Isuzu Elf 2007 A/c Compressor [6660700] 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.

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M (2008) first official photos

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 09 November 2008 12:36 These are the first pictures of the new Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M, essentially a drop-top version of the sublime 430 Scuderia. Unveiled this past weekend at Ferrari’s World Finals end-of-season gig at Mugello, just 499 Scuderia Spider 16Ms will be built, each costing over £180,000. Ferrari says its latest model has been built to celebrate the Prancing Horse’s 16th F1 Constructor’s title, hence the ‘16M’.

Car Color Trends Shift with the Economy (Video)

According to the 2008 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report, white is the top vehicle color choice in North America for the second straight year in a row, with black and silver close behind. And experts say the slumping economy may be playing a role in these choices. During an economic downturn, people tend to be more conservative when purchasing a new car and often avoid getting something too trendy.