Autoblog

Mercedes offers 3,000-euro discount amidst struggling sales

Chris Tutor — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Earnings/Financials

The bad economy looks to be getting deeper over in Europe. The latest evidence is German carmakers' desperate efforts to prop up badly-lagging sales. Last month, European discounts on German brands averaged 12.2 percent. And now, Mercedes-Benz is offering a 3000-euro ($3,900) trade-in incentive to customers.

Success of the discounts has been minimal at best. September car sales in Germany fell 11 percent despite the incentives. With 25 percent of Europe's car sales coming from the Germans, some expect the drop to also pull the entire continent's numbers down to 1993 levels.

"Germany's sales results are sending the signal that we're certainly not out of the woods, but are deep in the woods and aren't going to get out soon," Jonathon Poskitt, an analyst at LMC Automotive in Oxford, England, tells Automotive News Europe. "It looks like 2013 is going to be another difficult year."

And those monthly numbers are actually rosier than reality. Sales of discounted "zero-mile used vehicles," accounted for 33.5 percent of September sales in Germany. Zero-mile cars are created in a practice by German dealers in which new cars are licensed by the dealer, then sold as used at a more than 20-percent discount. It moves inventory off the lot, but is costly to dealers and manufacturers.

Mercedes offers 3,000-euro discount amidst struggling sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What will happen to automakers if the Euro zone implodes?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

Figuring out post-doomsday scenarios can make for hours of fun, but short of a cinematic "Kill them all!" they're rarely that accurate. That's because we never know which entrance doomsday is going to use, and the big doomsday is often followed by little doomsdays (as this year's Japanese earthquake/tsunami/nuclear meltdown should have taught us yet again). Still, that hasn't stopped Automotive News from taking a look at what might happen to European carmakers in case Italy, Spain and Greece leave the euro zone.

One scenario sees the German automakers suffering but Italy's Fiat faring slightly better. A strong euro, or if the zone completely implodes, an even stronger German Deutsche Mark would cripple the export earnings of Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz by double digits. Conversely, a weak Italian lira that could be further devalued and printed at will might make Fiat more competitive against its northern rivals. Or maybe Fiat wouldn't do so well, since consumers would be practically allergic to major purchases, and the already soft demand in Southern Europe might crater such that "There might not be an Italian-made Panda."

In Europe, the prediction is that there would be no winners, not even Spain's Seat, which, like Italy's Fiat, might benefit from currency devaluation. The brands with a chance of reaping some benefit: Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota, whose industrial economies are safely distant from the economic fallout. From a purely industrial standpoint, that's reasonable - but if Europeans are scared to buy Fiats and no one knows what currencies are really worth from week to week, we suspect there will be plenty of pain to go around for everyone.

What will happen to automakers if the Euro zone implodes? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda releases more details about European Civic [w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, Videos, Honda, Diesel

Honda's achingly slow striptease of the Euro-spec Civic continues with another spate of photos and some details on the diesel mill set to power the 2012 model.

An updated version of the 2.2-liter i-DTEC four-cylinder will be available when the new Civic goes on sale in early 2012. With around 147 horsepower and upwards of 184 pound-feet of torque, the revised mill - combined with the Civic's improved aerodynamics - will bring CO2 emissions down to 110g/km and should boost fuel economy by around 15 percent.

Those might sound like incremental improvements, but compared to the U.S. market version, it's a significant change - one we wish Honda would adopt Stateside. Check out our previous post on the 2012 Euro Civic and make the jump for the dirty details on the oil-burner before the big reveal in Frankfurt.

Continue reading Honda releases more details about European Civic [w/video]

Honda releases more details about European Civic [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SPOILER ALERT: Getting Back to Work at the 2009 European Grand Prix

Noah Joseph — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:14:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe

2009 European Grand Prix at Valencia - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever come back from vacation only to feel like you need another vacation? We've all been there, so we can all empathize with the performers in the Formula One circus. After the last grand prix in Hungary, the premier racing series took a much-needed break for nearly a month, ostensibly to regain their energy and regroup for the final rounds.

But for most parties, the would-be vacation proved to be anything but restful. On top of all the usual off-track posturing that typically occurs between races, two teams had to replace their drivers, a former multiple world champion nearly came back out of retirement, a major automaker announced its withdrawal from the sport, a whole slew of legal battles were fought, and all the parties ratified a new comprehensive commercial agreement for the years ahead. So much for a vacation.

Recuperated or not, however, it was back to work this weekend for the 2009 European Grand Prix, held for only the second time at the Valencia circuit on Spain's sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, where everybody had something to prove. Follow the jump to read how it unfolded.

Gallery: 2009 European Grand Prix

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: Getting Back to Work at the 2009 European Grand Prix

SPOILER ALERT: Getting Back to Work at the 2009 European Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beijing Automotive bids for Opel; Magna still expected to close deal

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, GM, Opel, Vauxhall

Even though Beijing Automotive (BAIC) tendered a non-binding offer for Opel, the company is said to have no chance of actually acquiring the brand. General Motors is still in talks with Magna and its partners, GAZ and Sberbank, and according to Sberbank CEO German Graf, "The choice has been made and the question now is of how to structure the deal."

Observers also feel that the GM-Magna agreement is merely waiting on some dotted I's, crossed T's and that the deal won't fall apart unless Magna blows it up or walks away. That hasn't stopped GM and the German government from creating the appearance of courting other bidders for Opel and Vauxhall, including BAIC and Belgium's RHJ.

BAIC appears to be serious, even if everyone assumes that GM's just using it as a decoy. Magna wants to get the paperwork inked by July 15, and that's around the same time that BAIC wants to make a binding offer for Opel's purchase. It's working with Deutsche Bank and PriceWaterhouse Coopers on its proposal, and we can only assume BAIC will be ready with a bag full of cash in the unlikely event Magna exits stage left.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Beijing Automotive bids for Opel; Magna still expected to close deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marchionne confirms Fiat still interested in Opel

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, GM, Opel, Fiat

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, watching the travails of GM, Opel and Magna from his comfy Italian perch, has sent word that his previous offer for Opel is still on the table if anyone is interested. That offer, though, can't be sweetened because he doesn't "believe we could improve Fiat's offer. It's the most rational one we can put forward from an industrial viewpoint."

It doesn't appear as though anyone's listening. The German government wants to save German jobs, Opel workers are determined to vote down anyone who tries to take them away, and GM wants the most money and the least competition. Fiat's offer doesn't exactly fit that template.

GM and Magna & Co. will dance for a while longer, and if that doesn't work out, then GM will begin again with RHJ and Beijing Automotive. In the meantime, someone's going to have to pay to keep Opel running. Could it be that the most reasonable offer will be left unanswered while the other parties look for more expedient solutions?

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Marchionne confirms Fiat still interested in Opel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM worried about Magna deal for Opel, sign backup deal with RHJ, Beijing Automotive

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, GM, Opel

When it came to buying Opel, Fiat's Sergio Marchionne told GM and the German government: "If you have a better offer, take it." They both took Magna, along with its Russian partners Sberbank and GAZ, because that consortium offered a better competitive arrangement and fewer job cuts in Germany. The deal wasn't slated to be finished until September, but it's encountered a few pockets of serious turbulence.

Magna's plans for engineering changes to Opels is worrying to GM because that alters the economics of the General's parts sharing. Magna also wants access to future GM technology, such as fuel cells, that GM doesn't want to hand over. GM is additionally worried about Sberbank, which has already stated its intention to sell its 35% stake once Opel is restructured; GM wants to have a hand in selecting the buyer, and it doesn't want its tech buoying the Russian car industry, nor does it want to compete with what could essentially be Russian versions of Opels.

Magna has its own problems as well, with at least one manufacturer telling the Canadian company that it could be a parts supplier or a competitor, not both. With all those fires to be doused, GM has entered into non-binding agreements with China's Beijing Automotive, and Belgium's RHJ International investment bank -- which looks like another Cerberus scenario -- as backup plans. As for the Germans, it was claimed today that no decision on Opel will come before the country's national elections on September 27.

The only problem with that is GM has stopped all payments to Opel, and the German firm is said to be losing €5 million a day. At that rate, the German government's €1.5 billion bridge loan to Magna that was part of the potential deal will run out before the elections. That means, as we've seen so many times before in this saga, something's got to break.

[Source: Bloomberg via TTAC]

GM worried about Magna deal for Opel, sign backup deal with RHJ, Beijing Automotive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels

Chris Shunk — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW

2010 BMW 1-Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW 1-Series is a much bigger deal in Europe than it is here in the States. In the US, we can choose among the 128 and 135, and both options come standard with a six-cylinder engine. Overseas, you can pick up the 1 with two, three, four or five doors, and with a wide variety of four cylinder gasoline and diesel powertrains.

To keep the good times rolling, team Bimmer is again expanding the 1-Series lineup for 2010. Two new models, the Lifestyle and Sport models, will offer RWD performance in a three- or five-door package beginning this September. The Lifestyle model offers special edition Marrakesh Brown Metallic paint, unique brown body color interior components, chrome-tipped exhaust and 17-inch light aluminum rims. The Sport model includes the M Sports Package, with a sports tuned suspension, unique dual spoke aluminum rims, stainless steel pedals, and an M steering wheel and gearshift lever.

On the engine front, a pair of 2.0-liter engines find their way under the bonnet of a 1-Series. The petrol engine utilizes direct injection tech and packs 170 ponies to go along with 155 lb-ft. With the gas-powered 2.0-liter engine, the 1-Series can hit 60 in 7.8 seconds, and it carries a top speed of 149 mph.

The diesel variant packs 143 hp and 221 lb-ft, helping to propel the 118d to 60 in nine seconds. The story of merit is fuel economy and CO2 emissions, where where it achieves 4.5 liters/100 kilometers (about 52 mpg US) and a CO2 emission rating of 119 grams per kilometer. Hit the jump for more info from BMW's painfully detailed press release.

Gallery: 2010 1-Series Sport, Lifestyle

Continue reading 2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels

2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Safety, Videos, Hatchback, Kia

Click above to watch the Kia Soul's Euro NCAP crash tests

There is no rating yet for the Kia Soul in the U.S., but in Europe the car did the business: the Soul scored five stars on the NCAP frontal offset, side impact and pole crash tests, doing no worse than "marginal" in just two areas. In the frontal offset test the windshield doesn't crack and there is only minor cosmetic damage aft of the front door's front shut line. It's a big result for a little car, and if it has the reliability to match it should do very, very well. Thanks for the tip, GenGT!

Gallery: Kia Soul Euro NCAP Test

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests

VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can't afford to park something cool in your garage? Wrap it up!

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 24 May 2009 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Lifestyle

Style Your Garage door motifs - click above for a high-res gallery

A German firm called Style Your Garage creates posters for garage doors that make it look as if your garage is where the action is. F1 car, F-18 Hornet, exotic dancers -- these are some of the things you can put "in" your garage. If you've got a two-car garage, no worries: you can try out the quarry dump truck or biplane that will span both doors.

Made for the up-and-over garage doors common in Europe, they mount with velcro, can be adapted to fit sectional garage doors, and come in a standard size of 2.10 meters by 2.45 meters. Prices range from €199 to €399 for the double-door motifs, which isn't that much for a giant piece of wall art. The company can also turn a photo of yours into a garage poster, but you'll want to be careful with this; not everything can be blown up to 6.5 feet without looking... creepy. You can have a gander at some of the factory options in the gallery below.

Gallery: Style Your Garage Doors

[Source: Style Your Garage (via Jalopnik)]

Can't afford to park something cool in your garage? Wrap it up! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 May 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Opel/Vauxhall dealers want to help, plan to raise 500M euros

Chris Shunk — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, GM, Opel

While General Motors dealers here in the States are awaiting 1,100 retail store losses, Opel/Vauxhall dealers in Europe have opted to take matters into their own hands. Euroda, the Opel/Vauxhall dealer association, is raising 500 million Euros ($667 million US dollars) in exchange for a 10-20% stake in the brand, plus representation on the brand's board of directors.

The 4,000 dealers will raise the money by contributing €150 for every vehicle sold for the next three years. Dealers realize that the move will be a tough one given the fact that Opel/Vauxhall sales are down 21.8% on the year, but the alternative is far less attractive. Without a brand, the 4,000 dealers would be forced to pick up a new franchise, sell and service only used vehicles, or close altogether.

The money raised by dealers would likely come in addition to the €3.3 million GM Europe is seeking from other European governments. Canadian supplier Magna and Italian automaker Fiat are among the entities vying for a chunk of GM's European operations. A buyer is expected to be announced as soon as next week.

[Source: Automotive News subs req'd]

REPORT: Opel/Vauxhall dealers want to help, plan to raise 500M euros originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 May 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK entrepreneurs open Pit Start, the country's first self-service garage

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 May 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, UK

If you're a London gearhead and want to work on your car but have no place to do it, you'll want to check out Pit Start, a new self-service garage. It is exactly what it sounds like - a communal pay-by-the-hour workspace. Would-be tinkerers can pre-book a space or drop in, and upon arrival, a Pit Start employee will assign you one of the twenty repair bays depending on the kind of work you'll be doing.

Bays can be rented for a minimum of hour, and it's £10 for bays without lifts (a little over $15 USD) or £20 (roughly $30 USD) for one of the six bays that come with a four-ton hoist. Pit Start provides an array of common tools for free, sells oil and basic fluids, has a directory of nearby mechanics, and can arrange to have parts delivered for you within the hour. The only things you can't do are tasks that involve welding or paint spraying. This month, bay rental is 50% off, and the garage is open 24/7 in case you get the urge to install a turbo at 3 a.m. They even provide shop manuals.

Would you be interested in having something like this in America? Drop us a line in 'Comments.'

[Source: Pit Start]

UK entrepreneurs open Pit Start, the country's first self-service garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google StreetView inspires copycat Smart ForTwo police patrol in UK

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, UK

After revolutionizing search, advertising, and e-mail, Google is changing the way police in Greater Manchester keep track of motorists: Filming them a la StreetView.

After having seen Google's StreetView car doing its Cylon sweep of everything, everywhere, the local authorities were apparently inspired to outfit Smart ForTwos with high-rise cameras to capture data. The cars will focus their views near "a high occurrence of 'driver distraction' collisions and where officers have regularly observed offenses being committed."

The police aren't trying to hide anything -- the ForTwos are evidently outfitted in official livery, and besides, there's that gigantic telephone pole of a camera mast sticking out of the roof as a less-than-subtle tipoff. What the police are hoping is that you won't be able to hide anything, either.

The surveiling Smart cars are only part of a pilot program for now, but you can bet that if they're effective, you've only seen the beginning of them.

Thanks, Google...

[Source: Daily Mail via CNET | Image: Manchester Evening News]

Google StreetView inspires copycat Smart ForTwo police patrol in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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German scrapping program officially extended through end of year

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal

As reported a few weeks ago, Germany has said "yes" to extending its scrapping program. The program pledged €1.5 billion to be given out in €2,500 increments to those scrapping their old cars in order to buy new ones. The program extension adds another €3.5 billion and will be available to buyers until the end of 2009. So far 1.3 million people have applied for the incentive, the extra funds will allow a total of 2 million to take advantage. Thanks for the tip, Gregg!

[Source: The Local]

German scrapping program officially extended through end of year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yes, the rich really are different, even now: UK man buys license plate "1 D" for $513,000

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Government/Legal, UK

The trade in personalized license plates in the UK can be big business -- the most coveted ones aren't given away, they are auctioned off at country clubs and manor houses. And in spite of a thing called "the recession" the record price paid for a specialty plate in the UK has just been broken, with a Lebanese property developer paying £352,411 ($513,047 USD) to own "1 D." The actual winning bid was £285,000 ($414,893 USD), to which fees and taxes were added.

And this year will see four more auctions hosted, with the most important items on the block the initial run of O-series plates, from "3 O" to "6 O." The first, "1 O," was sold for £210,242 ($306,063 USD) in January. It is said that investors and businessmen are buying the plates now as investments. Oh, and that half-million-dollar plate will be going on a Bentley, and even with the recent price increases, the most expensive Bentley runs £245,000 ($356,865 USD). Let's hope that at these prices, the new owners are buying locking hardware. Check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: DVLA]

Continue reading Yes, the rich really are different, even now: UK man buys license plate "1 D" for $513,000

Yes, the rich really are different, even now: UK man buys license plate "1 D" for $513,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Dacia could sell in UK after all... if Cash For Clunkers legislation passes

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, UK

If Britain follows Germany's lead and adopts a scrap-your-old-car incentive, it looks like the first company to pounce will could be Romania's Dacia. Renault, which owns Dacia, had planned to launch its brand in the U.K. last summer, but then backtracked.

Thankfully, the bargain brand's fortunes improved when Germany's car scrapping incentive took effect yielding an industry-wide 21 percent jump in February sales. But Dacia didn't just manage to achieve that increase, their sales mushroomed by something like 900 percent, going from less than 100 Logans per week to more than 1000.

According to Autocar, the company thinks it may be able to realize similar results if Britain, making outsized returns on its plucky, cheap-as-chips Sandero - but only if Britain's politicians green-light the initiative.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Dacia could sell in UK after all... if Cash For Clunkers legislation passes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Example #4,239 why sat-nav isn't always to be trusted

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, UK

Anyone who uses a satnav regularly knows the feeling of looking at the directions being given - or actually trying to follow them - and wondering "WTF?" Try an experiment and plug one of your regular destinations into your satnav and see what it spit out; seven times out of ten you'll wonder "Why would it tell me to go that way?"

A driver in England has once again followed the instructions from his car's GPS system as if he were Abraham heeding instructions from The Almighty. Headed to a friend's house, the driver was told by his GPS to go up a steep walking path, and he did so. Luckily the path was lined by a fence, because when the driver crested a hill, he slid down the path and into the fence, which stopped him from going over a 100-foot cliff.

Fortunately, he was unhurt, although charged with careless driving. Never forget: trust your good sense before you trust your satnav...

[Source: The MIrror]

Example #4,239 why sat-nav isn't always to be trusted originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Germany may extend successful scrapping program

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal

Germany recently began a scrapping incentive program that gives buyers €2,500 to get rid of their old cars and buy new ones. The plan helped create a 21% jump in car sales during the month of February, even though the plan didn't take effect until February 20. It was the kind of success that has both the UK and the U.S. mulling over such a program, and has Germany considering doubling the incentive plan by adding another €1.5 billion of government money.

The German government hasn't confirmed extending the scrapping program, and there is no word on how much of the initial €1.5 billion in incentive money remains. It has been reported, though, that many in the government are for the extension, and that the government will meet after Easter to discuss. Doing so would also allow everyone to see how the program affected March's full-month sales. Thanks for the tip, Gregg!

[Source: The Local | Photo by creat1on | CC2.0]

Germany may extend successful scrapping program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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France's Sarkozy urges verification that U.S. auto aid jibes with world trade rules

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:23:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Europe, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

The European Union made noises last year about having the WTO verify that the U.S. auto industry assistance package doesn't violate any international trade rules. Now French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said he will ask the World Trade Organization to stick their hands into the matter.

Critics suggest that this could be a diversionary tactic - Sarkozy himself was accused of violating trade rules with his proposed assistance to Renault and PSA Peugeot/Citroen. Or it could be a way to see if both the proposed French and U.S. proposals will pass the WTO test. Either way, Sarkozy and other European heads of state will meet to plan a Europe-wide response to the auto industry situation, as the E.U. continues to mull whether to bring a formal appeal to the WTO regarding the United States' bailout package.

[Source: Automotive News Europe, sub req'd. | Image: Eric Feferberg/AFP/Getty]

France's Sarkozy urges verification that U.S. auto aid jibes with world trade rules originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yep, That'll Fix It: Berlin youths torching Porsches, BMWs over economy

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe

French youth like to burn cars on New Year's - and they don't mind lighting a few the rest of the year, either. German youths apparently really get their "arson on" when the economy takes a dip, as it happens to be doing right now. According to Bloomberg, at least 29 luxury vehicles have gone up in flames in Berlin so far this year, instigated by "'youths across Europe who 'perceive their future as rather precarious'."

The torchings in Berlin have been centered on the nicer, gentrified areas of town like Prenzlauer Berg, where some residents feel they are being squeezed out to make room for the moneyed. There is even a group called BMW that is claiming responsibility for some of the fires, but this time the acronym stands for the Movement for Militant Resistance (auf Deutsch, naturlich).

If cars are going up in smoke so quickly right now, perhaps the real question is: What will the disgruntled turn to next when things get worse? The police have created a special unit to investigate the arson, since it's considered a political act, but the advice from a Berlin police commissioner is: "I wouldn't advise someone to park their Porsche on the street." Thanks for the tip, Eric!

[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Tigerhawk]

Yep, That'll Fix It: Berlin youths torching Porsches, BMWs over economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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