Raybestos Bh380460 Brake Hose, Front-professional Grade Brake Hose on 2040-parts.com

Ford and GM reliability ratings dip in Consumer Reports survey

Consumers rated Ford's new Explorer, Fiesta and Focus models at less-than-average reliability during their first year, according to Consumer Reports' annual auto survey. Poor reception of the new models bumped Ford's overall reliability rank from the 10th spot in 2010 to the 20th this year among the 28 major nameplates included in the survey. Findings are based on responses from 1.3 million vehicle owners or lessees who subscribe to the magazine.

Mazda BT-50 pick-up truck (2010) news, photos

Mazda is unveiling its new Mazda BT-50 pick-up at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show this week. As befits a car launched in Oz, the new BT-50 is a lifestyle pick-up or ute aimed as much at the leisure market as brickies.   Previously, Mazda had only issued the design sketch above, but today the company issued the first official pictures of its new truck. There's been a gaping hole in Mazda's UK line-up this year as the previous model was on run-out; the BT-50 used to sell in reasonable numbers, but waning sales and shifting tax systems have made the pick-up market shrink and Mazda only sells a few hundred here in a typical year.That's why there are no plans to launch the new BT-50 in the UK – despite it being homologated for Europe.These first official photos show the new BT-50 offers an interpretation of Mazda's family face with the sweeping five-pointed grille and sweptback headlamps.

Webinars: Dassault Systèmes presents From Concept to Class-A with CATIA

Car Design News hosted From Concept to Class-A with CATIA Icem, a webinar presented by Dassault Systèmes, on May 3, 2011. The aim of this free online seminar was to highlight and display the benefits of using CATIA V6 in creating high quality surfaces. Developing a new industrial product is challenging, especially when you take into account all the factors required to make the financial investment worthwhile.