Anchor Auto Trans Mount 2498 on 2040-parts.com

Record new car sales anticipated

RECORD new car sales are expected for 2013 after last month's figures showed another strong increase. A total of 157,314 new cars were registered in October - a 4% rise on October last year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. The October rise - the 20th successive monthly increase - took the year-so-far total to just over 1.95 million, a 10.2% rise on January-October last year.

Decision time at the dawn of the automated car

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers sent out a press release earlier this month in which they claim that by 2040 75% of the vehicles on the road will be autonomous. As much as I love driving, I have to admit that I won't bemoan the death of the traffic jam. I'll happily give up the crowded freeways and city streets if it means cheaper gas and abandoned back roads.

Late-brakers are 'biggest irritation on the road'

DRIVERS WHO brake at the last minute and then turn without signalling are the most annoying on the road, according to a new poll. 2,000 people were surveyed by First Bus who then compiled the 50 most annoying motoring bugbears, with late brakers topping the chart. High parking charges also appeared in the top ten, as did dangerous behaviours such as tailgating, being cut up, drivers using mobile phones and motorcyclists weaving through traffic.