Exclusive: Honda to Close European Design Studios

In a surprise announcement, Honda has decided to close design operations in Europe, based in Germany. The decision to shut down both the car design and motorcycle design studios of Honda R&D Europe (HRE-G) in Offenbach, near Frankfurt was taken at the end of September and came as a shock announcement to employees. It represents the latest casualty in cuts for the car design community.

California considers pay-as-you-go auto insurance

There are pay-as-you-go cell phones and all-you-can-eat buffets, and somewhere in between slots a new auto insurance concept under consideration in California. The proposed regulations would allow insurance companies to offer coverage plans paid for by the mile, in addition to traditional plans. The idea is to allow consumers to pay for what they use--and potentially save money.

Braunschweig University of Art Show 2005

Transportation Design students from Braunschweig University of Art in Germany presented their work at the 2005 graduation show held in July. The show displayed final thesis projects as well as projects from the last term. Graduating student Ingo Brueckmann presented an open roadster as his diploma project.