6'' Lowrider Hydraulics Cylinders (skinnies) on 2040-parts.com

Cost of garage labour falling

THE AVERAGE labour rate at both franchised and non-franchised garages has fallen compared to 2012, according to new figures. An annual survey of 12,000 cases conducted on behalf of Warranty Direct has concluded that the average labour rate in 2013 is £74.70, a fall of 9.84% from £82.86 in 2012. Less encouraging is the overall trend of rising labour rates, with the average having increased by 33% over the last ten years.

GM cuts Facebook ad spending, but Ford steps on the gas

On the eve of Facebook's wildly anticipated initial public stock offering, General Motors said May 15 that it will stop buying advertisements on Facebook--about $10 million a year--but "remains committed" to the social network as part of "an aggressive content strategy with all our products and brands." In other words, GM will not pay Facebook for ads but will continue to maintain content, for which Facebook doesn't collect revenue. News of the decision was reported in The Wall Street Journal. But GM's position is far from universal.

VW e-Golf & e-Up! electric cars Frankfurt debut

The VW e-Golf & e-Up! electric cars (pictured) will debut at Frankfurt. Electric cars may be a niche market, but that hasn’t stopped car makers trying to take a piece of whatever action there is, especially as governments around the world are subsidising EVs and and their zero emissions at point of use will help (as long as they sell any) their average CO2 levels.