Tested 00-04 Ford Taurus A/v Cd Changer Xwif-18c830-ab on 2040-parts.com

Design Review: Smart For-US concept

First seen NAIAS 2012 Design studio Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios, Sindelfingen, Germany Type 2-seat pickup Dimensions (L | W | H) 3,547 | 1,506 | 1,701 mm Wheel size 18-inch ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Daimler’s Smart brand has bombed in the US market since its introduction in 2008. That first year proved modestly successful, with 25,000 units sold but since then sales have fallen off a cliff, with just 5,927 shifted in 2010. Seeing the ForTwo dicing with big-foot pickups and Hummer limos in Vegas, it’s easy to see why something has been lost in translation.

2013 Toyota Auris revealed ahead of Paris Motor Show debut

The new Toyota Auris – based on the old Auris but with a new look – has been revealed ahead of a Paris Motor Show debut. Even though there were rumours that the replacement for the Toyota Auris would arrive with the 2013 Toyota Corolla badge, Toyota has decided to stick with the Auris badge for the 2013 car, revealed today ahead of Paris 2012 (although we did have a leak of the 2013 Auris a few months ago). With competition from the VW Golf and Ford Focus – and a new-found desire to deliver cars that are more interesting to look at and drive – Toyota needs to be on the mark with the new Auris, and certainly in terms of how it looks the new Auris is a lot more interesting than the bland current model.

Pininfarina adds product-development director

Starting on Dec. 1, Andrea Maria Benedetto will serve as Italian car-design firm Pininfarina S.p.A.'s product-development director. Benedetto, who last served as the vice president of body and chassis function in the research and development division of Toyota Motor Europe, will organize engineering and R&D activities.