06 07 08 09 10 11 Crown Victoria Crossmember/k-frame Front Suspension 234196 on 2040-parts.com

Audi to buy Ducati – the four rings expands from four wheels

Audi has struck an exclusive deal giving it first rights to buy Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati, CAR can reveal.The exclusivity deal gives Audi until mid April when the deal will likely be finalised, according to high-ranking sources contacted by CAR. Ducati's liabilities are around €200 million [earlier report said €800 million, this has been corrected], and our sources suggest the total purchase price is about €250m-€300m. This is a bold move by Audi, which sees the long-term advantage in moving into two wheels as well as four.

GM may use diesels in light-duty pickups

General Motors is considering a diesel engine for light-duty versions of its redesigned full-sized pickups. GM North America President Mark Reuss said in an interview that a diesel is among the options for the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, which are due in showrooms next spring. Chrysler Group recently said it is considering a diesel for its light-duty Ram.

Interior Motives China Conference 2011 – Day 2

Following on from the colorful discussions started yesterday, delegates returned to the Millennium Hotel in Shanghai for the second and final – and no less thought-provoking – day. Again the context for the discussion was 'The challenge of being different: establishing a local design direction for China's maturing market', with the day segmented into three distinct topics. David Muyres: As a car manufacturer, what's next?