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Maybach reaches end of the line

Daimler AG is set to announce the closure of its Maybach ultra luxury brand this weekend, according to reports. The underperforming 57 and 62 limousines are to be killed off in 2013, following a decision from chairman Dieter Zetsche who has elected not to invest in their respective replacements for 2014. Following a concept car preview at the 1997 Tokyo motor show, Maybach was resurrected in 2002 after Daimler AG failed to purchase either Rolls-Royce or Bentley from then owners, Vickers.

Michelin Challenge Design 2009 preview

Michelin is continuing to profile the work of some of the leading contenders for its annual Michelin Challenge Design competition, which asks the design community to come up with proposals for "America's Next Iconic Vehicle". All 11 of the scale models and 24 two-dimensional drawings in the running will be exhibited at the 2009 NAIAS in January. Earlier this month, we featured three of these scale models following their selection by a jury of top automotive designers.

Volkswagen debuts two SUV concepts in Qatar

Volkswagen unveiled two SUV concepts, based on the Touareg, called the Race Touareg 3 Qatar and the Touareg Gold Edition at the Qatar motor show on Wednesday. The Race Touareg 3 Qatar is a street-legal version of the automaker’s car that won the 2011 Dakar Rally. The car can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in less than six seconds.