Porsche/vw/audi Multi Purpose Relay Corrado Jetta Mk 1 Mk 2 141951253b on 2040-parts.com

First sight: Volkswagen Passat (2015)

In recent years, European buyers have been switching their mid-size sedans and wagons for smaller cars, crossovers and SUVs. The Volkswagen Passat, Europe's most successful company car, has defined this market segment pretty much since it arrived back in 1973, and this latest, eighth-generation model has been designed to attempt to reverse that buying trend. When we catch up with design director Dr Klaus Bischoff at the car's unveiling, he's certainly confident that the new car represents a significant step forward.

Hot Wheels cars inventor Elliot Handler dies

Elliot Handler,the inventor of Hot Wheels die-cast toy cars, died July 21 at his home in Southern California. He was 95 years old. Handler and his wife, Ruth, and family friend Matt Matson founded the Mattel toy company in 1945.

Nissan to pull Infiniti production out of Japan to counter strong yen

The high value of the yen will prompt Nissan Motor Co. to shift production of Infiniti vehicles out of Japan to other locations, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said. "You won't have to wait a long time before we make a decision about the new base for sourcing of Infiniti," Ghosn told a group of reporters April 4 during the New York auto show.