Volvo Penta Tsk-dph-d Electric Shift Transom Shield - Electronic Steering Kit on 2040-parts.com

Honda Gear Concept

Rather than fighting for headlines at NAIAS, Honda debuted its new GEAR Concept at the Montreal International Auto Show. The subcompact GEAR is apparently inspired by fixed-gear bicycles (although quite how is unclear), described as a customizable vehicle that demonstrates the carmaker's way of providing vehicles for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles. "Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring or they're fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for the Gen-Y buyer," said Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas, Inc.

London Taxi maker Manganese Bronze bought by China’s Geely

China automotive giant Geely has bought Manganese Bronze – makers of the iconic London Black Cab – in an £11.04 million deal. The iconic London Black Cab has been an accident waiting to happen for years, as under investment in making the Black Cab fit for the 21st century saw competition – like the Mercedes Vito Taxi and the Nissan NV200 Cab – start to offer serious competition to the taxi that identifies London. Despite an investment by China’s Geely – when Geely bought 20 per cent of Manganese Bronze, makers of the Black Cab – and the bulk of the Black Cab being produced in China and bolted together in the Midlands, the final nail in the coffin for Manganese Bronze was the recall of 400 TX4 cabs over a steering fault.

Concept Car of the Week: Audi Rosemeyer (2000)

When the Volkswagen group opened Autostadt in June 2000, rumors of a mysterious prototype drew the crowds in the Audi Pavilion. The German brand unveiled an impressive concept that crystallized its latest design philosophy, while also nodding to its glorious racing history. Designed under Peter Schreyer's supervision, the rounded volumes of the Rosemeyer are animated with precise geometric details expressing quality, rationalism and honesty – the foundations of Audi Design.