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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.

Vauxhall Rake concept (2011) at Frankfurt motor show

Alongside the Astra GTC and Zafira Tourer, Vauxhall (and thus Opel) is unveiling something a little more ‘out there’ at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. It’s this tiny city car, known by Vauxhall as RAK e, and which we’re going to call the Rake. The name is a modern take on the Rak 2, a rocket-powered Opel that hit 140mph in 1928.

Button issues Triathlon challenge

Formula 1 star Jenson Button is challenging his McLaren team-mates to down tools and race him - in the annual triathlon he organises. The 2009 world champion driver is signing up his mechanics to take part in the challenge being staged in July for the third year. Button is a keen athlete who has taken part in a number of triathlons over the years.