1960's Ford Windshield Washer Pump Assembly on 2040-parts.com

Tesla asks NHTSA to investigate fires

In response to concerns following a recent accident which appeared to result from road debris damaging the underside of a battery compartment of a Tesla Model S, causing a fire in the engine compartment, the company has announced that it has requested that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conduct a full investigation into the fire incidents. In a blog post, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote the following about the investigation: "While we think it is highly unlikely, if something is discovered that would result in a material improvement in occupant fire safety, we will immediately apply that change to new cars and offer it as a free retrofit to all existing cars. Given that the incidence of fires in the Model S is far lower than combustion cars and that there have been no resulting injuries, this did not at first seem like a good use of NHTSA's time compared to the hundreds of gasoline fire deaths per year that warrant their attention." Tesla has also released a software update to the cars which will maintain their standard ride height at highway speeds, preventing the air suspension from lowering the car an extra inch at highway speeds for greater aerodynamic efficiency.

Mercedes G-Class Updated

The Mercedes G-Class has had some minor tweaks as it reaches its 30th birthday Don’t get too excited, though. These are not exactly extensive, but then the G-Class has always been about slow development, not huge change. So trim levels stay the same, and you still have the choice of the G350 CDi, the G50 and the G55 AMG.

Axon Plug-in Hybrid revealed

Axon Automotive's plug-in hybrid due to market in 2011 We’re used to seeing plug-in hybrids coming at us from major manufacturers as they try to out eco one another. But this time we have a UK made plug-in hybrid from minnow car maker Axon Automotive. Axon Automotive’s plug-in hybrid has been revealed at the Milton Keynes Science Festival and can be used as a pure electric car or with its small petrol or bioethanol engine.