1930/1931 Ford Model A Radiator on 2040-parts.com

Detroit brands top Asian, European rivals in study of most appealing models

Owner delight with import vehicles is falling, and Detroit 3 brands are more appealing than European and Asian rivals for the first time in 13 years, according to a study measuring owner enthusiasm and satisfaction. The biggest improvement in owner appeal was made by high-performance models from Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co., J.D.

No special purchase schemes for electric Golf

VOLKSWAGEN has announced that the electric-driven e-Golf will be sold just like any other Golf. The company will not separate battery rental from the purchase of the car, unlike Renault's approach with the Zoe, meaning that customers who buy the e-Golf will also be buying the batteries. There will be no special incentives like access to other Volkswagen cars for a limited number of days per year, which is a scheme in place with the electric-powered BMW i3.

Volkswagen's de'Silva aims for positive influence on Porsche styling

Volkswagen Group design director Walter de'Silva hopes to add "something positive" to the design of Porsche's new models, beginning with the Cajun SUV. Porsche AG is set to become Volkswagen AG's 10th brand and Porsche design director Michael Mauer now reports to de'Silva, along with the heads of the styling centers of the other VW group brands such as Skoda, Seat, Bentley and Lamborghini. De'Silva said he has just started working with Mauer and their relationship is off to a good start.