Gates 41040 Water Pump-water Pump (standard) on 2040-parts.com

Digital repreive for drivers as FM switch-off postponed

MILLIONS OF CAR OWNERS have been saved from missing out on listening to the radio in their cars as the Government has delayed switching off FM transmitters in favour of digital radio. The move comes as the Government admits that more needs to be done to convince radio users to switch to DAB digital radio instead of sticking with FM. Ed Vaizey, the communications minister, said: ‘We have to support digital radio, but we also respect people’s passion for radio and not being made to do something they don’t want to.’ At present, digital radio accounts for about a third (36.5%) of all radio listening, but take up has been lower among car drivers who are used to FM.

Mercedes introduces illuminated three-pointed star [w/video]

Illuminated badges and emblems on cars aren't a new idea – those old enough to remember will recall the warm glow of the old Wolseley grille emblems – but in recent history they have been the reserve of concept cars and the aftermarket. Mercedes is set to restart the trend however as it begins to offer an LED-illuminated star as a dealer-fit option on the E–, GL–, M– and CLS–Class. We've started to see lighting spill out onto the exterior of concept cars for a while and this move is sure to have other OEMs and aftermarket firms alike following Mercedes' lead.

Land Rover Defender (2011) goes EV for safari concept

The Land Rover Defender is one of the less-likely candidates to be gaining an EV drivetrain. But here it is: the Land Rover Electric Defender Game Viewer Concept, built for zero-emissions silent transport of tourists around Africa's wildlife parks. Land Rover Defender EV: the lowdown Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) South Africa worked with local specialists Barker Performance Products and UK-based lithium-ion battery supplier Axeon to create the Electric Game Viewer concept.