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

F1: Mercedes sticks with McLaren – Brawn still likely

Mercedes are sticking with McLaren for the 2010 season - but probably Brawn GP too. As the F1 season drew to a close at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi yesterday, the whole of the top end of Mercedes Benz management was on hand. They had expected to see Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes McLaren waltz to a win, but had to settle for simply powering the world champion – Jenson Button – to victory this year and claiming third and fourth place at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Commentary: Victoria Beckham appointed Creative Design Executive at Range Rover

On hearing that Victoria Beckham (aka Posh Spice) had become Range Rover's Creative Design Executive last week, initial reaction was to check the date – was it April 1st? Apparently Land Rover wasn't fooling anybody, instead sending shockwaves through the automotive industry with the announcement, made at the unveiling of the Evoque at Kensington Palace, London. Celebrity brand tie-ups are nothing new – Justin Timberlake is currently the Audi A1's brand ambassador – yet the implication is that Beckham's involvement with Range Rover will go much further.

Car production increases again

THE SOCIETY of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said UK manufacturers built 91,282 cars in August, up 16.2%, or 12,705, on the same period in 2012, leaving year-to-date volumes 3.1% ahead of 2012, at 984,545. The figures showed 20,298 cars were made for the home market this year, up 21.1%, while 70,984 were for export, up 14.8%. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "The past 12-months has been one of the most productive since late 2008." Samuel Tombs, of consultancy Capital Economics, said the CBI figures showed the manufacturing sector "continuing to go from strength to strength".