Beck/arnley 201-1994 Ignition Switch on 2040-parts.com

Why Ford’s Euro design is changing: Joel Piaskowski replaces Martin Smith

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 28 May 2014 14:30 Ford today confirmed that it is shaking up its European design team, as it appoints Joel Piaskowski to replace the retiring Martin Smith. Smith, 64, has led Ford of Europe’s design team for a decade and is the father of the brand’s edgy ‘kinetic design’, but will step down on 1 July 2014, it was announced this afternoon. Before he retires fully at the end of the year Smith will work with the Blue Oval’s vice president of design, Moray Callum, on a global project looking at the future of Ford design.

Volkswagen CrossBlue concept

Volkswagen has unveiled its new CrossBlue SUV concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Developed specifically for the North American market, if it makes it into production it will sit above the Tiguan and below the Touareg in the VW SUV range. The CrossBlue was designed in Germany under the leadership of VW Group's head of design Walter de'Silva and Klaus Bischoff, the VW Brand's head of design in close co-operation with Volkswagen of America.

BBC’S TOP GEAR HIGHLIGHTS THE DANGERS OF BUYING USED

A RECENT episode of BBC Two’s Top Gear shone the spotlight on the pitfalls associated with buying a used car. The team bought three BMW 325i convertibles and demonstrated how seemingly identical vehicles can have a very different past. HPI warns consumers to remain vigilant and protect themselves with an HPI Check.