TRAFFIC VESTS IDENTIFIEDGardaí have insisted that all officers sporting the words "Traffic Corps" on their neon jackets while on duty are actually members of the Corps.
A large number of the jackets have been spotted on officers in Dublin, who are stationed at junctions in the capital during the annual Operation Freeflow initiative.
The Department of Justice recently announced that the Garda Traffic Corps would be increased nationally from 530 to 805 in 2006, with a further increase in 2007 to bring the corps to over 1,000 by then.
BMW CHIEF LEAVING
After three years here, BMW Ireland's managing director Conrad Schmidt is leaving to take up a new post in Munich.
Schmidt led the establishment of BMW Ireland, following the buy-out of the distribution rights for the brand in Ireland from Frank Keane in 2003 for €7 million. Sales for the BMWs grew by 20 per cent in 2005, now exceeding 5,600 units while MINI sales are up 36 per cent to over 1,000 units. The motorcycle division, BMW Motorrad has also posted a growth of over 50 per cent this year. Accounts for the company for 2004, the first full year of operation, show the Irish operation had a turnover of €169.3 million. with an operating profit of €8.9 million.
STRONG SIGNAL OF NEW C3
Citroën has offered up the first hints at its new Pluriel at the Bologna Motor show. The C-AirPlay is a new two-seater concept that's the work of its chief designer Mark Lloyd, previously responsible for the C-Airlounge that resulted in the development of the recently launched C6.
FORD TOO GAY FRIENDLY?
Ford's Jaguar and Land Rover luxury brands are pulling all advertising from gay publications after facing a boycott threat from a conservative religious group.
The American Family Association had called for a boycott of the carmaker's vehicles in May, but suspended the move in June for six months and now has ended it altogether. Ford, which has seen its US sales fall in all but two of the last 18 months, denied the decision was made under pressure from the AFA, which has criticised Ford for being too gay-friendly.
MICK'S GARAGE FOR UK
MicksGarage.ie, the Irish car parts website has launched into Britain.
The company, which started trading in Ireland last year, has quickly built up an online listing of over 40,000 products. MicksGarage enables the public to select parts or accessories by specifying the make, model and year of the vehicle.