2003 Kawasaki Klx 400 Shop Manuel on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes signs joint venture to build carbonfibre parts

Not to be outdone by BMW’s joint venture with the SGL Group to manufacturer commercially viable carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the electric Megacity Vehicle, Mercedes has announced a joint venture with Japanese company Toray Industries to manufacturer and market its on CFRP automotive parts. The deal was signed in Germany today, with Toray taking a 50.1% stake, Daimler holding 44.9% and the remaining 5% being taken by other shareholders. The two companies started working together in March 2010, and while Toray has been working on the materials and moulding processes, Merc has designed the automotive parts and the technologies to join the parts together.

Why carmakers say no to battery swapping

There's a strange disconnect surrounding Better Place, the company best known for its plan to extend the range of electric vehicles by relying on speedy battery swaps. Automotive executives are nearly unanimous in dismissing the idea. With the conspicuous exception of Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, rarely does an executive express interest.

Chevy to auction first Z06 for Karmanos Cancer Institute

Chevrolet is continuing its tradition of donating its first production model of a new vehicle to be auctioned for charity: The first production 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be sold at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach, Fla. event on April 12. Proceeds will go to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, extending the General’s long-standing support for the organization.