Commentary: Victoria Beckham appointed Creative Design Executive at Range Rover

On hearing that Victoria Beckham (aka Posh Spice) had become Range Rover's Creative Design Executive last week, initial reaction was to check the date – was it April 1st? Apparently Land Rover wasn't fooling anybody, instead sending shockwaves through the automotive industry with the announcement, made at the unveiling of the Evoque at Kensington Palace, London. Celebrity brand tie-ups are nothing new – Justin Timberlake is currently the Audi A1's brand ambassador – yet the implication is that Beckham's involvement with Range Rover will go much further.

Jaguar chooses ‘XE’ name for new small sports saloon (2014)

By Ollie Kew and Phil McNamara First Official Pictures 04 March 2014 13:06 Jaguar will call its new small sports saloon ‘XE’, the company has confirmed. The new sub-XF fastback, scooped by CAR in a world exclusive earlier in 2014, will be available from early 2015, with four-cylinder engines first. Eventually, you’ll be able to choose from, rear- and four-wheel drive versions, including a 550bhp flagship hot rod.

Mercedes-Benz inaugurates Advanced Design Studio in Beijing, China

Mercedes-Benz inaugurated its global Advanced Design Center in Beijing, China, yesterday, Thursday July 21. The Beijing design center, Daimler's fifth advanced design studio worldwide, further reinforces the growing importance of the Chinese auto market and Beijing in particular; the city is increasingly influencing changing needs and trends. The new 1,000 square meter Advanced Design Studio employs a total of around 20 designers who will contribute to the future design of Mercedes-Benz automobiles, competing and working with the company's other studios in Germany, Italy, Japan and the USA.