98 Pontiac Firebird Passenger Side Front Fender Vent Grills on 2040-parts.com

Motorcycle makers revved for rebound

Bikes are back. After being hit a lot harder by the recession than carmakers, the motorcycle industry, more susceptible to the whims of discretionary spending, is on its way back. “Unit sales are growing for the first time in several years,” said Danny Phillips, executive vice president of Advanstar, the parent company of Progressive International, which put on last weekend's motorcycle show at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Suzuki Crosshiker concept stars at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013

Back in 2011, Suzuki unveiled an ultra-efficient small car concept called the Regina –　though this name was quickly changed to G70 for Europe (can’t imagine why). Now in 2013, Suzuki has unveiled the Crosshiker – a taller, chunkier take on the same theme. This is a very modern crossover, in other words.

Qvale, nearing 90, sees life after crash for U.S. industry

The troubles roiling Detroit's automakers are familiar to Kjell Qvale, the legendary importer and dealer in San Francisco. Qvale, who turns 90 on July 17, has seen this movie before. For instance, many of the British automakers that Kjell Qvale (shel kah-VAH'-lee) depended on for sports and luxury cars collapsed in the 1970s.