Maier Mfg 178000 Front Fender - Black 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.

Kia Naimo EV Concept revealed

The Kia Naimo EV gets revealed in Seoul This week sees the start of the Seoul Motor Show. Which may not be at the top of our list of must-see shows, but with Kia and Hyundai taking over the world we do need to at least sit up and take notice. Today is press day at Seoul and Kia has rocked up with a funky electric CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) – the Kia Naimo – powered by a pair of 27kWh lithium-ion polymer batteries in the boot which power an electric motor that’s good for 108bhp and 207lb/ft of torque.

BMW i Ventures buys in to ParkatmyHouse.com

BMW i-Ventures invest in ParkatmyHouse.com Earlier this year – when BMW launched their BMW-i Brand – there was also news of a new BMW company – BMW i Ventures – which BMW said they were setting up to invest in interesting stuff related to cars. BMW stated their goal as “…to expand the range of products and services offered by BMW i in the long term by taking stakes in highly innovative service providers”, and their first investment was in to an app business -  My City Way – which provides users with information on public transportation, parking availability, and local entertainment. BMW argue – very sensibly – that our fuel usage can be cut by using common sense and new technology.