Eastern Catalytic Direct-fit Catalytic Converters - 49-state Legal - 40535 on 2040-parts.com

Automakers trail in the great gizmo race

A customer at Rockland Toyota in suburban New York recently asked why he couldn't recharge his cell phone through the USB port built into the otherwise sophisticated Toyota Venza crossover. Evan Kuperman, the dealership's assistant general manager, took a deep breath. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

35,000 Toyotas recalled over safety concerns

A total of 35,124 Toyotas in the UK are being recalled following safety concerns over the airbag modules, seat rails and steering columns. Toyota Airbag could fail to go off Some 24,785 UK-registered Toyota RAV4 and Hilux models are being recalled following a possible issue with the spiral cable assembly in the airbag module. Due to the position of a retainer in the system, Toyota admits “there may be a risk when the steering wheel is turned of damage to certain circuits that provide connectivity to the airbag.” This would prevent the airbag from working in a crash, and would illuminate a warning light on the dashboard.

First Sight: Mini

The first 'New' Mini was launched just five years ago, replacing the original Mini that had changed only in detail since its 1959 debut. Designed by Frank Stephenson, now head of design at Fiat, the current design has been a sales success and most significantly has been very influential in demonstrating how small cars need not be explicitly functionalist, smaller versions of larger car types or feel cheap. The new 'New' Mini, designed under the direction of Gert Hildebrand at Mini, is announced today with exterior design by Marcus Syring, interior design by Marc Girard and colour and trim design by Annette Baumeister.