Toyota Prius 2009 Steering Column [4547140] on 2040-parts.com

Realization of a Dream - Inside Project M

The appeal of social media is growing rapidly for the auto industry. Sites such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook give brands the chance to communicate in a much more direct manner than mainstream advertising allows. In the best cases these new forms of media are helping brands, and the individuals who work for them, to build relationships and open dialogue with existing customers and potential future ones.

Dacia Duster (w/ Video)

Renault's Romanian subsidiary has unveiled the production Duster, a small all-terrain vehicle that the brand plans to launch in the European, Turkish and Maghreb markets. First seen in concept form at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Dacia Duster is a response to the unmet need for an economical and affordable off-roader, a category of vehicle the company developed for emerging markets. The Duster is claimed to exude a sense of ruggedness through its high ground clearance, wide wheelarches, imposing grille and body protection.

Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition

The Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition Last week we ran a story about Saab’s Concept for the Geneva Motor Show, which we expect to be a concept version of the new Saab 9-3, but could be a first look at the smaller Saab 9-2. What we did say in that report was that apart from the Saab Concept we would see the debut of the Saab 9-5 SportCombi and a couple of limited edition Saab 9-3s – one of them a convertible. Well, with a week or so to go to the Geneva Motor Show, the limited edition Saab 9-3 convertible has leaked out through the well-informed Saabs United as the Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition.