Pro Series 51017 Class Iii; Pro Series Trailer Hitch on 2040-parts.com

Next-gen Passat to offer hybrid and twin-turbo power

VOLKSWAGEN is going even more upmarket with the all-new version of the Passat, which is due to hit showrooms later this year. Soon buyers will be able to include a plug-in hybrid and an all-new 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel among their forecourt options, as VW goes chasing after its sister company Audi. Weight-saving measures have chopped up to 85kg from the new kid on a like-for-like basis, which helps achieve VW's stated efficiency boosts of 20% versus equivalent outgoing Passats.

New Vivaro van secures 1,200 UK jobs

MOTOR giant Vauxhall has launched a new van, securing 1,200 jobs over the next decade, with the prospect of more workers being recruited. The Vivaro will be built at the firm's plant in Luton, which is the UK's only factory making vans, in a £185 million investment. Up to 70,000 vans will be built a year, with around half being exported.

Smart's $99 loan deal has big balloon payment at end

Hoping to benefit from the federal cash-for-guzzlers program, Smart USA has set up a $99 monthly payment for buyers who use their $4,500 rebate. But there's a catch--and a hefty balloon payment disclosed only as a note to an asterisk in Smart's press information announcing the offer. The Smart financing is for $99 a month for 36 months, with a balloon payment of $6,667 due at the end.