Plymouth Banner Road Runner Roadrunner Orange Flag 4x2f on 2040-parts.com

Approved mechanics essential for quality service

DRIVERS need to make sure their car is being properly serviced by a qualified mechanic, says the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). To help drives do this, it has launched a government-backed scheme called the Professional Register. While there are around 175,000 people in the UK who call themselves automotive technicians, the IMI says it can only recommend around 27,000 as having the required skills and competence to carry out work to the required standard in their specialism.

CAR Magazine South Africa launches ‘Design a Car’ competition

CAR Magazine in South Africa has announced its ‘Design a Car' competition, in an attempt to encourage aspiring South African designers. Entrants are asked to submit designs for a compact, environmentally friendly four-seater Jaguar that stays true to the brand's premium/sporty image for market introduction in 2015. Luma, the digital content creation company, will turn the winning design into a three-dimensional animation and it will also feature in a short promo film with a vehicle designed by CAR's own staff.

1928 Mercedes 680S wins Best of Show at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

A 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo finished in German Chassis gray has taken top honors at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The car is owned by Paul Andrews of Fort Worth, Texas, and was restored by Paul Russell and Co. Andrews acquired the car in 2010 with the assistance of Gooding and Co.