Frankfurt 2011: VW Nils EV Go-Kart Video

VW Nils revealed at Frankfurt There have been quite a few of these very small, go-kart-style urban commuter cars cropping up of late, but perhaps the Volkswagen Nils is the most promising. The most promising because if – and it’s a very big if – commuters take to the idea of a grown-up version of a soap-box Kart with an engine for getting to work, the VW Nils will possibly offer the best combination of practicality, refinement and cost. Yes, there’s the Audi Urban Concept to consider, but that will be more expensive (there’s a reason Audi makes VW 40% of its profits), so if commuters do actually find appeal in this route then the Nils is probably the front-runner.

Concept Car of the Week: Keio Advanced Zero (2001)

‘Eight-wheeler electric limo-MPVs are the future!' said nobody. Ever. But professor Hiroshi Shimizu from Keio University in Japan believed such a machine could help him promote his innovative electric car concept.

Saab GB goes in to administration as China deal flounders

Saab GB on administration Saab Great Britain Ltd (Saab GB) has filed for administration in the High Court as Swedish Automobile N.V. (Swan) fails to conclude a deal with China. It’s a wonder it’s taken so long.