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Who's Where: Frank Stephenson appointed Director of Design for Alfa Romeo

Frank Stephenson began his new position as Director of Design at Alfa Romeo today, CDN can reveal. Stephenson left his role as Head of the Fiat, Lancia and Commercial Vehicle Styling Center last month and is now effectively filling a role that has been unoccupied since Wolfgang Egger left to become head of Audi's Style Center. Since Lorenzo Ramaciotti has been recently appointed to a newly created position as Cheif of Design at Fiat, Stephenson's previous position is now vacant.

Rolls Royce has record 2008

We reported a while back about Rolls Royce prospering despite the credit crunch, and figures revealed today show that they continue to prosper despite the doom and gloom. When we last wrote about this back in November, we reported that Rolls Royce’s year end showed an increase of 38% year on year, with a total of 945 cars sold. Well, they’ve obviously continued in the same vein as their 2008 sales total has reached 1210, an increase of 20% over 2007.

What the 2014 Malibu tells us about the future of styling

Decades ago, Detroit's automakers changed their offerings' sheet metal, or at least substantial parts of it, every model year. The process of revealing revised models to the public boosted the glamour and mystique of the entire industry. Dealership windows were papered over; display models were smuggled in under wraps; anticipation grew to a fever pitch.