04-08 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic/mean Streak Vn1600 Intake Cold Air Solenoids on 2040-parts.com

Car production increases again

THE SOCIETY of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said UK manufacturers built 91,282 cars in August, up 16.2%, or 12,705, on the same period in 2012, leaving year-to-date volumes 3.1% ahead of 2012, at 984,545. The figures showed 20,298 cars were made for the home market this year, up 21.1%, while 70,984 were for export, up 14.8%. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "The past 12-months has been one of the most productive since late 2008." Samuel Tombs, of consultancy Capital Economics, said the CBI figures showed the manufacturing sector "continuing to go from strength to strength".

Tata Megapixel concept car at 2012 Geneva motor show

Remember the Tata Pixel, the posher, glitzier small car from the makers of the Nano breadcase? Now it's back for 2012, with the new Tata Megapixel concept car. It's an upgraded version of Tata's study into an urban runabout for the future, an electric supermini with a motor in each wheel.

Ultimate MINI John Cooper Works goes up for auction

British Car Auctions (BCA) is offering one very specially specified MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works. The car is set to go under the hammer on Wednesday 15 August at BCA's Blackbushe auction centre. This MINI actually boasts nearly every factory option originally available for the car and cost over £30,000 when it was built back in 2011 – from customised exterior and interior parts, engine and chassis upgrades and in-car gadgets, this MINI is full to bursting with options. And it could be yours… Please click on the image above to read more on the mega specification MINI John Cooper Works