Beck Arnley Auto Trans Filter Kit on 2040-parts.com

BMW 5-Series GT introduces liftback model

BMW will bring the elevated seating and packaging of an SUV to its 5-series line with the addition of a liftback model called the Grand Turismo or, simply, GT. The automaker is now revealing the production look for the vehicle, which will debut at this fall's Frankfurt motor show after having been previewed as a concept car at the Geneva show in March. It will go on sale in the United States in December, priced in the low-$70,000s range.

Avis buys Zipcar and grows car-sharing capabilities internationally

Zipcar, a car-sharing company that specializes in renting cars by the hour or day, announced Wednesday it will be acquired by Avis Budget for $491 million, or $12.25 a share. The action will help Avis compete against Hertz Global Holdings, which became the world's second largest car-rental company in 2012 following its purchase of Dollar Thrifty car-rental company for $2.6 billion, according to a Bloomberg report. “By combining with Zipcar, we will significantly increase our growth potential -- both in the U.S.

Mercedes signs joint venture to build carbonfibre parts

Not to be outdone by BMW’s joint venture with the SGL Group to manufacturer commercially viable carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the electric Megacity Vehicle, Mercedes has announced a joint venture with Japanese company Toray Industries to manufacturer and market its on CFRP automotive parts. The deal was signed in Germany today, with Toray taking a 50.1% stake, Daimler holding 44.9% and the remaining 5% being taken by other shareholders. The two companies started working together in March 2010, and while Toray has been working on the materials and moulding processes, Merc has designed the automotive parts and the technologies to join the parts together.