Hamburg - High fuel prices are triggering major changes in the car market worldwide with customers turning their backs on fuel-guzzlers and the industry rethinking its product line-up.

In the United States, the world's largest car market, the sales figures for May showed a major shift from SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and pickup trucks to more economical small cars.

"May was a watershed month," said Ford's Vice-President of Marketing and Communications, Jim Farley, admitting that the industry is catching on to their customers' new buying habits.

The market leader in the US, General Motors (GM), saw sales in May falling by a quarter to 272,00 units with Ford's sales down to 257,000.

Wolfsburg, Germany - Volkswagen is offering a special "Edition 2009" of the Eos convertible including several interior and exterior fittings.

The most visible exterior features are the chrome radiator grille slats and "Cherry Red" LED taillights. The interior comes with heated leather-fitted sports seats in "Nappa Date Brown," a three-spoke leather steering wheel with aluminium elements and leather-look door trims.

The available engine options for the Eos "Edition 2009" include four petrol engines ranging from 90 kW/122 hp to 184 kW/250 hp and a 103kW/140 hp diesel engine with a diesel particulate filter as a standard feature.

Ruesselsheim, Germany - Opel has announced that its 2009 model Insignia can be ordered with a camera that can recognize traffic signs and includes a lane departure warning system.

Tokyo - Mazda will showcase its Crossover concept for the Russian market at the Moscow International Auto Salon in August, the Japanese car maker has announced. 

London, July 8: Automaker Toyota reporte