McLaren managing director on leave, not expected in Geneva

McLaren Automotive's U.S.-born managing director, Antony Sheriff, is expected to be absent from the launch of the P1 hypercar at Geneva next week because he is on extended leave from the company. No reason for Sheriff's absence has been given, although McLaren is at pains to point out that he is “still employed as McLaren Automotive's managing director.” Rumors were circulating about Sheriff's absence from Woking in January, but company spokesmen back then stressed that he was still employed by McLaren and would unveil the P1 at Geneva. Despite those assurances, sources had reported earlier in the year that Sheriff “hadn't been seen in his office” for some days.

Honda aims for 30 percent carbon-emissions cut

Honda Motor Co. says it aims to reduce carbon emissions from its products globally by 30 percent from 2000 levels by the end of this decade. The new carbon-reduction goal is outlined in Honda's 2011 annual environmental report.

Dacia Duster launched

Dacia has launched the Duster in to the European market Dacia is Renault’s Romanian brand and produces its own cars mostly based on Renault underpinnings. It currently offers none of its cars in the UK, but that could change with the Duster, although the initial roll-out doesn’t include RHD versions. The budget conscious Dacia Duster is Renault’s budget arm’s take on a budget, compact SUV.