LEGAL HICCUPS: US car giant General Motors has told Fiat that legal problems with its promise to buy the Italian industrial group's car operations render the pledge invalid.
According to the Fiat chief executive, Giuseppe Morchi, GM was convinced there were strong legal problems with the option Fiat has to force the US carmaker to buy the division. The statement goes beyond GM's public position, which has been to raise questions about the option but go no further.
DUBLIN DEALER CLOSES: Sweeney and Forte, the Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealer in Clontarf, is to close by October after 58 years in business. Founded by John Forte and Tom Sweeney, the dealership is currently run by John's son Gaetano. He points to new requirements under the block exemption rules as one of the main reasons for the decision to close. According to Gaetano, the new rules would have meant a very significant investment in the business which they were not prepared to meet. Customers can expect a letter informing them of other dealers in the area which will take up their warranties. The premises are located in a prime residential area, and are likely to fetch strong interest if they cmoe on the market. Fiat Ireland says it is actively seeking a replacement dealer in the area.
THE 6 RETURNS: BMW's new 6-Series will receive its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The new coupé revives a name which was prominent between 1976-1989.
Prices are likely to be in the range of BMW's flagship 7-Series, and there will also be a Convertible on offer.
The first model will be designated the 640 Ci. The 6 will be powered by the same 4.4-litre V8 that powers the 745i and will give the car a 0-62 mph of 5.6 seconds. Three 6-speed transmissions will be available.
E-CLASS ESTATE: The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, is now available in Ireland with prices beginning at €55,340. The car completes the new E-Class model range and will build on the success of the previous model, which sold over 266,000 units since 1996. New features include an EASY-PACK load compartment management system. Three petrol engines and three CDI diesel engines will initially be available for the new car, with outputs ranging from 150 bhp to 204 bhp.
SUPERBIKES FOR IRELAND: This weekend sees the first time a stage of the British Superbike Championships (BSB) will be held in Ireland. Supported by Failté Ireland, the three-day motorcycle event will take place at Mondello Park. The event starts on Friday with a practice day for all classes to allow riders to get accustomed to the track. Saturday is qualifying day and Sunday is race day.
Tramore man Hilton Hincks will grace the circuit on his team Powersport Castrol Honda along with locals Matt Niland, Derek Wilson, Jamie Patterson and Denver Robb. Tickets are available on the day, to book contact Mondello Park on 045-860200 or visit www.mondellopark.ie