Dorman M36317 New Master Cylinder on 2040-parts.com

Ford eyes dandelions as sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber

Ford, in conjunction with Ohio State University, is turning to the humble garden weed as sustainable resource, researching the dandelion's potential use as an alternative to synthetic rubber. While the automaker already makes considerable use of sustainable materials in its vehicles – such as soy foam seat cushions and straw-filled plastic for interior trim – this latest discovery opens up a wealth of new possibilities for automotive applications. According to research conducted by Ford, a milky-white substance that is found in certain dandelion roots can produce a sustainable rubber that could be used to create plastic parts for vehicle interiors.

UK Government cuts car aid, EV grants at risk

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 30 June 2010 15:48 Britain's business secretary Vince Cable today fired a warning shot across the bows of the car industry, saying that subsidies would end and warning that the pledged £5000 subsidy off the first electric cars was in peril.'Our starting point is very clear,' he told delegates at an automotive summit arranged by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. 'We've moved on from the era of subsidies. We just have to be realistic about what's affordable.'Cable said the new coalition Conservative-Liberal Government had not yet decided whether or how to implement the new low-carbon vehicle subsidies promised under Labour, which had set aside £250m in initial funding.'It is still actively under consideration,' said Cable.

Volvo V70

Volvo has just released details of the all-new Volvo V70 wagon. With its more athletic lines, fast windscreen angle, blacked-out side pillars and C30-inspired taillights, the V70's style is said to hint at its newfound on-road dynamism. The rear end features an unusual design where the tailgate takes the upper area of lamps with it when opened, giving the advantage of making the trunk aperture larger than before.