2002 Bmw E65 E66 745li 745i Engine Brake Vacuum Pump on 2040-parts.com

Maintenance 'favours' end up costing more

GETTING help from family, neighbours or friends for basic car maintenance tasks costs the UK public an estimate £300million a year, according to a new survey. Over 2,000 people were surveyed on behalf of Halfords Autocentres and one in six said they regretted asking for help in the first place. 45% who subsequently had to pay a professional to rectify mistakes were left with a bill in excess of £100.

GM China opens Advanced Design Center in Shanghai

General Motors China has opened a new advanced design studio as part of the establishment of its Advanced Technical Center in Shanghai. The Advanced Design Center will provide GM China's designers the tools to explore future mobility solutions and technology integration on a local and global scale. "Our new Advanced Design Center in Shanghai is part of the GM Global Design Center network, which webs from California to Germany to India and Korea and points beyond," said Wulin Gaowa, design director of the GM China Advanced Design Center.

Audi A5 Sportback preview (w/ Video)

Audi has revealed a teaser image and sketch of the forthcoming A5 Sportback, which is scheduled to make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September. Though the core design of the production car is similar to the Sportback show car unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit at the start of this year, it will be smaller in size. Coined a 'five-door coupe' by the Ignolstadt-based automaker, the Sportback features a spoiler lip and a diffuser insert integrated into its elongated rear end.