Maserati enthusiasts who attended the Goodwood Revival over the weekend were treated to a range of opportunities to view the manufacturer’s models.

At the Earls Court Motorshow, the company displayed a Mistral Spyder, Quattroporte Mk I, Quattroporte Sport GTS and GranTurismo S Automatic.

Meanwhile, a total of 18 Maseratis took part in the various track challenges.

Four examples of the F1 car voted by readers of Octane magazine as the World’s Greatest Racing Car – the 250F – were in action on the Goodwood circuit.

Sir Stirling Moss – who celebrated his 80th birthday at the historic motoring event – revealed he is particularly fond of the model.

He stated: "I have great affection for the 250F because it was the car that gave me my first proper break in Formula One."

In other news, Maserati’s first four-seater convertible – the GranCabrio – recently made its world debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.

The government needs to take action to counteract rising auto prices, it has been suggested.

According to What Car? magazine, extending the scrappage scheme could help make new vehicles affordable for more motorists.

It pointed out new models now cost 9.5 per cent more than they did at the beginning of the year, while prices for used autos have grown by 30 per cent over the past 12 months.

The publication warned the financial burden on car buyers would increase further if the planned rise in VAT went ahead.

Editor Steve Fowler said providing extra funding for the cash for bangers initiative was one way the country’s leaders could address the problem.

He stated: "Extending the scheme is likely to cost the government next to nothing, will help to boost the UK economy and speed our exit from recession."

Meanwhile, motorists who cannot afford a new vehicle may find replacing worn car parts on their current auto can help keep it running smoothly for longer.

Some new car parts and accessories on vehicles being displayed at the Frankfurt International Motor Show demonstrate that being green does not have to be boring, it has been argued.

Toyota is currently exhibiting two iQ models that it claimed highlight the style potential of eco-friendly autos.

Visitors to the German event will see that the iQ for Sports edition of the car comes with a range of extra features – such as a rear roof spoiler, trapezoidal central exhaust and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, the iQ Collection version is designed to be as light and bright as possible inside – and comes with a fully glazed roof.

It also boasts white pearl interior trim details, such as door panels and centre console.

Earlier this month, Toyota announced it would be displaying a new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, which releases 60 g/km of CO2.

The government could help boost car parts production by extending the scrappage scheme, it has been claimed.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the cash for bangers initiative has resulted in a dramatic fall in the rate of decline in auto building.

In light of this, the industry body has written to business secretary Lord Peter Mandelson to ask that additional funding be made available so the programme can continue.

Chief executive Paul Everitt said avoiding a significant drop in the number of people looking to buy cars is critical to the country’s economy.

He stated: "An extension to the scrappage incentive scheme, which has already proven its credentials as a cost-effective support mechanism, will ensure a more stable outlook for vehicle demand."

In related news, What Car? magazine has also claimed that keeping the cash for bangers initiative going with extra funds could help counteract rising auto prices.

Some new Lexus car parts on the 2010 version of the GS 450h could help protect occupants of the vehicle while on the road.

The updated edition of the auto is to feature the manufacturer’s Pre-Crash Safety technology.

Buyers will find the front seats have been equipped with inflator-operated active headrests.

In the event of a rear-end collision, the support is projected forwards and upwards to reduce the chances of the driver or passenger sustaining whiplash injuries.

As well as these safety-related changes, the auto has also been given something of a facelift.

It has a new front grille, updated 18-inch alloy wheel design and an additional leather upholstery option.

The car will also be available in three extra colours – Vanilla Mist, Atlantic Blue and Richmond Green.

Meanwhile, the Lexus LS 600h has also been revised for 2010.

Changes include the introduction of an automatic headlamp high-beam system and new navigation technology.

A consortium has claimed it now has a way to reduce the weight, package space and cost of producing an important car part for electric vehicles.

The group – led by Prodrive – revealed it has developed a new method of configuring DC-DC converters.

It explained it has managed to counteract the rising costs of energy storage by increasing available voltage at the traction motors.

Pete James, Prodrive’s technical specialist, commented: "With a unit that is a quarter the size of a conventional converter, we can eliminate 20 per cent of the vehicle’s batteries – and possible more."

The company explained this was possible through the use of a new bi-directional DC-DC converter than provides 600 v output from a source of 380 v, maintaining this level even when the amount being entered drops to as little as 200 v.

Earlier this year, Prodrive displayed some of its most iconic cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

More motorists are having important car parts checked by Kwik-Fit at MOT time, the company has claimed.

The firm reported it is now carrying out 48 per cent more tests than it was this time last year.

It put its success in this area down to the fact it is possible for customers to book an assessment online.

Over the course of the last two years, the company’s test appointments have doubled.

Spokesman David White commented: "MOTs have been a tremendous success and it’s testament to our efforts in delivering a high-quality service to our customers."

Booking and paying for a test with the firm online costs £35.

Mr White claimed being able to make an appointment via the internet is appealing to many people because it is so convenient.

In other news, Kwik-Fit recently stated drivers should get their air conditioning units recharged once every two years, to ensure they continue to work at their best.

Ener1 has announced it will be producing an important car part for Volvo’s C30 electric vehicle prototype.

The American company revealed it has been contracted to supply the auto’s lithium-ion battery

President Ulrik Grape expressed delight at being asked to work with the manufacturer.

He stated: "We are developing a close working relationship with Volvo and are collaborating intimately on integration of the battery and safety in these advanced vehicle concepts."

The C30 electric auto is a zero-emission model – designed for city commuting.

Ener1 pointed out the car is capable of covering the daily mobility requirements of over 90 per cent of European workers.

The lithium-ion battery means the auto can complete up to 95 miles when fully charged.

Meanwhile, Volvo recently claimed if the model goes into mainstream production, it will only be when the company’s engineers are happy it is as safe as all of the manufacturer’s other cars.

Motorists interested in the Chevrolet Cruze now have the choice of an additional engine option, it has been revealed.

The diesel 125 PS VCDi unit is capable of propelling the car from zero to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds, before powering it on to a top speed of 122 mph.

However, the manufacturer pointed out the engine also offers impressive fuel economy.

On the combined cycle, an auto with the unit is capable of 51.4 mpg – which may mean it helps motorists save money at the pump.

Meanwhile, when fitted with this engine, the Cruze releases 145 g/km of CO2.

As a result, owners will be liable to pay road tax of £125 per year.

Drivers looking at buying the car will need to hand over a minimum of £13,745.

The new option is available for purchase immediately.

Earlier this month, Chevrolet announced the Aveo 1.2S would be available for a limited time with a styling pack, metallic paint and comprehensive insurance for £500 over its usual list price.

Motorists keen to improve their green credentials may find Fiat can help them achieve their goal.

The manufacturer has already met a 2015 CO2 emissions target set for cars sold in Europe.

Companies have been advised they need to reduce the amount of the harmful gas produced by their autos to an average of 130 g/km over the next five years.

During the first half of 2009, the cars sold by Fiat across the continent typically released 129.1 g/km of CO2.

Chief executive officer Lorenzo Sistino said manufacturers should not put off trying to better their eco credentials.

He stated: "Improving the environment is not a goal for the future, but something we can do right away."

The CO2 figures cited by Fiat have been corroborated by automotive advisory group Jato.

In other news, the manufacturer recently unveiled its Qubo Trekking model at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.

The vehicle is due to be released in the UK before the end of the month.