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Maybach from Jay-Z and Kanye West video up for auction

Just because Daimler shut down Maybach in November doesn't mean that the marque won't still fetch top dollar on the open market. But, if buyers want something with a little more flair and a little less Grey Poupon, they can head to the Phillips de Pury & Co. auction in New York to pick one up that was used in the Jay-Z and Kanye West video for the song “Otis.” The Maybach 57 with a pedigree is expected to go for about $125,000, a third of what one costs new.

Nissan to open new studio in Beijing

After last week's announcement of leadership changes at Nissan's North American and European design centers, Nissan Investment Co., Ltd (NCIC), a Nissan subsidiary in China, today revealed plans to expand its global design resources with the establishment of a new design studio in Beijing. "With the addition of 20 designers, Nissan's new studio will enhance our design capabilities, as well as our product competitiveness in China and Asia where the automotive industry continues to see robust growth," said Shiro Nakamura, chief creative officer and senior vice president of design and brand. "Locating the studio where our customers live and work allows us to best respond to their needs and design vehicles that exceed their expectations." Scheduled to open early in 2011, the studio in the Chao Yang district of Beijing will be the first design facility in China established by a Japanese automaker.

2013 VW Golf GTI MK 7 revealed

We have the first photos of the 2013 Vokswagen Golf GTI – the MK VII GTI – ahead of a debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. It’s just over three years since the MK 6 Golf GTI arrived and now – ahead of what was expected – we have the reveal of the 2013 VW Golf GTI MK VII. Heading for the 2012 Paris Motor SHow this week, the new Golf GTI holds no real surprises – it’s the MK 7 Golf with the usual GTI appendages.