It’s official. Everyone at CarDomain HQ has decided that it’s time for winter to be over. And please, don’t remind us that it’s technically spring. In our book, if it’s 39 degrees and raining, it’s still winter. Anyway, here’s the news:

• The bean-counters at the US Department of energy are predicting that high fuel prices will lead to a drop in demand during the summer driving months. That’s the first decline in almost 20 years, and since gas isn’t getting any cheaper, it probably won’t be the last one. Automotive News
• Chinese car company Brilliance, which made waves with its less-than-brilliant performance in a German crash test, is releasing a wagon for the Chinese domestic market. And while it might not be safe, Pininfarina did the design, so at least it looks pretty good. Winding Road
• In an effort to combat falling vehicle sales in its native Japan, Toyota is thinking outside the box. Or rather, outside the dealership. The company has just built a mall where the central areas will double as a sales floor. Will it work? Sure it will. The Japanese are nuts, remember? Auto Express
• Three time F1 champ Jackie Stewart has joined the chorus of people calling for Max Mosley—AKA: Nazi-orgy dude—to step down. How much longer is he going to try to keep his post? Seriously man, it’s over. BBC News

I took a day off this week, but for some reason, it still felt a little long. But that’s ok, because the weekend is almost here—and you know what that means! Yup, two days of partying which will require most of next week to recover from. Sigh… Here’s the news:

• Talk about bitter. After Ford employee David Sneath won $136 million in Michigan’s lottery, he talked about getting laser surgery and buying a bigger house and some fishing boats. But don’t expect him to pick up a new Mustang. "I worked for Ford Motor Co., I won’t be buying a Ford product," said Sneath. Ouch. AP via Jalopnik
• FIA President Max Mosley—AKA: Nazi orgy guy—is at it again. BMW and Mercedes are calling for his resignation, but he’s not budging. He’s still denying that there was a Nazi-theme to his sadomasochistic Nazi orgy, and he’s trying to shift blame to the News of the World. How much longer can he hold on to his post? World Car Fans
• The General is set to start road testing the Chevy Volt by the end of the month. Getting this green machine to market by 2010 is going to be no small feat, so here’s hoping everything goes well. Freep
• German tuning firm Arden has released some pictures of the body kit it plans to release for Jag’s new XF, and it looks pretty sick. But what kind of goodies does the company have planned for under the hood? CarScoop

When I was reading over the headlines this morning, I was a little disappointed to see Toyota hasn’t completely freaked out over former employee Jim Press’ allegation that the Japanese government paid for development of the Prius. Come on guys, how about some good old fashioned name calling? Here’s the news:

• If you were searching for an expensive way to look like a complete tool, look no further—Lamborghini has just released a Bluetooth earpiece emblazoned with the company’s famous charging bull. You know, it really says something when even a Lambo badge can’t make a gadget look cool. Auto Express
• How much longer can embattled FIA boss Max Mosley—AKA: Nazi orgy dude—last? He’s said he won’t resign his post, but it’s only a matter of time before manufactures start calling for his head. After all, he’s going to have to explain his behavior to Mercedes and BMW. AutoWeek
• When I read that a Ferrari F50 had been involved in an accident in Sweden, I assumed the worst. But it looks like the car just spun off the road, and escaped any serious body damage. While that’s got to be embarrassing for the owner, at least the car isn’t totaled. CarScoop
• In the last six years, the price of parking tickets in the UK has gone up an incredible 500%. Has England declared war on the car? Winding Road

Sorry there was no New on the Net yesterday. Monday was my birthday, and I was nursing a wicked hangover. But its ok Maker’s Mark, I still love you. Anyway, here’s the news:

• Lots of folks forget how important it is to keep tires properly inflated, and if this trick rubber catches on, they might never have to remember to check them. Auto Express
• While the strike at American Axle has already closed several of the GM’s plants, so far, new Chevy Malibu production hasn’t been affected. But unless a resolution is reached pronto, it will be, and since that’s the best-selling car the General has right now, don’t be surprised if it starts issuing orders. Automotive News
• After a video of FIA honcho Max Mosley participating in a Nazi-themed, sadomasochistic orgy surfaced, people immediately began calling for his resignation. But Mosley is defiant, and has so far refused to do so. Now, he’s denying the Nazi angle. Auto Week
• Think you’re lucky? Well, probably not as lucky as this dude. He walked away after his car was hit by a train. Tampa Bay Online

Frontier Airlines has an all-new fleet of planes with cute animals painted on the tail. And I have to admit, the squeaky-clean Airbus 319s I flew in yesterday were pretty spiffy. But you know what would have been super-cool? Getting home from Detroit in less than 14 hours. Anyway, here’s the news:

• BMW is sending its Hydrogen 7 sedan on a world tour, and while the idea of cars which only emit hot air and water is pretty cool, it’d be nice if this example got more than 5 MPG. Does it really need a V12?  Auto Observer
• Can having too many choices be a bad thing? Ford seems to think so, and it’s easy to see why. After all, should there be 100,000 different ways to configure a Focus? Probably not. Automotive News
• There’s nothing SFW about this story, so be warned. Over the weekend, a tape of FIA boss Max Mosley participating in a sadomasochistic, Nazi-themed orgy surfaced, and it’s even more ugly than it sounds. If that’s possible. Jalopnik via News of the World.
• The strike at American Axle has gotten even uglier. The company is now placing help wanted ads to fill positions left open by striking workers. Will this standoff kill the company’s American plants? Detroit News
• Smart has hired a Detroit native to run the brand’s USA operations. Think his high-school buddies will still talk to him? Freep