2003 Honda Trx500fa Hondamatic Transmission 26000-hn2-a00 on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen Passat drops United States model when new sedan debuts

Volkswagen probably will drop the Passat sedan and wagon in 2011 when VW's new U.S.-built mid-sized four-door is expected to go on sale. "We are looking at it in detail," Stefan Jacoby, VW Group of America CEO, said this month at a press event here. The U.S.-built sedan, which has yet to be named, will be larger than the Passat but priced lower.

Redesigned Ford Escape SUV is recalled for carpet issue

Ford is recalling about 8,200 copies of the redesigned 2013 Ford Escape SUV to fix a carpeting flaw that could affect the driver's ability to use the brakes. Ford says the affected vehicles were built between March 8 and June 7, 2012. According to Ford, an improperly installed piece of carpet padding on the center-console trim panel could cause a driver's foot to hit the side of the side of the brake pedal when moving from the accelerator pedal.

VW and Chinese ‘in talks to buy Vauxhall/Opel’ from GM

GM is considering selling its loss-making European operations, it emerged tonight. If it goes ahead and severs ties with GM Europe, the General would cede control of Vauxhall and Opel, the second biggest car brand in the UK.And in another extraordinary twist, CAR has confirmed that top-level talks have been taking place between Volkswagen and the German government, which is keen to avoid Opel falling into foreign hands. Chinese car makers are circling but Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has close connections to Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn, would prefer VW to step up to the plate as a potential buyer than a Chinese brand.