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Mercedes S-Class Plug-in Hybrid revealed for Frankfurt 2013

We’ve driven the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class already this year (and loved it), but now the ‘best car in the world’ has added another feather to its cap. The German firm has released details of a super-high efficiency version of its S-Class saloon called the S500 Plug-in Hybrid, ahead of the car’s debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. It goes on sale in the UK in 2014, and its vital statistics are absolutely astonishing.

Toyota cuts 2014 Prius Plug-in hybrid prices

For the 2014 model year the Toyota Prius Plug-in hybrid will get a price cut, with the base Prius Plug-in model starting at $29,990, not including destination. The $2,010 drop in price comes without any changes to the vehicle, and Toyota was keen to point out that "This price repositioning on the base Prius Plug-in Hybrid is not accompanied by any reduction in vehicle content.” This drop in price can be viewed as part of Toyota's effort to keep sales volume of its popular plug-in hybrid model on target -- about the only place where the 2014 model Prius will look different will be the Japanese domestic market, where the Prius will get two-tone paint options, new wheels, and LED lighting. Likewise, the Prius Plug-in Advanced will also get a price cut for the 2014 model year, and will start at $34,905, not including destination.

BMW hires former General Motors EV expert Weber, sources say

BMW AG has hired former Opel product chief Frank Weber, sources at both companies told Automotive News Europe. It's a move that gives the world's leading luxury carmaker a huge boost in electric vehicle expertise as Weber was the lead engineer for the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. BMW plans to launch its i3 full-electric car and its i8 plug-in hybrid in 2013.