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

Reliant Robin now a classic vehicle

THE RELIANT ROBIN, a vehicle popularised by Del Boy Trotter in the Only Fools And Horses TV show, is now classed as a classic vehicle thanks to changes in the Budget. Chancellor George Osborne announced that a rolling 40-year vehicle excise duty (VED) for classic cars will come in on April 1 this year. Until now, only cars built before January 1 1973 were exempt from VED.

Volkswagen plans 4 million cars from one platform

Volkswagen is pushing the global-platform concept to a level unprecedented in the auto industry, introducing a modular platform this summer that eventually will be the basis of microcars, sedans, crossovers and SUVs for its four largest brands. While automakers now share platforms across brands and sometimes even segments, the VW initiative that starts this summer is far more ambitious than anything seen so far. By 2017, some analysts estimate, the MQB platform that debuts with the Audi A3 eventually will be used in 4 million units a year--close to half of VW's annual production.

Land Rover announces long-wheelbase Range Rover, Autobiography Black edition

Land Rover is launching a long-wheelbase version of the redesigned Range Rover, recognizing that many customers are now buying the SUV as an alternative to a luxury sedan. The concept of a long-wheelbase Range Rover is not as foreign as it might seem at first blush. It was only 20 years ago that Range Rover offered the Range Rover County LWB, as it was known in the U.S.