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2007

Drivers are better off with 'contracts for service' Director denies that giving 'contracts for service' instead of 'contracts of service' is a way for companies to save money on benefits. -NST		Vietnam halts plan to ban short and flat-chested motorists New guidelines on motorcycle and car drivers had drawn widespread criticism and ridicule from motorists since they were published by the health ministry.

Don't drive, heart attack victims reminded More than one-third of Canadians having a heart attack drive themselves to hospital instead of calling for an ambulance.		Petrol prices concern Britons more than economy

60-day countdown to rear seat belt use starts today Starting today, authorities will conduct daily operations to ensure rear seat passengers buckle up. -The Star		New fuel rebate system for M'sia next year M'sian govt to rethink rebate system as people were unhappy with the current one: Minister. -The Star

Higher M'sia public transport fares next year Minister says new rates would take into consideration public interest and the industry's. -The Star		Porsche cuts production The annual Christmas shutdown would also be extended by three days this year. -AFP

Petrol kiosks run out of fuel Some rural petrol stations in Malaysia had to shut down due to the shortage. -NST		EON to inspect state cars Edaran Otomobil Nasional Bhd alledgedly refused to service the state-owned Proton cars. State exco member claims that might have caused his car bonnet to fly open and smash his windscreen. -NST

VW to make own hybrid parts Volkswagen is looking to manufacture virtually all components for motors used in their hybrid and electric vehicles.		Carmakers to lower 2008 target for Germany Carmakers lower their target for new car registrations due to lower demand by car consumers.

	Commuters dispute upbeat transport study Commuters are not convinced by a report that says buses here run on time and are not overcrowded. -ST		SMRT has smooth ride in 2nd quarter Higher bus and train ridership has helped to boost Q2 financial results of public transport provider SMRT.

Nissan offers 0% loans on five models Nissan said it is offering interest free loans on five vehicle models to boost sales.			Judge halts New York plan to turn yellow cabs green New York's plan to turn its yellow cabs green was halted by a federal judge.

Fuel demand likely to stagnate despite price drop Drop in US gasoline prices was greater than the decline during the 1970s oil crisis.		Italy resists as EU carmaking nations sign CO2 deal EU ambassadors agreed to phase in emission curbs but there was no agreement on how much to fine.

	Fewer taxis on the road as higher fares see demand falling Many drivers forced to give up their cabs due to weaker demand.		Michelle Yeoh campaigns for crash helmet use in Vietnam Hollywood star Michelle Yeoh promotes motorcycle crash helmets and reduce traffic deaths.

Pump prices fall again However decrease does not seem to be across the board. -AsiaOne		October US auto sales dive Overall sales worst since 1991. -AFP

Beijing bamboozled by no-car-day numbers game Car owners now face revised rules which threaten even greater confusion. -Reuters			China city plans bigger fares for striking cabbies China's fourth-largest city promised to end the taxi drivers' strike.

Shell sparks price war Shell reduced its pump prices two cents below the industry cut on Monday, before other oil companies followed suit.			Fear crashes Chrysler minivan birthday party Chrysler threw a birthday party for the minivan but fear that workers may lose their jobs.

	Italian auto sales fall 18.9% in October Serious difficulties in market caused vehicle sales to suffer the impact of the global finance crisis.		Detroit awaits vote to restart press for aid Survival of the troubled U.S. industry now depends on the outcome of U.S. presidential election.

	BMW dumps 2008 outlook amid global autos slowdown BMW cut production and scrapped earnings as quarterly profits slumped 60%.		Toyota lowers its 2008 U.S. sales forecast Toyota Motor Corp lowered its U.S. sales forecast after it saw October sales drop 26%.

	VW Czech unit cuts production Planned shutdowns will reduce output by 18,000 vehicles.		China city vows crackdown on taxi strike violence Strike extended in urban areas after cabbies smashed taxis that had continued operating.

Daimler rises on talk Kuwait to raise stake-traders Shares in Daimler jumped 4% on market talk that Kuwait was to raise its stake in the company.			Cigarette sets German bus ablaze, 20 dead Only around a third of the mostly elderly passengers managed to get out.

Most COE prices fall with fewer bids Drop in number of tenders a sign of dwindling orders. -AsiaOne		Civil servants can change cars faster The Malaysian govt increased the loan amounts for civil servants to buy cars.

Petrol likely to go back to pre-June prices M'sian govt confident of restoring pump prices in wake of declining oil price.			Jeremy Clarkson prostitute murder joke irks viewers More than 500 viewers have called the BBC to complain about the joke.

	Fewer cabbies flout taxi-stand rule 229 caught in Sept, from 566 in March; ST check finds illegal pick-ups in some areas downtown.		Toyota says second India plant to cost $680 mln Toyota Motor Corp spends a total of 68 billion yen to produce a new compact car.

	India bus accident kills 46 as driver changes CD 46 people were killed when a bus plunged down a deep gorge in India.	Cabbie rapes student University student raped after accepting drink from 'charming' cab driver. -NST

Overseas ERP going green The Netherlands is looking to introduce tolls that bill motorists for the amount of pollution their vehicles spew into the environment.			Infiniti offers 0% financing on 2008 models Nissan Motor Co's luxury Infiniti aims to help consumers sidelined by the credit market squeeze.

	New expressway may cost up to $5b MCE already $600m over budget; poor soil, higher construction costs cited as reasons.	Fill her up please, and make it myco-diesel A reddish microbe found on the inside of a tree at a secret in the rainforests could unlock the biofuel of the future. -AFP

Toyota yr operating profit sees a 8-yr low Due to the financial crisis Toyota's operating profit plunged below normal levels and shares slide to 8.9%.		GM says auto industry faces 'critical' 100 days It needs to step up its efforts to secure U.S. government support in consultation with the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama.

	GM to announce 'important changes' with Q3 results General Motors Corp announces "important changes" to address the global economic situation.		US approves loan rules, auto execs lobby for more Bush administration cleared the way for distressed automakers to access up to US$25 billion in loans for making more fuel efficient cars.

Toyota halves profit forecast after first-half slump Its net profit dropped to 493.47 billion yen in the six months to Sept.			Vietnam says they need funds for 5,900 km of expressways The funds needed to develop the proposed expressway network in the Southeast Asian country stand at $53 billion.

9-year-old boy caught driving to grandma's house The boy told the police that he learnt from his father's driving and arcade games.		Cabbies air grievances to top official on TV Chongqing chief vows to tackle issues that sparked strike. -ST

	Toyota hacks forecasts, US carmakers seek help Toyota's operating profits will sink to a 13-year low this year.	Shell drops pump prices again Shell will also run V-Power@F98 price from tonight to Tuesday between 7pm and 11pm. -AsiaOne

	Brazil auto sales slump, gov't to offer credit New automobile sales in Brazil fell sharply as a result of severe retraction in the availability of credit.		Chrysler cash drains away as crisis deepens - sources Chrysler LLC is burning through cash and preparing for a possible break-up if it can't merge with GM.

	Bombardier wins $381 mln Singapore train contract Bombardier Inc won a contract from Singapore government agency to supply underground train cars.		Beijing Auto cuts 2008 car sales forecast Beijing Automotive Industry Holding expects its vehicle sales this year to fall short of its original forecast.

ERP trial for Britain Drivers recruited to test satellite-based road pricing scheme next year.		More Malaysian cars seized in Thailand The number of Malaysian cars seized by Thai Customs Department officers in border town is increasing annually. -NST

Fewer traffic accidents The number of accidents in Malaysia has dropped by 41% in the last three years. -NST			'Deteriorating traffic speeds' prompted Eunos gantry Any motorist who uses the stretch of the westbound PIE will contribute to congestion along there and hence should pay the ERP charge,' said LTA spokesman. -ST

Petrol prices to dip again soon Malaysian prices could go down twice this month due to the downward trend of global crude oil prices. -NST		Poly students want better public transport concessions Six polytechnic students took to the streets yesterday to eventually collect 100,000 signatures, both online and offline. -ST

Rear seat passengers starting to buckle up, say cops Rear seatbelt ruling will take effect on Jan 1, 2009. -NST		Malaysia's transport levy for S'pore-bound vehicles to be abolished The abolition of the levy would result in a loss of about RM143mil annual revenue.

	Drivers taken for a ride... Malaysian transport drivers are denied the same basic benefits that almost every other worker in Malaysia enjoys. -NST		'It is like being a foreign worker' One of the things that worried him as a contract driver is the lack of accident benefits. -NST

Contracts that do not provide any protection or benefits The contract stipulates that the driver has to pay a deposit of RM1,000 to the company upon signing. -NST		It's up to the industry, says M'sian minister Drivers who prefer to be classified as contractors means they can earn more money at the end of the day.

New car sales in Britain drop at fastest pace since 1991 Number of new cars sold in Britain in Oct fell by nearly a quarter compared to the same period a year ago.		'Discount' on ERP rates Reductions are $1 on most of the priced roads leading into the city and takes effect from Nov 15. -AsiaOne

	Hyundai Motor stock down on trade fears, Chrysler Shares in Hyundai Motor fell as investors worry the U.S may harden its stance on car trade.		India's car sales drop in October, outlook gloomy Car sales in India fell and are unable to cheer a market struggling with high borrowing costs and slowing economy.

Australia car industry gets A$3.2 bln aid package Australia's car industry gets government support package to offset halving of tariffs on imported vehicles.		New calls for US Treasury to help carmakers Democratic and Republican officials said taxpayers cannot repeatedly support business rescues.

Obama's chief of staff urges swift help for auto industry Obama's chief of staff urged to rescue US auto industry, which is in peril due to flagging sales.		Elderly man hit by car, dies The pedestrian was walking along the pavement when the fatal incident happened. -ST

	GM shares hit 62-year lows after broker downgrades General Motors Corp shares tumbled after analysts downgraded the automaker.		GM will 'take every action' to avoid bankruptcy: chief President and chief executive said that the US automaker could run out of cash next year.

Russia to sharply raise duty on used imported cars Russia plans to raise duties on used imported cars to protect its domestic producers.			Toyota vulnerable after chasing fast growth Toyota Motor Corp's shock profit warning shows its strategy of breakneck expansion.

	US carmakers' best chance for aid is with Congress U.S. auto industry's best chance for $25 billion help to survive a steep financial slide rests with Congress.	More motorcyclists after increase in petrol prices More people started using motorcycles in Malaysia after petrol prices were increased last June. -NST

	SMRT unveils $12m train information system A dynamic route map and information system will be installed on its trains so travellers can better track their journey.		Jardine C&C sees bumpy road ahead Group posts 57% rise in profit; sees Astra's contribution dipping.

	$1.13b Downtown Line contracts awarded The early award of the contracts will necessitate the appointment of an operator soon, observers say.		GM Daewoo mulls production halt as sales fall GM Daewoo was considering a temporary suspension in its car production due to falling overseas exports.

	GM needs federal aid in coming weeks: chief General Motors is in such dire financial straits that it needs to line up a federal aid package.		China sees second violent cabbie strike in a week More than 200 taxi drivers in southern China smashed cars in the country's second strike.

RM1.2bil in summonses yet to be settled, say police The police are urging errant motorists to pay up before they are caught. -TheStar			Volkswagen Bank to use ABS collateral in ECB tender Volkswagen Bank GmbH plans to tap the European Central Bank for liquidity next month.

	German car maker Audi says October sales rose, but plans cut-back Audi said that sales had risen while sales by rivals slumped but that it too would reduce output.		Three more bus lanes next week They are along Commonwealth Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue West and Queensway. -AsiaOne

	New rain shelters for motorcyclists along expressways 31 new rain shelters slated for completion by end 2009. -Asiaone	Shorter VEP hours for Dec school holidays Foreign-registered vehicles will not need to pay any fees for the day if they drive into S?pore after 12 noon and leave by 2am. -AsiaOne

	Auto sales down 14.42% in India Indian auto industry's hopes were dashed by severe liquidity crunch and high financing costs.		The ez-link way to pay for your SMRT taxi rides Commuters travelling in SMRT taxis will soon be able to pay their fares with their ez-link cards.

Will US auto giants be saved? White House won't commit to saving US auto giants. -AFP		MCA president defends road signs in other languages He says it should not be seen as disrespectful and that it is for the convenience of foreign tourists.

	Why petrol stations are making fair, and not record, profits Pump prices do not rise or fall at the same time as crude prices for the simple reason that pump prices are affected by a combination of factors, says ExxonMobil. -ST	Thefts from 2 cars Two cars had their right rear windows smashed and belongings stolen. -ST

	Fiat extends temporary work suspension Fiat extends temporary work suspension as it confronts sagging demand amid the economic turndown.		Germany adds limits to car tax break plans-sources The German government has agreed to limit the scope of plans to offer tax breaks on new cars.

	Crisis to slam brakes on Chile's 2009 auto sales Chile's auto industry expects sales to fall in 2009 under tighter credit conditions.		GM seeks to raise stake in China vehicle JV-paper General Motors is seeking to raise its stake in its commercial vehicle venture with SAIC Motor.

	Troubled GM says it is profitable in China, will continue to invest GM said it was making money in China and would continue its investments in the Asian market.		Luxury cars, mobile phones buck slowing trend in India Sales of luxury cars and mobile subscriptions are bucking the trend of low consumer demand.

China cools to clean diesel for vehicles - paper As China struggles to choose the best powertrain, a minister has been in favour of gasoline hybrids.			Retiree wins big with $90k hybrid car He achieved a 28.8 per cent cut in his electricity bill and won the 10% Energy Challenge Draw.

	The intention is not to fit more people on the train Give standing commuters more space, not to fit in more people, says LTA.		Thieves burn showroom, killing car salesman Eight cars worth $835k were stolen in well-planned M'sian theft.

Measures to resolve traffic chaos The Malaysian Works Ministry will widen the slip road, create a U-turn and build more sound barriers.		Hopes for auto bailout stall Changes won't take place until Obama is president. -AFP

	Mercedes bucks Oct trend with rise in registrations October's volume was boosted by a good number of E-Class NGT cars, which are factory-fitted to run on either petrol or compressed natural gas.		Minnesota car dealer sues Chrysler Financial A Minnesota car dealer sued Chrysler Financial Services, accusing it of acting in bad faith.

	Toyota considering delay at Mississippi plant Toyota is considering postponing plans to start production at a plant it is building in Mississippi.		Crisis forces carmakers to confront problems in China Car makers in China are laying off workers and slashing forecasts as financial crisis transforms.

	Chrysler urges bailout, Washington split Sachs suspended rating on GM while Chrysler sought to bail out the U.S. auto industry.		Dow Jones stays loyal to GM even as stock crumbles GM's survival is in doubt yet the automaker retains its status as 1 of the powerhouses in Dow Jones.

	Obama wants bigger aid effort for auto giants Barack Obama has supported extension of more than $25 billion for distressed U.S. automakers.		W.European car sales fall 16% in Oct Western European auto market contracted at its fastest as the continent slipped into a recession.

	Dodd backs US auto industry action, plans hearing Dodd favors federal government action to assist struggling automobile industry and plans a hearing.		Aid won't save carmakers At least one of the Detroit Three - GM, Chrylser and Ford - will be liquidated despite the bailout package.

	European car sales slump New car sales in Europe slumped 14.5 per cent in October. -AFP		Nissan to cut Japan output further on sales slump Move on top of its plan to scale back production by 200,000 vehicles globally this year.

	Insurers post strong Q3 premium income growth 28 per cent growth in motor gross premium income to $221.8 million.		Downturn but SBS Transit expects higher revenue Higher operating costs have slashed profits by 17 per cent but SBS Transit expects revenue growth with higher ridership. -ST

	Renault worldwide sales falls Number of vehicles sold for Oct down 14.1% on Oct 2007.		Bus operators want 100 per cent increase in fares However, the M'sian companies would settle for only a 70 per cent increase "if the govt fulfils their conditions". -NST

	PLUS rewards for regular highway users The more toll a motorist pays, the bigger the reward will be. -The Star		Rear seat belts would have saved 2,200 from injury 360 fatalities last year were the result of rear-seat passengers not buckling up. -The Star

Chrysler execs' $45m bonuses Despite cutting jobs, the company still plans to pay about S$45.6 mil to keep about 40 top executives. -Reuters			ComfortDelGro's Q3 income dips 18.1% to $48.3m Group says fundamentals remain sound.

	Sept retail sales up, thanks to vehicles Sales rose by an unexpected 7.2 per cent, largely due to a sharp rebound in motor vehicle sales.		New VW law in line with EU court ruling Retained clause allowing the German state of Lower Saxony to hold a blocking minority in VW with a 20 per cent stake.

	Thai car sales fall 15.4 percent in October Eroding consumer confidence blamed for five months of losses.		Showdown over auto bailout Democrats, Republicans brace for brawl over auto industry bailout. -AFP

White House not proposing relaxing fuel efficiency White House spokesperson Dana Perino says that the media reports of such a proposal are 'false'. -Reuters			GM lobbying hard for U.S. bailout Generl Motors Corp says if it files bankruptcy it would set off a chain reaction hitting hundreds of its suppliers and dealers. -Reuters

	U.S. auto bailout support battle heats up Republicans say the bailout proposal will fail while Democrats argue that it is critical to saving the U.S. economy. -Reuters		Toyota to cut '09 sales plan by 7% Sales will probably continue to deteriorate next year as the slump in vehicle demand spreads. -Reuters

	German Schaeffler sees quick wrap-up of Continental deal Schaeffler will wrap up its takeover of Continental after getting approval from European Commission.	Mat Rempit attack two after crash 2 men were assaulted and their car damaged by a group of Mat Rempit yesterday. -NST

	GM says puts more Brazil workers on paid leave GM sent more Brazilian workers on mandatory paid leave as tight credit markets hurt car sales.		Toyota plans zero-interest loans in Europe Toyota Motor Corp offers zero-interest loans on new cars across Europe to revive sagging sales.

	Germany warns on state aid ahead of Opel talks They may help Opel but warn that they will not offer blanket aid to entire industries suffering due to the financial crisis. -Reuters		Opening of taxi market key to remove obstacles Taxi companies in the country operate through franchises and without open market competition.

	Europe car sales plunge, EC warns U.S. on bailout Cash-strapped carmakers cut output further as sales in Europe fell and EC warned U.S. on bailout.		Automakers' survival a matter of US security Retired Gen. Wesley Clark wrote in an opinion piece in Sunday's New York Times that a rescue of U.S. automakers is imperative for national security. -Reuters

	GM to sell stake in Japanese automaker Suzuki Suzuki would spend close to S$400 million to buy back the shares.		Malaysia cuts fuel price by 7.0 percent S$0.063 cent cut would take effect from Tuesday. -AFP

	Americans uneasy over bailout for automakers Everyday Americans said the proposed US$25 billion rescue plan was unfair.	Petrol and diesel prices reduced by 15 sen per litre Najib said the reduction was made in line with falling global petroleum prices. -The Star

CCT orders fuel kiosk owner to pay motorist The petrol kiosk owner had adulterated petrol with water and caused damaged to a vehicle. -The Star		More train trips for festive season Waiting times will be reduced by up to 2 minutes: SMRT.

Putting the brakes on car repos Loan defaults rising, but lenders can't recoup losses via resale or re-export.			Buses can refuse to let wheelchair-bound board Passengers in wheelchairs may be refused boarding on wheelchair accessbile buses for safety's interests, says S'pore's Minister for Transport. -AsiaOne

	Phone cards and drinks in taxis soon In order to supplement their income, Malaysian taxi drivers will be allowed to sell packet drinks and phonecards to passengers. -TheStar	Shell drops petrol prices again Shell has led a pump price decrease of five cents across all grades of petrol and six cents for diesel. -AsiaOne

	Honda says supports aid for U.S. auto industry Honda supports measures to help U.S. auto industry but did not say what should be provided.		Congress takes first step on automaker bailout U.S. Senate Democrats took the first step toward bailing out the nation's crippled auto industry.

	General Motors and Opel: An 80-year marriage for better or worse Opel went to ask German Chancellor for emergency support as parent company GM struggles.		Norwegian police driven crazy by 61-time motor offender A Norwegian was stopped for the 61st time for driving in other people's cars without a license.

	Germany's Merkel - looking at guarantees for Opel Merkel and Opel discussed the possibility of German government providing GM with liquidity guarantees.		Auto deal could avert market rout, but no cure-all Rescue package U.S. automakers could avert stock market plunge but is unlikely to end market's depression.

	Chile auto sales fall 13.7% in Oct year-on-year A clear sign the global financial crisis has slammed the brakes on domestic consumer spending. -Reuters		Loeb eighth-fastest in Formula 1 testing The five-time world rally champion, Sebastien Loeb came in 8th at the testing session in Barcelona. -Reuters

	Democrats, White House clash on auto bailout White House warns against draining funds from a huge finance industry bailout. -Reuters		Honda opens new US plant as Detroit seeks bailout Honda's president, Greensburg Mayor Gary Herbert posed a question designed to remind Americans that the U.S. auto industry extends beyond Detroit. -Reuters

Too early to speak of aid to Canada autos It is too premature to say whether aid will be given by the government. -Reuters		Ford to shed 20 per cent stake in Mazda Ford Motor will end 12 years of control of Mazda Motor in the latest sign of desperation as the Detroit Three struggle to raise cash. -Reuters

	Serious accidents on the increase this year The Chinese govt will take a tougher stance against bus and truck drivers, the cause of most of the accidents. -China Daily, ANN		M'sia to dump petrol subsidy? M'sia is currently not subsiding petrol and may dump its subsidy scheme altogether, says a minister. -AFP

	Boy dragged for 5km after car hits motorbike he was on Driver allegedly knew boy was pinned on front of car but didn't stop; Mohd Hanafiz's head was crushed when he was dragged.	MRT gates that won't trap you SMRT to unveil new, high-tech gates in the third quarter of next year.

10% toll discount for using highways from midnight to 7am Starting Jan 1, private cars using the KL North-South Expressway and and the North-South Central Link will enjoy the discount. -TheStar		Public transport ridership up 8 per cent An average of 3.7 million journeys were made daily on public transport from January to August this year.

	Iraq plans Baghdad metro to ease traffic Baghdad municipality updates plans for a metro aimed at relieving traffic in Iraq. -AFP		Car firms can't be bailed out like banks - EU's Kroes European car industry cannot be treated like the financial sector and countries must not offer unfair incentives.

	Democratic leader hopeful for auto aid deal A compromise may be reached this week. -Reuters		Merkel warns Europe will look carefully at US auto aid Europe will examine U.S measures taken to help the auto industry so that harm is not done to the European industry. -AFP

Big Three automakers try to jump start US bailout The cash-strapped companies pleaded with skeptical lawmakers Tuesday as time is ticking due to arguments over the bailout plan. -AFP			VW sees China trade tough in H1 2009 But is still planning for growth though hardships are expected. -Reuters

	Unions must be part of auto sector rescue The Canadian Auto Workers union needs to co-operate with government initiatives. -Reuters		Small car premium crashes to $2 COE prices fall across the board by at least 30 per cent. -AsiaOne

More Singaporeans use public transit during downturn Transport Minister says people try to save money during global economic slowdown. -AFP		Nissan expecting 'zero' profits 2009 will be one of the most challenging years for our industry and the whole economy in the last 50 years, says Nissan CEO. -AFP

	Nissan introduces the new Cube in global markets The fully redesigned Cube continues the iconic "cubic" styling of the previous generation, adding a higher level of refinement and polish inside and out.		Ford to remain top Mazda shareholder Ford agreed to sell about two-thirds of its stake in Mazda but still remains as its top shareholder.

	Germany risks new U-turn on auto sector aid Germany says that no blanket aid for carmakers is needed, but politicians may reverse course.		Auto workers need to co-operate in rescue CAW union needs to co-operate in proposed government aid package for the struggling auto sector.

Malaysia Govt stops paying petrol subsidies Fuel subsidies last year cost the Government RM16.18bil. -The Star			Lowering new car sales a 'worthwhile sacrifice'? President of two motor trade associations said reducing number of COEs necessary to save industry from collapse.

	Auto executives take case for bailout to Congress Auto executives take their case for bailout to U.S. Congress as they hope to overcome political opposition.		Big Three automakers try to jump start US bailout "Big Three" US automakers were to plead for help from lawmakers as hope fades for a quick bailout.

	Global car giants bet heavily on China GM car models on display in Guangzhou International Auto Show are part of a product offensive despite the global auto crisis. -China Daily, ANN		EU eyes auto aid, but no blank cheques EU's executive was divided over the extent of any aid as other sectors also face a downturn.

	CIQ complex to finally open next month The new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in Bukit Chagar, Malaysia, is expected to open its doors within the next month.		Traffic scheme blamed for accidents in Klang New rerouting of traffic is adding to the already confusing and disorderly traffic situation.

	'Night-time driving takes a heavy toll' 10% reduction for those plying PLUS and Elite highways has met with more brickbats than kudos.		After years of crisis, Germans now see Opel threatened by GM For many Germans, Opel is a victim of the problems that threaten to bankrupt GM.

	U.S. car aid must not hurt EU carmakers Merkel said the measures U.S takes to help its automotive sector should not harm European carmakers.		Renault sees sales drive key to cutting inventories Renault has limited scope for production cuts and will rely on a big sales push to cut inventories.

	W. House opposes Congress 'raiding' TARP for auto White House opposed Congress "raiding" Troubled Asset Relief Program to bail out U.S. automakers.		EU's Verheugen signals support for German Opel help EU Commissioner signalled support for a German offer to help ailing carmaker Opel.

	Auto executives take case for bailout to Congress U.S. auto executives were set to take their case for a $25 billion industry bailout.	GM launches 'product offensive' in China Facing bankruptcy at home, GM launches unprecedented number of new models in China. -AFP

	More motorists use KPE to save time The new Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) is starting to show results.		Car prices readjusted, 'exciting' times ahead Car dealers readjust prices in wake of aberrant COE premiums.

	Free SMS to iris NextBus? Reader was charged for SMS to bus service when it was stated as free. myp		ERP gantry at Bendemeer to be relocated New gantry 100m further along Bendemeer Road, same ERP rates and operating hours.

	Toyota to cut 3,000 temporary jobs in Japan: spokeswoman Toyota plans to cut 3,000 temporary jobs at its domestic plants in response to worsening sales.		Fiat India to launch Linea sedan in December Indian unit of Italy's Fiat plans to launch its mid-sized sedan Linea in India.

	No viable auto industry bailout plan: Democrats Democrats put off a vote on a bailout for crisis-hit "Big Three" auto makers.	Buy a car for only S$10,000 The made-in-China 800cc Chery QQ now costs $5,000 less than originally. Falling car and petrol prices have brought buyers back to car showrooms.

	Automakers plead for funds to prevent 'collapse' of US economy Quick passage of the bailout seemed unlike amid opposition.		US Senate Republicans reluctant to bail out auto sector Carmakers say millions of jobs are threatened.

	Chrysler Financial Canada to cut jobs, offices It will consolidate its operations in Toronto.	Loophole in law over half-shell helmets to be plugged soon Safety rules does not define a standard helmet; laws to be amended. -NST

24 buses seized for various offences Total of 42 offences include operating outside of permitted routes and not having a conductor. -NST		Rear seat belts from December Proton and Perodua will start retrofitting cars with rear seat belts next month.

Obama team mulls 'prepack' auto bankruptcy Obama's team has already contacted at least one bankruptcy law firm.		Opel decision won't depend on US moves

	GM does not owe Opel any money German govt says cannot confirm CO2 cars deal.		Bush urges Congress to act on auto aid Democrats in Congress Thursday put off a vote on a bailout for the Big Three carmakers.

	Letting US auto sector die 'not an option' Democratic leaders demand the companies demonstrate financial viability and accountability.		Lamborghini to enter Latin America next year It will also expand number of showrooms in China.

	Audi Hungary to stop car production for 4 weeks Production will pause because demand for two of the three car models produced is lower during winter.		All options on the table for GM This includes filing for bankruptcy protection.

	Cars throttle Algerian capital, locals dream of trams and metro Algiers choke under the pressure of hundreds of thousands of vehicles, many times more than it can handle.	Najib: Don't expect too much M'sia's DPM cautions people not to expect pump prices to drop constantly.

Fuel floor price in December? Floor price would depend on whether or not the M'sian govt would need to generate revenue.		Perodua to retrofit rear seat belts from Dec 15 It will retrofit 435,000 cars manufactured since 1995 for free. -NST

Greener cars the price for aid Authorities have named a price for a global auto bailout package.		Petrol prices likely to come down by another 6 cents Pump prices will hit a 2-year-low after the latest price cut.

Mass use of electric cars Portugal will commence the mass use of electric cars by the end of 2011.		Palm oil prices spells misery Palm oil prices have plummeted from a March high of 4,486 ringgit (S$1,907) per tonne to less than 1,500 ringgit.

Race car jumps barrier, kills 9 It crashed into spectators in Thailand's worst racing accident in years. -Reuters		Jaguar in talks for $2.26b loan This is just 9 months after Tata Group bought the British-based luxury carmaker.

Past auto bailouts have critical lessons for US now Some parallels in two cases to the troubles faced today by the Big Three.			Old checkpoint to take in more traffic The ICA will spend up to $2 million to refurbish the old crossing, so that it can help ease congestion at the current checkpoint.

	Toll 'secrets': KL to go public Move to reveal contract details may fuel calls for openness in other projects.	Fiat plans 3 low-cost models They will be marketed under a new low-cost brand to be launched in western Europe. -Reuters

	GM ends Tiger Woods deal The sponsorship contract, believed to pay Woods US$7 million a year, was due to expire at the end of 2009. -AFP		Car buying frenzy, auto companies raising prices Car buyers return to showrooms in droves after COE crashes to $2.

Opening of new PIE connection at Bedok North Avenue 3 New vehicular interchange will be opened to traffic on Nov 29, 4pm. -AsiaOne		Traffic cameras to watch for flooding The CCTVs will be called to duty as the north-east monsoon bites late this month.

Korean carmakers halt production South Korean carmakers are offering discounts to cut stockpiles or suspending production as they and their global counterparts face a dismal winter. -AFP		Production cuts at Porsche? Weak demands forces Porsche's cut back. -AFP

Lorrymen: We can't afford to reduce transport charges Impossible to reduce transportation charges despite the cheap diesel. -The Star		Free parking for diners at The Heeren Shops Customers who spend any amount at Heeren's new dining outlets can redeem free parking coupons.

Woman motorcyclist dies Her motorcycle collided with a car at the junction of Sims Avenue East and Lorong Melayu.			Sarkozy vows to defend Europe's car industry France and Germany are determined to help their car industry weather the economic storm.

	Nissan withdraws from Detroit, Chicago auto shows Nissan pulls out of the Detroit and Chicago auto shows as it reins in marketing spending.		Caravan of auto dealers, suppliers, workers to head to Washington Auto dealers, suppliers and union workers drive caravans to Washington to rescue the Big 3 US carmakers.

Porsche delays VW takeover Global slowdown was hitting hard sales of its own high-priced sports cars. -AFP		Car traders' support praised It was also commended for initiating the Casetrust-SVTA Accreditation Scheme. -ST

Operators seek tax relief for dormant cabs With more taxis being repossessed, firms seek to have road tax shelved while cabs are off-road.		Fuel price drop good but not good enough Price reduction not good enough as world petrol price is low.

Japanese carmakers slash 1,900 more jobs Mitsubishi Motors slashing 1,100 jobs and Subaru-maker Fuji Heavy Industries axing 800 posts. -AFP		New taxi strike reported in southern China Taxi strikes protest against unlicensed competition, high fuel prices and rising rental fees,

	Honda motorcycle growth to pause on crisis 2010 motorcycle sales target of 18 million in question.	EU fails to reach agreement on car emissions regime A fifth "triologue" on the issue has been scheduled for December 3.

	VW might extend year-end break at main German plant Move could extend from December 18 to January 11 and affect up to 16,000 employees.		Hyundai looks for new US chief to bolster sales World Number 5 carmaker to ease back production; considers further options to deal with falling demand.

China to relax fuel prices Curbs on refiners to ease under a long-awaited reform plan.		Stolen cars handed over They were said to be stolen from the Klang Valley over the past two years. -NST

Racing ace Fairuz featured on postage stamp Malaysia's top racing driver Fairuz Fauzy has now been immortalised on limited edition postage stamps. -NST		GM suspends Thai project Work on the site in Rayong, 150km (90 miles) southeast of Bangkok, was put on hold for one year. -Reuters

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