VW Passat Bluemotion 2 (2008) unveiled

By Ben Whitworth First Official Pictures 03 November 2008 10:50 Volkswagen has opened up its order books on its new Passat Bluemotion 2, it’s cleanest and greenest Passat yet. Replacing the current Bluemotion model, the Mk2 Bluemotion is powered by a 110bhp 2.0-litre common rail diesel that’s been recalibrated with a lower idle rate and fitted with a switchable start/stop system to cut emissions and boost economy. When it arrives here in January, the Passat will post a combined economy figure of 57.6mpg and a CO2 rating of 128 g/km - useful savings compared to the outgoing 1.9-litre 105bhp BlueMotion model (55.4mpg and 136 g/km).

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer (2011) first official pictures

It’s not the new Vauxhall Zafira, it’s the new Vauxhall Zafira Tourer. Why the new name? Because the current Zafira will continue to be sold alongside the new Zafira Tourer, which lands in UK showrooms in early 2012.

Akio Toyoda waves family flag, heir makes crisis personal challenge

The reclusive Akio Toyoda is taking the rare step of waving the family flag, as the scion to Toyota Motor Corp.’s founding dynasty tries to steer the world’s largest car company out of a spiraling safety crisis. In testimony prepared for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, President Toyoda pursues a rare personal tack on the emergency, saying “my name is on every car.” “As you well know, I am the grandson of the founder, and all the Toyota vehicles bear my name,” Toyoda says in prepared comments circulated ahead of Wednesday’s committee hearing in Washington. “For me, when the cars are damaged, it is as though I am as well.” The intimate reflection is a departure for Toyoda, who has spent most of his career sidestepping public discussion of his lineage.