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

European Parliament: electric cars must make noise

The European Parliament has voted in favour of a European Commission proposal to decrease the maximum allowed noise for new cars, vans, trucks, buses and coaches, in an effort to reduce “vehicle noise nuisance” by 25%. At the same time, the EU has voted in favour of a proposal to force carmakers to fit electric and hybrid electric vehicles with a sound generating device, to improve low speed safety for pedestrians and the visually impaired. On Bing: see pictures of electric cars Find out how much a used electric car costs on Auto Trader The proposed changes, which are expected to become law, would see new car noise levels reduced by four decibels, commercial vehicle noise levels reduced by three decibels.

Chrysler to axe a quarter of its staff

Chrysler is to cut a quarter of its staff - up to 5000 jobs By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 24 October 2008 17:05 The credit crisis gripping the world's economy struck Chrysler again today – the car maker announced it would cut a quarter of its staff by the end of the year. Although exact figures haven't been issued yet, it looks like as many as 5000 jobs could be axed. Analysts in Detroit are seeing today's announcement as a sign that the possible GM-Chrysler merger being discussed could come to fruition.

CAR interviews Patrick le Quément on Renault design (2009)

By Richard Yarrow Motor Industry 29 April 2009 16:05 Patrick le Quément, 64, has steered Renault through one of its most interesting – some would say controversial – design phases in its history. Born in Marseilles but educated from the age of 12 in the UK, he speaks almost accentless English and agrees to talk to CAR on the eve of his retirement. Le Quément is one of those designers who’s achieved stellar recognition over the past two decades – matching the reputation of Chris Bangle and J Mays as a member of the design A-list, that exclusive club who’ve helped shape the modern motor car as we know it today.