8c2z2005a Booster Assy Brake 08 E450 on 2040-parts.com

Toyota begins testing wireless recharging for electric cars

Toyota has announced that it will begin actual verification testing of its new wireless battery charging system for electric vehicles, one which charges the battery of a plug-in hybrid or a pure-electric car by having the car park over it. Toyota's charging system uses magnetic-resonance technology, which operates by transmitting electricity by using the magnetic resonance resulting from changes in magnentic field intensity between a coil positioned under the car, and a receiving coil built into the underside of the vehicle. This system eliminates the need for physically plugging in an electric car or a hybrid to an actual plug, and also has the potential to solve the problem of multiple types of actual plugs.

Opel rolls out new cars at Frankfurt motor show

While some automakers had just one or two new cars to show off at the Frankfurt motor show, GM's Opel division flooded the show with seven new offerings that'll be revealed as the show progresses. While there were plenty of new production models to be seen, including the revised Opel Insignia lineup, it was perhaps the Opel Monza concept that was designed to grab the attention of showgoers. We got a sneak peek at the Opel Monza concept a couple months ago, and even though a production version is not planned, the Monza is meant to showcase Opel's recent resurgence.

Seat Mii (2012): the Spanish VW Up city car

We’ve seen the German and Czech versions of the Volkswagen Up – and today it’s the turn of the Spanish to showcase their new Seat Mii. The Mii is the new city car for VW’s Mediterranean outpost, and launches Seat back into a segment it deserted when the Arosa walked off choice lists. Seat Mii (2012): the lowdown Seat will launch the Mii in the Spanish market in winter 2011, but UK buyers will have to wait until spring 2012 before they can order the city car.