Volkswagen launches Car-Net in-car assistance system

Volkswagen has launched an in-car assistance system which will offer a number of convenience and diagnostic features. Not too dissimilar from some other systems already on the market -- such as BMW Assist, Mercedes-Benz'sMbrace, and GM's On-Star -- VW's system will offer roadside assistance, service appointment scheduling, and automatic crash notification. The latter triggers a call from the vehicle to a Car-Net customer specialist when the airbags in the car are deployed, which will then connect the occupants with a local public safety answering point, which can send emergency vehicles to the scene if needed.

Jaguar LIVE from New York Motor Show

Jaguar XF and Hajuar XK facelifts at New York It’s another motor show month, and although Jaguar are at the Shanghai Motor Show the real action is due to take place in New York on Wednesday 20th April. So what do Jaguar have up their sleeve for fans at the New York Motor Show? Actually, we don’t think there’s anything we haven’t already reported, but you never know.

Ford and Dow Chemical to experiment with carbon fiber

Ford is hatching a weight-loss plan for its cars and trucks that should result in a 750-pound-per-car weight reduction before the end of the decade. The company even hired a “personal trainer,” Dow Chemical, to help it get there. So, what's their plan?