Buick 96 Park Avenue Engine Module/unit/computer 1996 on 2040-parts.com

Ford's automotive assembly line celebrates 100th anniversary

A mere century ago, on Oct. 7, 1913, Henry Ford rigged up a rope tow to get Model T chassis across the floor of his Highland Park assembly plant -- essentially winching cars across the factory floor and adding a set schedule of parts at certain intervals. The implementation may have been a bit primitive, but Ford was on the cusp something big: applying the concepts of the moving assembly line to the complicated, costly process of automobile production.

Nissan previews Resonance Detroit show concept

Nissan has teased its Resonance crossover concept ahead of its official debut next week in Detroit. The image of the concept, which Nissan says is the latest in a series of crossover designs "fusing bold styling with a hybrid-electric powertrain," shows a sharp flowing character line running along the side as well as the L-shaped LED rear lamps that can be found on the Nissan Juke. We can also see that the Resonance features a floating roof, created by the C-pillar not joining up to the roof but curving down to leave a break to the roof, giving the impression that it is floating over the rear window.

Ford and Dow Chemical to experiment with carbon fiber

Ford is hatching a weight-loss plan for its cars and trucks that should result in a 750-pound-per-car weight reduction before the end of the decade. The company even hired a “personal trainer,” Dow Chemical, to help it get there. So, what's their plan?