Dyson also claims secrets were passed to Bosch's Chinese motor manufacturer and Bosch's vice president Dr Wolfgang Hirschburger was aware of the engineer's employment.

BBC: Dyson claims rival Bosch placed mole within head office

Compounding the problem: the floods have also have affected component suppliers, including the disk-drive motor company Nidec and suspension arm manufacturer Hutchinson Technology, among others.

FORBES: Will Thailand Floods Trigger Shortfalls In PC Production? (Updated)

Last week, the plant celebrated Spark EV motor production, marking the first time a major U.S. auto manufacturer has designed and built both a complete electric motor and drive unit for a modern electric vehicle in the United States.

ENGADGET: Chevy Spark EV rated most efficient retail car with 82-mile range, 119 MPGe

Recreational vehicle enthusiasts love to be able to bring their favorite mod cons with them on their annual road trips, so German RV manufacturer Volkner Mobile's idea to develop a motor home capable of storing an entire car in its underbelly is sure to be popular with those that can afford the undoubtedly high pricetag.

ENGADGET: The RV with a slide-out roadster hold

Should the family of an experienced motor mechanic who asphyxiated himself by running a car engine in his garage be entitled to cash from the manufacturer of a muffler-repair kit?

FORBES: Who Knew That Carbon Monoxide Kills?

Long gone are the days when a manufacturer was able to create a real stir by unveiling an all-new model at a specific motor show.

FORBES: Opinions