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VW reveals plug-in diesel hybrid concept, claims 261 mpg

Volkswagen has used a car show in the Middle East nation of Qatar to unveil a two-seat plug-in hybrid concept car that the automaker says will deliver 261 mpg. The VW XL1 uses a lithium-ion battery pack, an electric motor and a two-cylinder, 0.8-liter diesel engine for the powertrain. We're still digesting the press release, but here are some highlights: -- VW says the XL1 can travel about 22 miles on electricity from the battery pack.

One Lap of the Web: Rags to riches, Beetles to Porsches

-- Joseph MacDonald parked his 1965 Beetle in front of a restaurant 41 years ago, and that was the last time he saw it. He might yet see it again today, as his stolen car -- now painted white, and with even more rust -- will reunite with him, through the providence of border patrol officers actually performing some due diligence. Jason Torchinsky -- who knows a thing or two about stolen Beetles -- notes that he was lucky enough not to have waited 40 years for his car to come back.

Avis buys Zipcar and grows car-sharing capabilities internationally

Zipcar, a car-sharing company that specializes in renting cars by the hour or day, announced Wednesday it will be acquired by Avis Budget for $491 million, or $12.25 a share. The action will help Avis compete against Hertz Global Holdings, which became the world's second largest car-rental company in 2012 following its purchase of Dollar Thrifty car-rental company for $2.6 billion, according to a Bloomberg report. “By combining with Zipcar, we will significantly increase our growth potential -- both in the U.S.