Vw B5 Passat Mk4 Jetta Golf Sun Visor Pearl Grey Driver S 6x0857551b 3b0857551s 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.

Skoda Yeti facelift (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

This is the facelifted Skoda Yeti, brought bang up to date with the current Skoda design theme thanks to front and rear styling tweak as well as a restructured model range. It’s a straight-edged, angular redesign, but we can’t help thinking that binning the old car’s bulbous grille and charming foglights has robbed the Yeti of its cheeky character. What has actually changed for the 2013 Skoda Yeti?

Nissan’s EV onslaught continues with Townpod

Nissan’s Townpod will be the company’s third electric vehicle (a battery-powered version of the NV200 commercial vehicle will slot in after the Leaf) and is slated for a late 2012 arrival in the UK. Looking remarkably like a character from Pixar’s Cars film, the Townpod takes the lithium-ion battery-powered drivetrain of the Leaf and cloaks it in urban friendly sheetmetal. The long wheelbase and zero overhangs results in a huge cabin, accessed by some trick doors – rear-hinged rear doors and a vertically split rear door.