1970 Mustang; Center Lower Grille Opening Molding on 2040-parts.com

Nissan to launch plug-in hybrid & develop fuel cells with Mercedes

Nissan Renault & Mercedes working on 'Green' technology We have been a bit scathing about electric cars, and Nissan’s over-priced LEAF being proclaimed as a viable alternative to the ICE car. But we certainly understand the imperative for car makers to build cars which produce less CO2 (a highly dubious requirement) and use far less fuel (a very solid requirement). Sensibly, Nissan Renault, under Carlos Ghosn, aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket in the quest to make their cars cleaner, greener and more economical.

Who's Where: Peter Arcadipane appointed BAIC's design director

Peter Arcadipane has joined BAIC as its new design director. Based at its new hi-tech design facility in Beijing, China, he oversees a team of around 130 designers. The Australian designer, formerly of Mercedes-Benz, has been challenged to steer state-owned BAIC towards a more coherent and strategic position within China, with its chairman wanting to take the carmaker more upmarket.

Hyundai enlists Flaming Lips for Super Bowl ad

We previewed a couple of Hyundai's Super Bowl spots -- focused largely on speed and power -- earlier in the week. The Sonata ad was a trifle of pedestrian whimsy, while the Genesis sedan R-Spec spot grated, grated and grated some more. Now, with the kickoff looming, the Korean automaker's loosed its marquee ad, promoting the 2013 Santa Fe, upon the YouTubifying unwashed.