Voltage Regulator 8m0084173 on 2040-parts.com

Ford Fiesta eWheelDrive gets wheel hub electric motors

The Ford Fiesta eWheelDrive – a driveable research vehicle built by Ford and German specialists Schaeffler – may be a regular supermini in size, but it points towards a potential future EV which is much more compact and very manoeuvrable. Ford has taken a regular Fiesta and dumped its powertrain, replacing it with a battery bank where the engine would be and fitted a pair of in-hub electric motors on the rear wheels. But the plan is to build new cars with the batteries under the floor which frees up the space under the bonnet which can then be all but removed to create a very compact urban car that still has space for four.

Dacia Duster SUV leads Dacia in to record-breaking first year UK sales

The new Dacia Duster (pictured) should add to Dacia’s impressive sales We’ve all become aware that the car market in the UK has polarised, with mainstream makers struggling to keep their market share and premium and budget brands growing sales strongly. But despite that, no one really thought that Dacia – Renault’s budget brand – could create a significant market for itself with its “Shockingly Affordable” range of cars. But it has.

Renault Laguna Coupe concept

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 10 September 2007 10:11 Renault Laguna Coupé Concept: the lowdown Critics of the new dull-looking new Laguna - and there have been a few - can seek solace in the new two-door coupé version unveiled today in Frankfurt. It's a far sleeker affair, although a concept. And we all know what happens to sexy concepts before they reach the high street.