Dorman 135-417 Cotter Pins- 1/8 In. X 1-3/4 In. (m3.2 X 44mm) on 2040-parts.com

Maybach reaches end of the line

Daimler AG is set to announce the closure of its Maybach ultra luxury brand this weekend, according to reports. The underperforming 57 and 62 limousines are to be killed off in 2013, following a decision from chairman Dieter Zetsche who has elected not to invest in their respective replacements for 2014. Following a concept car preview at the 1997 Tokyo motor show, Maybach was resurrected in 2002 after Daimler AG failed to purchase either Rolls-Royce or Bentley from then owners, Vickers.

Executive touch for Volkswagen Passat

THE POPULAR Volkswagen Passat has been given two new generously equipped trim levels to mark its final months of production. It is due to be replaced by an all-new model within the next year, so in an effort to sell off as many as possible before that time, Volkswagen has introduced the Executive and Executive Style trim levels in place of the previous Highline. Both the saloon and the estate body styles can be ordered with the new specification.

Contest: Mazda Design Challenge

The 'Mazda Design Challenge', launched September 27 exclusively through the social networking website Facebook, is enlisting help from Facebook users in the United States to compete to design a future Mazda 3. The winner of the contest will work with Franz von Holzhausen, director of Mazda Design in North America, and his team, to bring the concept to life, live on stage at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show in November. Contestants submitted a 150-word description of their vision of the 2018 Mazda 3 including an optional sketch.