Honda Goldwing Gl1800 2001 Thru 2013 Chrome Lower Cowling on 2040-parts.com

Ferrari F1 drops ‘Marlboro’ graphics for Barcelona

Ferrari have dropped the ‘Pack of Marlboros’ graphic for the Barcelona GP A couple of weeks ago we reported that Ferrari have been accused of running subliminal tobacco advertising on their F1 cars, an allegation Ferrari strenuously denied. To be honest we can’t know for sure whether there was an intent to subliminally suggest a pack of Marlboros with the barcode graphics on the current Ferrari F1 livery or not. What we can be sure of is that now a jobsworth has made the allegation we all think of a pack of Marlboros every time we see the Ferrari livery.

Audi hardwood bicycle

Following on from its collaboration with Head for carbon fiber skis, Audi has teamed up with Renovo Hardwood Bicycles to create yet another performance-oriented product. Audi is launching the Duo range of cycles as ‘an embodiment of its core principles of progressive innovation' that aim to blend craftsmanship and styling with performance and technology. As a result, each Duo is built around a monocoque frame that is made from hardwood, which not only increases ride comfort – thanks to the material's ability to absorb shock and vibration – but also serves to reduce weight.

News watch March 2010: today's auto industry news

Tuesday 30 March 2010• Mercedes has dismissed claims that its Maybach brand is for sale, after reports in the Chinese media claimed Chinese car company BYD was considering a bid for the upmarket offshoot. BYD has also denied the claims (Reuters)• Toyota president Akio Toyoda has promised his company will listen more carefully to customers and react faster in a bid to regain credibility after the Japanese car manufacturer was forced to recall millions of vehilces over safety fears (BBC)• The Obama administration is expected to unveil its finalised fuel economy and tailpipe emissions through to 2016 this week, to coincide with the opening of the 2010 New York auto show (Detroit News)  Monday 29 March 2010• Toyota has agreed to licence the hybrid technology in the Prius to Mazda, which will combine the electric system with its next-gen Sky engines. It’s part of Mazda’s plans to increase the average fuel economy of its vehicles by 30% by 2015 (compared to 2008 levels) and it hopes to have its first hybrid vehicle on sale in Japan by 2013 (Mazda)• Ford and Chinese car company Geely have signed a stock purchase agreement that will allow the latter to acquire 100% of Volvo (along with related assets including intellectual property rights).