18" X 9" Ion Alloy 179 F150 Expedition Navigator Black Machined Wheels Rims on 2040-parts.com

Mandelson to announce help for car makers

Lord Mandelson is the man charged with finding ways to fund UK Car purchases (yes, he of the dodgy mortgage debacle – at least he should know a few tricks!) as the credit crunch has dried up funding, leading to an unprecedented drop in new car sales in the UK. Mandelson is due to make a statement in the Lords just after 3pm today, outlining the help the government is going to offer to ailing car makers. Central to this package is expected to be a funding channel directly from the Bank of England to inject liquidity in to the car financing sector.

First Sight: Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222

It was one of the more memorable automotive events this year, and the massive thunderstorm only added to the drama. Last night Mercedes-Benz launched its new S-Class sedan in the delivery hall of Airbus in Hamburg and Car Design News was there to get the low-down on this eagerly-awaited limo. Context was fittingly provided by an A380 lounging in the background as the current lineup of Mercedes-Benz escorted Benz's big boy onto the stage, amidst artificial fireworks and real thunder and lightning.

Maserati shows Alfieri concept at the Geneva motor show

It's named the Alfieri concept, which Maserati will be the first to tell you is not the "Guyfieri." Otherwise, it'd come with a golden roof, a Ferrari V8 slathered in beer batter, and a deep-fried interior reeking of Cheetos and desperation. Make that balsamic vinegar, according to Maserati, the dark condiment evidently imbued with "a centenary tradition of craftsmanship and passion." Much like Maserati's celebration of its 100-year history at this Geneva auto show, as represented by the silver ingot shown above. Indeed the Alfieri concept, a gorgeous wide-grilled sports car more in line with the Porsche 911 than its own GranTurismo, is a celebration of Alfieri Maserati, one of the five brothers who founded the eponymous company.