1975 Performance Tool Work Light on 2040-parts.com

Suzuki seeks end to partnership with Volkswagen

Suzuki Motor Corp. Chairman Osamu Suzuki on Monday said he plans to end his carmaker's turbulent two-year capital alliance with Volkswagen AG, citing concerns about independence and a dearth of technological exchanges and joint projects from the tie up. The spry, 81-year-old Suzuki executive compared the breakup to a divorce and said the two companies should "say goodbye with a smile" instead of trading bitter accusations.

Drivers 'not always watching road'

MOTORISTS typically have their eyes off the road for a tenth of the time they are driving, a study has shown. For 10% of their journey they are eating, reaching for the phone, texting or engaged in other activities that cause concentration to wander away from what is happening beyond the windscreen. Predictably, teenagers who had recently passed their test were most likely to crash or experience a near-miss as a result of being distracted, according to US researchers.

Nissan to open new studio in Beijing

After last week's announcement of leadership changes at Nissan's North American and European design centers, Nissan Investment Co., Ltd (NCIC), a Nissan subsidiary in China, today revealed plans to expand its global design resources with the establishment of a new design studio in Beijing. "With the addition of 20 designers, Nissan's new studio will enhance our design capabilities, as well as our product competitiveness in China and Asia where the automotive industry continues to see robust growth," said Shiro Nakamura, chief creative officer and senior vice president of design and brand. "Locating the studio where our customers live and work allows us to best respond to their needs and design vehicles that exceed their expectations." Scheduled to open early in 2011, the studio in the Chao Yang district of Beijing will be the first design facility in China established by a Japanese automaker.