1986-1987 Honda Spree Engine Nq50 (fully Complete) on 2040-parts.com

Tesla pays off its government loans

Tesla paid off the last of its $465 million government loans May 22, nine years ahead of schedule, thus outperforming most U.S. college graduates and the vast majority of American homeowners. Tesla used funds from a stock offering to finish the loan with a whopping bank transfer of $451.8 million Wednesday, pointing out that it was “…the only American car company to have fully repaid the government.” Apparently no one at Tesla was even born when Lee Iacocca paid off Chrysler's $1.2-billion government bailout ahead of schedule back in 1983.

Roewe 550 - the next MG?

By Keith Adams Motor Shows 22 April 2008 12:53 The new Roewe 550 unveiled at Beijing this week is Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation’s promising new mid-range hatch, but could yet turn into the next MG saloon - and be built in Europe. Although it doesn’t look like a groundbreaking effort, the Roewe 550 is one of the Beijing motor show’s hottest debutants. Designed as SAIC's successor to the Rover 45, the car has been designed and engineered in Britain by ex-MG Rover engineers.

Daihatsu Sonica

Daihatsu launched the Sonica yesterday, a small hatchback for Japan. Designed in Osaka, the Daihatsu Sonica furthers the goal of parent company Toyota Motor Corporation to make the brand synonymous with small affordable cars. Distinguished by a long wheelbase and short overhangs, the one-box Sonica should live up to its description of having a 'spacious and comfortable' interior.