Luk 04-217 New Clutch Set on 2040-parts.com

Ford eyes dandelions as sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber

Ford, in conjunction with Ohio State University, is turning to the humble garden weed as sustainable resource, researching the dandelion's potential use as an alternative to synthetic rubber. While the automaker already makes considerable use of sustainable materials in its vehicles – such as soy foam seat cushions and straw-filled plastic for interior trim – this latest discovery opens up a wealth of new possibilities for automotive applications. According to research conducted by Ford, a milky-white substance that is found in certain dandelion roots can produce a sustainable rubber that could be used to create plastic parts for vehicle interiors.

Toyota NS4 Hybrid Concept tease for Detroit

Toyota NS4 Hybrid Concept teased Toyota are teasing a new hybrid concept car – the NS4 – ahead of the Detroit Auto Show in January. Today it’s Toyota’s turn to roll out the photographer they used last week to take photos of the Lexus concept for Detroit. This time it’s the Toyota NS4 being teased, and it looks like the photographer left his camera where it was after the Lexus shot and just rolled the NS4 in to view.

Fiat wants a crossover to compete against the Volkswagen Golf

Fiat has decided it won't launch a new conventional hatchback to rival the Volkswagen Golf, Europe's best-selling car. Instead, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne wants the Italian automaker to replace its slow-selling Bravo compact hatchback with an all-new high-roof crossover inspired by the hot-selling Nissan Qashqai. Marchionne first hinted at Fiat's plan to make the bold product move at the Detroit auto show in January.