Volvo expanding in Iraq
Volvo Trucks has signed a letter of intent with the Iraqi Ministry of Transport for the delivery of 1,000 heavy trucks in 2013.

EU clears the way for MAN and Scania
The EU commission has approved VW's acquisition of MAN without imposing any special conditions. The approval clears the way for a merger of MAN and Scania. The commission was of the opinion that the planned merger would not hinder competition on the European heavy vehicle market in any significant way.

BYD encounters financial problems
The inspiring Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD that boasts Warren Buffet among its partners, has encountered significant financial problems. The company has expanded too quickly in China and invested heavily in small, gasoline-fueled vehicles as this segment enjoyed great demand due to state subsidies for purchasers. Now that the subsidies have been withdrawn BYD's major sales drive are being wound up. The company's considerable expertise in the field of battery technology means that companies such as Daimler source components from BYD. (Maybe BYD will become a tier 1 supplier instead of an automaker. There are difficult years ahead for the company — Hans Nyman comment).