Dorman 521-144 Control Arm With Ball Joint on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen UK’s dealer showrooms get a revamp

It’s an interesting exercise to ponder on the future of main dealer showrooms as the world moves more and more towards an online buying experience. Are car showrooms a relic of the past or the perfect way, still, to showcase the offerings from a car maker? Volkswagen are taking no chances on the future and have already rolled out their ‘Digital Showrooms’ across the dealer network where staff get iPads and advanced web tools to try and bring the on-line and off-line worlds in to a workable intersection, and offer customers virtual product that wouldn’t otherwise be available on show.

Vauxhall launches powerful 1.0 petrol engine

OLD-FASHIONED 1.6-litre petrol engines in Vauxhall cars are about to be replaced by a clever new 1.0-litre alternative. The tiny newcomer has only three cylinders, but thanks to a turbocharger it coughs up more power and torque than many normal 1.6-litre equivalents. It’s set to debut in Vauxhall’s funky Adam supermini, although the new engine will be display-only when it emerges at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Councils make £594m from parking

RECORD SURPLUSES from parking revenues have been achieved by councils, according to the RAC Foundation. In 2012/13 councils in England generated a combined "profit" of £594 million from their on and off-street parking operations, the foundation said. This was a 5% increase on the figure of £565 million for 2011/12, and just 52 of the 353 parking authorities in England reported a deficit in 2012/13.