Detroit Diesel Dampner Cone #23506876 on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen launches Car-Net in-car assistance system

Volkswagen has launched an in-car assistance system which will offer a number of convenience and diagnostic features. Not too dissimilar from some other systems already on the market -- such as BMW Assist, Mercedes-Benz'sMbrace, and GM's On-Star -- VW's system will offer roadside assistance, service appointment scheduling, and automatic crash notification. The latter triggers a call from the vehicle to a Car-Net customer specialist when the airbags in the car are deployed, which will then connect the occupants with a local public safety answering point, which can send emergency vehicles to the scene if needed.

Shortened LX rear-drive platform--Chrysler's midsize car answer?

Chrysler's new management team is wrestling with its first major product decision, and it's a crucial one: how to replace the slow-selling Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger. One option--a stretched version of Fiat's compact D-Evo platform--faces serious hurdles, and one early proposal--use of an Opel platform--is off the table. Now sources say Chrysler Group LLC could replace its much-maligned mid-sized cars with a model based on the Chrysler 200C EV, a concept shown at the Detroit auto show in January.

IAM lobbies Labour for road casualty reduction targets

THE INSTITUTE of Advanced Motorists has called on the Labour Party to back the reintroduction of targets for reducing injuries and deaths on the road. The road safety organisation renewed its calls for targets to be reintroduced at the political party's annual conference in Brighton. An IAM survey of local councillors earlier this year showed that those affiliated with Labour were, in the IAM’s estimation, the most committed to road safety.