Berkeley Jet Drive L-4405 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.

Geely president Li Shufu admits disputes with Volvo managers

Three months after becoming the new owner of the Swedish car brand Volvo, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. President Li Shufu said he disagrees with Volvo's management about its product plans. Speaking last week at a forum hosted by the Chinese Web site of the Financial Times in Shanghai, Li said that Volvo should develop large cars for China.

2014 Suzuki Swift SZ-L Special Edition launches

The 2014 Suzuki Wift SZ-L (pictured) comes in blue or black metallic We know why car makers churn out special editions, and they can be a great buy if the extras they boast float your boat. But do we have to get the same ‘special edition’ name badge every couple of years? ‘Black’ and ‘White’ editions abound from almost every car maker and, although Suzuki may not have gone that route with the Swift SZ-L Special Edition, it’s the exact same ‘Special Edition’ name they used just a few years ago.