Genuine Mitsubishi Center Bezel 8002b477xa on 2040-parts.com

Concept Car of the Week: Volkswagen Microbus (2001)

The turn of the millennium seemed to induce a feeling of nostalgia among car manufacturers and with it a plethora of heritage/retro designs, including the new Mini, new Ford Mustang and Nissan Z. Following the runaway success of its New Beetle, which probably started the trend, VW asked itself whether it could enjoy the same success with a modern interpretation of the legendary T1 Microbus. Designed at the surf-central design studio in Simi Valley, California, the Microbus Concept took ample inspiration from its distant ancestor, but was modernized in every way.

Volvo V40

The new Volvo V40 is set to be unveiled at next week's Geneva motor show. The manufacturer has sought to retain characteristics from the larger Volvo models but refine it with sharper features in a more compact form, while focusing on a number of key areas within the car. It's closest equivalent – in terms of format – is the Audi A3 Sportback thanks to its mix of hatchback and wagon characteristics.

Nissan electric car Leaf starts retailing next year in five markets

Just days after pulling the wraps off of its prototype Leaf electric vehicle in Japan, Nissan Motor Co. says it has committed to an early launch of 5,000 sales in the United States, starting late next year. The plan will require Nissan North America to begin retailing the Leaf at U.S.