Richmond Quick Change Gear Set 58-008a-1 on 2040-parts.com

Hyundai increasing European production to 500,000 a year

Hyundai are upping production in Europe to 500,000 per annum There’s an awful lot of sense in car makers designing and building cars for the markets they serve locally, and it’s a route Hyundai has followed in Europe, where the majority of their sales are of European built models, not imports. With Hyundai sales still growing despite the European car market meltdown, Hyundai are increasing capacity in Europe to keep up with demand with further investment in their plant in Ízmit, Turkey. Originally, the Ízmit plant produced just 60,000 cars a year, but in 2007 that was increased to 125,000 and now it is being increased to 200,000 so the new i10 can be built there as well as the latest i20.

2009’s 10 most fuel-efficient cars in America: The AutoWeek list

Toyota Prius Hybrid 46 mpg combined Base price: $22,720 Our take: The perennial mpg all-star takes the crown again for 2009. Honda Civic Hybrid 42 mpg combined Base price: $24,320 Our take: Another top contender in reliability and fuel economy, the Honda Civic Hybrid is a smart choice. Smart Fortwo Coupe 36 mpg combined Base price: $12,635 Our take: This funky coupe is the least expensive on our list, proving you can be green without spending it.

General Motors' MyLink rivals Ford's Sync infotainment system

General Motors is introducing a competitor to Ford's Sync infotainment system that will provide text messaging, e-mails, traffic advisories and other connected-car functions. The system, called Chevrolet MyLink, will let motorists link their smart phone and its functions--such as texting, calls, music or navigation--to the vehicle's voice recognition software, sound system and navigation screen. MyLink will be launched in the Chevrolet Volt and Equinox this fall.