01 Yamaha Yzf R6 Lower Triple Tree Clamp 86f on 2040-parts.com

Car production up again in June

THE NUMBER OF CARS produced in the UK rose last month. A total of 136,419 vehicles were manufactured in June 2014 - a 3.7% rise on the figure for the same month last year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. The latest figures took the year-so-far total to 791,314 - a 3.5% increase on the January-June 2013 figure.

Alfa Romeo 4C spied in Michigan

During the Detroit auto show in January, Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne told us -- in his own irreverent way -- that arrival of the long-promised Alfa Romeo 4C would be delayed once again. But as these spy photos show, testing on the sporty coupe continues even as a debut date remains elusive. This isn't the first time we've caught the 4C testing in the States.

Clean cars make us happy

A CLEAN CAR makes us feel happier and three out of four drivers say a spotless car makes them feel better about themselves. In a survey by car wash specialists IMO, 74% of drivers reported a shiny car was a quick way to make themselves happier, while only a minority said they would ‘rather boil their head’ than get their car washed. Young drivers are the most likely to improve their mood with a car wash, with 85% saying a shiny car gives them a boost.