Feds: Backup cameras in all new cars by 2018

The U.S. Department of Transportation today finalized a set of federal standards for rear visibility that will require all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds to have backup cameras by mid-2018. Congress called for the rules in 2008 after a spate of accidents in which parents driving cars or trucks backed over their young children, killing them.

2015 Ford S-Max revealed – debuts at 2014 Paris Motor Show

The new Ford S-Max debuts at Paris and goes on sale next summer The Ford S-Max Concept arrived at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year as Ford worked hard to prove they really did have new cars on the way, despite the huge delay in delivering the new Ford Mondeo to Europe – with which the new S-Max shares its underpinnings – and now we get the real deal – the 2015 Ford S-Max. Looking very like the S-Max Concept, the new S-Max is the same size as the outgoing model but gets an evolutionary redesign complete with Ford’s ‘Aston Martin’ grill and some funky headlights, with the A-Pillars further back, higher beltline, bigger shoulders at the back and a set of slim tail lights at the back separated by a chrome strip. It all conspires to make the new S-Max sportier and more appealing.

2011 Peugeot 308 facelift arrives

2011 Peugeot 308 Facelift - sans big gob When we reviewed the Peugeot RCZ last summer, Claire commented that it was a shame the RCZ had come along before Peugeot actually got on with dumping the big-gob front end. And she was right, but at least that roll-out of a new, more refined look is underway with the reveal of the 2011 Peugeot 308. That bulbous and unattractive nose has gone the same way as Tom Jones’ 1960s big hooter, to be replaced by a slimline and elegant new look.