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.

Wolfsburg, Germany - The streaks of colour on concrete bollards, the corners of buildings on car wings and mudguards speak louder than words - parking is a big problem for many motorists, even long after they have passed the driving test.

Carmakers already offer customers a range of on-board sensors and cameras to aid reversing while some models feature dashboard monitors with graphic displays. These are all designed to ease the squeeze into awkward parking spaces, yet the unsightly dents and scrapes on car bodywork persist.

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.

Stuttgart  - Porsche has increased its stake in Volkswagen (VW) to 35.14 per cent, taking an effective controlling stake in Europe's largest carmaker, the luxury producer announced from its Stuttga

The Singur deadlock is becoming more and more complicated day after day. Though the state government of West Bengal is doing its best to break the impasse but the fate of Nano is still doubtful. The state government is failed to resolve the matter with the opposition Trinamool Congress party. Trinamool Congress is demanding return of some part of acquired land, but both TATA and the government are not in the mood to return the land.