BEEMER MINIVAN: BMW is considering launching a minivan, but not before 2006, according to board member Dr Michael Ganal.
Speaking to the German newspaper Die Welt, Dr Ganal said BMW would extend its product range by a spacious minivan car "as soon as markets are ready for a BMW-specific solution. We are already working on the solution".
Dr Ganal would not say exactly when the minivan would be launched. But asked whether it would be after 2006, he said: "Amongst traders, to be silent means to affirm."
BMW expects to post its highest earnings ever this year and has repeatedly predicted record vehicle sales for all three of its brands - BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce - in 2004.
COROLLA MAKEOVER: The Toyota Corolla has had a facelift. The honeycomb style grille has been replaced by chrome. At the rear there are redesigned light clusters. Specification levels have been improved. The entry-level Terra, which accounts for nearly 80 per cent of all Corolla Irish sales, now gets side airbags, remote central locking, 15-inch wheels (instead of 14-inch) and a new three-spoke steering wheel. The current Corolla series went on sale in 2001 and on the Irish market, over 20,000 units have been sold.
TOEING THE LINE: Porsche will not start building a new fourth product line before 2009, according to chief executive Wendelin Wiedeking. Porsche has already said it will decide finally next year whether or not to build a fourth model line - next to its current 911, Boxster and Cayenne models. But so far, it has not indicated when it would start building a new series.
ROLLER CENTURY: As part of the centenary celebrations for Rolls-Royce, up to 50 models dating back to 1904 will be joined with several vintage Bentleys this weekend at Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar, Co Mayo for the Connaught Veteran and Vintage Motor Club.
Members of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Ireland Section have been invited and will be joined by up to 150 other marques including vintage Jaguars, MGs, Ford Model Ts, Model As and Austins, according to club chairman, Michael Hannaway.