http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/Default.aspxIndustry News for automotive design engineers covering automotive technology announcements, automotive company announcements and automotive industry press releases.60http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/40045/Fords-B-Max-set-for-Geneva-bow.aspxFord will throw open the doors to its all-new production-ready B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle when it takes a starring role at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.02/02/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/40047/Smart-fortwo-unveils-new-look.aspxSpring 2012 sees the smart fortwo making its mark in a striking new look, featuring an upgraded exterior and a fresh leather/fabric mix in the interior.02/02/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/40044/UK-Technician-wins-global-Ferrari-accolade.aspxFerrari has announced that Dean Pallett, diagnostic technician at Graypaul Nottingham, has won the 2011 Ferrari Technician Challenge, a competition Ferrari created in 2007 to recognise the finest talents throughout the global network. It is open to any Ferrari Technician with at least five years' experience. 02/02/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39992/koda-Citigo-5-door-makes-world-debut.aspxŠkoda will present the new Citigo subcompact to the public as a five-door version for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. The five-door version will be launched in European markets together with the three-door version from mid-May 2012.31/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39984/Bosch-plans-SPX-Service-Solutions-aquisition.aspxThe Bosch Automotive Aftermarket division plans to acquire the Service Solutions business of SPX Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, NC. SPX Service Solutions develops, manufactures and sells diagnostic and service tools, workshop equipment, and software for the global automotive aftermarket. For 2011, the business, which is based in Warren, MI (USA), is expected to generate sales of approximately US$920 million dollars. 31/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39991/Bosch-produces-its-75-millionth-common-rail-system.aspxThis year, Bosch celebrates its second diesel anniversary: following on from 75 years of diesel in passenger cars, in December the company is celebrating the production of its 75 millionth common-rail system. 31/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39988/Harman-rated-high-in-navigation-systems-supply.aspxIn a recent J.D. Power and Associates study examining customers' usage and satisfaction with factory-installed auto navigation systems, Harman, the global leading supplier of premium audio and infotainment systems, achieves top ratings as the manufacturer of six out of ten of the highest-ranking OEM systems.31/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39990/New-technologies-set-for-Audi-A6-and-A7-Sportbacks.aspxTechnophiles will welcome a new 'one-stop-shop' option package available for all Audi A6 and A7 Sportback models which unites nine advanced convenience and occupant protection features including Google Earth navigation mapping, in-car Wi-Fi and the Audi pre-sense multi-level safety system. The Technology Package Advanced brings out the very best in the Saloon, Avant, allroad and Sportback ranges already famed for their technical sophistication. 31/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39982/Toyota-Racing-unveils-Le-Mans-challenger.aspxToyota Racing today has announced more details of its forthcoming FIA World Endurance Championship participation, including an intention to race two cars in specific races.31/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39989/VauxhallOpel-puts-drivers-in-the-hot-seat.aspxVauxhall/Opel's most powerful Astra VXR ever will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show with front seats that are substantially lighter thanks to cutting-edge technology, have a lower seating position and enhanced side support to cater for increased cornering loads.31/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39650/America-Honda-shows-off-new-NSX-concept.aspxAmerican Honda has unveiled the new NSX Concept, highlighting the design and technology direction for the next-generation supercar.16/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39651/Daimler-and-Google-deepen-strategic-partnership.aspxDaimler and Google have announced a deepening of their strategic partnership to provide Daimler with access to the suite of application programming interfaces (APIs) known as Google Maps API for Business for the use of cloud-based, map-related applications in Daimler vehicles and early access to other new APIs as they are developed. 16/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39647/Aries-remains-strong-in-passive-testing-in-2011.aspxAries Ingeniería y Sistemas, a key player in automotive test systems, closes the year with a strong solidification of its position in the Asian markets. The company, which has been active in Asia for several years and operates with an office in Shanghai, has delivered customized solutions for clients in various countries within the region such as India, Malaysia, South Korea, and China. 13/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39645/Audi-model-designed-for-Wintersports-fans-introduced.aspxA very special Audi Q3 concept groomed specifically for winter sports like the pistes in the famous Colorado mountain resort which inspired its name has been unveiled. 13/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39643/Dacia-announces-latest-model-ahead-of-Geneva-debut.aspxDacia, Europe's fastest growing automotive brand for the last six years is poised to expand its ever-growing line-up later this year with the release of Lodgy, an MPV which will be available as either a five- or genuine seven-seater.13/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39644/Electric-Jetta-debuts-in-Detroit.aspxThe new Jetta Hybrid has made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, bringing electric drive to a new class of Volkswagen. Propulsion comes from a high-tech 1.4-litre TSI 150 PS petrol engine and a 20 kW zero-emissions electric motor. 13/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39648/Johnson-Controls-reveals-Citron-DS5-involvement.aspxJohnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating, interiors and electronics, will provide key electronic components to enhance the driving experience of the new Citroën DS5, including the head-up display, instrument cluster, and seating solutions.13/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39649/Next-generation-Ibiza-unveiled-by-SEAT.aspxThe new generation of SEAT's most successful car to date is here. The new SEAT Ibiza captures the heart with its young, emotional design and fun-to-drive character, and convinces the head with innovative technology and improved functionality and quality.13/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39646/Next-generation-plug-in-hybrid-tech-from-Toyota.aspxToyota has revealed the NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept vehicle at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The NS4 exemplifies Toyota's vision for future mobility, with a focus on next generation connectivity and safety.13/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39430/Bentley-unveils-V8-range-in-Detroit.aspxTwo new Bentley Continental V8 models has been unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.10/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39433/Citron-unveils-new-C1.aspxThe latest Beetle might be 'more power, less flower', but that doesn't mean that it's anything other than environmentally conscientious, and that's especially the case with the E-Bugster concept, which is powered purely by electricity. 10/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39435/Hybrid-sports-coupe-presented-by-Lexus.aspxLexus has unveiled a new design concept for a hybrid 2+2 sport coupe at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a driver-focused vehicle that displays a possible future design direction for the premium manufacturer.10/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39432/Mercedes-Benz-launches-hybrid-offensive.aspxMercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in its brand's core segment and at the same time setting new standards for luxury-class business vehicles: the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, available as a saloon and estate, impresses with new record values when it comes to efficiency. It boasts exemplary consumption levels (67.2mpg) as well as impressive performance: the 4-cylinder diesel engine of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID has 204bhp and 500Nm. Combined with an electric motor producing 250Nm, this results in a coherent overall concept. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is the most economical luxury-class vehicle in the world.10/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39431/Oerlikon-Graziano-reveals-details-of-new-multi-speed-EV-transmission.aspxHigh-performance transmission specialist Oerlikon Graziano has revealed further technical details of its revolutionary multi-speed transmission for electric vehicles (EVs). The innovative transmission uses the principles of dual clutch transmissions (DCTs) to provide seamless shifting and up to 15 percent improvement in vehicle efficiency.10/01/2012http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/article/39436/Startstop-production-milestone-reached-at-Bosch-facility.aspxBosch has produced its five millionth start/stop starter in Hildesheim. Since production began in 2007, more and more orders have come in for this fuel-saving technology. The reason for this huge success is simple. 10/01/2012