2005 Buick Lacrosse Door Latch Passenger Right Front 2593792 on 2040-parts.com

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.

Alfa Romeo Gloria points to new Alfa Giulia

The beautiful Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept looks like it’s a stylised preview of the next Alfa Giulia due in 2015. Debuts at Geneva 2013. But according to Automotive News, the Alfa Gloria is actually a very strong hint at what the new Alfa Giulia will look like when it arrives in 2015 as part of Sergio Marchionne’s plan to revive the Alfa brand and drive sale forward.

Car crash revealed as parents’ biggest fear

Parents of youngsters aged 16-25 are more worried about them being in a car crash than anything else – above becoming drug addicts or being unable to find a job. A poll by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) found that 62% of parents were worried about their kids being involved in a car accident. Less than a third, however, were worried about them taking illegal drugs or taking up smoking.