Equus 2 5/8 Inch White Faced Voltmeter Gauge Equus 8468 New on 2040-parts.com

AAA unveils battery-charging trucks for stranded EVs

The American Automobile Association has unveiled an example of its new roadside-assistance truck, which is capable of recharging batteries for stranded drivers of electric vehicles. AAA first announced the plan in June, and the first truck was shown on Monday at the Plug-In 2011 electric-vehicle conference in Raleigh, N.C. It uses Green Charge Networks technology and has a removable lithium-ion battery pack that allows for mobile charging.

Mercedes-Benz considering Aston Martin buyout

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly considering a deal to buyout sports car manufacturer Aston Martin, fuelling rumours that the canned Aston Martin Lagonda SUV concept from 2009 (pictured above) could once again be back on. The move would see Merc increase its current 5% stake in the British brand following a deal announced last year to supply AMG engines for Aston’s next generation of sports cars. On Bing: see pictures of the Aston Martin Lagonda SUV concept Find out how much a used Aston Martin costs on Auto Trader It’s no secret the firm has been toying with the idea of a premium SUV following the Lagonds concept, so with Mercedes technical expertise and existing model range, it opens up potential new models to Aston Martin.

BMW 1-Series gets 4WD xDrive

BMW has announced that the 1-Series will be offered with xDrive 4WD on the 120d and M135i. But the UK won’t get the M135i xDrive. The last few winters in the UK, with heavy snow falls and lots of slip-sliding, has focused drivers’ minds on the benefits of 4WD, so the announcement by BMW that they’re going to offer xDrive on the 1-Series will be welcome news.