Kenworth T370 At Shifter Key Pad. on 2040-parts.com

Marcello Gandini laments today's 'fake' concepts

Marcello Gandini has branded current concept cars fakes and "little more than maquettes" in an interview about Bertone's extensive concept car history. The enigmatic designer, whose work with the design house stretches back to the late ‘60s, expressed his dislike of today's "fiberglass cars" and claims they can't hold a candle to the well-built concepts of old. He praises Nuccio Bertone's vision and his insistence on producing fully working, "almost driveable" concepts throughout the coachbuilder's existence.

Saab secures investment from China et al

China's Hawtai Automotive invest €150 million in Saab As you can’t have failed to notice, Saab has stopped production because it’s run out of money. And despite the best efforts of Vladimir Antonov to throw money at Saab, the EIB and the Swedish Debt Office seemed unwilling to move quickly to allow Saab to get back in to production. But things they are a-changing.

First customers are key to EV sales success, execs say

Word of mouth is a key element to generating buyers for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Today, it's the early adapters, tech-savvy buyers who are embracing the technology and buying the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt and the battery-powered Nissan Leaf. But for these vehicles and similar models to go mainstream, anxiety about the technology needs to be eliminated.