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Honda opens Advanced Design Studio in Los Angeles

Honda inaugurated its new Advanced Design Studio in Los Angeles last week, coinciding with the LA auto show's first press day. It's the third design studio for the Japanese manufacturer in the region and is poised to lead the development of Honda's advanced automobile design activity. The new studio is located in the heart of Downtown LA, which has been experiencing a resurgence in the past decade.

TVR set for 2015 comeback

TVR's new owner, Les Edgar, has dated 2015 as the company's comeback, as they plan to have a two-car range costing 50,000-80,000 pounds ($76,155-$121,848). Having produced cars such as the Griffith, the Grantura, the Cerbera, the Chimaera, the Tuscan and the Sagaris, TVR hopes to continue and evolve this spirit after a production hiatus in 2006 due to ownership change. "It is a well-thought-out business plan, and at the root is the requirement to make money,” stated Edgar in an interview with Autocar.

Cost of garage labour falling

THE AVERAGE labour rate at both franchised and non-franchised garages has fallen compared to 2012, according to new figures. An annual survey of 12,000 cases conducted on behalf of Warranty Direct has concluded that the average labour rate in 2013 is £74.70, a fall of 9.84% from £82.86 in 2012. Less encouraging is the overall trend of rising labour rates, with the average having increased by 33% over the last ten years.