Coats Tire Changer Machine on 2040-parts.com

Michael Ninic, Head of BMW Interior Design, dies at 53

Michael Ninic, who held the position of Head of BMW Car Interior Design for many years, unexpectedly died recently at the age of 53. Ninic, who joined the BMW Interior Design Team in 1987, was appointed head of the department in 1999. In 2001, the department also became responsible for material and color design.

Audi to show rugged A4 allroad in Geneva

While Audi's A6 allroad quattro didn't resonate in North America and ultimately was discontinued after the 2005 model year, it did enjoy mild popularity in Europe and continues to be sold there. Now Audi plans to bolster the line with the addition of the A4 allroad quattro that's set to make its first public appearance at next month's Geneva motor show. Beginning with an A4 Avant, Audi improves its off-roading abilities by raising the ride height by 37 millimeters to 180 millimeters and widening the track in front and rear by 20 millimeters.

VW Passat Alltrack 4motion (2012) goes on sale

Volkswagen is launching its own cut-price rival to those mud-loving Allroad models from Audi in May 2012 – the new Passat Alltrack 4motion. It's a Passat estate in a Barbour and green wellies, its ride height hoiked up and with 4motion all-wheel drive boosting traction for soft-roading and pulling horseboxes over slippery grass. VW quotes a two-tonne towing capacity – 200kg greater than an equivalent Passat estate.