2009 Bmw E60 E61 535i Overhead Center Console Dome Light on 2040-parts.com

Catalytic converter thefts double in three years

Associated Press Thefts of catalytic converters from cars have more than doubled in less than three years, according to an investigation by the BBC. Data compiled from 40 police regions across the UK reveal that in 2012 a total of 8,947 catalytic converters thefts were reported, compared to 3,957 similar cases recorded in 2010. On Bing: see pictures of catalytic convertersStreet sweepers to mine UK roads for precious metals A car’s catalytic converter reduces its harmful exhaust gas emissions by initiating a chemical process to neutralise many toxic substances emitted from the engine.

Vauxhall Corsa gets a 2010 eco facelift

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 19 November 2009 00:01 Blink and you'll miss it – but your accountant won't. The new 2010 model year Vauxhall Corsa has been nipped and tucked, tweaked and polished to produce an impressive average 13% fuel saving across the range.Five out of the six Corsa engines now produce less than 125g/km and the 2010 Corsa Ecoflex diesel now manages up to 76.3mpg (on the Government's not-especially-representative combined figures).How have they made the Corsas so much cleaner?Just good old-fashioned engine tuning, apparently. Most models also come with an eco gearshift indicator to guilt-trip drivers into shifting up at the earliest opportunity.Vauxhall claims it'll sell more sub-125g/km cars than any other model range in the UK in 2010; all manual gearbox Corsas will qualify for free tax discs from next spring when Britain's new VED rates come into force.Anything else new on the 2010 Corsa?It's not just fuel-saving, miser-making tips.

Nissan to show GT-R crossover in Sao Paulo?

Nissan has teased a concept car to be unveiled later this month at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil with two renders. It's hard to tell what format the car is, but these obscured images could show a GT-R-branded coupe/SUV crossover designed specifically for the Brazilian market. This would make sense in a market where rugged SUVs with high ground clearance for sub-standard roads are so commonplace.