Hitch Pin Clip 5/64x1-5/1 (dorman #121-001) on 2040-parts.com

2013 Nissan LEAF updated

Nissan has updated the LEAF EV in Japan for 2013 with better range, less weight and a new LEAF S entry-level model. Revealed in Japan – but likely to come to the UK from 2013 when the LEAF starts rolling out of Nissan’s Sunderland factory – there are significant upgrades to the powertrain which result in both less weight and better range. Nissan has had a play with the electric powertrain and made it both smaller and lighter with a new motor that uses 40 per cent less dysprosium (a rare earth metal) than before, and comes in 30 per cent smaller and 10 per cent lighter, and a new streamline battery case and a few other tweaks drops the LEAF’s weight by 80kg.

New design chiefs for Peugeot and Citroen

PSA Peugeot Citroen is under new design leadership this week. As of 4 January 2010, Gilles Vidal has taken over as design director for Peugeot and Thierry Metroz is the new pencil wielder-in-chief at Citroen. Both will report to Jean-Pierre Ploué, who remains design director for the PSA group.

Ford recalls Fusion and Milan sedans for wheel-stud problems

Ford is recalling 128,616 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans for faulty wheel lugs. The recall affects cars from the 2010 and 2011 model years that have steel wheels. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says vibration in the studs can cause them to crack or break, possibly resulting in the wheel falling off.