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European Parliament: electric cars must make noise

The European Parliament has voted in favour of a European Commission proposal to decrease the maximum allowed noise for new cars, vans, trucks, buses and coaches, in an effort to reduce “vehicle noise nuisance” by 25%. At the same time, the EU has voted in favour of a proposal to force carmakers to fit electric and hybrid electric vehicles with a sound generating device, to improve low speed safety for pedestrians and the visually impaired. On Bing: see pictures of electric cars Find out how much a used electric car costs on Auto Trader The proposed changes, which are expected to become law, would see new car noise levels reduced by four decibels, commercial vehicle noise levels reduced by three decibels.

Subaru's boxer engine gets biggest overhaul since 1989

Subaru said its next-generation, horizontally opposed engine will debut this year in the Forester and deliver a 10 percent boost in fuel economy. The four-cylinder engine, which will come in displacements of either 2.0 or 2.5 liters, is the first major overhaul of the brand's signature boxer power plant in 21 years, Subaru's Japanese parent company Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. said.

Ford Fiesta earns top ranking from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The 2011 Ford Fiesta earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It is the first minicar to earn the pick since the introduction of a new roof strength test. The award applies to vehicles built after July 2010.