BMW 2 Series Coupe revealed: stylish new looks for 1 Series successor

BMW has revealed the new 2 Series Coupe range – the stylish successor to the rather awkward-looking BMW 1 Series. If only that car had looked like this all along… Set to go on sale in March 2014 with prices starting from £25,040, the new 2 Series Coupe carries on the trend set by the recent new BMW 4 Series Coupe: it’s odd numbers for the mainstream range and even numbers for their sportier derivatives. As the name suggests, though, it’s more than just a 1 Series with a new set of clothes.

Google reveals its first self-driving car prototype (video)

Google’s first self-driving car prototype (pictured) Google might not be the first company that springs to mind as a car maker, but Tesla has already proved that Silicon Valley can produce a car that buyers want and Google are intent on following a similar route. But where Tesla’s USP is its long-range electric capabilities – and a desire to build cars for the market – Google’s goal is more technology orientated and is all about developing self-driving car technology that works in the real world. For the last few years, Google has been experimenting with existing cars kitted out with self-driving gubbins, but now they’ve taken the next step and built their own self-driving prototype.

UK car production jumps as Europeans buy British

The UK’s car production jumped by 12% last month as demand from Europe for British-built cars increases. Nearly 80% of cars made in the UK are exported worldwide, and 142,158 were produced in March 2014 – compared to 126,909 in March 2013. Official: UK car production is booming UK car production hits six-year high That means so far this year the UK has built 404,803 cars, a rise of 2.9% compared to this time last year.