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BMW works hard to avoid gas-guzzler tax

BMW AG hopes to get out from under the gas-guzzler taxes that are tacked on to the sticker prices of some of its high-performance models in the United States. Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America, says the company is studying fuel-efficiency improvements that could eliminate the gas-guzzler taxes on its vehicles as early as the launch of their redesigns in the next few years. The 2010 550i GT incurs a $1,000 gas-guzzler fee, for example.

Ford Verve Sedan

Just as Mazda is exhibiting a sedan version of the 2 at Auto Guangzhou, the automaker's parent company, Ford, is revealing a sedan version of the Verve concept. The second in a series of concepts that will culminate with yet another variant set to be unveiled in Detroit, this 'notchback' provides further insight to the future small car design direction for Ford. Ford's European design team, which created the Verve concepts, applied Ford's kinetic design philosophy and built on the look of its hatchback sibling.

2013 Skoda Octavia price & specs – costs from £15,990

Skoda has revealed prices and specifications for the new Octavia which will cost from £14,990 rising to £23,240. The new Skoda Octavia – Skoda’s new Octavia built on the new VW Golf platform – was revealed last month and goes on sale in March, so Skoda have had their abacus out to work out how much they want for a piece of new Octavia action. Starting point is the Octavia 1.2 TSi S which will cost £15,990, with the cheapest diesel – the Octavia 1.6 TDI S – starting at £18,040 and the range topping out with the Octavia 2.0 litre diesel Elegance at £23,240.