Honda Stepwgn 1999 Right Side Mirror Assembly [9813500] on 2040-parts.com

Cost of garage labour falling

THE AVERAGE labour rate at both franchised and non-franchised garages has fallen compared to 2012, according to new figures. An annual survey of 12,000 cases conducted on behalf of Warranty Direct has concluded that the average labour rate in 2013 is £74.70, a fall of 9.84% from £82.86 in 2012. Less encouraging is the overall trend of rising labour rates, with the average having increased by 33% over the last ten years.

Design Contest: 2005 World Automotive Design Competition announced

The World Automotive Design Competition, sponsored by Alias and hosted by the Canadian International Auto Show, is back with more participating design schools and an impressive list of prizes. Design students from twenty-six schools around the world have been invited to design a World Car that visually identifies its cultural origins and, at the same time, has appeal, and can be sold throughout the world, in at least five countries on three continents. The vehicle should be easily recognized as coming from a particular culture.

Volkswagen Golf GTD Mk 7 revealed

The 2013 VW Golf GTD has been revealed ahead of a Geneva Motor Show debut with 181bhp, 67.3mpg and 109g/km emissions. The new VW Golf GTD get VW’s new 2.0 litre 4-cylinder diesel which offers an impressive 181bhp and a very decent 280lb/ft of torque, enough to get to 62mph in 7.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph. The extra power (up 13bhp and 22lb/ft of torque) may mean better performance than the Mk 6 GTD, but it’s not at the price of poorer economy.