GTAm

Which part?

Was thinking/day dreaming that if there was no Chinthanaya and the economy was ok I might have been able to afford a new Mito and might have specced the black one with those multi-spoke wheels to replace my 156! Then of course I read the newspapers and woke up!!

Hey Maithri you're absolutely right about the dealers. They the most notoious in the industry. So were ours when we had one . Anyway I hear that they've restructured the dealership drastically in the UK and they're showing positive results already with sales increasing despite a small and aging range and the factory closure for upgrading. Actually the UK is the only country where they've increased sales this year so far, despite cutting down the number of dealers. Ah yes the GTi-6. I've read rave reviews about the car. One about how it held onto the bumper of a 911 on wet twisty roads. The new Mazdas are definitely very good. But that one was a few notches below the finesse of the Pug in terms of dynamics. I'm sure Devinda will put you in touch with the 203 club! Those guys seem very enthusiastic.

Hi Maithri Sorry for delay in replying have not been online for a while. First and foremost the 156 was launched in 1997 and the UK got it a year later I think. So you've either made a mistake with the model or the year. ABS was standard. I'm surprised that you are having poblems with spares in UK(?) when we have hardly an issue over here. Sorry I can't offer any ideas on this...... You can't really compare a 156 (if it is the car you refer to) with a 206. They are in two different classes. They driving thills they offer are different as well. The Alfa is a compact exec saloon like a BMW 3 and the 206 HDI is a much smaller warm hatch. Yes the 206 handles well. We (my father) owned a NA 1.9D. And even though under powered it was very good to drive compared to lots of Japanese cars in that class and even a bit higher. I had a 97 Mazda Familia TDI at the same time. And whenever I travelled up-country I prefered to take the Pug. Even though it was less powerful than the Maz it was a joy to drive and used to flow down the road unlike the nose heavy Mazda which was fine when the road was straight but ragged when it was not. Will never foget how one of my friends were speechless when we had a friendly race from Kotte to Bamba, when he got out of his EK3 EXi Civic and looked at the car in a confused way . But the 206 gave us endless trouble and we sold it in disgust. The agents were no help at all. It seemed to have a design flaw and kept snapping it's belt. And then with less than 20k miles on the clock the engine went bust! We repaired it and sold it. It must have been an isolated case but we had had enough. In contrast the Alfas have been surprisingly reliable for me . As for the driving experience.........it's really in another world. IMHO of course. I would agree with you........an aquired taste and sometimes it takes time to learn what the fuss is all about. Lucky you to have owned a 205 GTI. Ppl are still raving about the car. Some time back I got to drive a 306 XSi and if that's anything to go by I can just imagine what a 205 will be like . There are lots of 203s around and the number of restored ones keep increasing all the time. I don't know anyone close enough to get you (or even me ) a drive, but I can introduce you to a few owners who are very passionate about their machines.

Press Release: Milwaukee, Wis. (July 11, 2008) - Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group (MVAG). Under the agreement, Harley-Davidson will acquire 100 percent of MV Agusta Group shares for total consideration of approximately 70 million euros ($109 million), which includes the satisfaction of existing bank debt for approximately 45 million euros ($70 million). In addition, the agreement provides for a contingent payment to Claudio Castiglioni in 2016, if certain financial targets are met. MV Agusta Group is privately held, with the Castiglioni family owning 95 percent of MVAG shares. The acquisition is expected to close in several weeks, pending the satisfaction of contingencies and receipt of regulatory approvals. Harley-Davidson intends to fund the transaction primarily through euro-denominated debt. MV Agusta Group has two families of motorcycles: a line of exclusive, premium, high-performance sport motorcycles sold under the MV Agusta brand; and a line of lightweight motorcycles sold under the Cagiva brand. MV Agusta's F4-R motorcycle, powered by a 1078cc in-line four-cylinder liquid cooled engine, is rated at 190 hp. The company sells its products through about 500 dealers worldwide, the vast majority of them in Europe. In 2007, MVAG shipped 5,819 motorcycles. During 2008 MVAG has significantly slowed production due to financial difficulties. "Motorcycles are the heart, soul and passion of Harley-Davidson, Buell and MV Agusta," said Harley-Davidson, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Jim Ziemer. "Both have great products and close connections with incredibly devoted customers. The MV Agusta and Cagiva brands are well-known and highly regarded in Europe. They are synonymous with beautiful, premium, Italian performance motorcycles," Ziemer said. Harley-Davidson, Inc. plans to continue to operate MV Agusta Group from its headquarters based in Varese, Italy. Following closing, the first priority will be to appoint a leadership team to include a new Managing Director and to resume the manufacture of current models. Current MV Agusta Group Chairman Claudio Castiglioni will continue in a leadership role as Chairman and will play a major role in future product development. Design Chief Massimo Tamburini will continue his leadership of MV Agusta Group's world leading sport-bike design studio. "We take enormous pride in MV Agusta and Cagiva motorcycles," said Castiglioni. "Our riders seek an uncompromising experience in premium performance motorcycles. And with Harley-Davidson's deep understanding of the emotional as well as the business side of motorcycling, I have great confidence that our motorcycles will excite customers for generations to come." According to Ziemer, the acquisition is intended primarily to expand Harley-Davidson, Inc's presence and footprint in Europe, complementing the Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycle families. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles have grown at a double-digit rate in Europe in each of the last three years, as the Company has increased its strategic focus on global markets. "The acquisition of MV Agusta Group will enhance Harley-Davidson, Inc's position as a global leader in fulfilling customer dreams and providing extraordinary customer experiences. We look forward to a long relationship with the MV Agusta and Cagiva families of customers and employees," said Ziemer. Conference Call Harley-Davidson, Inc. will hold a webcast conference call regarding the acquisition from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. (central time) today, July 11, with Tom Bergmann, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Harley-Davidson, Inc. To access the webcast, please log on and register at least ten minutes prior to the start time at www.harley-davidson.com, under the Investor Relations section. A replay of the webcast will be available at the same location approximately two hours after the call concludes. Company Background Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell) and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. HDMC manufactures five families of motorcycles: Touring, Dyna®,Softail ®, Sportster ® and VRSC™. Buell produces premium sport performance motorcycles and offers a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, and apparel. HDFS provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs primarily to Harley-Davidson and Buell dealers and customers. Forward-Looking Statements Harley-Davidson, Inc. intends that certain matters discussed in this release are "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as Harley "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "plans," or "estimates" or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Certain risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only made as of the date of this release, and Harley-Davidson, Inc. disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Although Harley-Davidson and MV Agusta Group have signed a definitive purchase agreement, there is no assurance that all of the contingencies will be satisfied or that the governmental approvals will be obtained in a timely manner or at all. The proposed acquisition may not occur if the conditions to completing the transaction are not satisfied in a timely manner. In addition, Harley-Davidson intends to finance a portion of the consideration by borrowing funds and its level of indebtedness may increase as a result, which may cause Harley-Davidson to incur additional interest expense and limit Harley-Davidson's ability to obtain additional financing. It could also increase Harley-Davidson's exposure to general adverse economic and industry conditions and adversely impact Harley-Davidson, Inc.'s earnings per share. Furthermore, Harley-Davidson may have challenges successfully integrating or profitably operating the business of MV Agusta Group.

From what I heard that blue BM was hurriedly patched up to be shown at the launch of the current 5. So there might be a lot more underneath than meets the eye at 1st glance. Old cars never ever are what they seem on the 1st view. The Sud Ti was bought by a pal of mine and is already being restored very well. Maybe as it was a late model and it was undercover the body was not as bad as expected, especially from Italian metal. Btw the BM was for sale as well when we took the Sud from there. Btw also 1st owner of the Sud is a former president of SL

These two guys helped you and you did not buy an LR

True. Btw I was surprised and dismayed at Williams performance on their home track....... Really expected better.

They messed up again. So many mistakes this year. They expected the weather to get better. Maybe they forgot it was England ? Anyway the only way Ferrari can lose either title this year is if they cock up their strategy. Maybe they already have. The car is probably the best out there and the drivers are good too. But whenever something changes, they simply mess up everything. Its the polar opposite to the Ross Brawn/Jean Todt/MS era.... With an average car they'd make the moves and trounce the opposition. A change in the situation - weather, pace car or whatever was always seen as an opportunity. Now it's the excuse at the press conference.

Helped by the brand new full wet tyres of course while Ferrari blundered by choosing to stay on worn intermediates.

For most folk the name Delta means only the Integrale. And so they've been crying for an Integrale version for the new Delta. It won't happen though. The wheel base is way too long. There is however a smaller 3 door car that is being developed at Lancia (internally called the Deltina) and the rumour has it that this would spawn the new Integrale.

Yes hats off to him kept his cool. And Mac team did well to get onto full wets at the crucial 1st pit stop. Ferrari pit work and strategy seems to be "the pits" these days. They are making all the wrong decisions when there's a change in situation. It seems like they stick to their plan whatever happens . Missing the old dream team I guess. See what Ross Brawn's achieving with Honda already!! I really wanted Heiki to win though after that brilliant Qf.

Has fuel gone up in the western province owing to the BTT increase?

I fully understand the situ Prad, we go thru the same thing with our club when it comes to getting participation. They all wanna take part, but they don't want to hand in the entry form. Very often some of the committee members - me included have to go to their homes to pick up their forms. These are guys who are CEOs and Directors and are likely to have secretaries and peons at the snap of their fingers . Very confusing why the cars parked outside did not take part...... Fear of the unknown? Great work anyway......its a new club and it might take time for Mazda/Ford owners to join in. Sorry could not stay longer for the beer , had promised to drive parents...

Great effort guys. It was good idea to have some music there as well. Pity there weren't many competitors. I really expected more Mazdas and Fords. But I guess the Bradby got in the way........

Good topic considering the crisis in the world economy. Alfa 156 2.0 City - 7.0 km/l Long distance - Not checked properly. Alfa 156 1.6 City - 7.5 - 8.0 km/l Long distance - 10-11 km/l. This was also done driving very fast to Nuwara Eliya. I suppose with a gentle right foot the numbers will be better. Most Economical cars I've owned. My 1st car - VW Jetta 1.6 Diesel. 45-55mpg Peugeot 206 1.9 Diesel - 35 mpg in the city. Can't recall the long distance figures. Worst economy - Mercedes 500 SEC - 3.5km/l

Which model? Two of my pals run the older squarer model that was also badges as the Ignis and Chevrolet, theirs are Swifts though and they get only 9km/l in the city.

Can't see. does not work!

Import/export dept? I thought the RMV has to give a certificate?

The management of Peugeot/Citroen deserve to be shot. Despite all their rally success they don't have a single car that reflects their capability. They never seem to learn from the Japanese who would have made a much bigger noise than the actual achivement. What a joke to offer a bumper and sticker!!!

The V10 sounds great! I hope they don't mess up the looks. Beneath the disguise I see the face of a Camry at the front.

Great! They are talking of a GTA version of the 8C. Which means a further weight loss. At last they are going back to Alfa roots. The previous two GTAs - 156 and 147 were simply not true GTAs. They just shoe-horned a stroked V6 in and stiffened suspension. Not good enough for the GTA badge. They should've been badged Ti or something like that. As you probably know 'A' stands for "Allegiretta" (not sure of spelling - I always get this wrong ) or LIGHTENED. First seen in the Giulia GT it had an alloy body and some even lighter engne parts which made it very much lighter than the regular GT. Of course it did have more power with the twin spark alloy head. The GTA and GTAm (maggiorata - enlarged - GTA was 1600 and 1300 and GTAm was 1750 and 2000) simply dominated the European Touring Car Championship and a whole load of other motorsport victories around the world. Actually the GTA is said to have achieved over 200 victories in its debut year ! Some record wouldn't you agree? The 1985cc 2000 GTAm won the 1971 and '72 ETCC being faster against 2394cc Capri 2300GT, 2986cc BMW 2800CS and even a 5300cc V8 Camaro which were in a different class. Hence my nickname and avater It was after this that BMW came up with the CSL and won the championship in 1973 upto 79! More great news from De Meo, says the new 149 - replacement of 147 will be launched next year on a brand new platform. Still unclear if it will be Rwd though..... some say fwd and 4wd like Audi. Others say rwd, which I really wish. The next 159 and larger 169 will be rwd for sure. Now here's the most exciting news - there'll be a rwd sports car, which will revive the Giulia/Giulietta name. There'll be a Lancia Fulvia CC based on the same platform and a mid engined Abarth possibly using a Lotus Elise chassis

On the subject of permits......does anyone know how easy/tough it is to get a "body permit"?

Yesterday's news paper says that Sri Lanka has just "re-entered" the world's FAILED STATES list that's headed by Somalia. What a crying shame !!!

This seems to be the latest trend. It does not suit all rear ends though and I would prefer the NSX to have the conventional arrangement as well. TVR had some interesting tail pipe arrangements as does Pagani