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

Motorists still not switched on to electric cars

Renault A new survey of 3,000 British motorists suggests there is still a long way to go before electric cars become a serious purchasing choice for the majority, with many saying the government isn’t doing enough to promote them. According to the latest Auto Trader Owner’s Guide, only 1% of UK drivers own what it calls an Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV). The poll also illustrates some significant age and gender divides, and shows that price continues to be a serious hindrance to more environmentally friendly motoring.

Kia Quoris is production name for equally daft Kia K9

Kia has decided that its range-topping take on the BMW 7 Series should enter the market as the Kia Quoris. We can understand why Kia made the decision to seek a name for its new range-topping saloon for markets outside South Korea. After all, Kia K9 has a distinctly ‘pooch’ feel in the West (not to mention Dr Who’s sidekick), and chuck in the Korean predilection for eating man’s best friend and you have a PR problem along the lines of the Mitsubishi Pajero in Spain.

College Exhibition: Royal College of Art - GE Plasticon project

Postgraduate students at London's Royal College of Art recently presented the results of a multi-disciplinary design project in collaboration with GE Plastics. As part of the 'PLASTicon' project, 17 RCA first year MA students researched, designed and built models of concept vehicles aimed at the needs of different markets - from SUV owners to Gen-Y consumers - utilising the capabilities of plastics. Beginning in December, the students from the Vehicle Design course as well as from Textiles, were split into six teams tasked with conducting research into specific scenarios, including emerging generations and emerging markets to meet specific challenges of today and tomorrow.