Aluminum Shifter Handle C & R Tex Hurst Long G-force Jerico Nascar on 2040-parts.com

General Motors and Ford load up on small cars for bigger profits

Ford has no qualms about charging nearly $23,000 for a fully loaded 2011 Fiesta, which is smaller than the Focus. The Fiesta sedan, which goes on sale this summer, starts at $13,995, including shipping. The Fiesta, with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission, gets 40 mpg on the highway.

Google reveals its first self-driving car prototype (video)

Google’s first self-driving car prototype (pictured) Google might not be the first company that springs to mind as a car maker, but Tesla has already proved that Silicon Valley can produce a car that buyers want and Google are intent on following a similar route. But where Tesla’s USP is its long-range electric capabilities – and a desire to build cars for the market – Google’s goal is more technology orientated and is all about developing self-driving car technology that works in the real world. For the last few years, Google has been experimenting with existing cars kitted out with self-driving gubbins, but now they’ve taken the next step and built their own self-driving prototype.

Don't miss CDNLive, reporting on the best from Paris Motor Show 2014

As ever the Car Design News team will be reporting live from the halls of the Paris Motor Show. After the long summer break we're in the French capital for what promises to be a great event. CDNLive from the Paris Motor Show We're looking forward to turning our attention to a promising list of production-car debuts of all shapes and sizes, from the new Smart ForTwo and Opel Corsa to the Volvo XC90 and Renault Espace, via Mazda's new MX-5, the Fiat 500X and Jaguar XE.