Chrysler Lhs, Concord, 300m Dodge Intrempid, 1998 Thru 2004 on 2040-parts.com

Aston Martin & Mercedes join forces

Aston Martin Production will soon see an injection of Mercedes DNA This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about a partnership between Aston Martin and Mercedes, but according to Car & Driver it’s now just about a done deal. As long ago as March 2009 we reported that Mercedes supplied the basis for the Lagonda SUV Concept (a Mercedes GL), and six months later we reported that Aston Martin were working on a Mercedes S-Class based Lagonda saloon. More recently we reported that the GL-based Lagonda SUV was back on and that Mercedes wanted Aston Martin to put together the next generation of Maybach.

Dual-clutch transmission put on hold at Chrysler

Chrysler Group has delayed introduction of a fuel-saving automatic transmission so it can make the shift patterns more palatable to U.S. drivers--the latest sign that a key tool in automakers' plans to meet tougher fuel-economy rules needs some fine-tuning. Two weeks ago, Ford Motor Co., which uses a similar dual-clutch transmission in its Fiesta and Focus, took a hit in Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey because many drivers complained about balky shifting.

'Outside the Oval' art exhibition showcases Ford Australia design team's creativity

Members of Ford's Melbourne design team have created over 30 works of art for a new exhibition. Called Outside the Oval, the event is normally held internally, as an opportunity for the design team to explore creative pursuits that may have previously been limited to their spare time. However, this year it will be opened to the public for the first time, with artworks including sculpture, 2D paintings and digital art.