2004-05 Kawasaki Zx10r Brake Lever on 2040-parts.com

Saab targets customers' hearts, brains and wallets in North America

Saab executives said they're optimistic the struggling brand will be able to attract customers despite production stoppages at the company's Trollhaettan, Sweden, plant and cash flow problems. The Swedish automaker aims to target consumers and instill confidence with a grass-roots marketing campaign that focuses on the "heart, brain and wallet," Saab Cars North America President Tim Colbeck told reporters at Saab's North American headquarters in suburban Detroit on Thursday. Colbeck said the company must move away from selling vehicles based on price and focus more on making customers enthusiastic about driving Saab's vehicles.

Audi e-tron Spyder concept

Audi revealed the latest iteration of its e-tron product range in the form of the Spyder concept at the 2010 Paris motor show. The roadster showcases the brand's plug-in hybrid technology cloaked in an emotional two seat package. Measuring 4060mm long, 1810mm wide and 1110mm high, the Spyder is only slightly larger than the electric e-tron concept shown in Detroit earlier this year.

The first Volkswagen Beetle in America looked like this

On Jan. 17, 1949, the Holland America Line Westerdam pulled into New York Harbor from Rotterdam carrying the seed of an automotive empire. It had been only four years since Volkswagen resurrected operations in Wolfsburg, the factory heavily ruined by Allied forces and now under the command of Major Ivan Hirst.