2 X Saab Euro License Number Plate Frame Holder on 2040-parts.com

MPs call for parking charge reports

COUNCILS should publish annual parking-charge reports to show where revenue comes from and where it is being used, MPs said today. The use of parking charges and fines specifically to raise revenue was "neither acceptable nor legal" said Louise Ellman, chairman of the House of Commons Transport Committee. Launching a report by her committee into local authority parking enforcement in England, Mrs Ellman said: "There is a deep-rooted public perception that parking enforcement is used as a cash cow, so it's essential that local authorities apply stringent transparency." The committee said local authorities in England had a collective parking surplus in the hundreds of millions of pounds, but that the exact amount was subject to debate.

Audi develops new A2; plans for U.S. unclear

Audi is developing a reincarnation of the A2 small car that will slot between the A3 and the A1 minicar introduced in Geneva last week. "There's clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3 and A1," Audi CEO Rupert Stadler said on the sidelines of the Geneva auto show. Michael Dick, Audi's board member for technology, said in an interview that the company's push to add electric variants will play a role with the next-generation A2 "in the near future." The German media have reported that the A2 is expected by 2014.

Mercedes Ener-G-Force concept

The Mercedes Ener-G-Force concept is Benz’s answer to the 2012 LA Design Challenge brief to create the "Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025". As the name suggests, the large SUV is also a hint towards a future redesign of the classic Geländewagen G-Wagen/G-Class. Graphically this is most evident around the Ener-G-Force’s DRG with its dark mask incorporating deep-set lamps (here with ‘G’ lamp graphics), a surprisingly traditional Mercedes grille and characteristic fender-top turn signals.