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

Why Ford’s Euro design is changing: Joel Piaskowski replaces Martin Smith

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 28 May 2014 14:30 Ford today confirmed that it is shaking up its European design team, as it appoints Joel Piaskowski to replace the retiring Martin Smith. Smith, 64, has led Ford of Europe’s design team for a decade and is the father of the brand’s edgy ‘kinetic design’, but will step down on 1 July 2014, it was announced this afternoon. Before he retires fully at the end of the year Smith will work with the Blue Oval’s vice president of design, Moray Callum, on a global project looking at the future of Ford design.

Skoda Citigo five-door (2012) first official pictures

Skoda will show this slightly more practical Citigo five-door at the 2012 Geneva motor show. Mirroring the VW Up five-door, the Czechs buck the tradition of offering a single body derivative in the bargain basement city car sector. It's only in recent years that more manufacturers began to offer a choice of three or five doors in the smallest car segment.

Major restrictions suggested for learner drivers

A NEW report on potential changes to young driver training could cut accident casualties by more than 4,000 a year. The report, from transport research group TRL, recommends teenagers should not be allowed to take their driving test until they are 18, rather than the current threshold of 17. They would have to have a 12-month "learner stage" beginning at 17 with a requirement for at least 100 hours of day-time and 20 hours of night-time supervised practice.