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Cluttered-up cars failing MOT test

CLUTTERED-UP cars are causing thousands of drivers to fail the MOT test. Some vehicles are not passing the test as the screenwash is not topped up, the survey by Whatcar.com found. Test centres are also failing vehicles as they have stickers on the windscreen that block the driver's view, while some drivers even turn up for a test sporting no number plates.

Ford eyes dandelions as sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber

Ford, in conjunction with Ohio State University, is turning to the humble garden weed as sustainable resource, researching the dandelion's potential use as an alternative to synthetic rubber. While the automaker already makes considerable use of sustainable materials in its vehicles – such as soy foam seat cushions and straw-filled plastic for interior trim – this latest discovery opens up a wealth of new possibilities for automotive applications. According to research conducted by Ford, a milky-white substance that is found in certain dandelion roots can produce a sustainable rubber that could be used to create plastic parts for vehicle interiors.

2014 VW Golf R Mk 7 teased ahead of Geneva debut

Volkswagen has started the tease for the Mk 7 Golf R with the new Golf R hidden in a block of ice as a ‘Frozen Beast’ ahead of a Geneva 2013 debut. Now that Volkswagen has the Mk7 Golf in the wild – and the MK 7 VW GTi too – they’re ready to turn the wick up to 11 with the launch of the MK 7 Golf R – or at least the concept version – at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. And now they’re starting to tease.