A different set of Audi spares are likely to have gone into the manufacturing of the brand’s new sports prototype.

The company is said to have gone in for a new type of racing series for the Le Mans Intercontinental Cup.

Its prototype commitment is said to be especially important to the brand as for the field of alternative power technology and concepts.

Rupert Stadler, chairman of the management board of AUDI AG, said: "In 2009, the Audi brand has been celebrating its 100th anniversary and our motorsport squad presented the brand with a particularly nice birthday gift, the successful title defense in the DTM."

Audi is set to rely on motorsport categories closely-linked with production motors for 2010 – including the sports prototype with the Audi R15 TDI.

It will contest the Le Mans competition using two R15 TDIs and has three cars planned for the June 12th and 13th 24-hour race.

Audi has also been a supporter of the Superbike championship since 1996.

One manufacturer is making more than Ford spares as the brand came up trumps in a recent award ceremony.

Ford’s Fiesta Van was crowned Small Van of the Year in the What Van? Awards.

Neil McIntee, What Van? editor, said: "Back with a vengeance, Ford’s all-new Fiesta Van is the hugely deserving winner of What Van?’s Small Van of the Year award. No matter which model you opt for, Fiesta Van is fun to drive."

Mr McIntee added that considering the cost of the motor, drivers get responsive steering, slick gearchange and sharp handling with an excellent driving position.

And the success did not end there, as the Transit scooped the title for Best Security – marking the sixth year in a row that the vehicle has taken the prize.

Following in the steps of its success came the Transit Minibus – a winner for the fourth time.

Nissan was also able to celebrate as it walked away with Van of the year for the Nissan NV200.

A car manufacturer has come up with more than Mazda car spares for its drivers as the benefits of a Mazda Accident Aftercare programme are outlined.

The programme is to be a driver’s first point of call in the event of an accident or a theft, according to the brand.

Mazda boasts 171 authorised repairers at present along with 177 approved accident repair centres, with the care programme launched in August.

Steve Jelliss, aftersales director for the company’s UK operations, said: "A vehicle accident or theft is a very stressful time and our new Mazda Accident Aftercare Service helps to ease the burden for Mazda drivers, by managing the whole post-event process."

The company’s Call First number means that by phoning Mazda they will deal with matters with the insurer and sorting out a courtesy vehicle – for free.

Mr Jelliss added that it is Mazda’s belief that by having such an aftercare service, when experiencing a theft or accident, the situation can prove less stressful as a result.

And with some Mazda motors offering an additional £5,000 on top of a government £1,000 scrappage, in the case of the RX-8, it could be worth taking a look at the motor more closely when buying your next car.

Yesterday (December 8th) marked the launch of an eco convoy.

The micro Eco-rally was organised by Revolve Global with Honda, Revolve Technologies and Organic Power in London, destined for Copenhagen.

It was put together to highlight that you can drive green over long distances – you do not have to fly.

Tracey Smith, author of the Book of Rubbish Ideas – part of the Fragile Earth series, formed part of the convoy.

Such an occasion was organised to coincide with the opening of the COP15 conference this week, which some are say marks the last opportunity to come up with a plan to save the planet.

Having set off at 05:00 GMT yesterday the scheduled arrival for the electric team was 22:00 GMT, with updates available from them on social networking site Twitter.

With transport accounting for 43 per cent of an individual’s CO2 emissions, the Eco-Rally endeavoured to demonstrate that sustainable driving is a viable option over flying.

COP15 marks the 15th United Nations talk on climate change and is set to finish on December 18th.

A different type of Citroen car spare is likely to be needed in the brand’s new Relay-based bariatric ambulances.

The company now provides two such motors along with a dispatch-based bariatric support vehicle which are specifically for patients who weigh in excess of 50 stone.

AST Ambulance director, Tony Hannigan, explains: "This year and next year AST Ambulance will be investing a total approaching £1 million in bariatric vehicles to meet a growing need in the National Health Service. For this operation the Relay offers significant operational advantages."

Mr Hannigan highlighted that the bariatrics offer improved inside width and are a lower height for loading. In comparison to the service’s other motors the Relays are coming out at four to five mpg more economical.

This type if ambulance comes in at a cost of £50,000, having reinforced loading ramps, special stretchers and removable seating as a result of being converted by Oughtred & Harrison – part of a wider company which has specialised in freight forwarding and shipping since 1919.

It is likely that new Toyota spares have gone into the production of its improved Hilux.

The manufacturer claims that the vehicle is now 20 per cent tougher than before, having extra torque from its 2.5 D-4D engine.

Improvements have come as a result of a new fuel injector and a high-output turbocharger.

Its pistons benefit from a new high-strength material in order to cope with the extra power of the vehicle.

Hilux double cab models have benefited from an increased capacity of between 25kg and 35 kg, dependent on the version.

The Hilux range has been revised with the high-power 3.0 D-4D engine now available exclusively in the Invincible double cab.

Additional options include satellite navigation with Bluetooth and a leather interior, with the introduction of two smart grey upholstery cloths and two-tone leather.

CO2 emissions range from 217 g/km and road tax for the pick-up comes in at £185.

A manufacturer of electric vehicles has been the focus of attention in Scandinavia.

Think and Move About have provided 15 motors for COP15 as courtesy cars, which were on hand as of yesterday (December 7th).

Move About is a Norwegian car-share fleet operator and represents Think’s biggest client.

Jarle Froshaug, Move About’s chairman, said: "With our 15 Think City cars we have the largest EV fleet here in Copenhagen and we hope that many of the delegates, VIPs and media at COP 15 will walk the talk and choose to ride with us."

Sale of Think Citys have commenced in selected markets including Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Spain.

The motors will take part in the Hopenhagen Live Parade on December 13th.

Think Citys will be available for delegates to use throughout the COP15 talks, which are scheduled to end on December 18th. The occasion marks the United Nation’s 15th conference on climate change.

The new government backed Driving for Better Business initiative has welcomed its first manufacturer to the scheme.

General Motors (GM) has been responsible for introducing its own schemes for safer driving practices and succeeded in reducing the amount of crashes its fleet is involved in by 50 per cent under the Safe Driving Programme.

Simon Monk, programme manager, said: "The premium reduction has had a significant impact on the company’s bottom line and definitely helped provide impetus for further safety initiatives and a commitment to work-related road safety."

For General Motors the programme has meant that its fleet of 600 vehicles has reduced its insurance premiums by 20 per cent.

With GM coming on board it means that the number of business champions for the Driving for Better Business campaign is nearly at 40. These champions are responsible for promoting legal, moral and financial reasons for safe practices for work driving.

A representative from the campaign said that GM coming on board could be key in assisting the delivery of the programme’s message to nationwide fleets.

GM’s brands include Cadillac, Chevy and Hummer.

A special safety award has been received for Grip Top.

The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) gave its special award in recognition of the motorcycling road safety initiative.

Grip Top combats losing grip by motors when on bends or roundabouts and lessens the risk of the dangers bikers face.

Karen Cooke, MCI’s director of safety, said: "The winner of this year’s Prince Michael Royal Safety Award for motorcycling stands out because it can easily be adopted on a national basis and not only does it help motorcyclists but it is good for all road users, which is an impressive quality."

The levels of grip are said to be capable of durable performance under intense traffic over ten years and can be compared to other road surroundings.

Because it is not just of benefit to motor cycle users but could assist other motorists, councils are being urged to follow the lead of Bristol and use Grip Top in all possible instances.

The MCI has been established for 100 years and currently represents more than 125 supply-side members.

The manufacturers at one car company have been busy making more than Ford car spares this year.

Ford was able to take home two Top Gear awards for its work on the Focus RS and Fiesta ECOnetic.

Conor McNicholas, the magazine’s editor, said of the Focus’ Muscle Car of the Year award: "The Focus RS is nothing short of a hero. Amazing engineering in a car with huge road-presence, the RS is both massive fun and a connoisseur’s choice. It’s a bargain too."

For the Green Car of the Year award the judges were said to be particularly impressed with the Fiesta ECOnetic – stating it possessed "spritely on road dynamics" and saying all of Ford’s cars should be made like this one.

According to the company, the Fiesta is the UK’s top-selling vehicle at the moment, with 110,000 cars sold this year.

Ford’s vision is to become one of the leading automotive companies worldwide.