240z Datsun 1972 Glovebox on 2040-parts.com

Alan Mulally spells out the future

Ford CEO Alan Mulally is famously on-message, handing out business-card-size versions of his business plan to all and sundry, including his “One Ford” mantra. “One Ford” covers a lot of ground, but it's shorthand for Ford becoming a single entity where the right hand knows what the left hand is doing. It's close kin to the concept of building global product platforms that spread costs for product development and parts over the greatest possible volume.

Fuel discount proposed for rural areas

MOTORISTS in exceptionally rural areas could see their fuel bills cut by up to 5p a litre under proposals aimed at easing the burden on the UK's remotest families. The UK Government has asked the European Commission to consider seven new regions across Scotland and in a part of north-east England. Chief Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander, a Highlands MP, said: "High fuel prices in areas where cars are a necessity, not a luxury, is a major issue in rural communities across the UK.

BMW recalls 2002-05 3-series for light defect

BMW is recalling 241,000 copies of the 3-series in the United States to fix a rear light defect that could lead to crashes. The problem affects rear lights--taillights, brake lights and turn signals--which may only work intermittently. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall covers model years 2002 to 2005 of the 325i, the 325xi, the 330i and the 330xi.