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

MINI Countryman to be built in India

MINI sells worldwide – even in the US – and, despite claims it was a step too far for the brand, the MINI Countryman has been a big hit for MINI, offering as it does most of MINI’s charm but in a bigger, more family friendly package and with the option of All4 4WD for a degree of off-road ability (well, certainly the ability to treat boot sale car parks with disdain). Now, for the first time, BMW is to build the MINI outside Europe with a new MINi assembly facility coming on stream in Chennai, India, where BMW already makes 3 and 5 Series models as well as the X1 and X3. The plan is part of BMW’s plan of ‘Production follows the market’ where BMW aim to make their cars where they’re sold, so with the MINI brand showing strong growth in India since its launch it makes sense to build them there.

Porsche Panamera: Long Wheelbase planned

Porsche Panamera LWB Planned Now Porsche is just a Volkswagen company, it has to look to yield value across its range. It also has to contribute to keeping emissions in check across its performance cars to keep the average CO2 in check. Which explains not just the Cayenne Hybrid, but our story yesterday that the Porsche Panamera Hybrid will bow in at Geneva and the news that Porsche will introduce hybrid cars across its range.

RM Auctions buys Auburn complex from Kruse

RM Auctions has bought the Kruse International Auction Park in Auburn, Ind., from financially troubled auctioneer Dean Kruse and plans to hold the site's annual Labor Day weekend car auction Sept. 2-6. Rob Myers, RM Auction CEO, said his company will spend the next several weeks making upgrades to the auction facility and lining up consignments.