06-08 Lexus Is250/is350 Tail Light Red-out Vinyl on 2040-parts.com

Opel product chief Weber quits to take job with yet-unnamed rival

Frank Weber, the German-born engineer who helped lead development of the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera hybrids, is leaving General Motors' Opel unit to work for an as-yet unnamed competitor. Weber has been Opel's product chief since November 2009. His departure was reported Thursday by Automotive News Europe and confirmed by company sources.

Giugiaro honored in Korean ceremony

Giorgetto Giugiaro has received honors from the South Korean Government for his contribution to the nation's fledgling automotive industry.  In a ceremony in Seoul, Giugiaro received the prestigious 'Order of Merit' from the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Myung-bak. The relationship between Italdesign Giugiaro and Korea stretches back to the 1970s, a period of significant growth for the Korean nation, stifled only by its lackluster automotive industry.  It fell to the Italian designer to invigorate an industry that survived on reassembling and rebranding foreign domestic models. Giugiaro's solution was the simple Hyundai Pony.

Toyota announces prices of the Prius V and Prius Plug-in hybrid

Toyota announced pricing of the new Prius V and Prius Plug-in on Friday. The new compact V wagon will carry an MSRP of $27,160, while the plug-in hybrid stickers at $32,760. Both include $760 in destination and handling, but only the plug-in is expected to qualify for the $2,500 government tax credit.