Toyota has so far resisted expanding its dealer body in the wake of the Japanese automaker’s unprecedented climb up the sales charts. In eight years, Toyota has gone from having 15 million of its vehicles on the road to 22 million today. So far dealers have been able to keep up with the torrid sales pace, but at the service end, dealerships are busting at the seams. In an attempt to alleviate some of that pressure for landlocked dealers, Toyota has piloted off-site service centers and oil change centers. The early results show that the nine dealers in the pilot received significantly more customer pay (non-warranty) repairs than the average Toyota dealership, which translates into more money for the dealer.

For Toyota owners near dealers with satellite shops, this means your car or truck will be fixed in a more timely fashion, and 15,000-mile checkups won’t land you on a three-week waiting list. We totally understand why Toyota doesn’t want to have more dealerships, but the added service capacity is a no-brainer. Making Toyota owners wait weeks for needed repairs is just bad business.

Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler has revealed it is relying on demand from China, India and Russia to offset North America’s ailing car and truck market this year.

The luxury car maker said the North American market for cars and light trucks is likely to continue to suffer from the impact of falling house prices in the wake of the sub-prime crisis.

	Daimler is relying on China, India and Russia to drive sales

The group also expects the market in western Europe to remain flat, with sales of 14.8m units.

The news came as the group beat analysts expectations, reporting profits of 1.7bn euros (£1.3bn) for the fourth quarter.

Driven to despair, and to a loss, by its merger with Chrysler, Daimler finally offloaded the US car maker to private equity firm Cerberus Capital for £3.74bn last May, after a decade of miserable results.

Cost-cutting initiatives over the period included 9,700 job losses at Mercedes-Benz.

Still together this time last year, the merged group reported a loss of 12m euros. Minus Chrysler, which is best-known for the Jeep, Daimler beat analysts’ profits expectations of 1.31bn euros for the quarter.

The group’s shares rose almost 4pc to 55.85 euros in response today - their highest level in nearly a month. Daimler’s shares have tumbled 18pc this year, reducing its market cap to 55.1bn euros, amid growing concerns for the auto industry.

In a statement today, Daimler said: “Global growth in 2008 is once again expected to be primarily driven by the high growth rates of the major emerging markets, especially China, India and Russia.”

Commercial vehicles are likely to fare better, with Daimler expecting the North American truck market to recover in the second half of the year. The Stuttgart-based company said it expects a “moderate increase in revenue” from the division.

It added: “From today’s perspective, all operations should contribute to growth. (But) the regional focus of expansion is likely to be mainly in Asia and Eastern Europe.”

The group reported a net profit of 4bn euros for the year, despite a 2.2bn euro hit related to the sale of Chrysler.

Mitsubishi Prototype-S to debut at Geneva Motor Show

Mitsubishi will be using March’s Geneva Motor Show to showcase its hatchback concept, the Prototype-S.

Based upon the new Lancer sedan, the concept could best be described as a hatchback version of Mitsubishi’s entry level sedan, albeit a very shapely, coupe-like hatch. With its sloping roofline, broad shouldered stance, and overall sporting demeanor, the car is for more attractive than the prototypical boxy station wagon. Still though, the concept proves to be more versatile than its sedan counterpart with its larger trunk space and sliding, folding rear seats.

Backing up the looks, the concept shares the motor and drivetrain with the Lancer Ralliart, namely a 240bhp turbo I-4, AWD with ACD, and Mitsubishi’s new twin clutch gearbox.

Though a only a concept, look for the production to remain true to the design much in the way the EVO did. The car itself is expected to account for 70% of the brand’s sakes in Europe, and 80% of their UK sales.

Our take? Though destined to be EU only at this point, expect Mitsubishi to follow the success of rival Subaru’s Impreza closely. Success may bring it to our shores, otherwise add it to the long list of cool cars we’ll never see.

Porsche has launched its latest modified 911 GT3 RSR contender as reported on PLM earlier in the week but it comes amidst an added pressure to perform in the major GT championships during 2008. Porsche has won 8 of the last 9 at Le Mans in GT2 including last years event but it failed to take any championships in the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series or the FIA GT Championship last season as Ferrari scooped a fantastic ‘treble’.

This was a big blow to the German giants and the early signs in 2008 are not particularly bright as Tafel Racing became the latest big name team to make the switch to their arch rivals from Marenello and it was not without criticism from Tafel technical director, Tony Dowe. He is reported to have said “After two years of dealing with Porsche we felt that there was not enough effort being put into RSR development” he continued, “The support, both technically and logistically from Ferrari and Michelotto has been unbelievable. It’s what a customer should get. I think the number of teams that have changed to Ferrari are witness to how well they are looking after their teams.” These are damning comments from a well respected member of the ALMS paddock and someone who has had a relationship with Porsche for many years.

Looking ahead to the Championships this year; (ALMS) You would have to say that Risi Competizione and Tafel Racing will be major contenders in the Ferrari F430 but of course you can never discount the Flying Lizard Porsche squad. (LMS) Porsche still has a good number of contenders but again they must beat current Champions, Virgo Motorsport. Could this be their best hope of championship glory in 2008? (FIA GT) As it currently stands on the FIA GT entry list there is just one Porsche entry that will go up against a whole host of prancing horses so it is hard to see the championship leaving Italy? Of course these entry lists are all subject to change but it is easy to see why Porsche are playing catch up for the first time in decades in the GT2 categories across the world.

We hope that the development of the RSR GT3 over the winter will leave us with ‘mouth watering’ battles on both sides of the pond particularly as we will also have the likes of Aston Martin, BMW and others adding to the GT2 flavour this summer.

Porsche does have a prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours crown to defend and they proudly boast that they did indeed win the ‘big one’ last year. It is clear however, that the beautiful Porsche, so synonymous with Le Mans victories for many many years will have to pull out all the stops in 2008 to remain at the top of the pile at La Sarthe in what is arguably the fiercest category of racing in Sportscar and GT circles.

Porsche Cayenne GTS: In the showrooms

The latest arrivals at dealerships. Compiled by Paul Hudson

First Cayenne with electronically-controlled damping and steel springs, as previously seen on Porsche’s sports cars. It has 20bhp more than the S (405bhp at 6,500rpm); 0-62mph is 0.5sec faster, at 6.1sec.

Also available with Tiptronic S six-speed auto, air suspension and active anti-roll. New sports seats and a mix of leather and Alcantara grace the interior. Front and rear styling cues echo the Cayenne Turbo; 14mm wheelarch extensions house 21in alloys with 295/35 tyres.

Price: £54,350

Engine:4.8 petrol

Dealer contact: 08457 911911/www.porsche.com/uk

Recent :- Porsche 911 Turbo one of the most capable supercars on the planet upgrade

The Porsche 911 Turbo is one of the most capable supercars on the planet, and its design has been honed by the ages to be a super slippery modern interpretation of the Porsche’s essence. All that goes right out the window with Gemballa’s latest upgrade for the 911 Turbo, the Avalanche GTR 800 EVO-R.

Let’s start with the new styling. Gemballa installs a new lower fascia that’s pretty much one giant air intake divided into three parts. Likewise, a vented hood is added that will take some of that incoming oxygen and direct it up and over the car for more downforce and stability. The 911 Turbo also gets GT headlights and a super trick dual-wing rear spoiler. Gemballa gave the 911T new 19-inch alloy wheels out back fitted with Yokohama AVS Sport tires. Their sheer girth required the bodywork be widened, so new rear fenders bulge out to accommodate the steam rollers and incorporate a larger air intake ahead of the wheels. The rear apron has also been modified to allow four exhaust tips to exit on either side of the license plate.

The look is menacing, and Gemballa gives the Avalanche GTR 800 EVO-R the muscle to back up its menace. The engine has been enlarged to 3.8L and fitted with a pair of Garret T035 turbos in place of the stock blowdryers. Along with GT3-R heads, a machined crank and new connecting rods, the car now makes 850 HP and 690 ft-lbs of torque. Handling upgrades also include H&R coilovers with adjustable springs and three-position anti-roll bars.

The Gemballa Avalanche GTR 800 EVO-R does not appear to be for the faint of heart, but Gemballas never are.

Toyota has cautiously told the automotive world the Celica will make a European comeback in 2009.

Markus Schrick, vice president of Toyota Deutschland was speaking to Automobilwoche about the possibility of speed restrictions on the autobahn before breaking the news.

Mr Schrick said Toyota plans to introduce a replacement for the Celica sport coupe in Europe in 2009. The Celica - which had the reputation of being  a hairdresser’s car by the end - was discontinued worldwide in 2005.

Having launched the TRD brand in Australia backed up by a massive marketing campaign, it seems that Toyota has listened to the calls of millions. The brand desperately needs sports cars outside of the Japanese market to improve its image.

Lexus - Toyota’s luxury division - will soon introduce the IS-F which will become the company’s flagship performance model. Toyota is also working on a new Supra, rumoured to be hybrid-powered.

Yes, that’s a Suzuki badge on the front of that Nissan pickup. The two Japanese automakers have teamed up to create a new Frontier-based pickup called the Equator, which will be sold under the Suzuki marquee. The new midsize truck was launched last week at the Chicago Auto Show.

Suzuki is entering the dying North American midsize pickup truck scene with help from Nissan that expands a working relationship between the two automakers.
In 2006, both decided to further develop their partnership- which had seen Nissan selling rebadged Suzuki mini-cars in various markets, as well as Suzuki using Nissan-supplied transmissions in certain models. More lately, Suzuki’s been selling a Nissan built minivan called “Serena” in the Japanese market.

The new Suzuki truck variant will be built at Nissan’s manufacturing operations in Smyrna, Tennessee, and marketed exclusively by Suzuki on this side of the world. Suzuki notes that many of its customers are current owners of Suzuki power toys, like a motorcycle or ATV- and that the new Equator fits into their ‘way of life’ mantra.

Highlighting this concept, three unique Equator concepts were also unveiled. Labelled the RMZ-4, Quad and Quay, the trio cater to off-road, adventure and watersports enthusiasts, respectively.

The Suzuki Equator goes on sale later this year, with pricing details to be announced closer to the time.

Looking at some of the top models on display at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, you’d be forgiven for wondering if the go-go gas-guzzling ways of the American auto industry are indeed a thing of the past. The best and the brightest of the lot are the trucks, crossovers and utes with the Detroit big three displaying some impressive designs across the range.

Of course, the gas consciousness is evident in the number of hybrids and flexi-fuel vehicles also on display. Clearly Motown seems intent on marrying fuel-glugging platforms with all-green alternative modules.

Nowhere is that marriage better showcased than with the GMC Denali XT hybrid. This all-muscle, rear drive, four-door, flexi-fuel ute offers a 5 litre version of the GM V8 engine. But those horses are harnessed to a two-mode hybrid as well as an 85% ethanol compatible (E85) engine. The Denali is interesting not merely for the engine concept but also because it will spawn a range of future cars from the General Motors stable. That includes the new Pontiac G8 and the Chevrolet Camaro.

But hybrid or no hybrid, the Denali is a muscular, macho part sedan, part truck which can be the standard new segment of the future, the way that crossovers became the segment straddlers in the 90s.

Of course that isn’t the only model of interest at GM. Just as exciting is its Chevrolet Traverse crossover. Also a macho vehicle, this one will finally replace the Chevy Trailblazer and has already been received with some enthusiasm in motoring media circles.

GM’s big muscle models were topped by the Hummer H3t pick up which uses the H3 ute platform and is so unashamedly macho that it does not even offer a hybrid variant. But all that testosterone was balance by the GMC Sierra hybrid pick-up, a nice little hybrid that has also created a bit of a ripple.

Fellow all-American carmaker Ford decided to unveil its Euro credentials with the Transit Connect van, a nice minivan which it expects will perk up its home market. The van will be made in low-cost Turkey so the margins should be decent for Ford. It will also fit in nicely with the gap in its product range that has come from the phase out of the Freestar minivan and the soon-to-follow Ranger pick-up. The Ranger, incidentally, is the platform on which the ord Endeavour is built. Essentially a South-East Asian model, the Endeavour uses design cues and shares its chassis with the Ranger.

The Ranger’s phase out could mean a whole new next-gen version of the Endeavour some time in the future.But that’s just guess work.

As for Chrysler, like the Detroit Motor Show, it will hog the limelight for innovative marketing. At Detroit, its Dodge Ram debuted with a cattle run and cowboy theme. Here its Dodge Journey has a couple theme woven around it. A contest and a selection later, one lucky couple will be married at the Chicago Auto Show, courtesy Dodge. And they will also get a brand new Dodge Journey as a wedding gift. All this on Valentine’s Day. Of course Chrysler also launched the Dodge Challenger SRT8, one of the most important launches of the show.

Of course even beyond the American big three, the ute and pick-up muscle continued to make itself visible. Suzuki for instance is showcasing its own compact pick-up based on the Nissan Frontier and sourced from Nissan under a model swapping arrangement according to which Suzuki will offer Nissan a small car as well.

The most eagerly anticipated Euro debut was the Routan Van from Volkswagen whose spy shots have been doing the rounds for a while now.

The Japanese brigade were out in full force with Honda showcasing its Acura RL flagship sedan. Mitsubishi’s Eclipse and Gallant facelifts were among the best of the facelifted lot in the show with the Eclipse in particular shining through. As for Toyota, it’s Scion brand showcased the tC Release Series 4.0RS but its real show stealer was the 1/X compact hybrid concept.

With a bio plastic roof, body weight thats lighter than the best-selling Prius and more spacious as well, the 1/X is a hell of a concept. If Toyota does launch it, it will be as much of a runaway success as the Prius.

The Lexus ES 350 is the second model this year to get the Pebble Beach Special Edition treatment, along with the Lexus RX 350. Both of them join Lexus’ Pebble Beach regular, the Lexus SC 430, in the bespoke-paint-and-packages options. We don’t mind the 17-inch wheels with the liquid graphite finish one bit. And just as with the RX, you get your choice of three additonal special packages that can bestow you with Callaway goods, custom luggage or Viking cookware for you epicureans. For full details, check out the press release after the jump, and take a gander at the gallery of hi-res pics below.