Toyota Genuine 95-02 Hilux Surf 4runner Kdn185 Kzn185 Rzn185 Cap License Plate on 2040-parts.com

Japan automakers extend shutdowns as quake impact widens

Japan's seven big automakers are extending nationwide production shutdowns amid growing concern about supply chain interruptions, power shortages and export difficulties following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hammered northern Japan, killing thousands. Toyota Motor Corp., one of the few automakers with a major manufacturing presence in the quake zone, suspended all manufacturing--at both assembly and parts plants--on Monday and extended the shutdown through at least Wednesday as an added precaution. The company will lose output of roughly 40,000 vehicles over the three-day period, spokesman Dion Corbett said.

Renault Twingo (2012) the facelifted French city car

Renault has just released this solitary photo of the revised Twingo supermini, which will be unveiled in full at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show in September. It’s all part of the PR thrust – because if you weren’t revved up about the facelifted Twingo, then this single picture is bound to get you very excited, right? Actually, the revised Renault Twingo looks pretty good… We agree.

Kia Optima 2011 revealed

The 2011 Kia Optima will replace the Kia Magentis in the UK A week or two ago we reported on the first info on the 2011 Kia Magentis we expected to see at the New York Motor Show this week. But because we thought that Kia would change the name before bringing it to the UK and Europe, we headed that story up with both the Optima and Magentis moniker. But not this time.