Vernalift #1500003 on 2040-parts.com

News watch March 2010: today's auto industry news

Tuesday 30 March 2010• Mercedes has dismissed claims that its Maybach brand is for sale, after reports in the Chinese media claimed Chinese car company BYD was considering a bid for the upmarket offshoot. BYD has also denied the claims (Reuters)• Toyota president Akio Toyoda has promised his company will listen more carefully to customers and react faster in a bid to regain credibility after the Japanese car manufacturer was forced to recall millions of vehilces over safety fears (BBC)• The Obama administration is expected to unveil its finalised fuel economy and tailpipe emissions through to 2016 this week, to coincide with the opening of the 2010 New York auto show (Detroit News)  Monday 29 March 2010• Toyota has agreed to licence the hybrid technology in the Prius to Mazda, which will combine the electric system with its next-gen Sky engines. It’s part of Mazda’s plans to increase the average fuel economy of its vehicles by 30% by 2015 (compared to 2008 levels) and it hopes to have its first hybrid vehicle on sale in Japan by 2013 (Mazda)• Ford and Chinese car company Geely have signed a stock purchase agreement that will allow the latter to acquire 100% of Volvo (along with related assets including intellectual property rights).

Pininfarina Duettottanta concept (w/ Gallery)

Pininfarina today revealed the Duettottanta concept, an homage to Alfa Romeo on its 100th birthday. The Duettottanta concept showcases a simple but modern design aesthetic that is a "fluid interpretation of what a spider should be," Design Director Lowie Vermeersch told Car Design News. "It evokes the feeling of wanting to take it for a drive..." Read more about the two-seat concept car and see our own unique photos in our 2010 Geneva Motor Show highlights.

Honda recalls Accord Crosstour for airbag fix

Honda is recalling more than 3,300 copies of its 2010 Accord Crosstour to fix the front passenger airbag. Honda said the Accord Crosstour's passenger airbag had not been tested with an unbelted 6-year-old child-size test dummy, which is required by federal law. Honda said it will inspect and possibly replace the passenger airbag in 3,336 Accord Crosstours.