MSN Autos has launched an online design challenge open to US residents that invites participants to submit a custom body paint for the Challenger. The grand prize is a 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T.

Daimler AG is reporting today that worldwide sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars have risen 1.8 percent in June 2008 to 199,300 new units. This figure brings total sales of the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brands to a record 668,100 units through the first six months of the year, a 8.2 percent increase over the same period in 2007. Individually, sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles were down slightly in June, falling 1.2 percent to 106,000 new units. Despite the decrease, year-to-date sales of Mercedes-Benz are up through June, increasing 4.1 percent to 599,200 new units. As for smart, the compact brand continued its positive momentum, with sales jumping 34.2 percent to 13,300 units. Through the first six months of the year, sales of smart have reached 68,900 new units, a 64.0 percent gain over 2007's six-month ytd total.

The T25 is a project of an innovative and lightweight city car which is being developed by Gordon Murray Design Ltd. A working prototype could be unveiled within the next year.