2009-2013 Kia Forte Koup Front Lh Seat Belt Buckle Assembly Oem Brand New on 2040-parts.com

Fewer people commuting but distances on the up

The average commute has increased in distance, but more people working from home means there are actually fewer cars on the road at rush hour today compared to 10 years ago, according to statistics from the most recent Census conducted in 2011. Figures show the average commute has increased from 8.3 miles in 2001 to 9.32 miles in 2011. People living in the east of England travelled the furthest to work at an average distance of 10.34 miles – while those in London had the shortest commutes averaging 6.83 miles.

CAR scoop: BMW and Toyota's joint sports car plot

BMW is buddying up with Toyota on an all-new sports car platform, set to underpin the replacements for the Z4, 6-series and GT86. The unlikely collaboration stems from an alliance that began in 2011, where BMW and Toyota agreed to co-develop next-generation lithium ion batteries, and for Toyota to use BMW’s fourpot diesels in its European cars. An engineering team is beavering away on the project, with the clock ticking: the suits want to outline the car’s specification before the end of 2013. What does BMW get out of the bargain?

Dodge to stop Viper production next July, new car set for 2012

The future of the Dodge Viper came into focus on Wednesday during Chrysler's strategy briefing for media and analysts. Ralph Gilles, recently named chief of the Dodge car brand, said that production of the current Viper production will cease at the end of next July. The final 500 cars have been earmarked to be special vehicles, Gilles said.