Speedometer Cable Pioneer Ca3017 on 2040-parts.com

Audi A1 e-tron Wankel range-extender EV trial begins

Audi A1 e-tron trial begins in Munich If car makers are going to foist electric cars on us, the least they can do is make them as useful as the limited technology permits. And that’s what Audi are doing with the A1 e-tron EV. The Audi A1 e-tron isn’t a daft BEV (battery electric vehicle) with a woeful range at the mercy of weather conditions, instead it’s a range extender EV with a small Wankel engine which kicks-in when the battery charge is used up to increase range.

2008 Fiat’s best year EVER!

Didn’t they do well!? Fiat has just announced that, despite the doom and gloom in the car world in 2008, particularly in the last quarter, they have had their best year ever, with their trading profit up by 4% and turnover by 1.5% to €60 billion. Well done them.

Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2008 theme and call for entries

Michelin Challenge Design, one of the world's fastest growing transportation design programs, has announced it will continue its focus on safety in 2008 under the central theme of 'Safety over Size.' The 2008 theme was announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit showcased works from vehicle manufacturers, students, as well as the first full-size concept to be submitted by an independent entrant. Rising energy costs, urban congestion and environmental concerns are all contributing to an increased interest in smaller vehicles, but consumers are often hesitant to consider smaller vehicles due to safety concerns that are both real and perceived. Participating designers are encouraged to 'throw away the book' and to present ideas that enhance the real and perceived safety and security of smaller vehicles through design innovations in areas such as accident avoidance, enhanced driver controls, survivability and visibility.