This is the most extraordinary thing that one can get to hear on a space which is dedicated to covering and promoting cars. But then this should go down as the single biggest example of how unbiased we’re in doing our job. (Come on, it is rare that we ever get a chance to brag, let us have our moment). Fines, since we’ve had our moment, now for the matter on hand. To celebrate ‘Earth Day’ a group has got together and has made a one-of-a-kind and special petition pleading with the world to state to no to automobiles. (Huh… Like that is going to ever happen!)

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Mercedes is going all out in making sure that they grab the green headlines and stay forward on the green path towards the future as much as they have the ability to. I am surprised that the car makers of such stature are doing such an amazingly wonderful job in balancing both the commercial and green interests. The company perhaps has realized that the future of car industry lies in taking the path towards electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars. I’m equally surprised that Ferrari is no where in sight in such a race and they are one of the two major players.

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Okay, I did borrow a tiny from the Eagles there, but then most of the people do and that is surely not a surprise. This amazingly crafted chopper is like so many others that are so typical of the bad American choppers and they’re designed to give you more than a thrill or two. This custom made chopper was on show recently and looks something like a vehicle that has been born out of the fires of the gallows. I am not much of a fan of these big monsters as I have been a vehicle fanatic all my life, so I will not further indulge in discussing the look and the style too much.

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The Government giveth, and the Government Taketh. In the same budget that contained a $250m initiative for Automotive Innovation to help the Canadian auto industry make the transition to greater mandated fuel efficiency, Canada's Conservative government quietly canceled the Clean-Car Rebate scheme. Introduced in the 2007 budget, the rebate provided up to $2000 cash back to consumers who bought new vehicles with high MPG ratings. The Canadian Press reports that the rebate still applies to cars up to the 2008 model year, but expires in March of 2009. Union appeasement might have been behind the kibosh, as virtually all of high mpg whips covered by the scheme were imports. In any case, environmental groups lambasted the Clean-Car Rebate's extinction. "They've missed a great opportunity to be a global environmental leader," declared Andrew Van Iterson of the Green Budget Coalition. "Canadians want to be a leader - and the government's not catching up." Lead, follow or green out of the way?  

[Source : The Truth About Vehicles]

Two leasing companies are taking issue with Canada's restrictions on importing vehicles from the U.S. Globe and Mail reports Forunier Leasing and Canadian Auto Associates have filed a class-action lawsuit against Transport Canada and the Canada Border Services Bureau alleging they're part of a conspiracy to keep car prices high. BMW Canada, Mercedes-Benz Canada and Mercedes-Benz USA are also named in the suit. The leasing companies claim Canadian import requirements reduce competition and raise prices 20 to 35 percent above similar U.S. models. They also state government restrictions on importers add additional costs. M-B Canada had no comment. BMW Canada stated they weren't aware of the lawsuit, which seeks damages in excess of $1b.

[Source : The Truth About Automobiles]