Skf 15394 Timing Cover Seal on 2040-parts.com

Mark Vaughn: We’ll always have Vegas

There were a few bare spots on the floor of the Consumer Electronics Show this year, spots that in previous years had been jammed sardine-like with myriad Taiwanese makers of Hello Kitty knockoff cell phone cozies and electronic barking dogs, but the show this year was nonetheless pretty well attended. Besides, for those working their way upstream through the aisles like so many digitally trained trout, the empty spots left by exhibitors that pulled out were like refreshing mountain meadows or little piazzas in crowded Italian cities. Show management stocked the open spots with cushy couches, too, on which many a jet-lagged showgoer snoozed.

Visteon reveals e-Bee 2020 mobility concept

Visteon has unveiled its new e-Bee concept at the Electronica 2012 Trade Fair in Munich. The e-Bee is a study of mobility in the year 2020 and explores alternative transport ideas such as car-sharing and short-term rental as well as intelligent mobility. Predictable vehicle architecture is transformed by moving the climate system outside, reducing the e-Bee's weight, increasing the cabin space as well as providing easier access to comfort and infotainment features.

Fiat makes bid to buy Opel

The proposed partnership between Fiat and Chrysler has been thrown into a tailspin with revelations that the Italian carmaker has made a secret offer to purchase a majority stake in Opel. Klaus Franz, chairman of Opel's works council, on Thursday confirmed Fiat's interest in a takeover of General Motors' European subsidiary, suggesting that officials have cleared the way for the signing of a letter of intent as early as April 28. Opel has been in talks with parts supplier Magna International on a possible partnership over the past month.