2 Vintage Grimes A-2870 Red Aircraft Instrument Control Panel Lights Rat Rod on 2040-parts.com

Snake surprise for garage mechanics

MECHANICS attempting to jump-start a car were given a shock when they found a snake under the bonnet. Garage workers in Kelty in Fife called out animal charity the Scottish SPCA after they discovered the 2ft (0.6m) corn snake in the engine of the Fiat Punto they were working on. The reptile, which has been named Punto, is now being looked after at the Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno.

“Black box” drivers hit by speeding fines from insurers

Black box insurance is nothing new. In fact, the scheme – in which a small black box is placed in your vehicle to monitor how you drive – has been around for nearly a decade. In principle, it promises lower insurance premiums.

Subaru XV and Coupe 'to double UK sales'

Subaru will launch a trio of new models in the next year to shore up flagging UK sales. The new XV and new sports car will expand the UK Subaru range by 50% and put the malnourished brand back on the map, the UK's managing director told CAR. The new Subaru XV is a Nissan Qashqai rival and will change little from the concept car shown at the 2011 Shanghai auto show.