Gns 430 011-00280-10 on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes GLA goes subterranean

FOR SUV owners looking to test their cars’ off-road credentials, the obvious place to put them to the test probably isn’t nearly 200 metres underground. But that’s exactly where the new Mercedes GLA found itself as it descended into Winsford Rock Salt Mine, 620 feet beneath the Cheshire countryside. The working mine, which supplies much of the UK’s gritting salt for wintry roads, played host to four standard (apart from extra driving lights) GLA models, which were lowered down into the mine nose first before being let loose in the 130-mile network of tunnels.

GM launches Corvette ads on television

WITH VIDEO -- The first work from Goodby, Silverstein & Partners' new client, General Motors' Chevrolet, is out, and it's a testosterone-filled, 45-second TV spot for the 2011 Corvette. The ad, which aired for the first time Tuesday night on ESPN, marks GM's return to TV advertising for the Corvette after a five-year absence. Titled "Still Building Rockets," the commercial shows footage of rocket scientists juxtaposed with snapshots of GM plant workers building a Corvette.

Honda celebrates 50 years in America

Honda is 50 years old today, and much of its early success is the result of a series of brave, bold decisions acted upon by smart engineers-turned-executives. That and dumb luck. But we'll get to the dumb luck later.