Peterson Reflector, Rectangular, 3-1/8"x1-3/8", Red V483r on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes A Class production outsourced

Mercedes is outsourcing some new A Class production as orders continue to flood in for Mercedes’ new compact car. Last week we had the news that Mercedes will be building new A Class compact SUV – the Mercedes GLA – at the Mercedes plant in Rastatt as production of the A Class kicked off. But despite the new A Class being built at both Rastatt and the Mercedes plant in Kecskemet, Hungary, Mercedes don’t have enough capacity for the volume of order flooding in for the new A Class – over 40,000 since it went on sale just over a month ago.

Nissan Leaf – first photos of Nissan’s electric car

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 03 August 2009 09:00 Nissan this weekend unveiled the Leaf – its new battery-powered electric car. The Nissan Leaf is pitched as ‘the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car’, a bespoke EV for global sale. The range of the Nissan Leaf is more than 100 miles – enough for 70% of people’s driving requirements, says Nissan, and it can seat five adults.

Ford Ka (2009): more photos and details

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 08 September 2008 17:40 Ford has issued more details and photographs of its Ka city car, the Blue Oval's twin of the cutesy Fiat 500. The new Ka will – for the first time – be available as a diesel in the shape of the 74bhp 1.3-litre TDCI model, which can muster a very sensible 67.2mpg on the combined cycle. But don't forget that few 'mini buyers pick diesel in the UK; an oil-burning city car's price premium appears larger and economy gains smaller when compared with bigger cars, making diesel babies like hens' teeth.