Crysler Jeep Cherokee 1997 Radiator Grille [4510400] on 2040-parts.com

Ford improves simulators to help driver safety

Today's cars are loaded to the hilt with technology. Given modern vehicles' built-in opportunities for driver distraction, not to mention society's penchant for mobile-device use while motoring, it's a wonder we get home safely at all. To that end, Ford has upgraded its Virttex virtual-reality machine to study driver performance in the pursuit of safety devices and driver-aid development.

Inside Bob Pond's car collection

Robert Pond was an industrialist, an aviator, a Navy pilot, an aircraft designer, a genuine car enthusiast, a philanthropist, a Minnesotan at heart and a man who turned a family business from eight employees to a global $100-million concern. Pond was born in 1924 in Edina, Minn., 10 miles southwest of Minneapolis. He signed up for the Navy Air Corps in 1942, and survived three years of training on J-3 Piper Cubs and PBY Catalinas to graduate in July of 1945 -- just three months before Japan surrendered to the US.

Saab's future could be bright

Saab is planning a return to its old-brand values with an extended model range as it prepares for a new, independent future owned by a joint U.S.-Scandinavian investment team. Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg grabbed headlines as the buyer from General Motors, but Koenigsegg is just one of at least three major investors. The others are West Coast entrepreneur Mark Bishop and Norwegian holding company Eker Group.