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

BMW X1 US launch delayed – because the new X3 is so good

BMW X1 - not in the US until late 2012 It would have been inconceivable just a few years ago that there could ever be a market in the US for a car like the BMW X1. But times have changed and even Americans see the benefits of a (much) smaller SUV, so BMW was originally planning on launching the X1 in the US around now. That X1 launch got put back until later in 2011 because the Leipzig plant – which builds the X1 – was running at capacity to meet the demands from Europe.

Hyundai to tone down ‘Fluidic Design’ for ‘Fluidic Precision’

Hyundai’s US boss, John Krafcik, has said that Hyundai will refine their ‘Fluidic Design’ in to something they’re calling ‘Fludic Precision’. The Hyundai Fluidic Design language was really the start of Hyundai’s move from Halford’s special to mainstream car maker. But the design language is starting to look a bit fussy and Hyundai are reacting to that by moving towards what they call ‘Fluidic Precision’ (there’s already a less fussy look about the new Santa Fe).

Vauxhall: Ellesmere Port plant saved – 700 new jobs created

Vauxhall Ellesmere Port - Saved General Motors is to keep Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port open, move to three shift working and create 700 new jobs. The overcapacity of mainstream car manufacture in Europe as the market becomes ever more polarised between premium and budget cars – squeezing the middle – means car maker having to rationalise their output. Many thought that could mean the end of Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port as GM sought to stem its European losses (around £2 billion in the last three years), especially as it is easier to close plants and lay off workers in the UK than in mainland Europe.