1998-2000 Ford Ranger Grille-original on 2040-parts.com

Opel to show range-extending hybrid at Geneva motor show

Opel, General Motors' European unit, will unveil its vehicle that uses the range-extending powertrain first shown in the Chevrolet Volt, at the Geneva motor show in March. On Monday, Opel said that the car will be named Ampera. The Ampera will have four seats and five doors.

Study links low-speed collision-avoidance system to fewer accidents

A study of the Volvo XC60's low accident rate offers evidence that collision avoidance systems can improve vehicle safety. The XC60, which has a low-speed collision avoidance system dubbed City Safety, was involved in 27 percent fewer property damage accidents than other mid-sized luxury SUVs, according to a report released Tuesday by the Highway Loss Data Institute. The XC60 also was involved in 51 percent fewer bodily injury accidents.

Child car smoking ban moves closer

A BAN ON SMOKING in cars with children present has moved a step closer after peers inflicted a defeat on the Government in the House of Lords. Campaigners welcomed the result of the Lords vote, claiming a ban would protect half-a-million children who were exposed to second-hand smoke in cars every week. Although the successful Labour amendment to the Children and Families Bill does not directly ban smoking in cars with children in them, it backs the principle of making it an offence.