Classic Mini Mki Front Engine Plate, A Series on 2040-parts.com

Who's Where: Martin Smith to retire, succeeded by Joel Piaskowski as Ford Europe head of design

Martin Smith, head of Ford of Europe design for the last 10 years, will retire at the end of this year, before which he will work on a project to study the future direction of the company's global design direction. He will be replaced by current head of strategic concepts group, Joel Piaskowski on 1 July. Smith (64) first joined Ford back in 2004, leaving General Motors as director of design for Opel/Vauxhall.

College Exhibition: CCS Spring Show 2009

This year's CCS Senior Show provided another year of outstanding graduates while the automotive industry continues to retract due to the global financial crisis. Given all the negative news about auto bankruptcies and closures, it was refreshing to see such youthful, creative and challenging designs in a modern and hopeful environment. The projects on display ranged from militaristic Jeep off-road vehicles to a microvan for the ‘future family of two = single parent + only child'.

Iconic Volkswagen Kombi camper not dead yet

In what would be the perfect present for thousands of Volkswagen fans across the globe, rumours are circulating that the iconic Kombi vancould be set for a comeback. What’s even more remarkable is the fact the news comes just two days before production of the VW Kombi was set to end, bringing to a close 63 years of history. On Bing: see pictures of the Volkswagen Kombi Van The end of the road for Volkswagen’s classic Camper van Earlier this year, Volkswagen do Brasil announced that the Kombi Last Edition would – as its name suggests – draw a curtain on the legendary Dub’s run, which includes 56 years of production on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil.