2002 Mini Cooper Inside Hood Release Handle on 2040-parts.com

Opel Mokka

Opel/Vauxhall has announced a new compact SUV, the Mokka, which sits between the Nissans Juke and Qashqai in terms of size, measuring 4280mm in length. The Mokka's exterior design continues the form language of the current GM Europe range with its drawn-back lamps, tapered DLO and sculptural rocker surfacing. Unpainted lower body protection, metallic-look guards, roof bars and a high ride height iincrease its 'rugged' image.

Volkswagen hits back, weighs making a bid for Porsche

Volkswagen is considering an audacious reverse-takeover bid for its majority shareholder, Porsche, in a twist in the drawn-out struggle for control between the two German carmakers. The Volkswagen Group's supervisory board is said to be weighing the possibility of purchasing Porsche AG, in a move that would relieve its holding company, Porsche SE, of massive debt that industry analysts suggest the company may not be able to fund should the world's financial crisis drag on well into 2010--a scenario put forward this week by the International Monetary Fund. The secret plan emerged as shareholders were set to convene at Volkswagen's annual meeting on Thursday, and it comes after Porsche revealed that it is carrying some 9 billion euros ($11.73 billion) in debt, most of it owing to interest on loans taken out to purchase its 50.8 percent stake in VW.

London to increase pedestrian crossing countdowns

MORE PEDESTRIAN crossings will get "how-long-have-I-got?" countdown signs as part of a new safety action plan for London's roads. The pedestrian countdowns will be extended to include around 10% of the capital's crossings, Transport for London (TfL) said. The plan also includes trials of innovative collision detection software on London buses this summer.