Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

VW and Chinese ‘in talks to buy Vauxhall/Opel’ from GM

GM is considering selling its loss-making European operations, it emerged tonight. If it goes ahead and severs ties with GM Europe, the General would cede control of Vauxhall and Opel, the second biggest car brand in the UK.And in another extraordinary twist, CAR has confirmed that top-level talks have been taking place between Volkswagen and the German government, which is keen to avoid Opel falling into foreign hands. Chinese car makers are circling but Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has close connections to Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn, would prefer VW to step up to the plate as a potential buyer than a Chinese brand.

World’s best-selling roadster returns

MAZDA has released details on the brand-new fourth generation MX-5, already the best selling roadster of all time. Launched simultaneously at events in Barcelona, Japan and the USA, the fourth-generation MX-5 is the first to benefit from Mazda’s SkyActiv efficient technology. That means a frugal but powerful petrol engine and a substantial weight saving of 100kg over the previous generation.

Car giant starts recruitment phase

CAR GIANT Jaguar Land Rover has started recruiting for the first phase of 1,700 new jobs to support production of new vehicles. The company said 500 production staff will be taken on as part of expansion plans at its factory in Solihull, West Midlands. The carmaker is investing £1.5 billion in the UK and plans to increase its workforce at Solihull to almost 8,000.