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Mercedes-Benz axes Maybach

High ranking Mercedes-Benz sources have confirmed to Autoweek that the underperforming Maybach brand will be officially killed off in 2013. The decision to disband Mercedes-Benz’s upper luxury marque comes after a decade of disappointing sales for the Maybach 57 and 62 and a recent decision from the German car maker’s chairman Dieter Zetsche not to push ahead with the development replacement models – the likes of which were tentatively due out in 2014 – owing to what one insider describes as a “positive move to focus greater attention on the Mercedes-Benz brand” . “We’ve come to the conclusion that it is better to cut our losses with Maybach than to continue into an uncertain future with a brand that has failed to live up to original sales expectations," the insider said.

2009 Jaguar XKR is unveiled

The 2009 Jaguar XKR - Quicker, more economical and better equipped We brought you the first undisguised pictures of Jaguar’s updated XK a few days ago, and Jaguar has now officially unveiled the XKR at the Detroit Motor Show. As we reported, the styling updates, although modest, do freshen the car up nicely and make it feel more current. A new front end with chrome-rimmed air vents, tweaks to the mirrors and LEDs at the back, although small changes, do make a difference.

Students prepare for Coventry University's annual degree show

Students of Coventry University's Automotive and Transport Design course are getting ready for their annual degree show, dubbed ‘Discover ID'. Already the largest show in Europe, this year's exhibition will be the biggest ever, with 107 BA and MDes students showcasing their design talents. Aside from automotive projects, the exhibition will feature projects including two full-size motorcycles, a Rolls-Royce yacht, a Pacific cruise airship and arctic tourism vehicles.