1983 Chrysler Lebaron Dodge Aries Plymouth Reliant Brake Cable Assembly (rear) on 2040-parts.com

Keyless ignition trends toward standardization

A federal plan to require automakers to standardize keyless ignition systems in the wake of Toyota's unintended acceleration problems is likely to mirror industry guidelines issued in January, an automaker group said. Large automakers except Toyota said they already comply with the guidelines crafted by SAE International or plan to do so. These "recommended practices'' seek to counter the variation, driver confusion and safety problems that have ensued since automakers started installing push-button ignition in luxury models.

Fiat Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari at Frankfurt

Fiat are said to be bringing the 500 Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari to Frankfurt Update 12/9/09: Fiat has now confirmed that the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is real and will be at the Frankfurt Motor Show. We’ve updated with details and a full gallery of pictures of the Tributo Ferrari, and the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari Press Release. And earlier this year we speculated – whilst looking at the Abarth 500 – that it would make a great courtesy car for Ferrari and other Supercar makers.

Fuel economy important to car buyers, survey finds

A survey by Consumer Reports magazine finds that fuel economy is most important to car buyers. Nearly 40 percent of those surveyed ranked gas mileage as the No. 1 buying factor.