Honda Odyssey 2004 Speedometer [0961400] on 2040-parts.com

Design Contest: NDA wins 2009 LA Design Challenge

A future where environmentalists and car enthusiasts - not to mention sober-minded adults and thrill-seeking young people - all coexist in harmony just might be possible with Nissan's V2G concept vehicle. The hypothetical design study, which runs on a futuristic grid of electric roadways but can also be customized for 'off grid' joy riding, won the 2009 LA Auto Show Design Challenge for the way it embodies this year's 'Youthmobile 2030' theme. The focus was to create vehicles that would appeal to a generation of young drivers raised on cell phones and social media.

MINI Clubvan AXED in the US after just 50 sales

The MINI Clubvan (pictured) has been axed in the US after just 50 sales The MINi Clubvan – a van version of the Clubman – arrived in 2012 as a concept and instantly evoked fond memories of the original Mini van that used to roam UK roads with the black and yellow livery of the AA. By the time the new MINi Clubvan arrived as a production model last summer – and debuted at the 2012 Goodwood FoS – it had changed little from the concept, but looked set for success as a funky little local delivery vehicle. And it does seem as though the Clubvan is selling quite well, with florists and posh food delivery firms jumping on the Clubvan as a great way to move their product to customers, and look just that bit different in the process.

Toyota RAV4 EV hits California roads this summer at $49,800

Toyota RAV4 EV The Toyota RAV4 EV – the electric version of the RAV4 – will hit the road in California in the summer. Costs $49,800. After a bit of confusion last year when spokesman for Toyota claimed the RAV4 EV wouldn’t be sold to the general public – a statement quickly corrected by Toyota – the Toyota RAV4 EV is now going on sale.