C8az-6766-a Scott Drake Closed Emissions Oil Cap (black) on 2040-parts.com

Ford Escort set for Beijing motor show debut

Ford is set to unveil a production version of the Escort sedan at the China auto show this month in Beijing, meant exclusively for the Chinese market. The Escort was previewed in near-production concept form last year at the Shanghai motor show, and is meant to take on competitors positioned just above the Ford Focus sedan. Even though the Ford Escort has been absent from the automaker's global lineup since 2000, Ford of China is reviving the nameplate for this sub-Fusion/Mondeo model which will compete with cars such as the Volkswagen Sagitar and Chevrolet Cruze in the Chinese market.

Mini Beachcomber concept

BMW's Mini division has revealed the Beachcomber concept, which is set to make its public debut at the NAIAS in Detroit early next year. Inspired by the Mini Moke from the 1960s, the four-seat Beachcomber concept features a removable hard and soft top and removable doors. Measuring less than four meters long, it is said to preview the forthcoming Mini SUV due in 2010.

Young Drivers Accident Risk Warning

RESEARCH commissioned by the RAC Foundation and carried out by transport research laboratory TRL has found that teenage drivers are involved in almost one in eight road accidents involving injury. Based on nationwide statistics covering five years 2008 to 2012, the survey showed that 11.9% of all road casualties were injured or killed in collisions involving a car driver aged 17-19. This was despite those aged between 17 and 19 making up only 1.5% of licensed drivers.