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Tesla Roadster: Reports of total battery failure – cost to replace £25k

Batteries on Tesla in danger of complete failure It’s reported that the batteries on the Tesla Roadster are being destroyed if the car is left to completely discharge. Cost to replace is £25k. We’ve long questioned just how reliable batteries in electric cars will be in the long run.

Extra-long-wheelbase BMW 7-series rumored for 2016

BMW may be planning to field an extra-long-wheelbase 7-series after the current model is replaced for the 2016 model year, BimmerToday reports. The current-generation 7-series has been with us since 2008, though its replacement is almost around the corner, relatively speaking. And even though the current version does not offer an extra-long-wheelbase body style, one based on the all-new 2016 BMW 7 series may be in the works.

Crunch watch October 09: the auto industry in crisis

Tuesday 20 October 2009• Honda's CEO said he would consider launching electric vehicles for sale in Europe, Japan and the USA in a possible change of strategy for the Japanese car manufacturer (Automotive News, subscription required)• Ford 59-plate car sales up by 22% in September ‘09 compared to the same month last year. Ford claims a 14.8% share of total new car sales for the same period (Ford)• Porsche, VW and Daimler all sent top executives to the Shanghai motor show in April, but chose to snub the Tokyo motor show this week. The news comes as China’s automotive market is set to become the world’s largest (Bloomberg)• Toyota enters the Korean car market, challenging the 72% market share owned by Hyundai Motor Co (Bloomberg)  Monday 19 October 2009 • The organisers of the Geneva motor show claim that 'all of the major manufacturers have already confirmed their participation' for the March 2010 event (Geneva Palexpo)• Jaguar is auctioning off the first XJ off the line to raise £1m for the NSPCC children's charity.