Stuttgart  - The world is a dangerous place and to minimise the risk for politicians and captains of industry, Mercedes-Benz is offering an armour-plated version of the sleek new E-Class saloon.

Outwardly identical to the standard model, the beefed-up, E-Guard limousine features metal plates and aramide plastics in the bodywork which is tough enough to withstand the blast of a hand grenade.

The protective package includes thick, polycarbonate windows which can block shots from a 0.44 Magnum hand gun along with air suspension to cope with the added weight. An intercom system enables passengers to contact the outside world in case of attack.

Stuttgart  - Rust has been the curse of car owners for decades and until protection from it was improved in recent years, many an owner could only despair at vehicles which literally crumbled away beneath them.

Anti-corrosion treatment has vastly improved, but according to Germany's car testing experts, modern vehicles are prone to rust too, as not every manufacturer takes the problem seriously enough.

Compared to between 10 and 20 years ago, the overall number of cars showing serious rust problems has declined considerably, said Hermann Schenk from the GTÜ technical examination organization based in Stuttgart.

Modena, Italy  - Italian sports car maker Maserati has expanded its range with an upgraded version of the Quattroporte and has hinted at a new drop head model for the autumn.

The four-door limousine is already no slouch and thanks to an extra 10 brake horsepower from its 4.7-litre engine, the makers in Modena promise enhanced performance.

Revised software for the six-speed automatic gearbox enables the V8 unit to rev happily above 6,000 rpm, freeing up more power for acceleration and top speed.

Geneva  - Daimler's luxury Maybach brand is launching an even more luxurious version at the Geneva Motor Show next month with a shoulder-line in contrasting colour and a more powerful 640 hp engine.

Wind noise has been reduced by modified exterior mirrors with a more "expressive" look.

The stylish elegance is accentuated by an exclusive Californian- beige, leather interior and the "Maybach Zeppelin" lettering found on the boot lid, front grille, the key and champagne glass. Only 100 of the limited edition Maybach 57 Zeppelin and Maybach 62 Zeppelin will be built at a price of 483,140 euros (623,758 dollars) and 563,108 euros respectively.

Tokyo  - Honda

Beijing  - Nearly 1,500 new cars drive out every day onto the already-clogged streets of Beijing, which has been ranked among the world's most polluted cities.

"The growing number of automobiles is creating serious traffic pressure and safety risks in the city," Song Jianguo, head of the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua news agency.

The Chinese capital registered 65,970 new cars in the first 45 days of the year, creating an average daily increase of 1,466 vehicles, the bureau said.

The new registrations brought the total number of Beijing's cars to 3.56 million.