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Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

Driving the Edison 2 Very Light Car 4.0

Oliver Kuttner got into the alternative car business to make money. Or, more accurately, he got into it to win money. In 2010, the $5 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize was up for grabs and Kuttner, a Charlottesville, Va., real estate developer and former IMSA/ALMS racer, won it with his single-cylinder-engined Very Light Car (“Lightweight Endeavors,” June 27, 2011).

Do you want a tiny James May running round your Smartphone?

James May Science Museum App If you fancy the idea of Top Gear’s James May teaching you science then a new App from the Science Museum is right up your street. Regular Top Gear viewers may remember Messrs Clarkson, May and Hammond taking on ‘Art’ a few seasons ago to teach Northerners how to appreciate galleries. Part of what they did – apart from stealing ’Footballists’ to populate the gallery – was an audio guide for the art gallery tour narrated by James May.