Tata Motors is developing a diesel version of the Nano and hopes the latest version of the world's cheapest car will be available by 2011. The Nano will also soon get interior and exterior facelifts. The new model will rev limit at 6000 rpm instead of conventional 5000 rpm for faster acceleration especially in first and second gears.

The 2010 Ford Fusion has been named MOTOR TREND's 2010 Car of the Year, the 60th anniversary selection for the automotive industry publication's award. Despite the economic turmoil, the industry still delivered a large field of 23 new or significantly improved vehicles launched in the U.S., all of which were evaluated by MOTOR TREND editors.

Popular Mechanics magazine has announced winners of the 2010 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards. Chosen by the magazine’s expert editorial team, the awards recognize the best in automotive design, execution and technology for 2010 model year vehicles in 10 categories.

As automakers prepare to roll out battery-run cars, how will they dodge the ultimate obstacle - changing the consumer perception that electric cars are more trouble than they're worth? Adweek has published a lengthy article on what it describes "as the bumpy road ahead for electric-car makers."

Production of the Highlander sport utility vehicle, Toyota’s 12th North American-built model, began Oct. 8 at the company’s plant in Princeton, Indiana. The $450 million investment is part of the adjustments Toyota began last year in order to better utilize manufacturing capacity.

Amidst news of the hotel closing in November, Quail Lodge announces that preparations have begun for The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, scheduled for Aug. 13, 2010. The Quail brings together automotive enthusiasts for a day of friendship, legendary cars and culinary delights on the Monterey Peninsula. For 2010, a few of the celebrated marques: Featured Milestone Cars of 1934, 45 Years of the Shelby Mustang and Alfa Romeo Special Coachbuilders.

Krause Publications has launched Old Cars Report, a searchable online database that connects classic car owners with comprehensive pricing and data on their favorite American vehicles.With a foundation of facts on 5,000-plus makes and 15,000 models, Old Cars Report makes available the massive databases accumulated over the past four decades by the publishers of Old Cars Weekly and Old Cars Price Guide.

Electric Vehicles International (EVI), a pioneer in the alternative fuel vehicle industry, will move its global headquarters and United States manufacturing facility to Stockton, California. Founded in 1989, the company had been headquartered in Toluca, Mexico, with a sales and marketing office in Austin, Texas.

A collection of pre-and post-war wood-bodied station wagons will be offered at RM Auctions’ Sports & Classics of Monterey event Augus 13-15 at the Portola Plaza Hotel, Monterey, California. The offering of the Nick Alexander Collection will see RM Auctions extend its annual Sports & Classics of Monterey event to three days, Aug. 13-15.

PRESS RELEASE

The Air Alert is an ingenious device that alerts drivers when their tires are getting low. When tirepressure dropped 4 psi from the original pressure, the small alert valve cap immediately flashes to improve safety and fuel efficiency.

Air Alert replaces the standard tire valve cap and immediately flashes brightly, visible to the driver from any angle approaching the vehicle.

More accurate and immediate than other tire pressure warning systems, and at a  fraction of the cost of other systems, Air Alert is the best and most cost-effective tire pressure monitoring device available.

Air Alert retails for $34.95 ($39.95 w/ anti-theft protection feature) for a set of four and can be purchased online at automotiveupgrade.com, via phone at 877 293 3714 or at retail stores throughout North America.

Here's a video of the Air Alert system: Air Alert Valve Cap