Bmw M3 Conv E36 Wheel Alloy Factory V11205 on 2040-parts.com

Pocketsquare to premiere Panasonic's driver-focussed HMI interior concept at NAIAS

Erstwhile GM interior design chief David Lyon, alongside former GM engineer Nina Mital and ex-Ford designer Gary Braddock – the three members of new Michigan-based design consultancy Pocketsquare – will have the first fruits of their new venture displayed at the NAIAS in Detroit in the form of Panasonic's advanced interior design concept. The interior makes use of Panasonic's new range of head-up displays and smart clusters to reduce driver distraction in advance of the latest proposed NHTSA legislation. The system is said to exceed these measures by as much as 35 per cent.

Renault Frendzy concept (2011) first official pictures

Renault has revealed its new 66bhp electric city vehicle – the Frendzy – and in true concept car style it features non-symmetrical doors (think Mini Clubman) and a TV screen instead of a rear window on the other side (think Pimp My Ride…). This is the 'Work' instalment of new styling chief Laurens van den Acker's series of concept cars showing the different sides of Renault design. It's also a hint of the new Kangoo. Not a great start then.

Electric Mercedes B-Class for China

Mercedes B-Class is the basis for new China BEV Back in March we reported that Mercedes and Chinese car maker BYD – they of the high-end battery technology – were getting cosy with plans to launch a new car make in China. And it looks like the first product on the list will be a BEV (battery electric vehicle) based on the current – soon to be repalced – Mercedes B Class. Which makes a lot of sense.