Tail Light Housing 68 Fairlane on 2040-parts.com

Ford and GM reliability ratings dip in Consumer Reports survey

Consumers rated Ford's new Explorer, Fiesta and Focus models at less-than-average reliability during their first year, according to Consumer Reports' annual auto survey. Poor reception of the new models bumped Ford's overall reliability rank from the 10th spot in 2010 to the 20th this year among the 28 major nameplates included in the survey. Findings are based on responses from 1.3 million vehicle owners or lessees who subscribe to the magazine.

TRW unveils bag in roof airbag system for European customer

TRW Automotive Holding Corp. has developed a roof-mounted airbag that is designed to allow automakers create more space for interior styling compared with typical instrument panel airbags. The “bag in roof” airbag system deploys one airbag from the roof, protecting both driver and passenger, thus eliminating the need for a passenger-side airbag (usually found in the instrument panel).

McLaren Automotive launches bespoke operations division

McLaren Automotive has today announced the launch of the McLaren Special Operations division, which will be responsible for the delivery of bespoke projects for McLaren sports cars. The division celebrated its launch with an example of the new MP4-12C, finished in Volcano Orange with a number of bespoke carbon upgrades, at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Bespoke designs featuring on the vehicle are diamond cut finish wheels with gloss black inners, MP4-12C branded carbon sill panels, a carbon steering wheel, front wheelarch louvres and carbon fiber engine cover vents, rear deck vent and wiper system cover.