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Europe will see the rise of a new automobile empire. The much-anticipated conglomeration will be composed of Porsche, Volkswagen, and Scania.

Porsche Automobil Holding SE was given the green light by its board Monday to acquire majority stake in Volkswagen AG which owns Audi, Skoda, Seat, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti brands. VW, meanwhile, said it will take a controlling interest in Scania, a Swedish truckmaker. This also means Porsche is in a position to absorb Scania with MAN AG, a German truckmaker which Volkswagen holds 29.9 percent, reported the Associated Press.

VW Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn said Volkswagen will focus on synergies with Scania AB, mainly in purchasing raw materials such as steel as well as research and development and electronic components.

Analysts in the industry said the deals are aimed at accumulating more wealth. The deals also strengthen the control held by the grandson of Porsche founder – Ferdinand Piech. He is the chairman of Volkswagen and MAN supervisory boards.

The maker of Porsche parts has been gradually increasing its stake in Volkswagen for more than a year and won a significant victory in 2007 when the European Union’s highest court promulgated a decision that the German government had to remove a cap on voting rights at VW.

“Volkswagen has announced that they’re taking a majority share of Scania. Next they could upgrade their stake in MAN to a majority stake, merge the two companies into a Volkswagen Commercial AG and sell that to Porsche SE. Then they could hand back to Porsche … or to their stock owners, a special dividend from the revenues of that sale,” said Christoph Stuermer, an auto analyst with Global Insight.

In a statement, Porsche said the reviews by the regulatory authorities are expected to take several months. And when requisite clearances are finally acquired, Porsche can take majority stakes in Volkswagen. The statement added that Porsche does not intend to merge the two companies.

“Our aim is to create one of the strongest and most innovative automobile alliances in the world, which is able to measure up to the increased international competition,” said Porsche Chief Executive Wendelin Wiedeking.

Were a tie-up happen, VW and Scania would effortlessly upstage giant rivals such as Volvo AB and Daimler AG, Europe’s largest truckmaker.

“It shows the trust that the people in Porsche AG have in Volkswagen,” Winterkorn noted at the Geneva Motor Show. “It means a lot of interesting things in the future.”

When you buy a vehicle you receive certain instructions regarding maintenance that are recommended by the manufacturer. However, with your busy schedule and the increased cost of car maintenance you frequently put off tire and oil changes, checking under the hood, and other similar regular maintenance necessities. Unfortunately, if you put off car maintenance due to schedule and budget you are risking a bigger inconvenience to your schedule and budget by having your car breakdown. Consider the following maintenance tips to help you keep your car in tip top condition.

Oil Change

Your car needs an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on the way you drive, the age, and condition of your vehicle’s engine, highway driving versus in town driving, and a variety of other factors. Because this is a very wide range in which to change your oil you should probably change your oil every 5,000 miles if you drive like the majority of individuals. Of course, a small percentage of individuals fit into the high and low ranges of the above numbers, but every 5,000 miles is a good round number for an oil change. By following this tip you will spend about 20 minutes and less than $25 and keep your car running for a very long time.

Tires and Tire Pressure

You should check your tires on a regular basis, especially the tire pressure. Each size tire has a recommended tire pressure and maintaining that particular pressure in the tire will prolong the life of the tire as well as provide ease of driving, not to mention increase your safety. When the proper tire pressure is maintained in your vehicle then braking, cornering, and braking are superior which means your safety is increased. Vehicles are not as stable when the tire pressure is out of whack. You should check your tire pressure at least once per month. This is really easy and free as long s you invest in a small tire pressure gauge which is very inexpensive. When you stop for gas and the tank is filling up, simply check all of your tires to ensure the proper air pressure.

Brakes

You know your brakes are one of the most important aspects of your car. They slow you down and basically allow you to avoid accidents on a daily basis. Because of this you need to be extra alert to your brakes. Also, if you can tell it is time to change the breaks because they are squealing or not slowing your car as quickly as necessary then don’t put it off. Instead, take your lunch break, or whatever time you have and have your breaks changed immediately. Additionally, each time your car has the oil changed have a full inspection including your breaks to make sure the breaks are working properly. If not, you may have them changed the same day.

There are lots of different aspects of your car that need regular maintenance and upkeep. Just make sure you are alert to this fact and always follow the manufacturers suggestions when it comes to your vehicle and your vehicle will last longer and your safety will be increased.