2005 06 07 2008 Nissan Frontier / Pathfinder Left Headlight. Oem, Almost New. on 2040-parts.com

Nissan’s new lightweight philosophy revealed

The leaked official drawings of the new Nissan Micra might have revealed the conventional styling of the company’s new supermini, but they gave little clue to the dramatically lightweight new platform that underpins it. The new Micra will be significantly lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing car due to a ruthless pursuit of weight reduction on the new V-platform (V = versatile), which on average has slashed 50kg from the new car's weight, and up to 70kg on some models. Project leader Noritaka Tsuru described the new package as a 'breakthrough car' that required a complete 'change in mentality' in how Nissan makes cars.

Alan Mulally spells out the future

Ford CEO Alan Mulally is famously on-message, handing out business-card-size versions of his business plan to all and sundry, including his “One Ford” mantra. “One Ford” covers a lot of ground, but it's shorthand for Ford becoming a single entity where the right hand knows what the left hand is doing. It's close kin to the concept of building global product platforms that spread costs for product development and parts over the greatest possible volume.

Michelin Challenge Design 2007 - 'Sharing the Road'

It's estimated over 1.2 million people die each year in traffic mishaps around the world. That's 3200 per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, year after year. With such statistics in mind, 'Sharing the Road' was designated as the theme for the 2007 Michelin Challenge Design competition.