Hot Wheels and Icon in sandbox battle

As first reported by Jeff Glucker of Hooniverse, the toymaker Mattel has been accused of infringing on a trademark held by the low-volume vehicle builder Icon 4X4. Icon claims that a Hot Wheels toy being distributed worldwide is based on its Icon FJ40—which itself is based on the Toyota FJ40—and that Hot Wheels' use of Icon's design, promotional materials and the name “FJ40” violates trademarks held by Icon. In its response to Tuesday's Hooniverse post, Hot Wheels claimed that the toy is not based on the Icon FJ40, and that it has the right to use the term “FJ40” despite Icon's trademark.

Japan's Toyota Prius Cup showcases hybrid car

With steely stares and clenched hands, the drivers peer from their crash helmets as the race marshal slowly raises the green flag. Then the flag drops. And they're off!

Interior Motives Design Conference 2006

A warm and sunny London was the venue for the second Design Conference organised by the UK-based magazine Interior Motives. The conference took place June 7-8 at the Museum in Docklands near Canary Wharf in the heart of the revitalized docklands area to the east of London and was enjoyed by around one hundred delegates from the international automotive design community.The two-day summit was chaired by educators from two design schools, as a way of deliberately promoting neutral yet informed discussions from the panel. Matteo Conti, Programme Leader of Transportation Design at Northumbria University introduced the speakers on the first day, while on day two Dave Muyres and Geoff Wardle from Art Center College of Design jointly chaired the session.