MERC IGNORES RIGHT-HAND DRIVE:While Mercedes claims to seek out a world market share, it seems that someone in the R&D department wasn't thinking of us motorists who need the steering wheel on the right.
The German firm's upcoming mid-range SUV, the GLK, is only going to be available in left-hand drive when it hits Continental markets early next year.
That means the GLK will not be on sale in important markets like Britain, South Africa and Australia, never mind Ireland.
FINAL TESTS FOR NEW PASSAT COUPÉ:Volkswagen is undergoing final tests on its upcoming Passat four-door coupé. The car, due for sale here in the second-half of next year, is the latest new entrant to follow the styling cues of Mercedes' premium-level CLS.
The Passat coupé is likely make its world debut at either the Detroit motor show in January or more likely the Geneva motor show next spring. Sources suggest it will be available in front and four-wheel-drive and is powered by the usual array of mid-sized VW engines.
There have been suggestions that VW will also include its 170bhp 1.4-litre TFSI turbocharged engine - currently in the Golf GT - but that has not been confirmed.
CITROËN'S NEW C5 DESIGN:Citroën has revealed the design direction of the next generation C5.
It comes courtesy of the C5 Airspace concept car that is due to feature at next month's Frankfurt motor show.
While the concept model takes the form of a coupé/convertible, the front end design reflects the current look for Citroën and will be retained by the marque in the new production version.
The concept car also features new environmentally-friendly technology that is likely to make it into the new C5.
The new concept is powered by a V8 diesel engine, and Citroën's parent company PSA - which also owns Peugeot - is hoping to offer diesel hybrid engines in its various model ranges within the next few years.
A new C5 is eagerly awaited within the French brand as the current model has been on sale since 2001.
While it sold reasonably well in some European markets, it never really challenged the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat or Toyota Avensis in Ireland.