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

Budget 2014 – what it means for the motorist

Chancellor George Osborne today addressed parliament with his 2014 Budget statement. There was plenty in there to talk about, but what we were desperate to find out was how Osborne’s financial plan for the next 12 months was going to help the average motorist in the UK. Here, we’ve got everything you need to know about the 2014 Budget when it comes to cars. From the fuel duty freeze to Vehicle Excise Duty road tax reforms, company car tax to classic car tax, this is what Budget 2014 means for drivers in Britain.

McLaren managing director on leave, not expected in Geneva

McLaren Automotive's U.S.-born managing director, Antony Sheriff, is expected to be absent from the launch of the P1 hypercar at Geneva next week because he is on extended leave from the company. No reason for Sheriff's absence has been given, although McLaren is at pains to point out that he is “still employed as McLaren Automotive's managing director.” Rumors were circulating about Sheriff's absence from Woking in January, but company spokesmen back then stressed that he was still employed by McLaren and would unveil the P1 at Geneva. Despite those assurances, sources had reported earlier in the year that Sheriff “hadn't been seen in his office” for some days.

Executive touch for Volkswagen Passat

THE POPULAR Volkswagen Passat has been given two new generously equipped trim levels to mark its final months of production. It is due to be replaced by an all-new model within the next year, so in an effort to sell off as many as possible before that time, Volkswagen has introduced the Executive and Executive Style trim levels in place of the previous Highline. Both the saloon and the estate body styles can be ordered with the new specification.