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

First sight: Volkswagen Passat (2015)

In recent years, European buyers have been switching their mid-size sedans and wagons for smaller cars, crossovers and SUVs. The Volkswagen Passat, Europe's most successful company car, has defined this market segment pretty much since it arrived back in 1973, and this latest, eighth-generation model has been designed to attempt to reverse that buying trend. When we catch up with design director Dr Klaus Bischoff at the car's unveiling, he's certainly confident that the new car represents a significant step forward.

Rolls Royce has record 2008

We reported a while back about Rolls Royce prospering despite the credit crunch, and figures revealed today show that they continue to prosper despite the doom and gloom. When we last wrote about this back in November, we reported that Rolls Royce’s year end showed an increase of 38% year on year, with a total of 945 cars sold. Well, they’ve obviously continued in the same vein as their 2008 sales total has reached 1210, an increase of 20% over 2007.

Ford, GM post biggest drops, industry sales slump continues

Ford Motor Co. and General Motors posted the sharpest sales declines among major automakers as the industry headed toward its sixth straight monthly drop of more than 30 percent. Ford's March sales fell 42.1 percent and GM's were down 44.7 percent, for its fifth decline of more than 40 percent in the past six months.