06 Impala Automatic Transmission 3.5l 1157255 on 2040-parts.com

Local Motors announces Pacific Northwest competition winners

Local Motors has announced the results of its Pacific Northwest design competition, which asked contenders to create a vehicle for the region's inhabitants. Taking into account nature's four elements - Earth, wind, fire and water - designers the world over answered a brief that called for designs that would enable drivers in the Pacific Northwest to 'thrive in the elements'. Competition entrants were encouraged to create a vehicle inspired by the elements or specifically tailored to allow the users to better experience the elements, all while causing little to no environmental impact.

17,000 solar panels to power Toyota’s Derbyshire plant

Toyota’s manufacturing plant at Burnaston in Derbyshire, where the Auris and Avensis are built, will install the biggest solar panel system yet seen in a UK car plant.  British Gas, which will stump up the £10 million cost of installing the solar panels, and Toyota are working together to save 2000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. Once the solar panels are installed, they claim it will save enough energy to build approximately 7000 cars a year.

Audi A3 crowned 2014 World Car of the Year

10 years in, the World Car Awards are now the most recognised awards for new car excellence on the planet. As a member of the UK jury, I strive to appraise, analyse and drive every contender, from what is a long roll call.   The final shortlist was announced at the Geneva motor show in March, with the results revealed at the New York Auto Show.