Mitsubishi Rvr 1998 Rear Muffler [0322500] on 2040-parts.com

Sandy's toll: 15,000 cars and counting

The damage tally from Superstorm Sandy continues to roll in. The latest estimate is that Toyota, Chrysler, Nissan and Honda plan to scrap 15,000 new cars damaged. The National Automotive Dealers Association says that number could grow to 200,000 cars.

Akio Toyoda waves family flag, heir makes crisis personal challenge

The reclusive Akio Toyoda is taking the rare step of waving the family flag, as the scion to Toyota Motor Corp.’s founding dynasty tries to steer the world’s largest car company out of a spiraling safety crisis. In testimony prepared for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, President Toyoda pursues a rare personal tack on the emergency, saying “my name is on every car.” “As you well know, I am the grandson of the founder, and all the Toyota vehicles bear my name,” Toyoda says in prepared comments circulated ahead of Wednesday’s committee hearing in Washington. “For me, when the cars are damaged, it is as though I am as well.” The intimate reflection is a departure for Toyoda, who has spent most of his career sidestepping public discussion of his lineage.

Infiniti Etherea concept (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

This is the Infinit Etherea, unveiled today at the 2011 Geneva motor show, and the company is unusually candid about the purpose of this new, smaller Infiniti show car. The blurb says: 'it is a compact luxury model that previews how a future entry-level Infiniti could look.' Says it all really. The compact vehicle is aimed at the younger buyer looking for a little luxury - it's all about downsizing.