Axle Shaft Seal Front National 2300 on 2040-parts.com

Renault Scenic XMOD (2013) first official pictures

This is the new Renault Scenic XMOD. Following the Kaptur compact-crossover, it's Renault's latest attempt to jump on partner Nissan's niche-building bandwagon. Replacing the regular Scenic MPV in the Renault range, the XMOD adds a dash of utilitarian crossover pretensions to the mumsy Scenic.

Mercedes-Benz reveals new V-class

Mercedes-Benz has returned to the luxury MPV ranks with a resurrection of the V-class – the commercial vehicle based multiseat van first introduced to the German car maker’s lineup in 1996. Positioned as an upmarket rival to the likes of the popular Volkswagen Multivan, the new V-class was conceived and developed in a joint-engineering program with the third-generation Vito, which it will be produced with at Mercedes-Benz’s Vitoria factory in Spain. Set to go on sale in Europe shortly after its public debut at the Geneva auto show in early March, the V-class is being considered for sale in the U.S.

Chris Bangle begins work with Changan Automobile on its design strategy and methodology

Chris Bangle is to consult with Changan Automobile to help develop its design strategy and processes in his first official automotive project since leaving BMW in 2009. Bangle – through his company Chris Bangle Associates (CBA) – will work with Changan's team in its European design center in Turin, Italy, reporting to design director Chen Zheng. And while his role will be linked to the brand's Chinese products, his focus will be on the design team's methodologies and philosophy; its management and its process of critique, rather than the hands-on design of its products.