Citroen car parts will continue being used for the FIA World Rally Championship.

The manufacturer said it plans to enter the competition for the next two years, having won five drivers’ titles and 58 victories overall.

Olivier Quesnel is director of Citroen Racing and said it was crucial the group keeps expressing itself via the sport.

"The FIA World Rally Championship, where the costs remain contained, is an excellent promotional vehicle for the company," he added.

Meanwhile, Citroen car parts were in the news earlier this month when it was revealed that each C5 model will come equipped with a colour satellite navigation system as standard.

The VTR+ model is apparently the most popular in the range and has been renamed the VTR+ NAV. The gadget inside has a seven-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity and live traffic updates with Trafficmaster.

Basic recommended retail price for the 1.8i 16V 127 hp version is £15,547.83, Citroen said.

Drivers might be wondering if they are still able to use their car parts properly, after a study found that half of today’s motorists would fail if they retook their test.

Kia Motors UK carried out the research to raise awareness of safety and standards on the roads. It also wanted to highlight some of the bad habits that can develop after years behind the wheel.

The average pass rate today for new drivers is 42 per cent and Kia said its investigation yielded a result that "compares bleakly" to this total.

Some of the main problems occurring were forgetting to check mirrors, overall poor observation, undue hesitation, speeding and forgetting to signal.

Many also neglected to apply the handbrake when stopped at a junction.

Blue School of Motoring examiner Damien Burke was sat beside the drivers when they retook the tests and he said they all demonstrated faults.

"Most drivers pick up bad habits and cut corners along the way, however these should be ironed out if the driver is to be a truly safe and competent road user," he added.

Since some motorists may have originally passed their road exam, a theory test has been added to the list of obstacles people must overcome to achieve a full licence.

Those wanting to keep their car insurance premiums stable should consider any car parts and modifications added to their vehicle, according to an expert.

Head of technical services at the British Insurance Brokers’ Association Peter Staddon commented on a recent Defaqto study that showed a general increase in cover prices had occurred throughout 2008 and so far in 2009.

He said people should consider what insurance band their motor is in, the type of car they drive and any changes that have been made to it – aesthetically or performance-wise.

Also recommended was contacting the current insurance broker, "then look at [your] no claims bonus and see what they can do to protect it".

Mr Staddon also encouraged consumers to use price comparison sites wisely and make certain they are buying the right type of cover.

To do this they should concentrate on what the product actually provides, rather than how cheap it is.

Skoda car parts are to be enjoyed by more than 4,500 drivers who have ordered new models from the manufacturer.

It said in the three months since the launch of the scrappage scheme, lots of cars from Fabias to Superbs have been ordered.

According to Skoda, taking advantage of the cash for bangers scheme and choosing a vehicle from the company’s line-up makes environmental and financial sense.

The cars offer "great" fuel economy, comfort, convenience and "low" carbon emissions.

Some of the car parts drivers can benefit from include electric front windows, a radio with CD and mp3 capabilities and shopping bag hooks.

"Customers have discovered that the Czech manufacturer really does make happy drivers as they have become proud new owners," it said.

Earlier in July, Skoda announced it was extending its free VAT offer to include Fabias, Roomsters and Octavias.

It applies to motors ordered, delivered and registered before December 31st 2009.

A range of new finance solutions may create more potential Skoda car parts buyers.

The manufacturer has outlined its intention to attract more customers by offering long-term deals rather than short-term headline promotions.

One of the finance packages on offer is a zero per cent APR two-year hire-purchase contract.

Motorists who decide to take the company up on this particular offer could end up paying £229 a month for a new Octavia S or £149 a month for a Fabia 1.

The group claimed its deals should prove to be much more cost effective than the borrowing rates currently being advertised by many banks.

Spokesperson Jacqui Rowley commented: "Skoda customers can benefit from extremely competitive finance products that meet a wide range of customers’ needs."

The new offers are available until the end of the year.

Meanwhile, motorists who already have one of the manufacturer’s models may find they can keep it running smoothly by replacing worn parts with Skoda car spares purchased online.

People planning to buy a used auto and then improve its performance with car spares purchased online may be well advised to act sooner rather than later if they want to be able to choose from the most extensive range possible, it has been suggested.

Glass’s warned that the number of second-hand vehicles on the market is likely to dwindle over the coming months.

It explained a drop in new car sales had led to low availability.

The publisher also claimed prices for used models could continue to increase as a result of this lack of stock.

So far this year, values for second-hand autos have risen by 25 per cent.

Managing editor Adrian Rushmore said: "Consumers should move quickly to have the best chance of finding the models that meet their needs."

However, drivers who end up shelling out more for a used vehicle may find they can at least keep running costs down by purchasing cheap car spares online.

There may still be plenty of people searching for Mazda car spares online in the future, if comments from the manufacturer are anything to go by.

According to the company, its sales figures have not been too badly affected by the recession.

It stated the popularity of its models has meant it has been able to perform well, despite the economic downturn.

Managing director Jeremy Thomson said: "The continued success of Mazda2 and the launch of the all-new Mazda3 has … helped boost profits for our dealers."

Overall, net year-on-year profits for the first five months of 2009 were up 60 per cent.

The group also revealed dealers across the country have reported an increase in operating profit over the same period of 24.1 per cent.

Meanwhile, motorists who have recently bought a model from the manufacturer may find they can keep it in peak condition for many years to come by replacing parts that become worn with Mazda car spares purchased online.

Motorists who regularly replace worn car parts to boost their auto’s green credentials may be impressed to hear about one UK company’s contribution to reducing global carbon dioxide emissions.

Elektromotive revealed it has signed a contract to install 150 electric vehicle charging stations at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.

The educational establishment is having the bays built for 150 battery-powered cars, which it plans to use to transport students and staff across the campus.

Managing director of Elektromotive Calvey Taylor-Haw expressed excitement at the firm’s latest deal.

He stated: "The project has already posed a number of interesting technical challenges, but we have the expertise and the experience to meet the university’s objectives on time and within budget."

KAUST is opting for electric vehicles in a bid to cut its carbon footprint and improve air quality.

Motorists with more traditional autos – who are keen to do their bit for the planet – may find replacing worn parts with car spares bought online can keep their CO2 emissions to a minimum.

Motorists who save money by buying cheap car parts online may find they can reduce their costs even more by keeping their auto in a garage at night.

The AA explained there were certain steps drivers could take to reduce the price of their insurance premiums.

It stated anyone with a garage should be using it to keep their auto safe at night.

The group added it did not make sense to store junk in such outbuildings and suggested anyone who could not fit their car into a lock-up should have a clear-out.

Spokesman Ian Crowder advised: "Have a car boot sale or just get rid of the stuff you’ve got in the garage and put your car in it … and save yourself some useful money."

Meanwhile, drivers keen to cut costs may find they can keep an older vehicle on the road for longer by replacing any worn parts with cheap car spares bought online.

Peugeot car parts set to be included in the newest model have been confirmed by the manufacturer.

Three trim levels will be available for the forthcoming 3008 – Active, Sport and Exclusive.

Each comes with 17-inch wheels, which are equipped with Michelin Energy Saver tyres.

The Active specification includes a radio/CD player, but the Sport and Exclusive add mp3-playing capabilities to the in-car sound system.

All trims also come with central locking, a reach-adjustable steering wheel and electric front windows.

However, the Exclusive builds on this with a Cielo panoramic glass roof, rear-side window blinds and dual-zone air-conditioning, among other features.

Colour options for those planning on buying a 3008 will include metallic shades such as Hickory, Babylon Red and Vapor Grey.

Six engine choices will be available on forecourts when the car goes on sale, ranging from a 1.6 VTi 120 with five-speed manual transmission to a HDi 163 FAP six-speed automatic.

News of the 3008 follows Peugeot’s claim that its 4.7 Coupe has "more grace and pace" with "new levels" of ability and performance.