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Mercedes S Class production cut as sales fall

Mercedes is cutting production of the range topping S Class to a one shift operation as sales fall ahead of the new 2013 S Class. But there are now plenty of signs that even premium car makers are not immune from the economic climate – particularly in Europe – as sales start to slide. We recently commented that Jaguar sales are not as strong as they were and now it seems Mercedes is starting to feel the punch as sales of the range-topping S Class falter.

Keyless ignition trends toward standardization

A federal plan to require automakers to standardize keyless ignition systems in the wake of Toyota's unintended acceleration problems is likely to mirror industry guidelines issued in January, an automaker group said. Large automakers except Toyota said they already comply with the guidelines crafted by SAE International or plan to do so. These "recommended practices'' seek to counter the variation, driver confusion and safety problems that have ensued since automakers started installing push-button ignition in luxury models.

How to Draw Cars Now! tutorials target budding car designers

Whether you're just starting out in car design, or if you're looking to brush up on your presentation techniques, How to Draw Cars Now! Analog vs Digital Drawing Techniques by Arvind Ramkrishna is a new resource that aims to improve your skills. Not to be confused with the I Draw Cars Sketchbook, Ramkrishna's offers two DVDs, a 20-page reference book as well as three Ebooks that cover all the basics of automotive illustration from basic sketching techniques through to full-blown digital painting with all steps in between.