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

Motorcycle makers revved for rebound

Bikes are back. After being hit a lot harder by the recession than carmakers, the motorcycle industry, more susceptible to the whims of discretionary spending, is on its way back. “Unit sales are growing for the first time in several years,” said Danny Phillips, executive vice president of Advanstar, the parent company of Progressive International, which put on last weekend's motorcycle show at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Fiat set to grab 51 per cent of Chrysler

Sergio Marchionne wants majority at Chrysler What a difference a couple of years makes. On May Day in 2009 we reported that Chrysler had been put in to Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and the US Government was stepping in to ease the pain with $7.5 billion (admittedly at somewhat less than mates-rates) and that the management were ‘leaving the building’. Step forward Fiat to take up a 20% stake in Chrysler and Fiat boss, Sergio Marchionne, who planned to lead Chrysler away from the dark side and in to the light, with the promise of smaller and more efficient platforms and engines.

Ford Freestyle under investigation for low-speed surges

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the Ford Freestyle wagon for complaints that it surges forward at low speeds. More than 200 complaints have been lodged about the issue, alleging that the Freestyle jumps forward at low speeds even when the accelerator isn't pressed. NHTSA is investigating about 170,000 Freestyles in model years 2005 through 2007.