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BMW i3 gets four-star Euro NCAP safety rating

BMW’s i3 electric city car has scored a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating in the latest round of crash testing by the European car safety body. Although the i3 recorded strong results in the adult and child occupant protection categories, it missed out on a maximum five-star score due to weaker showings in the pedestrian protection and safety assist classes. On Bing: see pictures of the BMW i3Find out how much a used BMW costs on Auto Trader This is somewhat surprising as the BMW i3 features cutting edge technology in the city car sector, including a strong but lightweight carbonfibre body shell.

Fiat dual-clutch transmissions are planned for North American products

During the next five years, Chrysler Group's powertrain lineup will be transformed from one dominated by larger-displacement engines to one dominated by Fiat-derived four-cylinder engines, V6s and, eventually, electric vehicles. Chrysler also said Wednesday that it will add Fiat-designed dual-clutch transmissions in its North American products. The company also will launch its new Pentastar V6 engine on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in the second quarter next year, said Paolo Ferrero, Chrysler's powertrain chief.

Japan automakers extend shutdowns as quake impact widens

Japan's seven big automakers are extending nationwide production shutdowns amid growing concern about supply chain interruptions, power shortages and export difficulties following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hammered northern Japan, killing thousands. Toyota Motor Corp., one of the few automakers with a major manufacturing presence in the quake zone, suspended all manufacturing--at both assembly and parts plants--on Monday and extended the shutdown through at least Wednesday as an added precaution. The company will lose output of roughly 40,000 vehicles over the three-day period, spokesman Dion Corbett said.