2004 2005 Mazda Foglamp on 2040-parts.com

Royal College of Art and SABIC collaborate on new ‘VISIcON’ program and design competition

The Royal of Art and chemicals manufacturer SABIC has announced the launch of a three-month research program and competition called 'VISIcON'. Over 30 post-graduate students from the college's Vehicle Design program are studying and analyzing how SABIC's thermoplastic lighting materials and LEXAN polycarbonate (PC) glazing technologies can be used practically and creatively to improve the lighting and illumination of future vehicles. VISIcON asks students from the RCA's automotive students split into three groups: the Automark group's emphasis on developing and enhancing brand identity through lighting; Urban Flow's focus directed towards discovering innovative exterior lighting; and Inside Out studio is working on improving and extending the use of light in the vehicle interior through lighting components and PC glazing.

Reports that General Motors will sell Opel dismissed as 'nonsense'

German press reports that General Motors Co. is putting its European unit Opel/Vauxhall up for sale were dismissed as speculation by the division and as "nonsense" by a German state with an Opel factory. The magazines Auto Bild and Spiegel reported that GM is considering putting Opel up for sale as management is losing confidence that its European arm will return to profitability.

AC Mk VI: AC Cars return to the UK

Here's a blast from the past. AC has announced it's returning to the UK market and will exhibit the Mk VI version of its venerable roadster at the 2011 Geneva motor show. AC, a UK manufacturer that's 110-years-young in 2011 but with more regenerations than a Doctor Who convention, is establishing a new base at Brooklands.