Ford introduces seat belt air bags; Barbie gets her own rental car

Associated Press

Front, side and now seat belt air bags
Ford plans to introduce seat belt-mounted air bags in the back seat of the 2011 Ford Explorer SUV, which will hit the market next fall. Ford says it's the first automaker to mass produce the technology. The belts have a cylindrical air bag that stretches from the buckle to the shoulder and fits inside a pocket sewn into the belt. The car sends a signal that releases the bag, which inflates more gently than a front air bag, so it's safer for children.
--Associated Press

Fiat

Barbie girl? There's a rental car for you
Those looking to tour Europe in style now have more options from Hertz. The car rental company has added the BMW Z4 sDrive 23i to locations in Spain and the Lotus Elise and Exige to branches across Italy. But the most eye-catching may be the new pink Fiat 500 Rosa, a special edition car manufactured in honor of Barbie's 50th birthday, and available exclusively in the Netherlands. The car (shown) features bright pink paint and, of course, a pink interior.
--NWautos staff