Yamaha Srx 440 Snowmobile Decal Kit on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen plans 4 million cars from one platform

Volkswagen is pushing the global-platform concept to a level unprecedented in the auto industry, introducing a modular platform this summer that eventually will be the basis of microcars, sedans, crossovers and SUVs for its four largest brands. While automakers now share platforms across brands and sometimes even segments, the VW initiative that starts this summer is far more ambitious than anything seen so far. By 2017, some analysts estimate, the MQB platform that debuts with the Audi A3 eventually will be used in 4 million units a year--close to half of VW's annual production.

Suzuki Swift (2011) at Frankfurt motor show

Back in 2006, the Suzuki Swift took CAR Magazine’s Car Of The Year gong ahead of some pretty accomplished opposition. But, since then, it’s rarely featured in our pages while the Renaultsport Clio has stolen our small-car affections. Suzuki’s star of the Frankfurt show, the Suzuki Swift Sport, hopes to put the model back on the radar.

Team Lotus snaps up Caterham +video

Team Lotus buys Caterham Cars - and a Team Lotus Special Edition Seven to celebrate Team Lotus – that’s the ‘Lotus’ F1 run by Tony Fernandes, not the Hethel mob run by Dany Bahar – has bought Caterham Cars from Corven Ventures for an undisclosed sum. Which is all very apposite, what with Caterham being the spiritual home of Colin Chapman’s Lotus Seven and keeper of the Chapman ethos of lighter is better. To tie Caterham back in to the Lotus name could work wonders for sales.