Beck/arnley 101-4138 Lower Ball Joint on 2040-parts.com

Designer Tom Matano part of start-up car company in Louisiana

A new auto company backed by Texas billionaire investor T. Boone Pickens and staffed by former Mazda design chief Tom Matano plans to build "environmentally friendly" vehicles in Louisiana. V-Vehicle Co., of San Diego, will bring about 1,400 workers to a Monroe plant that once belonged to General Motors, according to a statement Wednesday from the Louisiana Economic Development Web site.

Honda Boosts Civic Tourer Appeal

HONDA’S new Civic Tourer’s arrival in the showrooms is just around the corner, and already the Japanese car maker is making its compact family wagon more affordable. Prospective buyers are to be tempted by a range of attractive finance offers – including low monthly payments and zero percent APR – and Honda’s new optional fixed-price five-year aftercare package. In addition to the competitive monthly payment plans, Honda’s new fixed-price comprehensive aftercare package includes five years’ servicing, five years’ warranty and five years’ roadside assist.

Nissan may build more Leaf EVs to meet growing demand

Nissan is making plans to begin building more electric Leafs as dealers clamor for more of the once slow-selling car. The automaker's North American factory chief -- who has been visiting with retailers in recent days -- cautions that production will move ahead in small and careful steps. But Nissan is already taking measures to increase its output of electric motors from its engine factory in Decherd, Tenn., says Bill Krueger, Nissan Americas vice chairman and senior vice president for manufacturing, purchasing production engineering and supply chain management.