MP slams ministerial cars 'waste'

MINISTERS have been accused of wastefulness by having their official cars sitting outside Parliament with the engines running. Labour MP Thomas Docherty said he had seen Government cars sitting in New Palace Yard - one of the main thoroughfares in and out of the Palace of Westminster - for more than an hour with their engines turned on. Commons Leader Andrew Lansley said he had not noticed the problem on his frequent visits in and out of the palace.

Winners of the 'Ultimate LA Machine' Design Challenge announced

 The judges of the Los Angeles Auto Show's Design Challenge have named the Dodge Superbee and Volkswagen Mobile Lounge as joint-winners of the first ever automobile design studio competition. Designer Reto Brun of Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California said his studio considered two Los Angeles issues when designing the Volkswagen Mobile Lounge - an antidote to traffic and a better option for the area's "limo-centric" entertainment culture. Whisper-quiet fuel cell technology whisks occupants towards their destination while electronically controlled tinted glass, an open living space and innumerable in-car amenities provide a supremely comfortable environment.

One Lap of the Web: Miniature mania, police-trimmed BMW Isetta and tweeting at automakers

-- Michael Paul Smith doesn't have a fancy camera. What he does have is a fuzzy beard, a lot of time on his hands, and the ability to create amazingly realistic scenes using scale-model cars and a handful of tiny model buildings. Smith's secret to bringing his nostalgic visions to life?