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

Famous British car brands achieve record sales

SALES figures from two of Britain’s most famous car brands have reached record highs in 2013. Mini and Rolls-Royce, which are both owned by BMW, have sold more cars than ever before. Thanks to a spate of popular new models, a total of 305,030 Minis were purchased across the globe last year - up 1.2% on the 2012 figure.

Drivers believe potholes 'are out of control'

MOST DRIVERS (67%) think the pothole problem in the UK is getting out of control and the government and councils are not doing enough to solve the problem. Research by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has found 65% of female drivers and 69% of male drivers are very unhappy with the condition of the UK’s roads. The IAM cites a lack of communication between councils and drivers for this situation as a third (34% ) of drivers believe councils are reducing the amount they spend on road maintenance but 60% of drivers admit they don’t know if budgets are genuinely being cut.

Maeda named new Mazda design boss, replacing van den Acker

Ikuo Maeda is the new head of design at Mazda Motor Corp. The man who is credited with styling the Mazda's flagship sports car takes over for Dutchman Laurens van den Acker, 43, who has decided to leave the company "to pursue other interests," the automaker said in a statement today. Van den Acker, who joined Mazda in 2006, will remain at the automaker until April 10 to ensure a smooth transition for Maeda, Mazda said.