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

Japan automakers extend shutdowns as quake impact widens

Japan's seven big automakers are extending nationwide production shutdowns amid growing concern about supply chain interruptions, power shortages and export difficulties following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hammered northern Japan, killing thousands. Toyota Motor Corp., one of the few automakers with a major manufacturing presence in the quake zone, suspended all manufacturing--at both assembly and parts plants--on Monday and extended the shutdown through at least Wednesday as an added precaution. The company will lose output of roughly 40,000 vehicles over the three-day period, spokesman Dion Corbett said.

UK car manufacturing jumps 12%

CAR PRODUCTION is accelerating ahead, driven by demand from Europe, according to the latest figures. A total of 142,158 cars were manufactured in the UK in March - a 12% rise on the March 2013 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) said. Last month's figure brought the 2014 production total to nearly 405,000 - a 2.9% increase on the January-March 2013 total.

Skoda Fabia RS 2000 (2011): the open-air hot-hatch

Skoda is the latest of the VW Group brands to unveil a showcar at the 30th annual Worthersee GTI festival in Reifnitz, Austria. Earlier in the week Audi unveiled their bloodshot-eyed meanie, the A1 Clubsport Quattro concept. Now the value-brand VW makers from Mlada Boleslav have unveiled the Fabia RS 2000.