Factory Kahne Black Molded Plastic Shock Cover P/n 003-prt-sc8 on 2040-parts.com

Datsunland USA: California museum chronicles early history of brand in America

Fred Jordan is a true believer. “It's the greatest automotive story ever told,” he said with the fire of a zealot. “This story is so wonderful, if someone could just get it down!” We were sitting in the Datsun Heritage Museum, under a sign that said, “Datsunland,” and I was trying desperately to get it down.

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept heading for Detroit

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept (pictured) heading for Detroit The original VW Beetle was a perfect candidate for a Dune Buggy, and many old VWs were converted to blast across sand dunes around the world. VW had a bash at their own Dune Buggy back in 2000, but now, ahead of a reveal at the Detroit Auto Show next week, we have what looks like a buggy from VW that could actually be heading for production – the Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept. VW has revealed a single image of their Beetle Dune Concept (above) that shows a jacked-up Beetle with big wheels and tyres, a ski rack on the back and a bit of cosmetic titivation.

Vauxhall: Ellesmere Port plant saved – 700 new jobs created

Vauxhall Ellesmere Port - Saved General Motors is to keep Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port open, move to three shift working and create 700 new jobs. The overcapacity of mainstream car manufacture in Europe as the market becomes ever more polarised between premium and budget cars – squeezing the middle – means car maker having to rationalise their output. Many thought that could mean the end of Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port as GM sought to stem its European losses (around £2 billion in the last three years), especially as it is easier to close plants and lay off workers in the UK than in mainland Europe.