2014-2015 Silverado Front License Plate on 2040-parts.com

Ford to open Silicon Valley lab

Ford Motor Co., aiming to keep ahead of technology trends, will establish a research lab in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. The automaker said Friday the lab will open near Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., in the first few months of this year. Ford wants the lab to take on a start-up feel and expand beyond the traditional automaker mindset to encourage innovation and improve mobility and safety.

Nissan launches UK Clay Modeling Apprentice Program

Nissan has launched a Clay Modeling Apprentice Program in the UK, designed to recruit skilled clay modelers to boost the UK's position in global vehicle design. Business Secretary Vince Cable and Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer were present at the launch – held at Nissan's London-based European Design Center – of a scheme that aims to address the national shortage of clay modelers. Palmer explains, "Clay modeling is an integral part of the design process and vital in helping the design team visualize ideas.

Aston Martin recalls 75 percent of all cars built since 2007

If you own a left-hand drive Aston Martin -- any left-hand drive Aston Martin -- built since November 2007, listen up: your car has just been recalled. Smug right-hand drive Aston Martin owners can rest easy, unless their car was built after May 2012; those cars are gonna need replacement parts, too. All in all, the recall impacts 17,590 cars, or roughly 75 percent of the automaker's run from the 2008 model year on, according to Reuters.