Mr Mullin reserves his real passion and energy for fighting the government car-pool service, which is determined to punish him for refusing a chauffeur-driven vehicle, and the High Hedges Bill, a noble bid to control the spread of fast-growing leylandii.

ECONOMIST: A British minister's diaries

"At the first four races we had finishes of ninth in China and seventh in Bahrain, so even with all those problems with the car we were fighting for the world championship, " continued Alonso.

CNN: Fernando Alonso demands Ferrari improvement

"When you look to the German car manufacturers now, they are fighting against each other with the biggest statement, with more horse power, and these days a diesel engine car is as powerful as a petrol car, " Saab Europe's Claude Makowski told BBC News Online.

BBC: The Jaguar XJ

In early December, near Tampa, Florida, the Limon Family was in a horrific car accident that left both parents fighting for their lives.

FORBES: Using Your Company's Network For Social Good

The UN has warned CAR's conflict is linked with fighting in Chad and Sudan.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | French planes attack CAR rebels

As tourist taxes climb, the rental car industry, at least, is fighting back.

FORBES: Tourist Traps

New-car sales in the 27-member European Union are in the ditch, auto workers are fighting for their jobs and expectations of any relief this year have been wiped away like fingerprints on the glossy paint of the show's stars.

WSJ: Glitter Amid the Gloom at Geneva Auto Show