Bmw 3 Series F31 F30 F34 F36 Speedo Speedometer Cluster 9232895 on 2040-parts.com

Good news for British car factories

NEW FIGURES have revealed that UK-based car production raced ahead in April, resulting in the biggest monthly rise since July 2012. A total of 133,437 cars were made in the UK last month – a 21.3% increase on the April 2013 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. The excellent April figures took the year-so-far total to 538,240 – a 6.9% rise on the figure for January-April 2013.

Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe debuts at China motor show

The Volkswagen NMC (New Midsize Coupe) concept makes official the German carmaker's plans for a style-led sedan to challenge the likes of the strong selling Mercedes-Benz CLA. Unveiled at the Beijing motor show, the new four-door closely previews a future Jetta-based model that will slot into the Volkswagen lineup beneath the existing Passat CC, most likely in 2016. Volkswagen design boss Klaus Bischoff describes the NMC as “avant-garde protagonist for a new compact sedan class.” Looking all but ready for production, it continues the current Volkswagen design lineage, with crisp features and lines, heavily horizontal detailing, and taut surfacing -- all aimed at providing it with a technical-inspired appearance.

Pruett Vineyard releases wine celebrating the Rolex 24 at Daytona anniversary

Race-car driver Scott Pruett is a master in the vineyard as well as at the track, and his Pruett Vineyard has released four new vintages this fall in time for the gift-giving seasons. The recent releases include a 2008 Pruett Napa Cab, a 2010 Pruett Grenache, a 2009 Lucky Lauren Red and a 2009 Pruett Estate Syrah--which tastes of purple fruits with traces of ginger and black pepper--that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Prices for the fall releases range from $29 to $50, and the wines can be found at www.pruettvineyard.com.