Paris  - As has been the custom every year since 1985, shortly after midnight French time on the third Thursday of November 2008, wine drinkers around the world celebrated the new vintage of the Beaujolais Nouveau.

But this year's party may have been celebrated with a little less gusto than usual in the French wine-growing region of Beaujolais, as sales of the light, fruity wine continued to fall abroad.

Paris , Frankfurt - Rose Kabuye, a senior Rwandan politician, was extradited Wednesday from Germany to France, where she is wanted for questioning in connection with the 1994 assassination of former Hutu president Juvenal Habyarimana.

Strasbourg - Any state aid for European carmakers will concentrate on technological development and on the production of environmentally-friendly vehicles, French European Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Jouyet told the European Parliament on Wednesday.

Strasbourg - As the discussion about state aid for ailing German carmaker Opel continues, EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen on Wednesday described the firm as a "special case" in Europe.

"Extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures," Verheugen said in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, although he went on to say that he was not fully decided about the proposed multibillion-euro aid package from the German government.

Paris  - Renault is showcasing a three-in-one concept of the Sand'Up at the Sao Paulo Motor Show. The new take combines aspects of a pick-up, convertible and coupe.

Based on the concept version of the Dacia Sandero hatchback, the Sand'Up allows three body structures with a load area that can be extended by 40 centimetres to 1.7 metres when the seats are folded down.

In addition, the Sand'Up can be fitted with a hard-top roof. It also features electro-hydraulic doors and a split tailgate. The 45- centimetre wheels are fitted with 235/50 off-road tyres.

Paris  - French carmaker Citroen is giving the 2009 model of the C1 a makeover. The new look includes a modified front and a more economical engine, which should lower fuel consumption to 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The one-litre engine, with an output of 50 kilowatts/68 horsepower, has been adjusted so that carbon dioxide emissions are only 106 grammes per kilometre. Production of the Hdi 55-diesel version will end because of poor demand.