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Official: UK car production is booming

Nearly 10% MORE cars were produced in the UK this September compared to the same time last year, data released today from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed What’s more, 1,125,433 cars were manufactured in the UK by the end of the month – that’s a 3.9% rise compared to 2012. September new car sales beat forecasts UK car sales hit four year high in 2012 This means UK car production has returned to pre-recession levels. The rolling 12-month total has now topped 1.5 million vehicles.

Video: BMW’s beautiful Design Portrait of Karim Habib

We're often inundated with videos from OEMs. Many are thinly-disguised PR-laden party political broadcasts but occasionally we're presented with gems such as this Design Portrait of Karim Habib from BMW. Ok so we don't really believe the Head of Design, BMW Automobiles sits dreamily sketching at a perfect desk with only a delicate espresso for company or that he cruises Munich in a (gorgeous) 2002 tii oldtimer for inspiration, but as an insight into what makes Habib tick, his design philosophy, and how he came to be in such a position, it's a beautifully-shot treat.

New Audi S8 (2012) gets 520hp V8

New Audi S8 (2012) The fourth and final Audi ‘S’ to be revealed this morning – after the S6, S6 Avant and S7 – is the range-topping 2012 Audi S8. And as befits the top-of-the-range it gets the wick turned up on its new V8 to at least 9 – that’s 520hp. We’re expecting the full ’11′ will only be available on the Bentley version.