68 Lesabre 400 L-r Tail Light Assembly on 2040-parts.com

Michelin launches 2012 Challenge Design competition

What began back in 2000 as a forum for people who share a passion for vehicle design and innovation has grown to inspire thousands of entries from 96 countries. Over the past decade, Michelin Challenge Design (MCD) participants have submitted vehicle design concepts for personal and public transport addressing a broad range of geographic themes and industry issues. And now, as the 2011 program draws to a close, MCD has announced the 2012 program, which opens for pre-registration from October 1, 2010 to March 4, 2011.

We sample Honda's car technology of the future

Ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show 2013 we’ve been to Honda’s research and development facility in Tochigi to see and experience some of the Japanese firm’s new and upcoming products and technology. We’ve covered the new Honda Civic Type R in some detail separately, but among the other cars driven here is the next generation Honda Jazz (known as the Fit in Japan), no less than three different types of Honda hybrid system, including one similar to that fitted in the forthcoming NSX supercar, and an all-carbonfibre CR-Z prototype. On top of which, we’ve also experienced a self-driving car, watched a crazy automatic-parking demonstration and sampled the latest version of the all-electric Micro-Commuter, Honda’s equivalent of the Renault Twizy.

Kia ED

The first official photos of the new Kia ED 5-door hatch were released at the time of the British Motor Show. As part of Kia's continuing effort to establish the brand in the European market, ED jumps straight into the hottest and the most competitive cluster of the European C-segment. Previewed as the Cee'd concept at the 2006 Geneva Motorshow, ED is not only looking to take on the likes of Ford Focus, Renault Megane and VW Golf, but also aims to lift the brand image and appeal to 'badge conscious' European consumers.