Moog Sb349 Leaf Spring Bushing, Front Rear, Front on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes signs joint venture to build carbonfibre parts

Not to be outdone by BMW’s joint venture with the SGL Group to manufacturer commercially viable carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the electric Megacity Vehicle, Mercedes has announced a joint venture with Japanese company Toray Industries to manufacturer and market its on CFRP automotive parts. The deal was signed in Germany today, with Toray taking a 50.1% stake, Daimler holding 44.9% and the remaining 5% being taken by other shareholders. The two companies started working together in March 2010, and while Toray has been working on the materials and moulding processes, Merc has designed the automotive parts and the technologies to join the parts together.

Motorists Worry About Safety On The School Run

AS THE start of new school term approaches, the latest research from BCA, a leading vehicle remarketing company, reveals the pressures faced by parents - and other motorists - on school run routes. Both parents and non-parents were surveyed and with nearly half (45%) of non-parents saying they drive by schools or use the same route as parents dropping off their children, it's clear that school runs create some significant pinch-points. Key findings: 46% of all motorists believe parents drive their children to school because it takes too long to walk 30% of non-parents believe children demand to be driven to school, compared to just 17% of parents Over a third (38%) of all motorists think unreliable public transport prompts parents to drive children to school More than half (57%) of motorists see illegal parking outside of school gates 44% of have seen parents and children not looking at oncoming traffic when opening car doors Both parents and non-parents were most in favour of schools creating drop-off areas to tackle congestion and parking issues during the school run at 52% and 57% respectively 29% of parents think police officers should be on patrol to tackle parking issues during the school run Parents in Northern Ireland are most likely to drive their children to school, topping the list at 51%, followed by families in the North East and West Midlands at 39%.

Concept Car of the Week: Alfa Romeo Disco Volante (1952)

In 1951, straight after winning the F1 championship, Alfa Romeo surprisingly retired from racing. The tough post-war financial situation led the Italian brand to focus its investments towards more profitable projects such as the 1900 Berlina. The competition department stayed open on the condition of delivering a brand-boosting racecar for participation in the 1952 Le Mans and Mille Miglia races.