Hamburg - Celebrating its tenth anniversary this month, the Smart is finally becoming a rising star in the Daimler company after a bumpy ride and many experts predicting the early demise of the microcar.
When its inventor, the Swiss watchmaker Nicolas G. Hayek, muted the idea of building a city car with space for two adults and a shopping bag it was seen by many as something of a joke.
But with Mercedes-Benz joining the project as co-partner in the Micro Compact Car company, the idea became reality in 1998. However, Hayek soon become disillusioned by the big luxury car maker's approach to the project and eventually sold all his shares to Daimler.
Paris - Seat will launch two additions to the new Ibiza generation with the sporty Cupra and the low-emission Ibiza Ecomotive at the Paris Motor Show next month.
Munich - The timing belt is one of the essential car parts that has to be replaced regularly and motorists are advised to strictly conform to the recommendations listed in the owners manual, according to Germany's automobile association ADAC. Most car makers list a certain amount of kilometres or the age of the vehicle when the timing belt needs replacement.
