Melling V1001 Intake Valve on 2040-parts.com

smart fortwo gets a facelift for 2012

The smart fortwo gets a nip and tuck for 2012 The smart fortwo has been given a small cosmetic facelift for 2012, and will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The perpetual loss-maker for Mercedes that is the smart car (the other being Maybach, which is now being left to wither on the vine) still continues, and Mercedes are planning a replacement, previewed by the recent smart forvision concept which heralds the new smart fortwo which will share its platform with the next Renault Twingo. But to freshen the current smart fortwo until the all new smart fortwo arrives, Mercedes has rolled out a few cosmetic tweaks for the current smart fortwo for 2012, but haven’t bothered to tweak either the chassis or engines.

Lexus reclaims the top spot in J.D. Power quality study

Lexus reclaimed the top spot in J.D. Power and Associates' annual benchmark study of vehicle quality, while U.S. luxury rival Cadillac continued its rebound and Lincoln plunged.

Italy auctions government cars

OFFERS started rolling in on unneeded government Alfa Romeo, Lancia and BMW cars, which prime minister Matteo Renzi is auctioning off on eBay as a sign of his seriousness in tackling government waste. Renzi has pledged to sell 151 vehicles by April 16, saying he was taking a cue from the former mayor of Florence - himself - who auctioned off four cars early in his term. Besides cashing in, the government will save on upkeep, maintenance and running costs.