2015 Mercedes Sprinter N/s Passengers Left Front Headlight Headlamp A9068205800 on 2040-parts.com

BMW Concept X5 eDrive: Driving impressions

We got a chance to sample the BMW Concept X5 eDrive, a plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X5 luxury SUV, ahead of its appearance at BMW's New York auto show press conference. While comprehensive driving impressions will have to wait for a longer test, we were able to get some quick impressions of the new BMW hybrid at the company's New Jersey headquarters. The X5 eDrive made short work of the hills and curves around BMW's campus, with all mechanical systems working pretty seamlessly.

Alfa to be honored at Pebble

The 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance will pay tribute to all that is Alfa Romeo, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Italian auto manufacturer founded as Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili. The Aug. 15 gathering will make Alfa fans drool, showcasing vehicles ranging from a 1910 A.L.F.A.

Toyota to close Australian design studio

Toyota designers at its Technical Center Asia Pacific Australia (TTCAP-AU) are to lose their jobs as part of Toyota's decision to scale back the facility's activities as well as halting all manufacturing within the country by 2017. The TTCAP-AU, which carries out all its Australian design and evaluation operations, employs 150 designers and modelers and it's possible that its activities with the Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion models could be scrapped, raising doubts over its future. Around 2,500 employees at Toyota's Altona manufacturing plant are expected to lose their jobs, although the effects are likely to be wider ranging.