Powermadd - 12323 - Cobra Windshield, 10.25in. - Black/cobra Logo on 2040-parts.com

James Bond still drives an Aston Martin. But now he drinks Heineken too.

The Aston Martin DB5 returns in Skyfall (image ©Eon) - but Heineken replaces a Martini James Bond may drive an Aston Martin, but he’s going a bit more downmarket in Skyfall after a £25 million deal to place Heineken. Product placement is a great way for brands to raise their profile by association with a successful film, TV show or celeb. And much of what now gets placed on screen to push our buttons can probably be blamed on the James Bond franchise.

Volkswagen Beetle

The 2012 Beetle has been unveiled ahead of its Shanghai Motor Show reveal. The new 'New Beetle' is said to draw on design cues from the original Beetle launched 73 years ago. Retaining a similar silhouette to the 2003 New Beetle, the 2012 model gains a stronger influence from the 2005 Detroit show 'Ragster' concept.

GM to drop plans for range-topping Cadillac sedan

General Motors has decided to deep-freeze a range-topping ultraluxury sedan it was developing for Cadillac, according to three people with knowledge of the company’s plans. GM executives recently concluded that the rear-wheel-drive car, which would have been a low-volume showstopper priced well north of $100,000, didn’t offer enough brand-building pizzazz to justify the investment, the sources said. Designers recently were taken off the program and reassigned.