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Aston Martin CEO to auction his Rapide for Japan aid

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez will put his own Rapide up for auction at the Bonhams yearly sale of Aston Martin and Lagonda cars and automobilia on May 21. All proceeds from the sale of Bez's car will go to aid victims of the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. "Nobody could have failed to be moved by the recent events in Japan," Bez said.

Missing oil changes is false economy

TRYING TO SAVE money on motoring costs by not changing a car’s oil is risking a false economy as it could lead to more wear and fuel consumption, according to Two-thirds (65%) of British drivers admitted they have not changed the oil in their car in the last 12 months, with the same number admitting they buy oil for their car based solely on price. The same study by Mobil 1 also showed only 45% of drivers knew when their car’s scheduled service intervals were, while 15% said they would cut back on servicing to save money. Dan McGoldrick, of Mobil 1, said: ‘Choosing the right oil for your car is vital as it means both the lubricant and the engine will last longer, so you’re saving in the long term.’ Tim Shallcross, Head of Technical Policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, added: ‘Apart from lubricating the engine, oil has the important job of absorbing harmful by-products given off by the burning fuel.

China's BAIC interested in Fisker Atlantic model

A delegation from Beijing Automotive Group, or BAIC traveled to Fisker's facilities in California over the weekend, China Daily is reporting is reporting. BAIC has expressed interest in the Fisker Atlantic electric car, a vehicle that was at one point slated for production until Fisker ran into money problems back in March. Since that time, a number of Chinese automakers in addition to BAIC have shown interest in the technology.