2001-2004 Nissan Xterra Frontier Impact Sensor on 2040-parts.com

How South America designed the Ford Ka

The Ka Concept was shown at the São Paulo auto show in Brazil in November 2013, and was revealed in production form last week. It marks the first time the Ka has reflected the broader brand homogeneity of the 'One Ford' design strategy, and continues the Ka's shift in direction from the distinctive original.The new car is the work of Ford's South American design studio in Camaçari, Brazil - its second 'One Ford' car, following the EcoSport. But while the crossover enters a new segment, the 17-year history of the Ka nameplate in Brazil gives an insight into how the demands of the local market have taken precedence over design iconicity.

Mitsubishi RVR Crossover (2010 / 2011) revealed

The new Mitsubishi RVR Crossover will launch in 2010 When you think of Mitsubishi you either think of big SUVs like the Shogun or you think of slightly bonkers performance cars like the Evo. But in these strange, ‘Green’ times that doesn’t sit well with the public (or at least with car makers perception of what the public think) so car makers are looking to re-align their image. BMW has gone from the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ to ‘Joy’, and Mitsubishi wants us to think of it as a maker of fluffy-bunnie, eco-cars that do everything the buyer wants, but eat CO2 for breakfast and run on fresh air.

Rolls Royce to set up shop in South America

Rolls Royce showrooms planned in South America The paradox of the current economic malaise  is that luxury goods – and luxury cars in particular - seem immune from the problems of the mainstream. Rolls Royce – to many still the epitome of luxury motoring – is doing very well, and is now planning an expansion in to South America. The cynical may say that Rolls Royce want a piece of the drug money floating round South America in their coffers, but South America is far more than a bunch of drug barons freely spending illicit cash.