Door Lock Actuator Motor Dorman 746-029 on 2040-parts.com

Michelin Challenge Design 2013 competition deadline next Friday

The Michelin Challenge Design 2013 competition deadline is fast approaching – you only have until 1 June to submit your designs. The theme of this year's competition is ‘HALF! Lightweight with a Passion', with entrants being asked to explore lightweight vehicle development by designing a family vehicle for four to six people.  The design has to adhere to consumers' safety and comfort needs as well as usability on current road infrastructure and production feasibility using modern technology, materials, powertrain solutions or manufacturing solutions.

Mercedes-Benz GLA stars at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

The Mercedes-Benz GLA compact crossover is making its European debut at the firm’s home motor show, Frankfurt 2013, and it’s aiming to take on the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 in the up-market small SUV sector. Being based on the firm’s A-Class hatchback is a good way to start, too, with decent, efficient engines, plenty of premium quality and some striking styling to boot.

Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept edging towards production

The Volkswagen Beetle Dune frolicking on the beach Back at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept arrived as the perfect accessory for an outdoor lifestyle – especially if you’re in Southern California. Riding higher than a regular Beetle, with big wheels and a rack on the back for surf boards, sand boards or skis, the Beetle Dune Concept looked very close to a production car. Now, with Summer upon us, Volkswagen has released some new photos of the Dune concept frolicking around sunny locations in Germany and pointing firmly towards a production version.