Munich - Most car breakdowns are caused by defective batteries and the electronic system, according to figures released by Germany's automobile association ADAC.
About 40 per cent of 2.5 million breakdowns listed by the ADAC were a direct result of battery problems.
"This confirms a trend over several years," said ADAC spokesman Maximilian Maurer. Battery technology has remained the same for the past two decades while having to cope with more electronic equipment such as seat heating and electric windows.
"The average car battery today has a lifespan of between four and six years. More is just not possible," Maurer said.
Frankfurt- The world's biggest business management software maker SAP AG said Wednesday that falling revenue, the global economic downturn and the high restructuring costs resulted in first-quarter net profit falling 16 per cent to 204 million euros (269 million dollars). While the German-based group confirmed its outlook for the current year, its shares dropped 2.9 per cent to 29.30 euros following the release of the results.
Kabul - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived Wednesday in Kabul on a surprise visit during which he is to meet with President Hamid Karzai and Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spantar. Steinmeier's trip, his fourth to Afghanistan since taking office at the end of 2007, was kept secret until after his arrival for security reasons.
Washington, Apr 29 : American-Hindu scholars have urged Grammy bosses to add a new category for traditional Indian music at the annual prize giving - the `Kirtan' category.
Hamburg - Rare classic cars are achieving record prices at auctions as investors moving their money into material assets during these uncertain economic times.
Ingolstadt, Germany - Audi has given its Q7 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) a makeover with several styling changes and more efficient and cleaner engines.
