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

Vintage cars cross the auction block at Meadow Brook

An impressive array of gleaming classics crossed the block on Saturday at RM Auctions' Vintage Cars of Meadow Brook sale in a white linen event that showcased the grandeur and glamor of automaking in the Motor City in the early part of the Twentieth Century. The 16 annual auction, held on the eve of the Concours of America at Meadow Brook, is located about a half an hour north of Detroit on the grounds of a mansion where the widow of auto pioneer John Dodge one lived. Unlike the other RM auction, held in an convention hall on the other side of town in the spring, the Meadow Brook event carries an austere demeanor, and the automobiles roll with a similar vibe.

Honda cutting production in Swindon again – 500 jobs at risk

Honda is cutting another 500 jobs in Swindon It’s only a year since Honda announced 800 job cuts at Swindon (which eventually was 550) and now they’re about to cut a further 500 as weak demand – particularly in Europe – sees the Swindon plant producing just half the cars it could. The plan is to cut shifts from 3 to 2 a day, which will result in the loss of 340 permanent jobs and 160 temporary ones, and production will be centred on just one production line to increase efficiency and flexibility. The Swindon Plant – which builds the Civic, Civic Tourer, CR-V and Jazz (and the Civic Type-R from next year) – has been hard hit by the slump in European sales in the last five years and, despite still strong UK sales, production levels of 120,000 cars a year – just half of the Swindon capacity – are not enough to sustain the current staffing levels.

Who's Where: Chris Chapman appointed as Hyundai Chief Designer

Former BMW designer Chris Chapman has been appointed as Hyundai's Chief Designer, based at its design center in Irvine, California. He will be responsible for both advanced and production design for the Korean brand and replaces Phil Zak, who left the company early in 2011 to return to GM. He will report to SukGeun Oh, Head of Design, Senior Executive Vice President Hyundai Design Center.