Vintage Teckserve Steering Wheel Center Piece Cap Hub on 2040-parts.com

Kia, Chrysler, VW set pace as December sales advance 9 percent

Kia, Chrysler and Volkswagen posted some of the strongest sales gains for December as the industry closed out 2011 on a high note. Automotive News estimates December volume was up 9 percent to 1.24 million from a year earlier--in line with analysts' forecasts. Total industry sales were projected at 12.78 million for the year, up from 2010's total of 11.6 million and the 27-year low of 10.4 million in 2009.

Dassault Systèmes Design Challenge finalists announced

Anne Asensio and a team of expert judges have chosen the three finalists of the Dassault Systèmes Design Challenge 2012. 23-year-old Riten Gojiya's project 'Third dimension tour' made the final list, with Josef Ludvík Böhm's 'Aktivní Robotická Ortéza' also making the cut. The judging panel was also very impressed with Jakub Novák's 'Pedalboat' entry, which was enough to secure the final spot in the top three.

Future products: From electrics to sedans, Audi prepares to enter new niches

Audi is planning to jump into several new segments. Next year it will add the coupe-styled A7 sedan to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Porsche Panamera sedans. The all-new Q3 small crossover goes into production next year in Europe but won't get to the United States until 2013.