Eng Mount Frt Rt 9877 Anchor on 2040-parts.com

Nissan may build more Leaf EVs to meet growing demand

Nissan is making plans to begin building more electric Leafs as dealers clamor for more of the once slow-selling car. The automaker's North American factory chief -- who has been visiting with retailers in recent days -- cautions that production will move ahead in small and careful steps. But Nissan is already taking measures to increase its output of electric motors from its engine factory in Decherd, Tenn., says Bill Krueger, Nissan Americas vice chairman and senior vice president for manufacturing, purchasing production engineering and supply chain management.

Skoda Octavia wins 'everyday car' accolade

THE SKODA Octavia vRS has been awarded the ‘Best Everyday Car of the Year’ gong by a leading men’s lifestyle magazine. Judges on FHM’s panel were impressed by the hot Octavia’s interior space, family-friendly practicality, impressive performance and striking style. Its price also struck a chord, with an entry figure of £22,990 0n the road putting it well below less spacious alternatives.

Insurance group lists its Top Safety Picks

After increasing its standards for 2011 models, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that 66 vehicles--more than double the 2010 total--rate as best in the industry at protecting passengers from front, side, rollover and rear crashes. Only 27 vehicles qualified last year after the group, funded by the insurance industry, required that vehicles pass a roof-strength test to earn a good rating, claiming that stronger roofs would reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury by 50 percent in a rollover accident. The most mentioned carmakers on the 2011 list are Hyundai/Kia and Volkswagen/Audi, both with nine vehicles to get the Top Safety Pick designation.