European Car Magazine Formerly Vw & Porshe Old Vintage July 1992 on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen plans 4 million cars from one platform

Volkswagen is pushing the global-platform concept to a level unprecedented in the auto industry, introducing a modular platform this summer that eventually will be the basis of microcars, sedans, crossovers and SUVs for its four largest brands. While automakers now share platforms across brands and sometimes even segments, the VW initiative that starts this summer is far more ambitious than anything seen so far. By 2017, some analysts estimate, the MQB platform that debuts with the Audi A3 eventually will be used in 4 million units a year--close to half of VW's annual production.

BMW i: the new electric car sub-brand launched

I spy something... beginning with i. That'll be the name for BMW's new sub-brand for its forthcoming electric vehicles (both pure EV and hybrid), announced today. Think of i as BMW M - a sub brand for the internet-savvy, eco-conscious, city-dwelling new premium car buyer. BMW's new sub-brand was launched with a live-streaming web conference from the BMW Welt complex in Munich on 21 February 2011.

BMW X4 revealed: the £36,590 SUV-coupe

BMW has pulled the covers off its all-new X4 mid-size SUV coupe – the baby brother to the controversial but nevertheless popular BMW X6. Set to go on sale in the summer for prices starting from just under £37,000, the new BMW X4 is already being described as a thinking man’s Range Rover Evoque by one motor trade expert… but is sure to elicit controversy amongst enthusiasts too. Click on the image above to read all about the new BMW X4…