95 Accord Grill on 2040-parts.com

Jason Castriota to head Saab Design

When Car Design News spoke to Jason Castriota about the new design consultancy he had set up in New York and Turin back in March, the designer told us he was working on a very exciting automotive project that he couldn't talk about at the time. It turns out that automotive project was for Saab, as last week the Swedish automaker announced it had hired Jason Castriota Design to oversee the development of a new generation of Saab products – the first to be completed under the tenure of its new owners, Spyker. Castriota's new appointment marks the shift from Saab's former position – where the brand was an integrated company within GM – to its newfound placement as an independent automaker, with Castriota essentially filling the role previously occupied by Mark Adams, GM Europe's Vice President of Design.

End of an era for Dream Cruise landmark

One of the local landmarks that adds an authentic feel to Detroit's Woodward Dream Cruise has closed. The Vinsetta Garage, an art deco repair shop that dates to 1919 and sits just feet from Woodward Avenue, was shuttered last week as the owner prepares for a new direction in life. Jack Marwil, who owned the shop since 1989, plans to attend law school after the death of his wife this fall.

Citroen to launch range of Green, Eco cars

Citroen C-Cactus Concept will form the basis of a new range of Citroen Eco-Cars The first of the new range will be based on the existing C4, but feature bodywork based on the C-Cactus Concept (but a wee bit prettier, we hope) and featuring a range of green and economical propulsion systems. Under consideration are an electric version (EV),  a  form of hybrid technology or simply lopping a cylinder off and aiming to bring the Co2 down to under 100g/km. So that will give Citroen three distinct ranges.