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Karmann files for insolvency

Karmann, the century-old German coachbuilder synonymous with cabrios and the famous 1950s Karmann Ghia, has filed for insolvency. The company made the move Wednesday in Germany in response to a dramatic decline in revenue, an inability to pay for its massive layoff plan and the worldwide economic crisis. The North American operations, which make convertible tops for Detroit car companies and Volkswagen, are not affected, a spokesman said.

McLaren London: Open for business

McLaren London - open for business Almost exactly a year on from McLaren’s announcement that the UK will have three McLaren dealers – London, Birmingham and Manchester – the first of those dealers, McLaren London, opened for business yesterday. Operated by Jardine Motors (who may be more familiar as Lancaster), Mclaren London is the ground floor face of One Hyde Park, the mega-bucks apartment block you may best know as the building where £1 billion of apartments have been sold – but no one has moved in. Ron Dennis is probably banking on some of the owners of those apartments – including a Ukrainian Oligarch said to have paid £136 million for his apartment – popping downstairs to take a look at what McLaren has on offer – and bringing along a friend or three.

Suzuki Swift S-Concept (2011) at the 2011 Geneva motor show

Suzuki has unveiled a warmed-up version of its Swift supermini at the 2011 Geneva motor show. The new Swift S-Concept is an indication of the forthcoming Swift Sport hot hatch. Although a concept, it won’t take a rocket scientist to work out the Swift S-Concept is very close to the production car.