Standard Motor Products Sr116 Starter Relay on 2040-parts.com

Public urged to give view on A9 plan

THE PUBLIC have been urged to have their say on the design of the most expensive road project in Scotland's history. The £3 billion upgrade of the A9, which runs from central Scotland to the north coast, to full dual carriageway will cost more than the M74 completion, the new Forth road bridge and the Aberdeen bypass combined. The first public displays setting out the logistical and environmental impact of the first £40 million section of the upgrade, from Kincraig to Dalraddy in the Highlands, will be unveiled this month.

Survey claims winter prompts increase in in-car tensions

NEW research conducted by the RAC puts the traditional winter blues in the shade, as the motoring organisation’s survey has uncovered a new phenomenon: "carguments". According to the RAC’s poll of 1,300 drivers, as many as 54% of motorists say they have arguments in the car – hence the ‘cargument’ - at this time of year when the days are short and the weather is miserable. A total of 15% of drivers and passengers said they argue more in the car than anywhere else, with 19% saying the mere act of driving left them stressed and angry, and 14% feeling cooped up in a car.

General Motors combines smartphone functions with the Chevrolet Volt

General Motors is bringing together two of the hottest areas of technology--smartphones and plug-in electric cars. GM's OnStar telematics unit has developed a downloadable application that will let Chevrolet Volt drivers use a Blackberry Storm, Apple iPhone or Motorola Droid to remotely control and monitor some vehicle functions, such as charging. The Volt is slated to go into production late this year and arrive in California utility company fleets by early 2011.