Jaguar Xj8 1998-2003 Driver Lh Master Power Window / Mirror Switch on 2040-parts.com

Ford's automotive assembly line celebrates 100th anniversary

A mere century ago, on Oct. 7, 1913, Henry Ford rigged up a rope tow to get Model T chassis across the floor of his Highland Park assembly plant -- essentially winching cars across the factory floor and adding a set schedule of parts at certain intervals. The implementation may have been a bit primitive, but Ford was on the cusp something big: applying the concepts of the moving assembly line to the complicated, costly process of automobile production.

Ford Focus RS500 (2010) first official pictures

This is the new Ford Focus RS500, a special limited edition version of the Blue Oval’s mad Focus RS hot hatch with 15% more power. For a start there’s that extra power. Thanks to a larger air-to-air intercooler, a bigger air filter and a wider diameter exhaust downpipe (plus a new ECU to take advantage of the mechanical changes) peak power is up from 301bhp to 345lb ft at 6000rpm, while torque climbs from 325lb ft to 339lb ft. The result is a 5.6sec 0-62mph time (down three-tenths) while the top speed climbs two notches to 165mph.

Stress and strife of the school run

SCHOOL RUN WARS are rife, with parents prepared to squabble over parking spaces and argue with their children, according to a survey. As many as 23% of mothers and fathers admitted blocking another parent in with their vehicle and 14% owned up to cutting someone up, the poll of more than 3,000 motorists by Auto Trader showed. Also, 16% of parents have argued with other mothers and fathers on the school run and 53% have had rows with their children.