Covercraft Front Bucket Seatsaver Seat Covers - Polycotton Fabric, Sa Tan on 2040-parts.com

BMW set to go front-wheel drive

BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the German carmaker will introduce a new front-wheel-drive entry-level model positioned and priced below the existing 1-series as part of plans to help increase part sharing and to bolster the potential for production savings between the BMW and Mini brands, thus bringing an end to the era of rear- and four-wheel-drive-only BMW models. Speaking to AutoWeek at the Geneva motor show, Reithofer said internal BMW studies revealed that despite the downturn in the world's economy, there was continued demand for what he described as "premium vehicles" in the small-car class, before officially acknowledging plans that will see BMW produce a rival to the recently unveiled Audi A1 and a new Smart Forfour presently under development at Mercedes-Benz. "We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small-car segment with new models and variants," he said.

Fiat set to grab 51 per cent of Chrysler

Sergio Marchionne wants majority at Chrysler What a difference a couple of years makes. On May Day in 2009 we reported that Chrysler had been put in to Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and the US Government was stepping in to ease the pain with $7.5 billion (admittedly at somewhat less than mates-rates) and that the management were ‘leaving the building’. Step forward Fiat to take up a 20% stake in Chrysler and Fiat boss, Sergio Marchionne, who planned to lead Chrysler away from the dark side and in to the light, with the promise of smaller and more efficient platforms and engines.

Suzuki Grand Vitara SZ-T Limited Edition launches

Suzuki Grand Vitara SZ-T Suzuki is launching a limited edition version of the Grand Vitara – the Grand Vitara SZ-T – with the 1.9 DDi engine. Just 500 being built. Whatever you may think about the Suzuki Grand Vitara (and it is better than you’d think off-road) you have to confess it comes with a history.