Munich - BMW has given its Z4 sports car an extensive makeover, showcasing at the Detroit Motor Show in January the model that succeeds the Z4 Roadster and Z4 Coupe.
One of the many new technical features is a hydraulically- operated, retractable hardtop roof that opens and closes in 20 seconds. It also includes a glass rear window for improved visibility.
Retaining the basic design of its predecessor with the long bonnet and short rear, the new Z4 however comes with broader shoulders and more dominant kidney-shaped grille.
Auto giants Hyundai and Honda reported positive growth in December due to selling vehicles at discounted prices and introducing new models. The recently announced excise duty cut on vehicles also helped to increase the vehicle sales of Hyundai, Honda Siel and SkodaAuto while other auto companies including Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) have continued to slide following the low demand. Mahindra & Mahindra posted 30 per cent decline in sales by selling 10,665 units in December as compared to 15,316 sold last year. 
Washington - The US government moved during the New Year's holiday to free up more money for auto loans and to start the emergency infusion of billions of dollars directly into the industry to keep it afloat.
Madrid - Spanish car sales went down 28.1 per cent in 2008 in t
Vehicle sales witnessed decline in the month of December following the slow demand due to the global financial crisis. Sales of passenger as well as commercial vehicles posted slow growth rate. Maruti Suzuki, General Motors and two-wheeler makers Hero Honda and Bajaj recently released their sale figures which indicate the adverse state of automobile sector in the country. 
Tokyo - The Japanese car maker Honda has announced that it will develop an electric motorcycle as part of its programme to develop more efficient vehicles with lower emissions over the next two years.
