Magnaflow Catalytic Converters - 49 State Legal - 51184 on 2040-parts.com

General Motors to keep green car technology in house

For the first time in its 100-year history, General Motors plans to design, develop and manufacture electric motors for its growing array of gasoline-electric hybrids and electric vehicles. The electric motors used in GM's current lineup of hybrids are made to GM specifications by outside vendors. GM wants to bring the design and manufacturing in-house to save money and to apply its own technology to boost performance, lower weight and reduce power consumption, said Larry Nitz, GM's chief hybrid powertrain engineer.

Honda looks ahead with new SUV

HONDA has unveiled a brand-new crossover SUV at the Tokyo Motor Show, scheduled to reach the UK in 2015. The compact-sized Vezel offers four-wheel drive and in Japan will come in petrol and hybrid models, although the 1.6-litre diesel is likely to feature in European specification. Combining the stance and driving position of an SUV but the design features of a coupe, the Vezel aims to compete with the increasing number of crossover vehicles that are winning sales from conventional hatchbacks.

Ex Ford, Mazda designer to head styling at Renault

Former Ford Motor and Mazda designer Laurens van den Acker will succeed Patrick le Quement as head of design at French automaker Renault. Van den Acker, 43, quit as head of design at Mazda earlier this month. He will join Renault on May 15 and assume le Quement's full responsibilities starting on Nov.