XPart is investing in specialist MG Rover training for its network of AutoService Centres at the NAC training centre in Longbridge

XPart is reaffirming its commitment to first class MG Rover service and repairs, with the introduction of a new set of courses at the Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC) training centre in Longbridge for its 240-strong network. All AutoService Centre technicians are being offered the opportunity to attend specialist training courses, covering the latest in diagnostic tools and analysis, ensuring that they have access to the most up-to-date technical knowledge and skills. This is the first time that the training centre has been used since the closure of the factory three years ago.

A multi-million pound investment package has been announced for the 3M manufacturing plant at Aycliffe.

The 3M board in the USA has approved a £4.5m investment for new production facilities which will manufacture maintenance-free respirators. This was secured in spite of stiff competition from 3M sites in other parts of the world.

Road-legal car takes race record in astonishing drive across sand-drenched club circuit

The lap record at the Dubai Autodrome’s 2.6km Club Circuit has been comfortably displaced by the Caparo T1 – The Luxury Hyper-car that can be driven to the circuit and home again on the road. Bassam Kronfli, 2007/8 Gulf Radical Cup Driver of the Year, blasted across the dust caked track, battling the remains of a sand storm to tear six seconds from the record with a fastest lap of just 56.4 seconds, reaching an amazing 276kph (171mph) along a main straight that is just one kilometre long.

Sandpaper has been put to numerous uses since the 3M company first invented the product more than 100 years ago – but never before to create a man’s two piece suit.

The Sandpaper Suit, the inspiration of artist Hamish Pringle, has gone on exhibition in the foyer of the 3M Centre at Bracknell.

Holidaymakers preparing their caravans for long journeys this summer can achieve peace of mind by conducting a brief tyre safety check before leaving home

As the holiday season gets into full flow, the country’s roads will quickly fill with motorists towing their caravans to their chosen holiday destination. Caravan owners are being encouraged by TyreSafe to make sure they enjoy the safest journey possible by checking their tyres before leaving home. Tyres are the only component of a caravan to come into contact with the road, so are vital to its stability and safety.

TyreSafe advises British motorists to take care of their tyres as the country prepares for the busy summer break

Before setting off on a long journey, TyreSafe is advising motorists to check tyre pressure and tread depth, as well as the general condition of all tyres, including the spare tyre. TyreSafe has compiled an easy-to-follow three-step process for checking tyre safety, ACT.

With families about to take to the roads for their summer break, making sure that tyres are in good condition and inflated to the correct level is fundamental to driver and passenger safety, and can have a significant effect on vehicle handling.

Opportunities to take part in automotive industry golf day are still available

XPart is to support BEN’s fund raising efforts through title sponsorship of the charity’s longest running golf competition, the XPart Iliffe Cup. The event, which takes place on Wednesday 3rd September at Coventry Golf Club, will see up to 20 teams competing in a bid to raise £4,000 for the motor industry charity. There are currently 15 places left, so anyone wishing to compete should contact BEN as soon as possible.

Exceptional AP Braking systems and innovative carbon composites ready for motorsport and road car applications

Next generation vehicle technologies, including a complete range of braking systems, are being previewed at the Rockingham Media Day by Caparo, manufacturer of the world’s ultimate track car, the Caparo T1. Caparo’s technologies will help make road cars and commercial vehicles lighter, faster and safer. The T1 will be on display and completing demonstration laps prior to the launch of the production specification vehicles later this year.

Expected weight savings of between 20 and 40 percent to be achieved through component redesign and innovative use of advanced materials

The Limo Green project recently announced by the Technology Strategy Board and the Department for Transport will receive specialist support with the development of lightweight vehicle structures and components from Caparo Vehicle Technologies. The project, which is being led by Jaguar Land Rover aims to prove the concept of developing a large executive hybrid saloon with sub 120g/km emissions, while maintaining the high levels of vehicle performance and refinement.

Caparo-supported Barazi Epsilon team finishes fifth in LMP2 class

In their first outing at the 24 hours of Le Mans, the Caparo-supported Barazi Epsilon team finished a commendable fifth in the LMP2 class. Having qualified third in class, the team ran strongly in the opening hours of the race, holding onto third position, before a number of minor problems with the car’s fuel pressure and suspension cost them valuable time. At the conclusion of the 24 hours, the team completed 304 laps giving Caparo extensive experience of sportscar racing and a valuable insight into possible applications for its various technologies.