2005-2008 Toyota Tacoma Double Crew Cab Black Stainless Steel Nerf Side Step Bar on 2040-parts.com

Ford eyes dandelions as sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber

Ford, in conjunction with Ohio State University, is turning to the humble garden weed as sustainable resource, researching the dandelion's potential use as an alternative to synthetic rubber. While the automaker already makes considerable use of sustainable materials in its vehicles – such as soy foam seat cushions and straw-filled plastic for interior trim – this latest discovery opens up a wealth of new possibilities for automotive applications. According to research conducted by Ford, a milky-white substance that is found in certain dandelion roots can produce a sustainable rubber that could be used to create plastic parts for vehicle interiors.

Toyota & Lexus news at 2009 Tokyo motor show

The vibe on the Toyota stand is subdued, yet upbeat at the same time. They're chuffed to bits with their new products on show, but we can't help remembering Japan's – and the world's – premier car maker's $4.9 billion loss last year. And it's forecast to lose a similar amount in 2009.

Ford aims at VW with new 2013 Focus ST video

We don’t do much complaining here at Autoweek—unless you’re clogging up the left lane—and overall we know we’re very lucky to be in our position. But we’re not quite as lucky as Ford factory drivers Ken Block and Vaughn Gittin Jr., who get an entire abandoned neighborhood to play around in with the new Focus ST. Block grabs the Focus and Gittin Jr.