Gates Truflex Belt 0120 on 2040-parts.com

Electric cars amped up with £500 million boost

THE GOVERNMENT is to extend the £5,000 grant scheme open to anyone who buys a car with plug-in electric power. It is part of a £500 million move to encourage car owners – and city authorities – to take up the electric car baton and run with it. The initiative will give cities a chance to win government funding to further the sales of electric cars in their areas, for example by allowing them to use bus lanes or park for free.

Infiniti opens London design studio

Shiro Nakamura, Alfonso Albaisa and Simon Cox have officially opened Infiniti Design London, as Nissan's premium brand becomes fully separated. "We have a clear vision to make Infiniti a key premium brand," said Nakamura, senior VP of design to the assembled press. "Design is a clear defining force." The new studio is adjacent to Nissan Design Europe's base in the Paddington area of London, on the second floor of the protected Battleship Building that also houses Virgin's HQ.

Mitsubishi set to unveil three concepts in Tokyo

Mitsubishi is planning the world debut of three concept cars at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013. The Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV is the first of three concepts and will be a full-size SUV powered by a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) system. The GC-PHEV will offer preventative safety technology and driver support technology in addition to wireless connectivity.