BMW boss tells the truth about electric cars. And then has to apologise for doing so.

BMW US CEO Jim O'Donnell - "EVs won't work for more than 90% of drivers" Really, you do have to ask what kind of barking mad world we live in when the boss of a car company is forced to apologise for telling the truth, simply because it upsets a vocal minority (and his bosses, no doubt) We’ve been banging on for years about how useless electric cars are as a replacement for the internal combustion engine, and how they are really only viable as inner-city runarounds and as toys for the better-off. Even then, electric cars have their problems. As inner-city cars EVs certainly do the local environment a favour by transferring emissions to the point of electricity generation instead of the point of use.

How well is Ferrari really doing? Results analysed

Ferrari seems to be holding up well in the global recession, according to figures announced this week. Its market share is up, consolidated revenues fell just 7% in 2009 and overall operating profit stood at a juicy €245m. Not a bad performance in the biggest economic downturn for generations.Ferrari operates in the upper echelons of the premium sports car market: serious stuff with at least 450bhp and a minimum €140,000 price tag.

Audi E-tron electric concept at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 15 September 2009 12:00 This is the Audi E-tron concept car, an electric version of Ingolstadt’s R8 supercar. Unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show it has four electric motors driving all four wheels, and produces a staggering 3319lb ft. This new Audi E-tron produces over three times more torque than a Bugatti Veyron?