Stuttgart, Germany  - Netbooks with integrated UMTS modules generally offer good reception strength and are downright quick when it comes to broadcasting their own signals, according to a recent study by the Stuttgart-based connect magazine.

The magazine tested three current netbooks with integrated UMTS units for wireless data transfer. The fastest in the pack was the Acer Aspire One A150x 3G, with a built-in UMTS module from Qualcomm. It far outstripped the performance of the UMTS cell phones available in the past two years.

Stuttgart  - Former Germany striker Fredi Bobic has been appointed chief executive of Bulgaria club Chernomorets Burgas.

Bobic told German Press Agency dpa Wednesday he wanted to help create a modern club with European ambitions over the next few years.

Bobic, 37, who has been working as a television pundit, joins former Stuttgart team-mate Krasimir Balakov, now Chernomorets coach.

Stuttgart - Sports-car manufacturer Porsche SE said Wednesday that it has received a new credit line of 10 billion euros (13.6 billion dollars) to buy up shares of fellow German carmaker Volkwagen AG.

The loan agreement would also allow Stuttgart-based Porsche to expand the loan to 12.5 billion euros over the coming weeks, it said.

Stuttgart  - Mercedes is expanding its "young classic" business segment to cater to a growing demand for original and well-preserved vehicles built between 1970 and 1990, the car maker has announced.

Many of the Mercedes cars built in that period enjoy "cult status" in Europe and the United States and there is huge demand for vintage cars, Mercedes said in a press statement.

Stuttgart, Germany  - The Daimler company is apparently mooting plans to add a family of small cars to the current Smart with several additions planned for a debut at next year's Geneva Motor Show, the German auto-motor-sport magazine reported quoting company sources.

There are plans for several new models including a one-seater Forone, a new Fortwo, a three-seater Forthree and a variable Forfour, according to the report.

Stuttgart  - Abu Dhabi state-owned Aabar Investments declined Monday to rule out boosting its stake in giant German carmaker Daimler AG after the fund emerged over the weekend as the biggest shareholder in the manufacturer of luxury Mercedes Benz autos.

"A possible increase in the holding will have to be examined later," said Aabar chairman Khadem Al Qubaisi at a joint press conference Monday in Stuttgart with Daimler chief Dieter Zetsche. "At the moment, we are satisfied with a 9.1-per-cent holding."