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60 years of Unimog spawns off-roader concept

Mercedes-Benz is paying tribute to 60 years of Unimog trucks with a mean, green off-roader concept that the company claims stands for future versatility in vehicle design. In a nod to the first Mercedes Unimog--built in 1951 and reinstated with the 2010 product range--the team of Mercedes and Daimler designers gave the 2011 design concept an open cab. They injected the U 5000's off-road capabilities into the equation as well, drawing on the truck's historic design strengths.

GM plants solar field at Chevrolet Volt factory

Looking to put a charge in its eco-friendly image, General Motors is installing a 264,000-square-foot solar field at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant that builds the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid sedan. The solar field, being built in cooperation with utility DTE Energy, will generate 516 kilowatts. GM says that’s enough power to charge up 150 Volts every day for a year.

Toyota Avalon [w/gallery]

Toyota has revealed more details and pictures of its Avalon sedan, first seen at last year's New York auto show. The Avalon, designed at the carmaker's Calty design studio, offers a glimpse of Toyota's new emphasis on design and to help reposition its flagship sedan within the premium mid-size segment. The height has been reduced by 25 mm while the overhangs have been reduced by 15 mm at the front and 45 mm at the rear.