2001 Suzuki Gsx 600 Gsx600 Katana Motor on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen to add compact four-door coupe to its lineup

Volkswagen has hatched plans for a second four-door “coupe” model as part of a strategy to shore up its North American and Chinese market shares while providing a suitable addition to its European lineup. To be positioned underneath the recently facelifted CC, the new four-seater is set to form part of the Jetta lineup, joining successors to today's sedan and wagon models in an expanded three-model range. They're all set to hail from Volkswagen's Puebla plant in Mexico, the same site responsible for the newly launched second-generation Beetle.

Faurecia opens new Shanghai Technical Center

Faurecia has opened a new technical center in Shanghai, China, which will also serve as its Chinese headquarters. The automotive equipment supplier wants to reinforce its research and development capabilities and engineering localization in the world's largest automotive market. The new 18,000 square meter Faurecia China Tech Center is made up of the Training Center and the Tech Center, which includes an industrial design facility, two showrooms and various prototype workshops alongside five labs for testing, acoustics, airbag, complete seat and quality inspection.

Volvo tests flywheel technology to cut fuel use

Volvo is testing flywheel technology--being used in Formula One racing to give cars an extra boost--as a technology that could help cut fuel use in future cars by as much as 20 percent. Flywheels recapture energy normally lost as heat during braking. That energy can then be used to help propel the car.