1974 Suzuki Gt750 Body Set Flake Orange on 2040-parts.com

Why carmakers say no to battery swapping

There's a strange disconnect surrounding Better Place, the company best known for its plan to extend the range of electric vehicles by relying on speedy battery swaps. Automotive executives are nearly unanimous in dismissing the idea. With the conspicuous exception of Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, rarely does an executive express interest.

Land Rover Defender to be built in Sri Lanka

The Land Rover Defender is to be built outside the UK in a new plant in Sri Lanka to produce Defenders for the region. Land Rover are assisting and training staff at a new assembly plant in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, run by Sathosa Motors PLC in a 50-50 deal with Land Rover distributors SML Frontier Automotive, with $1 million being invested to get the project up and running this year. It seems clear from the level of investment that this is simply an assembly operation using CKD kits from the UK for the Defender, but Sri Lank’s Daily News is reporting that there are plans to invest $500 million in the project.

Luc Donckerwolke appointed as Seat Design Director

Belgian designer Luc Donckerwolke will be appointed as Seat Design Director, starting next month. Donckerwolke moves within the Audi Brand Group to replace Walter De'Silva who retains his position as the group's Director of Design. In his new position, Donckerwolke will also take over the Spanish company's Design Centre, currently run by Steve Lewis who is moving on to assume new responsibilies within the Audi Brand Group.