1981 Yamaha Xj550 Maxim Shift Lever/oem on 2040-parts.com

Volvo commits to plug-in diesel hybrids in 2012

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 24 September 2009 16:53 Volvo will launch its first hybrid production cars in two years' time. The 2012 replacement for the V70 - which won't necessarily be a conventional estate - will have a premium range-topper powered by a plug-in diesel-electric powertrain. CAR's out in Sweden trying out the tech and today we drove a prototype for the new electric Volvo green car.

Mazda design chief Ikuo Maeda brings new meaning to zoom-zoom

Ikuo Maeda, the new design chief at Mazda Motor Corp., earned the nickname "Speedy" for his lead-footed driving on the race course and off. He may be the only standing auto executive to have had his license revoked--twice. It's only natural then that Maeda, who took the design reins last April, views himself as the rightful guardian of Mazda's zoom-zoom brand heritage.

Tracking device can also alert driver about a late car payment

That buzzing noise you hear in the car could be more than a seatbelt reminder--it could be a payment reminder. Some dealerships install tracking devices in the vehicles of high-risk buyers. That makes it easier to track down the buyer--and the car--if the payments stop.