Berlin - German imports rose strongly in May, reflecting in part higher prices paid for fossil fuels, while exports from the world's top exporter remained high, according to figures released Wednesday by the state statistics office in Wiesbaden.

Imports rose 8.2 per cent on the year to 66.5 billion euros (104 billion dollars), while exports were up 2.5 per cent at 80.8 billion euros.

By comparison with the previous month, and on a seasonally adjusted basis, imports rose 0.7 per cent, while exports declined 3.2 per cent.

Most of the two-way trade was with the rest of the European Union. EU members took 52.5 billion euros worth of German exports and exported goods worth 43.3 billion euros to Germany.

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.

Hamburg - Honda has come out tops for the second time in succession in terms of customer satisfaction and service in Germany, according to a market survey released by the JD Power-Report 2008. 

Kiel, Germany - German scientists forecast Tuesday that fertile pa