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

Americans plan to keep their cars longer, AutoPacific study finds

In another chilling sign that auto sales are likely to remain stalled, a new study finds that Americans intend to keep their cars longer, indicating a general concern about the industry and the overall economy. The number of new-car buyers planning to keep their rides more than four years has risen to 59 percent, according to a study released Tuesday by California marketing research firm AutoPacific. That's an increase from last year, when about 45 percent of new buyers intended to wait more than four years for their next purchase, and it's up from 2005's tally of 46 percent.

Interior Motives China Conference Day 2

After a first day packed with fascinating discussions and opportunities for networking, delegates from around the world reconvened in anticipation of another day of presentations from some of the industry's biggest names. Session 5: Deep Dive Luxury The second day of the Interior Motives China conference began with a session on 'Deep dive luxury', chaired by Emma Booty of Conran. Shu Bei of 3M kicked off the first session by identifying the Chinese obsession with brands.

One Lap of the Web: Mock the Week Edition

-- Mazda Europe designer Peter Birthwhistle talks about the future of Mazda: potential hybrid and electric powertrains for the Skyactiv-obsessed company, and how we'll all be driving Mazda-branded pods in the 22nd century. But he also mentions, rather interestingly, how certain Mazdas capture a quintessentially long-hood, RWD look -- and not just the Miata, either, which is RWD. No, it's the exhaust systems on those Skyactiv engines that force a longer, larger hood compartment, and the "long, flowing looks" not usually found on FWD engines.