1998-2002 Toyota Corolla Lh Rear Corner Glass Vent Window 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.

Ford plans to introduce two-cylinder and three-cylinder engines

Ford Motor Co. will introduce its smallest turbocharged engine yet next year, and on the horizon are even tinier engines--including two- and three-cylinder versions, the automaker's powertrain chief said Monday. Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of powertrain engineering, said two- and three-cylinder engines and engines with displacements of 1.0 liter or below are possible.

AAA unveils battery-charging trucks for stranded EVs

The American Automobile Association has unveiled an example of its new roadside-assistance truck, which is capable of recharging batteries for stranded drivers of electric vehicles. AAA first announced the plan in June, and the first truck was shown on Monday at the Plug-In 2011 electric-vehicle conference in Raleigh, N.C. It uses Green Charge Networks technology and has a removable lithium-ion battery pack that allows for mobile charging.