Subaru Impreza 2000 Back Door Assembly [0215800] on 2040-parts.com

Business groups call for Severn tolls cut

BUSINESS groups are calling for a reduction in the Severn Bridge tolls as soon as the famous structure comes into public ownership. Following the recent announcement that tolls will be set to increase, the Federation of Small Businesses in Wales and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) have called for the tolls to be reduced to a level that only covers maintenance. In a joint statement the groups expressed their concern for the negative impact the increased tolls could have on the southern Welsh economy.

Italian firm buys stake in Aston Martin

The former owner of Italian motorcycle maker Ducati has bought a 37.5-percent stake in financially strapped British car maker Aston Martin. The move means future Astons could use modern drivelines and electric architectures from Mercedes-Benz's AMG division, insiders with knowledge of the deal suggest. Private equity fund Investindustrial has signed a memorandum of understanding with current Aston Martin owner Investment Dar of Kuwait that will see it pay $240 million (150 million pounds) for the ownership stake.

Changing course, Chrysler considers a small Ram pickup

Chrysler may develop a unibody small pickup positioned below the Dakota, whose production will end in 2011. "We're thinking of something that will separate itself from the full-sized truck more than what happens today, both in capability, price and size," said Joe Veltri, Chrysler Group vice president of product planning. "The Ram brand has room to expand into a compact-truck segment." Veltri, interviewed this month at the National Truck Equipment Association's Work Truck Show in St.