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Euro NCAP finds quadricycles had “severe safety problems”

Euro NCAP has branched out from cars and crash tested a small selection of “heavy quadricycles”  – small, four-wheeled vehicles that were originally developed from motorcycles that are sometimes also known as microcars, and don’t come under the usual car regulations. Although legal for use on the road, these machines do not need to achieve the same rigorous crash test safety standards as ordinary cars. But they are increasingly seen as a fuel-efficient urban transportation alternative, and some of them can be driven teenagers as young as 16.

Ford Start concept (w/ Gallery)

Ford unveiled the Start concept at Auto China last week. Designed at Ford's California-based Strategic Concept Group under the direction of Freeman Thomas, the concept demonstrates that a compact car can also be pragmatic and functional. "I'm an enthusiast of minimalism but it should not be cold," Thomas said of the design when we met him in Beijing.

Who's Where: Alfonso Albaisa appointed Vice President of Nissan Design Europe

Alfonso Albaisa has been appointed vice president of Nissan Design Europe (NDE) located in Paddington, London, effective April 1, 2007. Albaisa replaces Satoru Tai, who will return to Japan. In his new role, the 42-year-old Cuban-American will head a team of more than 50 international designers, modelers and support staff.