Antique Steering Column Lock on 2040-parts.com

Ford eyes dandelions as sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber

Ford, in conjunction with Ohio State University, is turning to the humble garden weed as sustainable resource, researching the dandelion's potential use as an alternative to synthetic rubber. While the automaker already makes considerable use of sustainable materials in its vehicles – such as soy foam seat cushions and straw-filled plastic for interior trim – this latest discovery opens up a wealth of new possibilities for automotive applications. According to research conducted by Ford, a milky-white substance that is found in certain dandelion roots can produce a sustainable rubber that could be used to create plastic parts for vehicle interiors.

Hydrogen-powered Toyota FCV Concept revealed

  The Hydrogen-powered Toyota FCV Concept (pictured) revealed Toyota revealed last month that their latest take on a hydrogen-powered car would be revealed at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. And here it is – the Toyota FCV Concept. The FCV Concept points clearly at Toyota’s first proper production fuel cell car – expected to hit Toyota showrooms in 2015 – and Toyota are keen we realise that, subject to a refuelling infrastructure, the hydrogen-powered FCV is just like owning a regular ICE car.

Toyota develops 600 mile battery for electric cars

Toyota Super Battery 1000km range (Prius battery shown) Many think our stance on electric cars is Luddite. But it’s not. In fact, if anything, it’s quite the opposite.