Honda Acty 2005 Rear Drum [1744481] on 2040-parts.com

VW eyes stake in Suzuki, report says

Volkswagen looks to stake an ownership stake in Suzuki Motor Co. by the end of this year, according to a report in Automobilwoche, a sister publication of AutoWeek. "We expect that there will be a basic agreement this year," the German-language publication quoted an unnamed Suzuki executive as saying.

Ruiqi G2

The Ruiqi G2 – an A-segment model from Chery's new sub-brand – will enter the Chinese market in July, competing with the BAIC E Series and Great Wall Tengyi C20. Designed by Pininfarina, the Ruiqi G2's most distinctive feature is a wave-shaped feature line that wraps up from the rocker, creates an exaggerated rear fender and wraps around the rear to for the rear bumper, the intention of which is to "convey a sense of agility and movement." Chrome highlights on the front grille and tailgate attempt to add a premium touch to the G2 as is the winged, Bentley-inspired badge. The interior architecture is entirely conventional with silver and black trim, while the integrated center panel features a hexagonal HVAC control unit.

Daimler plans to offer a pilot Smart car rental program in Texas

With Smart's U.S. sales continuing to drop dramatically, Daimler AG is launching a pilot program in Austin, Texas, for short-term rental of the micro car. The program, called car2go, would allow registered users to pick up an available Smart, use it for as long as needed, and return it to designated locations in the city.