (below), which by all accounts is an identikit of the new Mazda3, due for launch at the end of the year. On a stage flanked by three additional, new-generation Mazda products - the Mazda6, Mazda2 and Mazda RX-8 - the MX Sportif was for some the highlight of the show. Lewis Booth, president and chief executive of Mazda said: "This newest vehicle . . . clearly shows the direction our fourth all-new product will take - the fourth all-new Mazda in less than 18 months."
FORD UNCORKED: Ford's chief executive Bill Ford Jr has cancelled his planned visit to Ireland as part of the 100 year celebrations of the car maker. Initial plans were for a visit by Ford to the Cork hometown of his ancestors in Ballinascarty, near Bandon the week before the official anniversary on June 16th. He is the latest in a long line of US executives who are cancelling foreign engagements over the coming months.
FIAT SHARES FREEFALL: Fiat shares fell to fresh 18-year lows at the start of the week on concerns about a lack of progress in talks with General Motors. Fiat has reportedly asked GM for up to €2bn. But GM's CEO Rick Wagoner said the Detroit-based firm had still not decided whether to take partin the refinancing.
VOLVO VIES WITH V90: Volvo chose Geneva to reveal its entrant in the luxury estate sector, vying with the likes of the Mercedes E-Class estate. Officially carrying the title VCC for Versatility Concept Car (above), reports suggest it will enter the market above the current V70 model range. Unmistakably Volvo, it will also feature a hybrid gas-electric 2.6-litre engine, producing 250bhp.
MERC POSITION: Mercedes-Benz Irish distributor, Motor Distributors Group, has appointed Ciaran Allen as sales manager designate for Mercedes passenger cars. Ciaran was previously with Hyundai and is to take over from current Mercedes sales manager Bill Duffy, who retires next year.