Volvo C30 Cd Dvd Sat Nav Disc Unit 2012 31288510 on 2040-parts.com

Good news for British car factories

NEW FIGURES have revealed that UK-based car production raced ahead in April, resulting in the biggest monthly rise since July 2012. A total of 133,437 cars were made in the UK last month – a 21.3% increase on the April 2013 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. The excellent April figures took the year-so-far total to 538,240 – a 6.9% rise on the figure for January-April 2013.

Honda Civic saloon, coupe at the 2011 Detroit show

Honda showed off two new Civics at the NAIAS 2011: the Civic Si Concept Coupe and the Civic Concept Saloon. They're sadly US-market only, rather than related to the European spec models, themselves up for replacement at the end of 2011. Although 'concepts', these two effectively show what will roll into US showrooms in spring 2011.  The blurb is pretty strict on the difference between the American and Euro Civics: 'The Civic Si coupe and saloon Concepts are US-only design and will not be sold in the UK.

Who's Where: Dave Rand resigns from Changan Automobile

Dave Rand, the former General Motors Design Chief, has resigned from the Chinese State-owned automaker after joining the company last October. Rand's resignation, which was made official last week, follows that of his senior at Changan, Ken Ma who stepped down as Vice President of Design earlier this year. It is not clear precisely why both men have decided to leave the Chinese carmaker, but several people familiar with the situation have said that both Rand and Ma's departures are connected with Changan Auto's recent financial difficulties.