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Aston Martin Rapide – First customer car

The first Aston Martin Rapide leaves the factory It may not seem the biggest news in the world – Aston Martin Rapide leaves factory for customer’. After all, that is rather the point. But the gestation of the AM Rapide seems to have been so long it’s quite hard to remember who owned Aston Martin when the Rapide first poked its very elegant nose above the parapet, so it seems a big deal that complete cars are now heading out to customers.

Renault Kangoo ZE electric concept at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 15 September 2009 12:00 This is the Renault Kangoo ZE, just unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. It’s a preview of the Kangoo-based electric commercial vehicle that Renault will sell from 2011. That white paint is practical – it’s heat-reflective and helps to prevent temperature fluctuations, as does the Thermos-style double-layer bodywork.

Toyota's global design chief Tokuo Fukuichi appointed president of Lexus

Toyota's global design chief Tokuo Fukuichi will be the first designer to sit on the company's board of directors when his appointment comes into effect on 1 April. Fukuichi will retain his position as global head of design for the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands and will join the board after the general shareholders' meeting. His influence on Toyota's design direction over the last few years has been noticeable, particularly with Lexus, as the company strives to make its traditionally very conservative products a little more exciting.