Altrom Imports Atm Wk582 - Brake Pad Electronic Wear Sensor - Front on 2040-parts.com

Q&A: David Townsend, GM global design director, user experience

GM's new design director of user experience, David Townsend, has only been in the job just over a month. But with a remit extending to the interface design of every vehicle in GM's global portfolio, his influence will soon be widespread. After graduating from Art Center with a degree in transportation design, Townsend interned for Toyota but soon moved to Motorola, where he developed wearable Bluetooth technology and designed the familiar headsets worn by coaches in the NFL.

Vauxhall: Three new engine ranges arriving in next year

Vauxhall Mokka - a likely recipient of the new Vauxhall engine range Vauxhall – and we assume Opel – are planning three new engine ranges to launch in the next twelve months. Vauxhall has revealed that they are planning a wholesale revamp of their engine range with the launch of three new engine ranges in the next year, starting with a new 1.6 litre turbo petrol. The new turbo petrol engine will get direct injection and start-stop technology that Vauxhall say will cut fuel consumption by 13 per cent.

The Designers, Pt6 – Laurens van den Acker, Renault

Car Design News launched its first-ever Car Design Review yearbook at the Geneva Motor Show, featuring the award-winning Production Car and Concept Car Designs of 2013. If you're interested in buying a copy of the 160-page yearbook this interview appears in, alongside trend reports, bespoke car design infographics and a special feature on Marcello Gandini, our inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Car Design Review can be purchased here. Name Laurens van den AckerRole VP design, Renault GroupAge, nationality 48, DutchLocation Paris, FranceEducation Delft University of Technology, Holland "I hope 2013 was the end of the crisis in Europe.