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Daimler takes 10 percent stake in EV maker Tesla

Daimler AG has acquired an equity stake of nearly 10 percent of California electric car maker Tesla Motors Inc., the German automaker said Tuesday. The two companies have been working together to integrate Tesla's lithium-ion battery packs and charging electronics into the first 1,000 units of Daimler's electric Smart car. Daimler said its stake in Tesla will allow the companies to collaborate even more closely on the development of battery systems, electric drive systems and in individual vehicle projects.

Fewer commuters but longer journeys

PEOPLE ARE TRAVELLING further to get to work but the number of commuters is falling as more staff work from home, according to official figures. Based on Census statistics, the average distance travelled to work in England and Wales increased from 8.3 miles (13.4km) in 2001 to 9.32 miles (15km) in 2011. Those living in the Midlands and south west England had the largest increase in average distance travelled between 2001 and 2011 - going an extra 1.36 miles (2.2km).

2013 Toyota Auris leaks

The next generation Toyota Auris (Toyota Corolla) is due to debut this year as a 2013 model, and we get the first leaked photo. We know that a replacement for the Toyota Auris is on the horizon and we’re expecting it to make a public debut (at least in Europe) at the Paris Motor Show in September before going on sale by the end of 2012. But now, thanks to a Japanese Magazine scan, we have a pretty good idea what Toyota’s new Auris/Corolla is going to look like, and it seems to be the current Auris with a dose of Lexus thrown in for good measure.