Auto Meter 4931 Ultra-lite Ii; Mechanical Water Temperature Gauge on 2040-parts.com

Buick plans to add a crossover in 2010, a plug-in hybrid in 2011

Buick's lineup is growing--it's getting a new five-passenger crossover in 2010, with a plug-in hybrid following in 2011. The yet-to-be-named vehicle will be smaller than the Enclave and uses a different version of the platform that underpins the GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox. The move signals General Motors' renewed commitment to its venerable Buick brand, fortifying it with cutting-edge technology and fresh sheetmetal as the company tries to be competitive with four core brands.

Honda replaces Jazz ES with ES Plus – puts price up

The Honda Jazz ES Plus (pictured) replaces the old ES trim Mid-summer (if, indeed, this is summer) is not the best of times for car sales, so we get used to car makers offering enhanced specs to get punters through the door. Which is why Honda has revealed the Jazz ES Plus. Replacing the current Jazz ES, the ES Plus gets extra toys such as a set of 16″ alloys, privacy glass, cruise control, armrest for the driver and leather on the steering wheel and gear knob.

School run puts pressure on parents

PRESSURED PARENTS are often operating the school run in a rush, according to a survey. Many mothers and fathers worry about being late for work and have difficulty getting their children up in the mornings, the poll by insurance company Allianz showed. As many as 42% of parents said feeling rushed was their main school-run worry, while 20% got distracted while driving their offspring to school.