Flather Manufacturing Lathe on 2040-parts.com

How South America designed the Ford Ka

The Ka Concept was shown at the São Paulo auto show in Brazil in November 2013, and was revealed in production form last week. It marks the first time the Ka has reflected the broader brand homogeneity of the 'One Ford' design strategy, and continues the Ka's shift in direction from the distinctive original.The new car is the work of Ford's South American design studio in Camaçari, Brazil - its second 'One Ford' car, following the EcoSport. But while the crossover enters a new segment, the 17-year history of the Ka nameplate in Brazil gives an insight into how the demands of the local market have taken precedence over design iconicity.

Motorists Worried About Safety On Smart Motorways

THE IAM is calling for more information and advice on ‘smart’ motorways for drivers. The call comes after a poll conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) discovered that seventy-one per cent of drivers said they would feel less safe on a motorway with no hard shoulder than a motorway with one. One of the main concerns of respondents is the plan to increase the distance between safety refuges with forty-eight per cent believing that safety refuges should be no more than 500 yards apart.

Auto Trader launches new logo, unveils future plans

Auto Trader Auto Trader, Britain's biggest car classified selling site, today launches its new brand identity - as part of an ambitious expansion plan for the future. The previous logo had not changed in 37 years and was designed for the printed magazine, which ceased publication in summer 2013. Auto Trader, which is the provider of classified cars for sale to MSN Cars, is now a digital-only outlet.