Nissan Ad 2003 Speedometer [2261400] on 2040-parts.com

VW Scirocco and Passat CC (2011): low CO2 tech

Volkswagen has launched the cleanest and most efficient Scirocco yet. Bluemotion tech is now fitted to the base 2.0-litre turbodiesel and includes stop/start and battery regeneration systems to cut CO2 beneath 120g/km. The six-speed manual Scirocco 138bhp 2.0 TDI now averages 62.8mpg (down from 55.4mpg) while emissions have tumbled to an impressive 118g/km (down from 134g/km).

Toyota to close Australian design studio

Toyota designers at its Technical Center Asia Pacific Australia (TTCAP-AU) are to lose their jobs as part of Toyota's decision to scale back the facility's activities as well as halting all manufacturing within the country by 2017. The TTCAP-AU, which carries out all its Australian design and evaluation operations, employs 150 designers and modelers and it's possible that its activities with the Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion models could be scrapped, raising doubts over its future. Around 2,500 employees at Toyota's Altona manufacturing plant are expected to lose their jobs, although the effects are likely to be wider ranging.

Audi creates Carbon Ski design

Audi has recently teamed up with Head to produce these lightweight skis. Far from being the first manufacturer to dabble with downhill equipment, Audi claims that its expertise in motorsport has resulted in a ski that is significantly lighter than its nearest competitor. Taking Audi's knowledge of carbon fiber in motorsport and combining it with Head's extensive background in skiing, the duo have created a significantly lighter ski than those from other industry competitiors.