Fly Racing 351-0186 Trooper Beanie (grey) on 2040-parts.com

Audi explores new color and trim options

Audi, well known for creating some of the most desired automotive interiors in the business, is looking to push the boundaries of personalization and further increase the levels of quality of interior design in its vehicles. The first vehicle to benefit from this will be the new Q3, revealed at the Shanghai motor show in April. Its interior contains a new style of inlays made from larch wood and aluminum, a range of interior colors and an optional LED interior light package.

U.S. seeks 5 percent annual fuel-economy gains through 2016

The Obama administration today proposed gasoline mileage and greenhouse-gas pollution standards for new vehicles for model years 2012 to 2015, filling in the blanks for manufacturers en route to a 35.5 mpg national target in 2016. The Transportation Department and EPA proposal calls for fuel economy to increase by about 5 percent each year, starting from an average of 27.3 mpg for the 2011 model year, the agencies said in a statement. The average car buyer would save more than $3,000 in fuel costs over the life of a vehicle, the statement said.

BMW makes 1,000 workers permanent

AROUND 1,000 agency workers at car giant BMW are to be made permanent employees, guaranteeing job security for years. The change, being made in two phases, was warmly welcomed by the Unite union, describing it as a great Christmas present. The announcement covers workers across a number of BMW sites including the Mini plant in Oxford, pressings plant in Swindon and Hams Hall engine site near Birmingham.