Bell 47 Main Swash Plate Control Rod With End (complete). on 2040-parts.com

International Engine of the Year Awards to focus on fuel efficiency

Like the Oscars of the Otto cycle, the Grammys of gasoline, the International Engine of the Year Awards are a big deal in the industry. For 2013, the awards will continue to focus on green technology, pitting gasoline, compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid and all-electric powerplants against each other for the title of "international engine of the year." Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine took top honors last year. Besides the top award, other categories include best green engine, best new engine and best performance engine, each voted on by journalists from around the world.

Opel/Vauxhall RAK e concept

Opel/Vauxhall has released images of the RAK e concept prior to its unveiling at the Frankfurt motor show next week. Billed as a car that ‘could revolutionize urban transport', it's clear that the company is thinking along similar lines to Volkswagen (Nils) and Audi (Urban Concept). Frankfurt's shaping up to offer a feast of these new single or tandem seat concept vehicles that conceptually sit in between a scooter and a small car.

Nissan may build more Leaf EVs to meet growing demand

Nissan is making plans to begin building more electric Leafs as dealers clamor for more of the once slow-selling car. The automaker's North American factory chief -- who has been visiting with retailers in recent days -- cautions that production will move ahead in small and careful steps. But Nissan is already taking measures to increase its output of electric motors from its engine factory in Decherd, Tenn., says Bill Krueger, Nissan Americas vice chairman and senior vice president for manufacturing, purchasing production engineering and supply chain management.