Toyota Celsior 2001 F. Left Shock Abosrber [0150600] on 2040-parts.com

SEMA ups scholarship money for car-crazed college kids

The Specialty Equipment Market Association, better known to most of us as SEMA, has announced a hefty boost to its SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for 2013: The top student selected now gets $1,000 more for a total of $5,000 toward an automotive-related college education. Other eligible participants in four-year programs get $3,000—last year, they only received $2,000—and two-year students get their funds doubled to $2,000. In the Buckeye State, one lucky student at the Ohio Technical College will get complete tuition coverage, which is a cool $29,400.

Tesla Model S warranty extended to 8 years for Drivetrain

Tesla Model S warranty extended to 8 years for Drivetrain The Tesla Model S – perhaps the only truly useable electric car – has taken the motoring industry by storm, and now it’s getting better still for owners as Tesla announce an extended warranty on the drivetrain of the Model S to 8 years, matching that of the battery pack. The warranty also applies retrospectively, so all Model S Teslas already in the hands of owners are covered – and the warranty can be transferred to as many new owners as needed – for a full 8 years, which is unlimited for the 85 models and 125k miles for the 60 models. It’s a strong response from Tesla after a number of long-term tests (by Consumer Reports and Edmunds in particular) produced a number on niggling problems, and standing behind their product so solidly – just as Hyundai/Kia did – may not take the niggles away but it will give comfort to prospective buyers (if not shareholders, at least in the short term).

Report backs Scottish pay-as-you-drive

SCRAPPING FUEL DUTY and car tax in Scotland and replacing them with a pay-as-you-drive system has been suggested by an independent think tank. The scheme would help reduce emissions, cut congestion and increase fairness, Reform Scotland said. The organisation has produced a report on the idea, calling for the Scottish Government to launch a feasibility study on a national and local scheme in which central government would "price" motorways and trunk roads and local authorities would "price" local roads.