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Volkswagen launches Car-Net in-car assistance system

Volkswagen has launched an in-car assistance system which will offer a number of convenience and diagnostic features. Not too dissimilar from some other systems already on the market -- such as BMW Assist, Mercedes-Benz'sMbrace, and GM's On-Star -- VW's system will offer roadside assistance, service appointment scheduling, and automatic crash notification. The latter triggers a call from the vehicle to a Car-Net customer specialist when the airbags in the car are deployed, which will then connect the occupants with a local public safety answering point, which can send emergency vehicles to the scene if needed.

Paris Motor Show 2006 - Preview

The 2006 Paris Mondial de L'Automobile opens its doors with the media preview days starting September 28th and features a wealth of new concept and production cars. With around 1.4 million visitors expected, it remains the most popular automobile show in Europe and this year's major production releases will include the Nissan Qashqai, Volvo C30, new Mini, Mercedes CL and BMW X5. There's also a strong showing of concepts, especially from the French makers Peugeot, Citroen and Renault.

Land Rover and Bowler formalise Brand partnership – but no Land Rover stake in Bowler

Land Rover has formalised a brand partnership with Bowler Motorsport, makers of extreme off-road vehicles. Bowler has been making off-road rockets powered by Land Rover for over twenty years and has, during that time, enjoyed a fair bit of support from Land Rover. But now that less formal arrangement has been properly formalised with a brand partnership.