96 97 Honda Accord Distributor 2.2l Tec Dx Lx Se 130778 on 2040-parts.com

The scramble for scarce tires

North American automakers are struggling with a nagging shortage of tires, caused in part by tire plant closings and rising demand for low-volume specialty tires. Automakers are paying much higher prices -- double-digit percentage increases from a year ago -- as tire makers gain pricing power. "We have been bombarded from every side for additional tires, and we can't keep up," said David O'Donnell, Continental Tire's vice president of original equipment in the Americas.

TrueCar announces women's racing initiative

TrueCar, publishers of new-car-transaction data, revealed plans for a multiyear push into motorsports sponsorship but with a twist. TrueCar will throw its money behind female racers in premier series and up-and-coming ones in numerous development series. "TrueCar is built upon the foundation of empowering individuals with the tools and resources they need to become expert car buyers," TrueCar founder and CEO Scott Painter said.

VW Golf Bluemotion concept (2008): first pictures

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 08 September 2008 13:22 This is Volkswagen’s cleanest Mk6 Golf, a Bluemotion concept car that is claimed to achieve 74mpg while puffing out a paltry 99g/km. Those are figures on a par with today’s Polo Bluemotion, but this concept will become production reality in mid-2009.  A 1.6-litre common-rail diesel engine powers the new Golf Bluemotion, producing 104bhp and 184lb ft, but those remarkable figures are helped by revised ratios on the five-speed ‘box, optimised aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres. There’s also a particulate filter to keep the exhaust gases clean.