Global car sales are unlikely to return to significant levels for five years, according to leading economist Prof Garel Rhys.

Fiat has introduced a new 165bhp 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel unit with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) for its five-door Bravo models.

Skoda has scrapped all VAT on its Octavia models - including the L&K, the 4x4 Scout and the performance vRS.

MINI has released pictures and details of the new MINI Convertible - set to take to UK roads in Spring 2009, with prices starting from £15,995 for the MINI Cooper and £18,995 for the MINI Cooper S.

Drivers are being warned that a festive tipple could see them end up behind bars this Christmas as a new hard-hitting £1.6 million THINK! campaign.

Jack Brabham could sue German firm Brabham Racing for using his name for profit without his knowledge.

GM and Ford are petitioning the Swedish industry ministry to aid their Saab and Ford brands respectively. The Swedish government is considering a 2 billion Krona (248 million US, or 195 million euro) bailout for their domestic auto industry.

Nissan GT-R Spec-V specifications are out. The car has more more, and less weight, and is said to pluck 2 seconds off standard GT-R II's track time.

The Golf Plus gets a minor facelift from VW, including new bumpers and lighting. The model will be unveiled this week at the Bologna Motor Show.

Porsche will now debut the new Panamera at the Shanghai Auto Show in April instead of at the Geneva show in March. The luxury sports car maker cites the importance of the Chinese market for the launch delay of its

Current F1 champ Lewis Hamilton is trading his expensive steering wheel for a clean canvass, albeit an electronic one, by designing his ultimate GP racing circuit.

Orange in colour but still tough as ever, the Ford Ranger Max concept is underpinned by a standard Ranger skeleton. It's the visual redesign that adds drama.

Wald International shows us real life pictures of their new Bentley Continentla GT Sports Line Black Bison.

Nissan's new 370Z is now on sale in Japan as the Fairlady Z, with a 3.6 million yen starting price and increased performance.

Cash strapped Ford has announced plans that it intends to re-evaluate their relationship with Volvo, which in non-PR speak translates into a sale of the brand.

144 High Res Images

RS+ Skoda Octavia concept hits the show road with a showing at Essen. Technical details have not been changed, only the look enhanced for a far sportier stance.

Recreational Vehicles are becoming a more attractive way to get away from home and still have the comforts of home along for the ride. Several years ago RV's were thought of as an affordable way to get away, more on

During the war, Coast Guard aircraft found one thousand survivors and directed rescue units to the scene. Coast Guard aircrews rescued one hundred survivors additionally by landing in the open sea [below: Hall PH-2 medevac, circa 1942]. On occasion, the

With the world economy in a funk, at least we can find solace in nifty sports cars like the 370Z when our spirits need a lift.The financial bear has taken a deep bite out of every sports car's hide. During