Misc. on 2040-parts.com

AutoWeek's Keith Crain receives Mercedes Star Driver award

AutoWeek editor-in-chief Keith Crain recently received the Star Driver award from Mercedes-Benz, an honor that recognizes an individual who has made great contributions to motorsports and the automobile industry. Crain, shown at left with Geoff Day, director of communications at Mercedes-Benz USA, is the sixth recipient of the Star Driver honor. He joins the ranks of Sir Stirling Moss, John Fitch, Jochen Mass, Jesse Alexander and AutoWeek senior contributing editor Denise McCluggage.

Aston Martin sells 38% stake to Italians to raise cash

Aston Martin today announced a deal with Italian private equity fund Investindustrial, securing a £150m investment to own a 37.5% stake in the business. Aston Martin hopes this should secure the long-term future of the beloved but hitherto financially wobbly sports car maker. Together with the new owners, it announced a £500m investment in future product.

New Dacia SUV gets old name--Duster

A new Duster is ready to take to the roads, but you won't find it at a Plymouth dealership--and not because there aren't any Plymouth dealerships left. This new Duster comes from Romanian carmaker Dacia, which is owned by Renault, and the Duster is a small SUV. It uses the low-cost Logan platform that has spawned several car and small-van models.