Jets Dellorto 6mm 88-110 on 2040-parts.com

BMW and Merc to join forces

By Georg Kacher Motor Industry 08 February 2008 13:03 CAR Online today reveals the extent to which BMW and Mercedes are plotting to cooperate on future models. In a wide-ranging plan, the two German premium marques could join forces to take on the might of Audi, with its backing and economies of scale of the whole Volkswagen group and, increasingly, Porsche. BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer and his counterpart at Daimler, Dieter Zetsche, are coming to the conclusion that the two brands – for so long, fierce rivals – should work together rather than fight against each other.

Mazda outlines weight-loss program

Mazda Motor Corp. will reduce its vehicle weights by at least 220 pounds beginning in 2011, with a combination of lighter-weight materials, smaller vehicle footprints and new engineering processes, a top executive says. The typical Mazda vehicle has gained 80 pounds with each successive redesign, “mostly in larger tires and wheels, and safety equipment,” said Robert Davis, senior vice president of product development and quality for Mazda North American Operations.

Dodge plans first-quarter ad blitz, including Super Bowl

Dodge, moving to entice car shoppers as industry sales recover, plans a major marketing push early next year that will include advertising during the Super Bowl broadcast on Feb. 6, 2011. Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles notified dealers of the advertising plan in an e-mail Tuesday that urged them to order their allocations of 2011 vehicles.