Kia Naimo concept

As the Seoul Motor Show starts today, Thursday 31st March, Kia is debuting the Naimo all-electric concept. The concept takes its name from the Korean word ‘Ne-mo' meaning square shape - something that lends itself to the Naimo's aesthetic. The crossover utility vehicle, or CUV, was conceived by Kia's international design team in Seoul and is characterized by its ‘simple lines and solid, muscular stance.' The simple overall design sports such interjecting details as the wrap-around windscreen and asymmetric sunroof.  This mixture of simple and complex is a reference to the common traits of many traditional Korean arts and crafts.  The Naimo's interior was designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility and features hand-crafted materials throughout such as Korean oak on the floor and door cards, with "Han-ji" paper being used for the head lining. Juxtaposing these traditional elements are modern features such as the transparent organic led display instrument panel.

Toyota Yaris SR (2007): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 19 March 2007 01:19 I know what GTI stands for - what's this SR badge doing? SR stands for ‘sporting and refined’, says Toyota, perfectly describing its new ‘warm’ hatch. The Japanese manufacturer might be able to turn out hybrids by the thousands, but their recent sporting pedigree is pretty poor.

GM may extend Saab deadline, report says

General Motors is prepared to wait beyond the end of this week before deciding on the future of Saab as it reviews remaining bids, Bloomberg News reported. The news agency quoted Saab board member Paul Aakerlund as saying that if there is a bid that GM finds sufficiently interesting, then GM's Dec. 31 decision to wind down its Swedish unit "is not a date that's holy.” Aakerlund said GM told Saab last week that it would wind down Saab and simultaneously continue talks with bidders about a sale, said Aakerlund, who also heads the IF Metall union at Saab.