99 Chevy Astro Van Cargo on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes ESF 2009 Concept

The Mercedes ESF 2009 Concept showcases a raft of new safety technology So Mercedes has unveiled the Mercedes ESF 2009 Concept, which is a test-bed to showcase the latest technology Mercedes sees as on its way to mainstream. Mercedes has based the ESF Concept on the latest addition to the Mercedes S-Class Range – the S400 Hybrid – and has packed it to the rafters with airbags. There’s one that pops up between front seat passengers; airbags actually in the seatbelts and one great big airbag under the car that inflates if a crash is imminent.

AW survey: Honda Element won't be missed

Is Honda making a mistake by killing the Element SUV after the 2011 model year? AutoWeek readers think not. Our poll shows that 56 percent of voters indicated a readiness to wave good-bye to the “toaster on wheels.” On the other hand, 32 percent found the Element was supremely useful and cool, and 12 percent signaled they didn't know how to transport their dogs anymore in its absence (remember the “dog-friendly” Element?).

London Congestion Charge jumps 15% to £11.50 a day

London Congestion Charge jumps 15% to £11.50 a day – and even a normal Prius must pay We all moaned when the London Congestion Charge zone was put in place in 2003 and we had to pay £5 a day to drive in London during the day on weekdays. But it’s gone up a bit since then. By 2011, it was costing twice as much – £10 a day – for the dubious privilege of driving in London, but having resisted the temptation of putting the price up for the last three years, Transport for London has announced it will be charging 15 per cent more from 7am on 16 June 2014 for your daily commute – that’s a whopping £11.50.