Car stickers are telltale tatts

Car stickers are automotive tattoos that can give an insight into their owner's personality, says British motoring's RAC Foundation. "The car sticker is a badge of belonging," says executive director Edmund King. "It distinguishes the tribe with which its owner identifies." The RAC's "10 lost tribes of the road" are:

1. Happy Family Tribe. Sticker will say: Baby On Board. Chosen by drivers who may be insecure in other arenas of their life but are reassured of their self worth by announcing their fertility to the world.

2. Eco-Warrior Tribe. Sticker will say: Save The Planet ... Save The Whale ... Extinct Is Forever. Usually middle-aged individuals, often bearded, who talk about green issues at dinner parties but drive old-technology cars that pollute.

3. Nimby Tribe. Sticker will say: Save Our School, or Stop The Bypass. Most likely to be a desperate housewife married to an aspiring young executive who works long hours. She probably spends a lot of time at coffee mornings, PTA meetings and fundraisers, fending off boredom.

4. Dreamer Tribe. Sticker will say: I'd Rather Be Surfing (biking/hiking/skiing). Mostly accountants who think they are healthy, lantern-jawed, outdoorsy types. They are really introverts who just think about such activities.

5. God Squad Tribe. Stickers include: Love Your Enemies. They think they have friends in high places and feel superior by spreading the word to uninitiated commuters. But they often drive badly, believing they will be protected.

6. Martyred Parents Tribe. Sticker reads: Mum's Taxi, or Dad's Chauffeur Service. Enjoy making their children feel guilty about being driven around but secretly love every minute because it makes them feel wanted.

7. Sportsmen Tribe. Sticker declares an affiliation to a sporting club or activity, or shouts things like: Surfers Do It Standing Up." Mostly young male who drinks large amounts of beer, which renders them incapable of doing it at all.

8. Political Animal Tribe. Sticker identifies the driver as a political party supporter. Likely to be spotted on the cars of young political wannabes who fancy themselves as intellectuals.

9. Country Tribe. Stickers promote hunting/ shooting/ fishing and animal activities. Likely to be land-owning or horse-owning - or wish they were.

10. Joker Tribe. Stickers like: If You Can Read This I've Lost My Trailer ... Women Are Natural Leaders, You Are Following One Now. Drivers are usually dull individuals who wear novelty ties.

Kirk sells up

The sale of four Auckland Kirk Motors dealerships has been confirmed by Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand chief John Leighton. The Newmarket and North Shore operations have been sold to Landseer Motor Group, which has Mitsubishi dealerships in Christchurch and Dunedin. Auckland Motors will take over the Waitemata and Manurewa branches of Kirk Motors. Mitsubishi Motors NZ will continue to own the sites. Kirk Motors' branches in Wellington and the Hutt Valley will also be sold.

Little price war

The new Volkswagen Fox won't be the first European car priced at under $20,000 in New Zealand if VW decides to sell the small car here next year. Fiat and Alfa Romeo importer Ateco Automotive NZ has just reduced its entry-level Punto small car by $2000 to $19,990. The updated HLX Punto is powered by a 1.2-litre engine mated to a five-speed gearbox and comes with an extensive list of standard equipment that includes dual front airbags and climate-control air-conditioning.

Knight riders

Ten British motorcycle enthusiasts calling themselves the White Nights Riders are preparing to ride about 11,000km across Russia for charity. They aim to raise $1 million riding from Vladivostok through 13 Russian cities to St Petersburg. The journey is the brainchild of a former member of the House of Lords, 48-year-old Nicholas Fairfax. The group's patron is Prince Michael of Kent, who will ride the first leg from Vladivostok to Khabarovsk.

We are the world

A man fleeing police in Maine tried to make his getaway in a car which had its front wheels jacked off the ground. The Associated Press said the fellow jumped into the parked car, started the engine, put it in gear - and stayed put. The owner had been working on the car only minutes earlier.