18-24 Chevy Equinox Fuel Door on 2040-parts.com

Chris Bangle begins work with Changan Automobile on its design strategy and methodology

Chris Bangle is to consult with Changan Automobile to help develop its design strategy and processes in his first official automotive project since leaving BMW in 2009. Bangle – through his company Chris Bangle Associates (CBA) – will work with Changan's team in its European design center in Turin, Italy, reporting to design director Chen Zheng. And while his role will be linked to the brand's Chinese products, his focus will be on the design team's methodologies and philosophy; its management and its process of critique, rather than the hands-on design of its products.

Labour Pushes For Kids-In-Car Smoking Ban

IN A MOVE that could see drivers responsible for ensuring all passengers stub out their cigarettes when in the presence of children, smoking in cars carrying children could become illegal if a vote in the House of Lords is passed. As part of an amendment to the Children and Families Bill, Labour wants to see a specific offence created to discourage people from smoking around children. Crucially, the amendment would make it an offence for drivers of private vehicles to fail to prevent smoking when a child is present.

Fashion link-up creates Mii by Mango

FASHIONISTAS everywhere will only be thinking about Mii this summer, after Seat and fashion retailer Mango announced a team effort to produce a special edition city car. The Mii by Mango is just the first step in a partnership between the two Spanish giants, tweaking the surprisingly spacious little car with unique styling details and a special colour option called Nude. Dark grey alloy wheels, different side skirts and Mii by Mango badges mark the model out from its more straight-laced siblings.