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Mazda BT-50 pick-up truck (2010) news, photos

Mazda is unveiling its new Mazda BT-50 pick-up at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show this week. As befits a car launched in Oz, the new BT-50 is a lifestyle pick-up or ute aimed as much at the leisure market as brickies.   Previously, Mazda had only issued the design sketch above, but today the company issued the first official pictures of its new truck. There's been a gaping hole in Mazda's UK line-up this year as the previous model was on run-out; the BT-50 used to sell in reasonable numbers, but waning sales and shifting tax systems have made the pick-up market shrink and Mazda only sells a few hundred here in a typical year.That's why there are no plans to launch the new BT-50 in the UK – despite it being homologated for Europe.These first official photos show the new BT-50 offers an interpretation of Mazda's family face with the sweeping five-pointed grille and sweptback headlamps.

Capitol Hill notebook: Obama defends autos, Akerson defends the Chevrolet Volt

Less than 10 hours after President Barack Obama wrapped up his third State of the Union address, manufacturing and automobiles continued to command the spotlight on Wednesday in Washington. The day began with General Motors CEO Dan Akerson defending the Chevrolet Volt before a U.S. House committee hearing, saying he didn't want it to become a "political punching bag," according to testimony provided by the company.

Audi R8 LMX – the most powerful R8 yet – costs from £160,025

The Audi R8 LMX (pictured) is the first production car with laser lights The new Audi R8 LMX is actually the most powerful R8 road car Audi has produced, but they seem keener you know that it has laser beam headlights. But that’s because they’ve beaten BMW to the punch on the laser front. As a run-out version of the current R8, the R8 LMX has a lot to offer, with more power, more toys, a hefty price tag and a debut in the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month.