Jan. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Slovakia became the 16th nation to join the euro region, after record advances in economic growth and the koruna helped the eastern European country qualify to adopt the common currency.

Wolfsburg (31 December 2008). Decision maker, strategist and motivator: As Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen is responsible for the entry of four Race Touaregs in the legendary Dakar Rally.

Jan. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Slovakia became the 16th nation to join the euro region, after record advances in economic growth and the koruna helped the eastern European country qualify to adopt the common currency.

Police charged a man with driving under the influence, but it could lead to clearing a rape case. Albertville police found a man slumped over and asleep behind the wheel of his 2000 Volkswagen Beetle on Baltimore Avenue.

This is strictly rumor, but Valleywag is reporting the gossip that one of Google's more "famous" employees may be on the way out. That would be Vice President of Search Products & User Experience, Marissa Mayer. Owen Thomas at VW writes : Top Googlers, overheard at a holiday party, chattered about Mayer's departure as a matter of if, not when. And in some ways, it's surprising she's stayed ...

Mr. Wes, My name is Andrew and I am a 13 year old Boy Scout whose parents have just purchased a 2009 VW Jetta TDI. I love this car so much it really forces you into the seat because it accelerates...

Brakes replaced at 10k miles due to warped front discs. Argument with dealer about warranty. Turbo failed in a cloud of smoke on the motorway after about 3 months. Replaced by the dealer under warranty. This took a month while I drove round in a 1.2 litre basic Polo.

Hot hatch fans rejoice – the Golf GTI is getting a little brother! VW has an all-new Polo on the way in 2009, and is readying the wildest, fastest and sportiest version ever to top the range.

Three men are charged over a string of distraction burglaries following a two-year police operation by North East detectives.

Dec. 31 (Bloomberg) -- European stock-index futures climbed, indicating that the MSCI Europe Index may trim its biggest annual drop on record. Asian shares advanced, while U.S. index futures were little changed.