(1) Chrysler Dodge Ford Mercury Plymouth Steering Rack And Pinion Boot (1) on 2040-parts.com

End of the road for Mercury

Mercury has stood for hot-rodding, performance, style and even feminine appeal during various points in its 72-year history. But ultimately, the failure to stand alone in the Ford Motor Co.'s family of brands spelled its demise. Mercury, a brand founded by company scion Edsel Ford, will be shuttered as Ford concentrates its efforts on the core Ford brand and luxury-level Lincolns.

Volkswagen Passat TDI Clean Diesel sets fuel economy record

Volkswagen set a new Guinness World Record last week for lowest fuel consumption during an 8,122-mile tour of the lower 48 states in a Volkswagen Passat TDI Clean Diesel, achieving 77.99 mpg during the trip. This new record bested the previous one by about 10 mpg. During this record-setting trip the Passat TDI Clean Diesel also beat the hybrid record by more than 13 miles per gallon.

New commenting rules on CAR Online

CAR Online has a reputation for intelligent, friendly and informed debate – both in our forum and on the comments attached to each story. However, a minority of users has recently dragged the standard of conversation down, ruining the enjoyment of the majority. Today we launch new guidelines so our users know the ground rules; we hope to moderate more effectively and introduce a new three-strikes-and-you're-out-rule.'We have to act to protect CAR Online's quality debate,' said associate editor Tim Pollard.