Four Seasons 45018 Ac Idler Pulley on 2040-parts.com

Who's Where: Dave Rand resigns from Changan Automobile

Dave Rand, the former General Motors Design Chief, has resigned from the Chinese State-owned automaker after joining the company last October. Rand's resignation, which was made official last week, follows that of his senior at Changan, Ken Ma who stepped down as Vice President of Design earlier this year. It is not clear precisely why both men have decided to leave the Chinese carmaker, but several people familiar with the situation have said that both Rand and Ma's departures are connected with Changan Auto's recent financial difficulties.

BMW ready to shift small coupes, convertibles to even-number nameplates

Reports in Europe say that BMW is planning a shake-up in the naming strategy for its smaller coupes and convertibles, as well as planning to shift its 1-series cars onto a front-drive platform. The nameplate shake-up will have coupe and convertible variants of the 1-series become the 2-series, while coupe and convertible variants of the 3-series will become the 4-series. The changeover is expected to start in 2013, according to a report on the Web site of Car magazine.

Fiat 500 1957 edition hits showrooms this spring

Fiat will introduce its limited production Fiat 500 1957 Edition that will arrive in showrooms late this spring. The Fiat takes design cues from its vintage Italian roots, giving buyers a throwback feel with its interior and exterior styling. Buyers can get into the 500 1957 starting at $21,200 including destination and handling fees.