Yamaha Waverunner Vx110 Ride Plate 2007 on 2040-parts.com

European Parliament: electric cars must make noise

The European Parliament has voted in favour of a European Commission proposal to decrease the maximum allowed noise for new cars, vans, trucks, buses and coaches, in an effort to reduce “vehicle noise nuisance” by 25%. At the same time, the EU has voted in favour of a proposal to force carmakers to fit electric and hybrid electric vehicles with a sound generating device, to improve low speed safety for pedestrians and the visually impaired. On Bing: see pictures of electric cars Find out how much a used electric car costs on Auto Trader The proposed changes, which are expected to become law, would see new car noise levels reduced by four decibels, commercial vehicle noise levels reduced by three decibels.

Saab bidding closed, buyer announced soon

We should know the buyer of Saab soon The Swedish press have been told that the bidding on Saab has now closed and that the successful buyer will be announced shortly. It’s amazing how much interest – and speculation - there is around the demised Saab; so much so we’ve probably reported as much on Saab after its demise as we did when it was in the throes of turmoil. Saab’s administrator, Hans Bergqvist, has revealed that the bidding process is now closed and that he will be talking to Saab stakeholders to discuss the bids and confirm which of the number of bidders is successful.

Chevrolet Volt chief leaves GM

A key driver of the Chevrolet Volt project is defecting to start his own consulting firm, according to published reports. Volt chief Bob Kruse, 50, has left General Motors. He's been replaced by GM engineering veteran Micky Bly, who has also been involved with development of the Volt.