1953 Chrysler Imperial Cluster on 2040-parts.com

Plans for Smart’s three-seat sports car uncovered in patent drawings

Mercedes-Benz is developing a three-seat sports car for Smart. Depicted here in a series of European patent-application sketches obtained by AutoWeek, the radical new sports car forms part of an extended range of new Smart models planned for introduction by the middle of the next decade, including a more conventional four-seater to be produced in cooperation with Renault. Mercedes-Benz is reacting to increased competition from Toyota in the form of the iQ and the impending arrival of similar urban-based offerings from premium-brand rivals Audi and BMW.

Renault Scenic unveiled at Geneva motor show 2009

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 03 March 2009 11:00 Practicality is the name of the game here. The Scenic led the charge into compact MPVs back when the genre was in its infancy – and you can tell how long ago that was by the fact that Renault today launched the third-generation Scenic and Grand Scenic duo. No prizes for guessing they’re closely related to the Megane hatchback family, so much of the hardware is shared.

News watch November 2011: today's auto industry news

Welcome to CAR Magazine's news aggregator as we round up the daily stories in the auto industry. Top tip: news summaries are added from the top hour-by-hour Tuesday 29 November 2011• Saab's UK division today filed for administration as it waits for funding from its would-be Chinese investors (Automotive News Europe) • In a statement, Saab GB said: 'Saab Great Britain Ltd filed for administration with the High Court in London... The  board of Saab GB is of the opinion that administration gives the company and creditors the necessary legal protection until the required funding for the company has been secured'• Frantic negotiations continue between Saab owner Swedish Automobile and its Chinese suitors, Youngman and Pang Da, which signed an MOU to buy Saab for €100 million.