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Next generation MINI Countryman to arrive in 2016

The next generation MINI Countryman to arrive in 2016 (current model pictured) We’ve recently had the arrival of the all new MINI, and the next year or so will see the roll-out of a succession of takes on the new MINI. But that process of building a MINI for every possible niche won’t complete until the MINI Countryman (and its coupe sibling, the MINI Paceman) are replaced. That now looks likely to happen in 2016 as, according to Automotive News, BMW is to end production of the MINI Countryman and Paceman at Magna Steyr in Austria in 2016 and move production of the Countryman and Paceman to Oxford and the new MINI Plant in the Netherlands.

Exclusive: Frank Stephenson to become Design Director at McLaren

Thanks to our contacts in the automotive design community, we've become aware that Frank Stephenson, who until recently was Director of Design at Alfa Romeo, will be taking on a new role as Design Director at McLaren. "McLaren is pleased to confirm that Frank Stephenson will shortly join as Design Director," a company spokesperson told CDN, but would not reveal additional details. Stephenson was not prepared to comment.

Malaysian Grand Prix: Hamilton quickest in Friday practice as McLaren & Mercedes dominate

McLaren quickest in practice for 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton put the disappointment of Australia behind him to dominate Friday practice for the Malaysian Grand Prix. The opening F1 Grand Prix of the year in Australia last week saw McLaren take an impressive first and third with Jenson Button doing his best Alain Prost imitation to dominate proceedings, with team-mate Hamilton managing third after a poor start. But Hamilton’s grumpy face on the podium in Melbourne said it all – not a start to the new season McLaren’s ‘senior’ driver wanted.