Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

All used up: Pre-owned sales rise as consumers seek new-car alternatives

Used-car sales took a leap upward in April, and the trend is expected to continue at least until midyear as pent-up demand for affordable pre-owned vehicles jacks up at least one segment of the car marketplace. Sales of new cars continued an unabated slide toward what analysts say is a 30-year low in the United States, but used-car sales showed strength as buyers unable to finance new cars shifted their sights to less expensive used models. As a result, retailers such as the large Penske Automotive Group reported that despite an overall decline in sales in the first three months of 2009, improving used-car sales kept them in the black.

Chrysler Ypsilon (2011) at the Geneva motor show

Amidst the gloom for Lancia enthusiasts of rebadged Chryslers on the Lancia stand at Geneva, there were several variations on the new-for-2011 Ypsilon small car. 2011 Lancia Ypsilon – the lowdown What you’re looking at in our photo gallery is a five-door hatchback based on the 500/Panda/Ford Ka platform. In past iterations the Ypsilon has been a three-door, and Lancia has styled the new edition with concealed door handles to continue the familiar look with a practical twist.

Rinspeed microMAX

Rinspeed has revealed its microMAX concept car as its latest Geneva-bound offering, which it hopes will revolutionize urban congestion. The microMAX, designed by Rinspeed boss Frank Rinderknecht, explores the idea of car sharing and is designed to be small enough so that it can easily navigate city environments but uses upright seats to maximize space. The five-seater concept is apparently no bigger than a Mini Cooper and has space for a stroller or shopping cart as well as a coffee maker and refrigerator.