Alternator V10-13-44300 on 2040-parts.com

Volt, Leaf win top safety rating in crash test

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf electric cars won the highest safety ratings in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, putting them in the top 57 percent of models tested so far this year. About 80 of 140 vehicles tested among 2011-2012 models have received the Institute's "top safety pick," the group's award for state-of-the-art crash protection that exceeds federal safety rules, Institute spokesman Russ Rader said. The Volt and Leaf received a "good" rating -- the highest of four rankings -- on each of four crash tests, said the Institute, which is funded by auto insurers including State Farm, All-State and Geico.

More Londoners travelling by bus

MORE LONDONERS are taking the bus than at any time since 1959 - with more than 2.4 billion trips made in the capital in the past year. The growing popularity of London's iconic red double-deckers comes after Mayor Boris Johnson introduced a fleet of newly revamped Routemasters. The number of buses travelling along the capital's roads reached a 60-year high on April 29, when 7,961 buses were on the streets - the highest number since 1953, according to Transport for London.

Interior Motives China Conference Day Two

Interior Motives is the print magazine from Car Design News, which focuses on the design development of vehicle interiors. Session One: 'The multi-mode interior' Conducted by Mark West, Chair of Transportation Design at CCS, the day's first session explored how vehicle designers can develop a versatile environment for urban dwellers. Ikuro Horii, general manager, Toyota Horii took to the podium to cite the example of the brand's GT86, which has room for up to four wheels in the trunk for the track but enough room in the back for the kids and shopping.