Yamaha Banshee Gripper Seat Cover on 2040-parts.com

CAR scoop: BMW and Toyota's joint sports car plot

BMW is buddying up with Toyota on an all-new sports car platform, set to underpin the replacements for the Z4, 6-series and GT86. The unlikely collaboration stems from an alliance that began in 2011, where BMW and Toyota agreed to co-develop next-generation lithium ion batteries, and for Toyota to use BMW’s fourpot diesels in its European cars. An engineering team is beavering away on the project, with the clock ticking: the suits want to outline the car’s specification before the end of 2013. What does BMW get out of the bargain?

Daimler-Renault alliance approved, report says

An international alliance between Daimler and Renault has been approved by the companies' boards and is set to be announced on Wednesday, Bloomberg is reporting. The pact would allow the German and French automakers to collaborate on a range of products, including small cars, commercial vehicles and engines. AutoWeek first reported on the alliance last week.

GM, SAIC to develop electric cars in China

General Motors will work with its joint-venture partner, Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor Corp., to develop parts and vehicle platforms for electric cars, the companies said on Tuesday. The automakers will use their existing joint venture in Shanghai, the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, as the home base to develop the electric car--aimed primarily at the Chinese market. GM says it plans to use the platform, components and technology from the project to build electric cars around the world for various markets.