Magnaflow 447123 Direct Fit California Catalytic Converter on 2040-parts.com

Call for reform over road repair funding

FUNDING patterns mean most road maintenance is being carried out in "less-efficient, cold and wet" times, a report from a Government spending watchdog has said. The current pattern of funding, combined with the need to spend money within the financial year, means that most maintenance work goes on between September and March, said the report from the National Audit Office (NAO). It went on: "Although this is less disruptive for road users, it is less efficient than carrying out the work at other times of year because materials can be more difficult to handle in cold and wet conditions, and daylight hours are shorter." The report went on: "As a result of the additional funding for emergency repairs, which is made available at the end of the financial year, almost all highways authorities need extra capacity from the market at the same time, which makes it less likely that they will get value for money." The NAO report said there was a "lack of predictability" over road spending adding that historically, local highway authorities spent more revenue on maintenance, but were now carrying out fewer routine activities such as clearing gullies which are essential to preventing water seeping into roads' sub-structure.

Mercedes prices SLS AMG Black Series and C63 Edition 507

Mercedes-Benz priced two of its hottest models last week, the 2014 SLS AMG Black Series and the C63 AMG Edition 507. The gullwing will come in at stratospheric $276,800. The more earthbound C63 sedan will sticker for $70,925, and the coupe is $73,452.

BMW i3 & i8 EVs: BMW plan new ways to sell their ‘i’ cars

BMW are looking at new ways to sell the i3 & i8 EVs BMW has big plans for its ‘i’ cars (the i3 and i8), the BMW take on the future of motoring. But not only are BMW embracing new eco technology with the electric i3 and i8, they’re seeking to break the mould when it comes to selling too. It seems BMW think that the launch of the new ‘i’ brand is the right time to look at more modern ways of selling their cars than simply running a few adverts and having nice shiny showrooms.