Flex-a-lite 1516 1500 Series Belt-driven Flex Fan on 2040-parts.com

Karim Habib to Head Exterior Design at BMW

It was only a matter of time before we expected a talented designer to fill the position vacated by Anders Warming when he was promoted to the role of Design Director at Mini. News of that new appointment was revealed today and, as of March 2011, Karim Habib will become the new Head of Exteriors at BMW Design. No stranger to BMW Design, Habib comes back to the Munich-based carmaker after a two year absence, during which time he worked for rival German carmaker Mercedes-Benz.

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept revealed

The Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept will be at the Tokyo Motor Show The Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept has the usual flights of fancy, like double-length gullwing doors and a motorised dash that moves up and down to give thr driver the best view ahead. But if you ignore the obvious concept bits, the Tourer looks very close to a new Subaru model. Powered by a 2.0 litre turbo-charged Boxer engine, the Hybrid Tourer also gets a pair of electric motors and a CVT ‘box (shame on the CVT.

Capitol Hill notebook: Obama defends autos, Akerson defends the Chevrolet Volt

Less than 10 hours after President Barack Obama wrapped up his third State of the Union address, manufacturing and automobiles continued to command the spotlight on Wednesday in Washington. The day began with General Motors CEO Dan Akerson defending the Chevrolet Volt before a U.S. House committee hearing, saying he didn't want it to become a "political punching bag," according to testimony provided by the company.