1997 Mercedes-benz R129 Sl320 Central Locking Vacuum Pump 1298001548 on 2040-parts.com

Next Generation Ford Focus – the Iosis MAX Concept – previews at Geneva

Despite all its problems, Ford is on something of a roll. It already had a great set of products – seriously under-rated in many cases – and the recent additions of the Ford KA, The Ford Fiesta and the Ford Kuga has added even more credibility to its lineup. But Ford isn’t standing still, and has previewed the next generation Ford Focus – the Iosis MAX Concept – at the Geneva Motor Show 2009.

Who's Where: Gert Hildebrand appointed Head of Design at Qoros Auto

Gert Hildebrand, former General Manager of Mini Design, was appointed Head of Design at Qoros Auto in January this year. In his new role, Hildebrand is responsible for overseeing a regeneration of the existing design and styling processes at the joint venture company, a collaboration between Qoros and Israel Corporation, which was founded in 2007. One of many high level designers making the transition to China, Hildebrand is is currently tasked with leading the creation of the new Qoros brand, which was unveiled at a presentation in Shanghai last week.

Audi A2 EV & A1 Range-Extender dropped

It seems Audi is getting cold feet on its electric car plans with the Audi A2 EV and the Audi A1 Range-Extender reported to be dropped. It’s starting to look as if car makers are waking up to the reality that electric cars are not something car buyers, on the whole, want to spend their hard earned cash on. We recently reported that the BMW range of EVs is being re-thought with the BMW i3 likely to be just a range extender and plans to extend the i-BMW beyond the i3 and i8 Supercar put on ice.