2012 Audi Q5 Command Center Shifter on 2040-parts.com

Salon Privé 2011: Wet & Wonderful

Salon Prive 2011 - wet, but wonderful We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Salon Privé is one of our favourite ways to meet cars. Up there with Villa d’Este and Pebble Beach, it’s as civilised a way as you can imagine to soak up the greatest cars in the world. The greatest cars there are laid out in the sumptuous grounds of Syon Park (new venue; worked well), with food and drink in abundance.

All used up: Pre-owned sales rise as consumers seek new-car alternatives

Used-car sales took a leap upward in April, and the trend is expected to continue at least until midyear as pent-up demand for affordable pre-owned vehicles jacks up at least one segment of the car marketplace. Sales of new cars continued an unabated slide toward what analysts say is a 30-year low in the United States, but used-car sales showed strength as buyers unable to finance new cars shifted their sights to less expensive used models. As a result, retailers such as the large Penske Automotive Group reported that despite an overall decline in sales in the first three months of 2009, improving used-car sales kept them in the black.

British manufacturer Atalanta Motors to make comeback

Ever heard of Atalanta Motors? We wouldn’t be surprised if you hadn’t as the British sports car manufacturer went out of business a long time ago. Owing to the outbreak of World War II, Atalanta Motors shut its doors back in 1939 after making only 21 cars.