Lexus Rx350 Grille Emblem on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes-Benz backs Smart with ads, deals

Smart USA will launch a TV, print and digital marketing campaign by year end to jump-start the struggling microcar brand that Mercedes-Benz USA took over on July 1. "People are not avoiding the brand or the product, but there is a great majority of people who are not aware of the brand," said Tracey Matura, the new general manager of Smart USA. Mercedes is also offering lease and finance deals for the Smart brand through its Mercedes-Benz Financial Services captive finance arm.

Range Rover Evoque updated for Frankfurt Motor Show 2013

Land Rover has updated the Range Rover Evoque for 2014 with a series of new technological features. The key addition is a new nine-speed automatic gearbox but the firm says detail changes have been made throughout – making it smarter, more tech-savvy and greener. The new Range Rover Evoque will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, before going on sale later in 2013 in time for the 2014 model year.

Bio-Fuel Skycar to go in to production

Parajet's Skycar looks set for road-legal production in 2010 [ad#ad-1] Three months ago we brought you news on the plans of London Company Parajet International Ltd to take their Skycar on a trip to Timbuktu. Well, not only was the trip a great success – they arrived in Timbutu on 26th March – but the Skycar is now destined to go in to production next year. Bedfordshire Company Rage Motorsport, best known for producing Buggies, is to partner with Parajet to produce completely road-legal versions of the Skycar, with Rage producing the cars/buggies and Parajet adding the bits to make it fly (which makes sense!).