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

First customers are key to EV sales success, execs say

Word of mouth is a key element to generating buyers for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Today, it's the early adapters, tech-savvy buyers who are embracing the technology and buying the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt and the battery-powered Nissan Leaf. But for these vehicles and similar models to go mainstream, anxiety about the technology needs to be eliminated.

Schreyer: More than a designer of products I wish to be an architect of Hyundai's brand image

There's no denying Peter Schreyer has been instrumental in turning around Kia's image from a manufacturer of wheeled white goods in a creator of design-led products. Now his attention turns to sister company Hyundai in his role as chief design officer for both companies and his plans are no less ambitious. "More than a designer of products I wish to be an architect of Hyundai's brand image," he told an audience at Hyundai's European headquarters, explaining how his job is not simply 'styling' but communicating the brand's message right down to details such as the seatbelt warning buzzer.

Five tips to keep your tires in top shape

Tire safety isn't exactly the sexiest topic in the car universe, but it's National Tire Safety Week. This is a good reminder to those of us who are generally more concerned with fun stuff like horsepower to spend a moment thinking about where the rubber meets the road. “Ten years ago, NHTSA and AAA helped Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) launch National Tire Safety Week,” said Charles Cannon, RMA president and CEO.