BRIEFING: just-autos’ review of 2005

This is just-auto managing editor Dave Leggett's review of the automotive industry in 2005. It is concisely presented month-by-month so you can be sure you haven't missed any of the important issues of the last year. From January through December, he chronicles the events that shaped the automotive year in the global automotive industry as well as some of the more quirky happenings. And, as you might expect, there are also some irreverent musings. It was the year that Delphi filed for Chapter 11, the management at DaimlerChrysler played musical chairs and GM finally split with Fiat. And let's not forget the kaleidoscope of captivating new products, from the SsangYong Rodius to the Bugatti Veyron. Yes, another busy year.