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

Manufacturers report 2013 sales boom

CAR MANUFACTURERS are reporting strong surges in sales for 2013, with one mainstream brand up by more than 55%. So far Ford, Vauxhall, Skoda, MG, Lexus, Renault, Audi and Mercedes have all reported excellent sales performance, with Mercedes having passed the 100,000 registrations per year mark for the first time in the UK. Largely thanks to the introduction of the Dacia brand this year, the Renault Group has seen a 55.3% rise in sales, to 63,319 units.

Government driving down electric avenue

THE GOVERNMENT is to lead by example by buying more than 150 electric and plug-in hybrid cars for its fleets. All fleet managers will have funding allocated with a view to buying ultra-low-emission vehicles (ULEVs) to replace older vehicles as part of the their normal working life cycle. According to Westminster sources, a long-term plan is in place to make such cars and vans entirely commonplace.

Bad weather sees 'carnage' on roads

HIGH WINDS AND SNOW have caused "carnage" on some Scottish roads, according to police. Warnings of high winds and snow are in place throughout much of Scotland. The southern tip of Dumfries and Galloway is predicted to suffer from the same severe low pressure system that is causing major problems south of the border, although weather warnings are less severe throughout the rest of Scotland.