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AutoStyle 2010

Earlier this year, we had the pleasure to attend AutoStyle 2010's design competition; a wonderfully familial, small-scale event that takes place in the picturesque village of San Benedetto Po, in northern Italy. Hosted by Berman, an aftermarket supplier of bespoke components to many OEMs, the event is a two-day gathering where many of the industry's designers, buyers and suppliers attend a conference to hear about the trends as perceived by automakers and to see the newest ‘special versions' created by budding designers. The 7th edition of the AutoStyle design competition showcased a wide array of aftermarket designs for the Ferrari California, Nissan Micra, Ford Focus, Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Citroen DS Highrider concept.

2012 VW Beetle: UK prices and models revealed

2012 VW Beetle: UK prices and models revealed Perhaps the title of VW’s press release for the 2012 Beetle details for the UK best illustrates exactly what VW hope to achieve with the new Beetle: “Less Flower, More Power”. Which is probably the only way VW are going to get anyone in Europe – certainly any male in Europe – to take a serious look at a car which is perceived as a pointless rehash of a once iconic car in to a fashion accessory for those who don’t love cars. So now you know the flower vase has lost its pride of place, and the 2012 Beetle is a bit more of a car and a bit less of a fashion accessory, you may want to know what’s on offer.

Mercedes signs joint venture to build carbonfibre parts

Not to be outdone by BMW’s joint venture with the SGL Group to manufacturer commercially viable carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the electric Megacity Vehicle, Mercedes has announced a joint venture with Japanese company Toray Industries to manufacturer and market its on CFRP automotive parts. The deal was signed in Germany today, with Toray taking a 50.1% stake, Daimler holding 44.9% and the remaining 5% being taken by other shareholders. The two companies started working together in March 2010, and while Toray has been working on the materials and moulding processes, Merc has designed the automotive parts and the technologies to join the parts together.