Gas Strut, Bonnet Stabilus 959832 For M-class (w164) 5.0 2005-2011- on 2040-parts.com

Over 350,000 drivers 'at risk of £1,000 fine'

THOUSANDS of drivers risk collecting a £1,000 fine or worse by being unaware of the date their MOT expires. Research by MOTA, an independent booking provider of servicing and MOTs suggests that 43% of customers making enquiries already had an expired MOT, and 15% had no idea when their MOT was due. A car without a valid MOT being driven on the road is potentially subject to a £1,000 by the police, and also means that insurers may not pay out in the event of an accident.

Ford previews new Vignale sub-brand before Frankfurt motor show reveal

Ford is creating a new sub-brand for the European market, even though the top-of-the-line "Titanium X" trimmed cars are strong sellers already. The name of this sub-brand will be one that most of you have heard, perhaps not associated with the Blue Oval: Vignale. Ford has made it clear that none of the Vignale models will be sold in the U.S..

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack: The VW Allroad arrives

The VW Passat Alltrack - debuts in Tokyo Volkswagen has jumped on to the Allroad bandwagon with its own take on Audi’s faux off-roader, with the reveal of the 2012 VW Passat Alltrack. As you would expect, the Passat Alltrack is a butched-up Passat Estate with a raised ride height, extra bits of plastic round the bumpers, skid plates, flared side sills and 4WD – VW’s 4MOTION – for more traction in boot sale car parks. But when you don’t need the 4WD, around 90 poer cent of the drive is through the front wheels – saving fuel – with the rear wheel drive only coming in to play when you start to slip and slide.