Arctiva Large Black/blue Comp Jacket on 2040-parts.com

February new car sales up 4 percent on light-truck demand

U.S. light-vehicle sales rose a modest 4 percent to 1.19 million units last month, with Volkswagen AG, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors setting the pace as automakers overcame severe winter weather, higher taxes and rising gasoline prices to keep the industry's recovery on track.

Toyota's global design chief Tokuo Fukuichi appointed president of Lexus

Toyota's global design chief Tokuo Fukuichi will be the first designer to sit on the company's board of directors when his appointment comes into effect on 1 April. Fukuichi will retain his position as global head of design for the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands and will join the board after the general shareholders' meeting. His influence on Toyota's design direction over the last few years has been noticeable, particularly with Lexus, as the company strives to make its traditionally very conservative products a little more exciting.

Opel/Vauxhall Adam

The Opel/Vauxhall Adam is GM Europe's entry into the premium sub-compact hatchback segment. Following the success of the Citroen DS3, Mini, Audi A1, Fiat 500 et al. it aims to offer an extensively customizable A-segment car with the appeal (and subsequent profitability) of a premium product.