Leaf Spring Insulator Rear Dorman 31066 on 2040-parts.com

EPA makes it official--greenhouse gases are pollutants

On the eve of an international climate summit, the EPA on Monday formally declared greenhouse gases to be dangerous pollutants, strengthening President Barack Obama's hand and laying the groundwork for a new 35.5 mpg standard for light vehicles. The finding is likely to have a greater impact on electric utilities, oil companies and manufacturers than on the auto industry. The EPA's scientific finding reported that these gases “are the primary driver of climate change,” which can intensify heat waves and increase ozone pollution linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Chrysler future products: Only one minivan, no Jeep Compass

In 2014, Chrysler Group will drop the Jeep Compass and replace the Chrysler Town & Country minivan with a crossover, Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has revealed. The changes are part of a long-term effort by Marchionne to give each Chrysler Group brand a more distinct identity and eliminate product overlaps. Brand identity is crucial for Chrysler because more than 90 percent of its dealerships now sell all four volume brands: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.

Lexus IS 220d gets more frugal

Lexus is the latest car maker to have a play and a tweak, and it has just announced revisions to the Lexus IS 220d, which means more miles, for less fuel and lower emissions without any decrease in performance or increase in price. Hard to argue with. Lexus IS 220d - Now cheaper to run Lexus has managed to bring the Co2 emissions on the Lexus IS 220d down from the previous 163g/km to 148g/km.