Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series 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.

Aston Martin recall the majority of cars built since 2007

Aston Martin are recalling most of their cars from the last six years A recall by Aston Martin of 17,590 cars might not seem a big deal when you’ve seen recalls from the likes of Toyota running in to the millions. But Aston Martin is a small, bespoke make of high-end luxury GTs and Sports cars, and 17,590 cars is three-quarters of all the cars they’ve built since November 2007. The recall affects all left-hand drive cars built from November 2007 to December 2013 and all right-hand drive cars from May 2012 to December 2013 and is because of some less than kosher plastics in the accelerator pedal.

Fiat Americanizes its 500, complete with cupholders

The Fiat 500 subcompact might be Italian through and through, but the U.S. version that arrives in dealerships late this year will cater to American tastes. The American car will have a more powerful engine than the European version, a slightly softer ride and--most important--more substantial, American-style cupholders.