Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio leaks out courtesy EU bureaucracy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/spy-shots-2010-mercedes-benz-e-class-cabrio-leaks-out-courtesy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/spy-shots-2010-mercedes-benz-e-class-cabrio-leaks-out-courtesy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/spy-shots-2010-mercedes-benz-e-class-cabrio-leaks-out-courtesy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible trademark filing images - Click above for image gallery

There are few people in this world for whom we hold more contempt than European bureaucrats. They're the pencil-pushers that, if they had their way, would put an end to some of our favorite exotic sportscars and have us all driving Smart ForTwos. But every gray cloud has its silver lining, and in the case of Belgium's bureaucracy, is the sneak peak we get from time to time when a carmaker files its designs to register them as trademarks.

What we're looking at this time is the upcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Although there were rumors that the model could be delayed, by and large we knew this was coming, and have even seen plenty spy shots of test mules preparing for their market launch.

Replacing the outgoing CLK convertible, this new model is based on the slick new E-Class coupe but, you know...with a convertible roof. It's a fabric job, unlike its rivals from BMW, Lexus, Infiniti and Volvo, which have all gone with folding hard-tops by now. The mechanicals are otherwise expected to carry over from its fixed-roof counterpart, although the jury's still out on whether an AMG version will be on offer as well. For now, we'll just have to peruse these grainy black-and-white images until the new drop-top Benz drops in the first half of next year.


Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible trademark filing images


[Source: CarScoop]

Spy Shots: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio leaks out courtesy EU bureaucracy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class2011Mercedes-benzE-classe classE Klassee-classe-class cabrioe-class cabriolete-class convertibleE-classCabrioE-classCabrioletE-classConvertibleE-KlasseEClassEKlasseeu patenteu patent officeeu trademarkeu trademark officeEuPatentEuPatentOfficeeuropean unionEuropeanUnionEuropeanUnionPatentOfficeEuTrademarkEuTrademarkOfficemercedesmercedes e-classmercedes e-class cabriomercedes e-class cabrioletmercedes e-class convertiblemercedes-benzmercedes-benz e-classmercedes-benz e-class cabriomercedes-benz e-class cabrioletmercedes-benz e-class convertibleMercedes-benzE-classCabrioMercedes-benzE-classCabrioletMercedes-benzE-classConvertibleMercedesE-classMercedesE-classCabrioMercedesE-classCabrioletMercedesE-classConvertibletrademarkThu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pullman drawings leak from European patent office]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/mercedes-benz-e-class-pullman-drawings-leak-from-european-patent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/mercedes-benz-e-class-pullman-drawings-leak-from-european-patent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/mercedes-benz-e-class-pullman-drawings-leak-from-european-patent/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pullman patent drawings - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's no great secret that the European Union's patent office has more leaks than a Soviet submarine, but up until now it's only been small cars that have been able to trickle out (see: the facelifted Mazda MX-5 and Nissan 370Z Roadster). But the dam seems to be giving way as a whole Mercedes limousine has managed to squeeze though and into the public realm, and our European compatriots at Autoblog Spanish have got the sketches to prove it.

Like the spy shots we've seen before, these patent sketches provide further proof that Mercedes is preparing to launch a stretched Pullman version of its new E-Class. Several extension options are apparently being prepared, ranging from a modest wheelbase extension all the way up to a full extra set of doors. Expect all manner of luxury equipment to find its way into the enlarged cabin, from entertainment systems and courtesy lighting to power reclining seats and fold-down picnic tables for that ultimate Grey Poupon experience. Click the thumbnails below to view the patent drawings in high resolution.


Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Clase E Pullman (OAMI)



[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pullman drawings leak from European patent office originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e classe-classEClasseueu patent officeEuPatentOfficeeuropean unioneuropean union patent officeEuropeanUnionEuropeanUnionPatentOfficelimolimousinemercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz e-classmercedes-benz e-class pullmanMercedes-benzE-classMercedes-benzE-classPullmanpatentpatent officePatentOfficepullmanMon, 04 May 2009 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Clash of the Titans: Fiat reportedly squaring off with European Union over mergers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/clash-of-the-titans-fiat-squares-off-with-european-union-over-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/clash-of-the-titans-fiat-squares-off-with-european-union-over-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/clash-of-the-titans-fiat-squares-off-with-european-union-over-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



According to The Detroit News, Guenter Verheugen, the European Union's Industry Commissioner, lashed out at Fiat on Friday in a radio interview, voicing concerns that the Italian automaker is acting irresponsibly to be considering new mergers and acquisitions when the company is already in debt. The public tongue-lashing from the EU official sent Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne to the microphones to defend his position, asserting that the commissioner's "comments are not helpful to the ultimate goal of re-establishing a sound footing on which to build the future of this industry".

Although Fiat lost half a billion dollars in the first quarter of this year and holds a debt of some $8.6 billion, sources suggest that the pending deal with Chrysler would have Fiat providing technology and expertise but no cash in exchange for a 20% stake in the troubled American automaker. Meanwhile, although Fiat Group chairman Luca di Montezemolo denied the company was pursuing any interest in GM's European subsidiary Opel, Marchionne is now asserting that would consider the possibility, but that no offer had been made to date.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Andrej Isakovic/AFP/Getty]

Clash of the Titans: Fiat reportedly squaring off with European Union over mergers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commissionereueu commissionerEuCommissionereuropean unionEuropeanUnionfiatfiat chryslerfiat opelFiatChryslerFiatOpelmarchionnesergio marchionneSergioMarchionneMon, 27 Apr 2009 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[France's Sarkozy urges verification that U.S. auto aid jibes with world trade rules]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/28/frances-sarkozy-urges-verification-that-u-s-auto-aid-jibes-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/28/frances-sarkozy-urges-verification-that-u-s-auto-aid-jibes-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/28/frances-sarkozy-urges-verification-that-u-s-auto-aid-jibes-wit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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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What Car is reporting that the European Parliament has graciously agreed to allow Britain to continue using the mile a bit longer. How nice of them. The EU has just passed a broad measure that allows shops to continue to display imperial and metric measures, thus keeping Britain from having to switch their speedometers and road signs to kilometers. The governing body had previously asked for firm dates from Britain and Ireland to make the switch and stop using Imperial measures, and though their neighbors in Ireland have already made the change, Britain remains noncommittal.

We sympathize with our British brethren. If the EU could just walk 1.609344 km in our shoes, they'd know that switching to the metric system would wreak havoc on poetry and songwriting as we know it. Smiles would no longer be the longest word. There would be no more Mile High Club. Denver would lose its Mile High Stadium. Eminem would be crushed upon losing 8 Mile Road. Miles Davis would have to change his name to Kilometers Davis. It would be the end of the world as we know it.

[Source: What Car]

How nice of them - EU lets Britain keep the mile originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaineuropean parliamenteuropean unionEuropeanParliamentEuropeanUnionimperialImperial MeasuresImperial UnitsImperialMeasuresImperialUnitsirelandmetric systemMetric UnitsMetricSystemMetricUnitsThu, 18 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Endangered Species: Europe's sportscar makers worried about the future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With the European Union tightening restrictions on carbon emissions, danger has been spelled out in big bright letters for the sportscar-makers we know and love. The bulk of the world's best supercar manufacturers - including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Aston Martin and Porsche - reside in Europe, but while industry executives continue to campaign for exception and protection, things don't look good. There are, however, a few solutions that could keep the exotic automakers in business and unmolested.

Firstly, both automakers and lawmakers agree on the need to reduce weight, which helps neither emissions nor performance. However, weight reduction itself won't bring the supercars below the 120g/km target touted by the EU. One possible solution would be to give niche automakers an exemption, noting that the few cars they produce are rarely driven anyway. According to Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, exotic automakers like his "are representing Europe to the world" and "are a species to protect", much like an art form. That's something we car lovers can appreciate, and if it strikes a cord with the lawmakers it could help some of the smaller independent automakers like Aston Martin and Lotus, but it won't help the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, which are part of bigger auto groups Fiat and Volkswagen, respectively. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has argued that it would be unreasonable to force low-polluting little Fiats like the Panda and the 500 to bear the burden of their more polluting cousins from Ferrari and Maserati simply because they happen to be under common management.

At the end of the day, these exotic sportscars are not the big problem, though they do make easy targets. If European Union bureaucrats ignore the former and focus on the latter, Europe's most famous automakers could be legislated right out of business.

[Source: Reuters]

Endangered Species: Europe's sportscar makers worried about the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2emissionseueuropean sports carseuropean unionEuropeanSportsCarsEuropeanUnionlegislationlow volume emissions exemptionLowVolumeEmissionsExemptionniche automakersNicheAutomakersregulationsTue, 05 Aug 2008 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[EU grants Porsche permission to purchase VW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/eu-grants-porsche-permission-to-purchase-vw/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/eu-grants-porsche-permission-to-purchase-vw/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/eu-grants-porsche-permission-to-purchase-vw/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Porsche is one step closer to its goal of purchasing Volkswagen. Back in April of last year, the German automaker passed the 30-percent mark, forcing it to make an outright offer for The Volkswagen Group in its entirety, which it did. Not too many VW shareholders sold their stake to Porsche, as the bid was for the bare minimum amount allowed by law. Still, the legal requirement had been met, allowing Porsche to continue gobbling up the automaker according to its own timetable. Earlier this year, the VeeDub board approved a request by Porsche to obtain 51-percent of the company for some $15.73 billion, which would give it a majority stake. Before the house that Ferdinand built could complete its acquisition, the European Commission required it to make one last purchase, which took place in June of this year. Finally, the EU has granted its permission for the buyout.

This story is likely far from over, as the German State of Lower Saxony still claims a 20-percent stake in Volkswagen, which gives it certain rights to block decisions made by VW's new parents. Still, it seems that its only a matter of time before VW and Porsche are united under a different Ferdinand... Piech that is, grandson to Mr. Porsche himself.

[Source: Reuters]

EU grants Porsche permission to purchase VW originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eueuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionlower saxonyLowerSaxonyporscheporsche volkswagenPorscheVolkswagenvolkswagenvolkswagen lawVolkswagenLawThu, 24 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[EU calls for "health warnings" on car ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



How much do marketing angles play into consumer choices? The European Union apparently thinks a lot. For instance, we've recently seen all tobacco sponsorships pulled from motorsports, such as the world's most popular, Formula 1. Now it seems that automobile advertisements will be the next form of media ordered to clean up its act. Potential new rules that are currently in draft form and up for review by the College of Commissioners call for the inclusion of fuel consumption and carbon emission warnings on all vehicle advertisements, just like health warnings are included on packs of cigarettes. It is suspected that the legislation follows a previously published report that suggests 20 percent of every automobile ad should address environmental concerns. Arguments against the proposition claim that it will lead to lost revenue from decreased advertising by automakers who don't want to publicize how dirty their cars are. Would the Bugatti Veyron buyer really be swayed from his or her decision by seeing a single digit city fuel economy rating staring back from within the pages of Robb Report? We think not.

[Source: Autocar UK]

EU calls for "health warnings" on car ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CO2EmissonsEUeuropeEuropean unionEuropeanUnionMPGukTue, 10 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[European Union taking Germany to court over amended VW Law]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/european-union-taking-germany-to-court-over-amended-vw-law/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/european-union-taking-germany-to-court-over-amended-vw-law/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/european-union-taking-germany-to-court-over-amended-vw-law/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In a move that may undermine Germany's protection of Lower Saxony and its close ties to Volkswagen, the European Commission plans to review the case of Volkswagen Law in the European Union's top court. As you may recall, Porsche has been trying to take majority control of rival Volkswagen. However, the so-called "Volkswagen Law" has protected VW from takeover by allowing the state of Lower Saxony (where thousands of VW jobs are at stake) to retain just enough stock in the company to prevent Porsche from capturing a majority vote. While the upcoming ruling may not only alter the ownership of Volkswagen, it also demonstrates the escalating authority that the European Commission has over once sovereign countries.

[Source: Automotive News Europe, subs. req'd]

European Union taking Germany to court over amended VW Law originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ControlEuropean CommissionEuropean UnionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionLower SaxonyLowerSaxonyMajorityPorscheStockTakeoverVolkswagenVolkswagen LawVolkswagenLawFri, 06 Jun 2008 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[E.U. officials clear sale of Jaguar, Land Rover to Tata]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/e-u-officials-clear-sale-of-jaguar-land-rover-to-tata/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/e-u-officials-clear-sale-of-jaguar-land-rover-to-tata/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/e-u-officials-clear-sale-of-jaguar-land-rover-to-tata/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In what seems like an official bookend to the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford to Tata, the European Union, like the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, has given its official seal of approval to the deal. The E.U. had received no complaints regarding the impending purchase, so approval of the $2.3 billion deal had been expected. In fact, the "simplified procedure" used by the European Commission has never ended up with anything but acceptance. No more speed bumps appear ahead of the Indian automaker, which previously had specialized in small and inexpensive vehicles. Now that these formalities are over and done with, hopefully we can simply look forward to what an injection of cash can do to the two classic British marques.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

E.U. officials clear sale of Jaguar, Land Rover to Tata originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>european commissioneuropean unioneuropean-commissioneuropean-unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionjaguarland roverland-roverLandRovertataFri, 25 Apr 2008 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Attention: EU may add warning labels to car adverts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/23/attention-eu-may-add-warning-labels-to-car-adverts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/23/attention-eu-may-add-warning-labels-to-car-adverts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/23/attention-eu-may-add-warning-labels-to-car-adverts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We see it every day on TVs here in the states; commercials complete with warnings about side effects that range from impotence, vomiting, or uncontrollable bowel movements. And that's just for curing toenail fungus. The European Union is noodling the idea of using warnings in car commercials, with the aim of arming consumers with the knowledge of how the vehicle impacts the environment. While requiring automakers to include CO2 and fuel use impact in their advertising seems like a decent idea, the rest of the EU proposal would never fly here in the US. The proposal also calls for limiting all vehicle speed limits to 101 MPH, with the rationale that it makes no sense that automakers increased power by 28% since 1994 even though no country raised their speed limits. Blame it on the Autobahn -- it's hard to raise the limit above "no speed limit."

The proposal, which will be debated by the European Parliament in October, also recommends banning all advertising that promotes high speed driving capabilities, which makes zero sense if the EU bans driving over 101 MPH anyway.

[Source: The Truth About Cars]

Attention: EU may add warning labels to car adverts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Sep 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Car ad warningsCarAdWarningsEUEuropean UnionEuropeanUnionSun, 23 Sep 2007 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Aw Snap! Poll reveals most Germans want speed limit on Autobahn]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/aw-snap-poll-reveals-most-germans-want-speed-limit-on-autobahn/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/aw-snap-poll-reveals-most-germans-want-speed-limit-on-autobahn/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/aw-snap-poll-reveals-most-germans-want-speed-limit-on-autobahn/#commentsFiled under:



Three days ago we scoffed at an EU official's suggestion that a speed limit should be applied to the remaining sections of Germany's famous Autobahn that remain free to speed. While reports indicated that speed-loving Germans were up in arms over the idea, a recent poll shows that two in three believe a speed limit should be instituted. Whaa? Conducted by ZDF television, the poll showed that 54% of those surveyed favor an 80 mph speed limit, while 10% would like a limit even lower. There were still around 35% of the respondents, which would thankfully include German Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee if he were polled, who don't want a speed limit at all.

The controversy over speed limits on the Autobahn stems from suggestions that an over excited right foot leads to lots of wasted energy, which obviously ain't too good for the environment. Interestingly, the survey also showed that 56% of those polled think flights should be taxed more because of their negative impact on the environment. Yeah, that's right! Cap our cars, we'll tax your planes!

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Aw Snap! Poll reveals most Germans want speed limit on Autobahn originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobahnEUEuropean UnionEuropeanUnionpollspeed limitspeed limitsSpeedLimitSpeedLimitssurveyFri, 16 Mar 2007 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[EU wants to cap speeds on Autobahn]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/eu-wants-to-cap-speeds-on-autobahn/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/eu-wants-to-cap-speeds-on-autobahn/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/eu-wants-to-cap-speeds-on-autobahn/#commentsFiled under: ,



Say it ain't so. An EU official has gone on record suggesting that Germans should give up their beloved freedom to speed on stretches of the country's famed Autobahn in deference to the EU's more aggressive climate change policy. Reports from Germany are that the nation's people find the suggestion ludicrous, farcical and a downright threat to their freedom. The popular German slogan "free driving for free citizens" has been ringing out on internet sites collecting reactions to the proposal.

It certainly doesn't sound as if capping the speed limit across the Autobahn is going to happen, but nevertheless a debate has begun about what many consider to be a waste of fuel and needless emissions created by blasts down the Autobahn. While it's tough to argue that most people travelling at triple digit speeds aren't doing it just for fun, instituting a general speed limit based on the argument that energy is needlessly wasted strikes us a slippery slope. Formula 1, on those grounds, is a needless waste of energy, or at least one fans could forego. All motorsports, for that matter, could be targeted with this argument.

It seems to us that the proper way to address unlimited speed on the Autobahn and the extra emissions it creates are to encourage automakers and entrepenuers to develop high-performance sports cars that are also more environmentally friendly. Freedom not only includes the choice to drive fast, but also to do so in an environmentally responsible way if one's available.

[Source: Indystar]

EU wants to cap speeds on Autobahn originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobahncapEUEuropean UnionEuropeanUniongermanyspeed limitSpeedLimitTue, 13 Mar 2007 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Germany's open speed limits upheld]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/germanys-open-speed-limits-upheld/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/germanys-open-speed-limits-upheld/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/germanys-open-speed-limits-upheld/#commentsFiled under:

The days of unrestricted speeds on portions of Germany's autobahn may be numbered, but they will continue for at least the immediate future, thanks to their plucky Chancellor. The lucky souls who have a valid passport, a current license, a capable car and the will to challenge themselves will be able to do so without legal entanglements a bit longer.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel just added her support to legal measures that will help keep the country's autobahnen free of speed limits, Greenies be damned! OK, she didn't go that far, but Merkel's support was unflagging even against European Union criticism that Germany could do a little lot more in the fight against harmful automotive emissions. The unrestricted autobahn has been seen as a poster child for what's wrong with the automotive world by some environmentalists.

Follow the jump for the rest of the story.

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Germany's open speed limits upheld

Germany's open speed limits upheld originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobahnChancellor Angela MerkelChancellorAngelaMerkelEuropean UnionEuropeanUnionspeed limitSpeedLimitStavros DimasStavrosDimasTue, 06 Feb 2007 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[One license to rule them all: Euro-wide driver's license approved]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/16/one-license-to-rule-them-all-euro-wide-drivers-license-approve/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/16/one-license-to-rule-them-all-euro-wide-drivers-license-approve/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/16/one-license-to-rule-them-all-euro-wide-drivers-license-approve/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesterday, the European Parliament made way for a new law that would standardize all 110 licenses currently employed by the 200 million inhabitants of the European Union.

The move to issue one license throughout the EU came at the behest of both legislators and safety advocates alike, in an attempt to curtail confusion and eliminate abuses in the current system. A number of problems have arose over the last several years, including the phenomenon of "Driving license tourism", where a person who's had their driving privilege revoked in one country for drunk driving offenses or a medical condition, would then travel to another country to secure a valid license.

This new law would also make staged licensing of motorcyclists mandatory across the EU, where beginners would only be permitted to ride small displacement machines until their competence behind the handlebars was established. The addition of a small microchip inside licenses was also addressed in the new legislation, however such a device would not be mandatory.

As with any bureaucratic endeavor, the status quo will continue for some time, as the law will only go into effect in 2013, with all drivers forced to give up their old licenses by 2033.

[Source: EU Observer, Channel4]

One license to rule them all: Euro-wide driver's license approved originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eueuropean unionEuropeanUnionlicensemotorcyclemotorcyclistpermitSat, 16 Dec 2006 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[European union leaders meet over Renault-Nissan's proposal for General Motors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/10/european-union-leaders-meet-over-renault-nissans-proposal-for-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/10/european-union-leaders-meet-over-renault-nissans-proposal-for-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/10/european-union-leaders-meet-over-renault-nissans-proposal-for-g/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Speaking of the Renault-Nissan-General Motors goings-on, leaders at unions in European countries Germany and France have a meeting scheduled to chat about how a deal between Renault-Nissan and General Motors could affect European automotive workers. It's unlikely that union pressure would kill any kind of deal, but it puts France, which holds 15 percent of Renault, in a tricky spot. The United Auto Workers in the U.S. hasn't come out in opposition to the deal, but the union is likely waiting to see what kind of deal shapes up before deciding whether to be for or against.

One issue on the table include how the deal could speed up globalization, sending auto jobs to Eastern Europe from Germany and France. The French union in particular finds it difficult to believe that a deal of such proportions could only hurt Renault's domestic sales, which are currently low.

[Source: Financial Times via MSNBC]

European union leaders meet over Renault-Nissan's proposal for General Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jul 2006 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>european unionEuropeanUnionfrancegermanygmmergernissanMon, 10 Jul 2006 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Zetsche warns EU automakers: Don't repeat the mistakes of the US industry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/zetsche-warns-eu-automakers-dont-repeat-the-mistakes-of-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/zetsche-warns-eu-automakers-dont-repeat-the-mistakes-of-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/zetsche-warns-eu-automakers-dont-repeat-the-mistakes-of-the-us/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche, a man who knows a thing or two about the problems facing the US auto industry, took the opportunity to warn European Union automakers that they may eventually endure the same structural problems their US counterparts are struggling with if action is not taken.

Europe, of course, is suffering from many of the same problems that we've been seeing here in the US-- particularly out of whack cost structures due to overwhelming labor costs and ever-increasing competition from Asia. Adding to the problems is the greater diversity within the EU market. Zetsche is calling on the automakers to focus on, well, making cars, and states that EU politicians need to do their part to clean up problems with European social-security systems.

[Source: Financial Times]

 

 

Zetsche warns EU automakers: Don't repeat the mistakes of the US industry originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 May 2006 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWChryslerEuropean UnionMercedesPSAsocial securitySocialSecurityVWZetscheMon, 01 May 2006 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[High gas prices crippling European growth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/high-gas-prices-crippling-european-growth/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/high-gas-prices-crippling-european-growth/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/high-gas-prices-crippling-european-growth/#commentsFiled under: ,

Or so says Andris Piebalgs, the European Union's energy commissioner. Gas prices in Europe are currently at the equivalent of $6.62/gallon, more than twice the average price of a gallon of go-juice in the U.S. Imagine paying $72.82 to fill your 11-gallon gas tank, or how about $125 to fill your 20-gallon tank? Though we in the U.S. cry foul at $3/gallon gas, Europeans can only remember with envy those days when fuel didn't cost a day's wage. Meanwhile fuel-dependant companies are passing the extra costs right down the line to consumers.

One interesting note is that taxes comprise 66% of the cost of fuel in Europe. As of 2005 gas in the U.S. carried with it federal, state and local taxes that ranged anywhere from 32.9 cents to 62.9 cents per gallon. New York's combined gas tax is the highest in the nation at near 63 cents/gallon, which means at last week's price of $2.914/gallon about 29%, or less than half the amount of taxes Europeans pay, went to the government.

High gas prices crippling European growth originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 May 2006 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EUeuroeuropeeuropean unionEuropeanUnionfuel economyfuel pricefuel pricesFuelEconomyFuelPricegallongas pricegas pricesGasPriceGasPricesliterMon, 01 May 2006 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[EU announces investigation into planned GM aid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/eu-announces-investigation-into-planned-gm-aid/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/eu-announces-investigation-into-planned-gm-aid/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/eu-announces-investigation-into-planned-gm-aid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The European Commission announced yesterday that it is investigating a $6.6 million dollar subsidy grant planned for General Motors of Europe. The aid package was to be supplied by the Belgian regional government in Flanders and go towards training employees at the EuroGeneral's plant in Antwerp.

EU authorities are openly skeptical that the funds would actually go towards funding training, fearing that the hefty subsidy would be used for other non-approved ends. Under state trade rules, national and/or regional governments are banned from giving aid to a non state-owned entity if such arrangements upset EU competition rules.

[Sources: Associated Press via Forbes; paed.uni-muenchen.de]

EU announces investigation into planned GM aid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AntwerpBelgianBelgiumEUEuropean UnionEuropeanUnionGMGM of EuropeGmOfEuropeProbeSubsidyThu, 27 Apr 2006 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[EU slaps BMW, General Motors, for one-brand only policies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/19/eu-slaps-bmw-general-motors-for-one-brand-only-policies/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/19/eu-slaps-bmw-general-motors-for-one-brand-only-policies/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/19/eu-slaps-bmw-general-motors-for-one-brand-only-policies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Last week, BMW and General Motors notified anti-trust regulators at the European Commission that they will discontinue policies forbidding their European dealers from selling and repairing non-company branded vehicles at their facilities.

Said Jonathan Todd for the European Union, "As a result of our investigation and our contact with the two companies, they have now amended their practices so that consumers will now be able to buy other brands of cars from dealerships that were previously exclusively for BMW, Mini and General Motors."

The ruling was in response to dealership complaints who felt the automakers' policies limited their ability to attract customers by offering a wide variety of products and services.

[Source: CBC News]

EU slaps BMW, General Motors, for one-brand only policies originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Mar 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-trustBMWCanadadealershipsEUEuropean UnionGeneral MotorsGMSun, 19 Mar 2006 12:30:00 EST