Detroit  - US carmakers have to walk a very fine line at this year's Detroit auto show, keenly aware of the economic realities that hovered over what is usually a glittering affair.

After pleaded with the US Congress for emergency loans to stay alive, US manufacturers are being careful to avoid the kinds of expensive-looking exhibits that could smack of hypocrisy - and a waste of taxpayer money.

Dusseldorf, Germany - Luxury German car manufacturing group Daimler is intensifying its work on a new strategy to improve its range of vehicles adjustment to climate protection requirements, the German economic news weekly magazine Wirtschaftswoche reported.

Stockholm - The new Volvo S60 concept unveiled ahead of the Detroit Auto Show later this month features a revolutionary new driver safety system which brakes the car automatically to avoid a collision with a pedestrian.

The technology, know as Collision Warning with Full Brake, monitors the road ahead using both radar sensors and a camera. It recognizes not only other vehicles, but pedestrians who step into the path of the car. The system will be available in the production version of the S60 four-door coupe which is due to enter the showrooms in late 2009.

Stuttgart - Visitors to the Chinese Motor Show in Shanghai from April 20-29 will be the first to glimpse the production version of the four-door Porsche Panorama, the German sports carmaker's first luxury saloon.

The new car, which is due to go on sale in early autumn 2009, is a further attempt by the Stuttgart manufacturer to break the mould after the success of its Cayenne sports utility. The marque is known best for the iconic rear-engined 911 sportster.

Tokyo - Japanese carmaker Nissan aims to reduce the negative environmental impact of the factory painting process with a new generation of water-based colour coatings. The paints will also be available in Japan as aftermarket products.

According to Nissan, the new paint formula contains half the amount of volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and toluene that are used as paint solvent or adhesive agents. The new technology results in reduced CO2 emissions, cuts energy consumption and significantly reduces waste.

London - British sports car maker Morgan has come up with the ultimate toy for junior enthusiasts of the make - a pedal car based on the company's original three-wheeler.

The Supersport Junior Pedal Car is a stylish replica built to 2/3 scale and uses materials such as aluminium to retain the legendary power-to-weight ratio of the full-size car. Morgan says the pedal trike is designed for 6 to 13-year-olds.