Lexus Hood on 2040-parts.com

Cabbie trials smartphone-only payment

A LONDON cab driver has become the first to accept payment only from a mobile phone app as part of a new trial. Ian Cable will only accept payment via the Barclays PingIt app during the five-day trial, following on from also being the first cabbie to use chip and pin as a form of payment back in 2004. "I am very excited to take part in this trial,” said Mr Cable.

MotorExpo London 2009 – a quick look

Merceeds Benz E Class is just one of the exhibitors at London' MotorExpo 2009 So it looks like, with a few exceptions such as the Geneva Motor Show, we will have to make do with ‘Boutique’ style shows. But at least they’re usually free and you do get pretty good access to the cars. And this week sees MotorExpo open for business in London’s Canary Wharf, with a reasonably impressive range of manufacturers showing up to display their latest wares, and a smattering of UK debuts to boot.

Dacia Duster (w/ Video)

Renault's Romanian subsidiary has unveiled the production Duster, a small all-terrain vehicle that the brand plans to launch in the European, Turkish and Maghreb markets. First seen in concept form at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Dacia Duster is a response to the unmet need for an economical and affordable off-roader, a category of vehicle the company developed for emerging markets. The Duster is claimed to exude a sense of ruggedness through its high ground clearance, wide wheelarches, imposing grille and body protection.