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Volkswagen to take full control of Porsche

Volkswagen Group's decision to take full control of Porsche Automobil Holding SE's carmaking business is seen as positive by analysts. VW said it has agreed to buy the remaining 50.1 percent of Porsche SE's automotive business that it doesn't already own for 4.46 billion euros ($5.54 billion), ending a seven-year takeover saga that divided two of Germany's most powerful families. The agreement means Volkswagen can now fully fold the Porsche automaking business into its stable of brands, which range from Audi and Bentley sedans to Skoda and Seat volume models and Ducati motorbikes.

Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing – new pictures

New teaser pictures of the upcoming Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing But time moves on and it won’t be long before we get the full reveal at Frankfurt, so Mercedes is out playing at more tease, and has issued the pictures you see here. And we get a few more details. Auto Motor Und Sport has been talking to SLS designer Hartmut Sinkwitz – who was responisble for the Smart (sublime to the ridiculous springs to mind) – who says that although it is important to pay homage to the Gullwing Mercedes of the ’50s – the inspiration for the new Mercedes SLS – it was vital that the SLS should be a modern car in every respect.

Kia Picanto (2011): more pics and spec

Kia has published some engine details and new photos of its replacement 2011 Picanto, which goes on sale in late spring. The new Picanto will be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva motor show on 1 March. It's a bigger model than the outgoing city car - the longer wheelbase liberating a quarter more boot space to answer criticisms of a cramped luggage bay.