Monroe Shock/strut Econo-matic Monotube Front Chevy Oldsmobile Pontiac Each on 2040-parts.com

Volvo Group plans wirelessly charged bus line

There's one bit of futuristic transportation technology that seems to get trotted out almost as often as autonomous cars, electric cars and flying cars: Inductive, or wireless, charging for city buses. It's not as sexy or as memorable as the perpetually out-of-reach commuter-grade Harrier jet, but it uses proven technology (GM's EV-1 uses inductive charging, as do electric toothbrushes) to save or eliminate fuel and to reduce emissions. And unlike the flying car, induction-charged buses are hardly fantasy: They've been used in European cities for over a decade, South Korea started testing a fleet last year and Utah got in on the act recently.

New Ford Mondeo ECOnetic announced

Ford has introduced a 2.0 litre version of the Mondeo ECOnetic We wouldn’t for a minute expect Ford to take the slightest bit of notice of us, but they have announced the launch of a second Ford Mondeo ECOnetic toady – this time an even ‘Greener’ version – so they’re going in the right direction! The new Ford Mondeo ECOnetic sports a 2.0 litre, 115bhp diesel engine which achieves a remarkable 54.3mpg (and remember, the Mondeo weighs in at over 1500kg). It manages to slip in to the sub 140g/km CO2 bracket – making it VED (Band E- £120pa)  and company car tax friendly – and comes as either a saloon or estate.

New Ford Focus ST (2011) at Paris

The 250bhp 2011 Focus ST Ford did threaten that a performance version of the 2011 Ford Focus would be a world car. We all jumped to the conclusion that would be an all new 2012 Focus RS – and it still probably will be – but if Ford need a get out of jail free card on the performance promise the 2011 Focus ST could be it. It appears that Ford are taking the first performance version of the new Focus to the Paris Motor Show in October.