1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0 Throttle Body on 2040-parts.com

Chevrolet Volt faces toughest test--consumers

Scientists, journalists and a slew of other alleged experts have all weighed in on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, and now the only verdict that truly matters--the public's--will be rendered. General Motors said 6,348 consumers have taken the extended-range car for a spin during a 12-city “Volt Unplugged Tour,” and not surprisingly, GM's reviewers like it. Still, initial feedback does appear to be truly positive.

Ford reportedly to shut down Mercury

The Mercury brand, rumored to be on the verge of death several times over the past decade, would be shut down under a plan being prepared for Ford Motor Co.'s board of directors, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. Citing two executives who have knowledge of the plan but asked not to be identified, the news service said the plan would be submitted to Ford's board in July. How quickly Mercury would be shut down depends how quickly the automaker can convince Lincoln Mercury dealers to close or merge with a Ford-brand dealership, the report said.

New Lexus IS price from £26,495

The 2013 Lexus IS will cost from £26,495 for the IS 250 SE rising to £38,495 for the IS 300h Premier in the UK. First customer cars due July 2013. Starting point for the new IS is £26,495 for the entry-level IS 250 SE, with the hybrid IS 300h SE starting at 29,495.