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

Ford C-Max Energi qualifies for California tax credits, HOV lane

The 2012 Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid will cost as little as $28,495 in California after $5,250 in tax credits available for buyers. It was also just approved for the high-occupancy vehicle lane in the Golden State. The C-Max Energi is rated for 21 miles on electric power only.

Mercedes-Benz axes Maybach

High ranking Mercedes-Benz sources have confirmed to Autoweek that the underperforming Maybach brand will be officially killed off in 2013. The decision to disband Mercedes-Benz’s upper luxury marque comes after a decade of disappointing sales for the Maybach 57 and 62 and a recent decision from the German car maker’s chairman Dieter Zetsche not to push ahead with the development replacement models – the likes of which were tentatively due out in 2014 – owing to what one insider describes as a “positive move to focus greater attention on the Mercedes-Benz brand” . “We’ve come to the conclusion that it is better to cut our losses with Maybach than to continue into an uncertain future with a brand that has failed to live up to original sales expectations," the insider said.

'Pressure growing' on UK's roads

PRESSURE is growing on England's major road network in "this very cramped and busy island", the Highways Agency boss has told MPs. The network has not changed much in the last 20 years, the agency's chief executive Graham Dalton told the House of Commons Transport Committee. The strategic road network - motorways and major A roads - is vital for everyday business, he said.