I went to Germany and ...

[BTB 500]

1. The M-B shop at Stuttgart airport was closed for redevelopment
They had a nice 180 Ponton there on loan from the museum though.

2. Winter tyres are a legal requirement, so it's weird seeing all sorts of lovely cars running on el-cheapo black steel wheels! Everybody has a garage with their 'normal' wheels hanging on the wall.

3. De-badging is VERY common, I would guess 30% of all cars I saw had no engine size etc. displayed.

4. I saw more Porsche Cayennes (the hideous 4x4) in a week than I've ever seen in my life before!

5. It wasn't unusual for a big dealership to have more than one franchise ... so you'd see (say) Ford and Volvo being sold from the same forecourt.

6. I missed the SE GTG on Saturday

 

[jimti]

2. Winter tyres are a legal requirement, so it's weird seeing all sorts of lovely cars running on el-cheapo black steel wheels! Everybody has a garage with their 'normal' wheels hanging on the wall.

In my experience, loads of really nice cars in Germany run around on Steel wheels all year round

6. I missed the SE GTG on Saturday

I was the last one to arrive, only 4 cars still there
but that was better than not going you missed a good day by all accounts

 

[BTB 500]

you missed a good day by all accounts

Yeah I just finished viewing all the pics!

I did manage to fit in a speed run while I was away ... can't say I was impressed with the brakes or steering on the German model I was given to drive though

PS one final observation on driving in Germany ... relatively few old cars around. Apparently personal leasing is very common.

PPS older cars only have to be "MOT"d every other year.

 

[se97mlm]

and the road tax is hideously expensive if you are pre Euro3, makes it cheaper to buy new or lease in fact it that bad!