Nos Mercury/mariner Quicksilver Coil P/n 339-832757a4 on 2040-parts.com

UK new car registrations: 20 months of growth

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has once again increased its new car forecast for 2013. The news comes off the back of the 20th consecutive month of growth, with new car registrations up 4% in October. Last month’s total of 157,314 registrations brings the total to 1,952,238 in 2013 so far, leading the SMMT to up its forecast from 2.22 million to 2.25 million.

Mercedes E300 Bluetec Hybrid (2010) at Geneva motor show

Mercedes unveiled its first ever diesel hybrid at the 2010 Geneva motor, along with a Bluetec version of its ageing Geländewagen and an SLS AMG supercar decked out in full F1 safety car spec. They’re pretty good. The E300 Bluetec Hybrid features Merc’s 201bhp twin-turbo, 2.1-litre four-pot, with a 15kW electric motor positioned between it and the seven-speed auto ‘box.

Meet the new Goodyear blimp -- er, airship

A new blimp comes around only once in a while, and Goodyear slowly replacing its fleet is cause for fanfare. These new airships, as yet unnamed, will fly farther, go faster and carry more people than ever before -- and none of it would be possible without help from the Germans. This newest airship is a collaboration between Goodyear and ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik -- yes, of that Zeppelin fame -- and the partnership has historical precedent.