2000 Honda Civic Eletric Relay Box on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen plans 4 million cars from one platform

Volkswagen is pushing the global-platform concept to a level unprecedented in the auto industry, introducing a modular platform this summer that eventually will be the basis of microcars, sedans, crossovers and SUVs for its four largest brands. While automakers now share platforms across brands and sometimes even segments, the VW initiative that starts this summer is far more ambitious than anything seen so far. By 2017, some analysts estimate, the MQB platform that debuts with the Audi A3 eventually will be used in 4 million units a year--close to half of VW's annual production.

Ford Fiesta ST Concept arrives

Ford Fiesta ST Concept Just as we expected, Ford has revealed a properly hot Fiesta to take on the new wave of superminis – like the Polo GTI – and is offering up the Fiesta ST with a 1.6 litre EcoBoost lump which will deliver 178bhp. This is Ford cashing-in on its Fiesta WRC programme to price a proper little hot Fiesta, and in the process turning its back on the misjudged decision to play down performance Fords in our eco-obsessed world. Good.

Volkswagen Cross Coupé: VW compact hybrid SUV Concept at Tokyo

Volkswagen Cross Coupé Concept at Tokyo Volkswagen to debut the VW Cross Coupe Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, a compact hybrid SUV that’s smaller than a Tiguan and bigger than a golf. Volkswagen are taking the VW Cross Coupe to the Tokyo Motor Show this week, and it looks a bit like they’ve taken inspiration for their new car from every successful current car niche, in the hope the cross coupe will strike a chord with buyers. From the name – which VW used for the concept version of the Q3 – to a bit of SUV, a small dose of swoopy coupe all wrapped up in a crossover, the Cross Coupe appears to be conceived to be all things to all car buyers.