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Kia Picanto wins design award

Kia's growing design prowess isn't going unnoticed. The firm's latest prize comes from the iF design awards, for the three-door Picanto. The award recognizes design quality alongside a number of other criteria, including workmanship, innovation and eco-friendliness.

Fisker expects to partner with automakers

Fisker Automotive's CEO, warning of the pitfalls facing independent small automakers, says the luxury plug-in hybrid manufacturer is poised to partner with other automakers next year. Tony Posawatz, Fisker's CEO and former chief engineer of the Chevrolet Volt, told Automotive News that Fisker is in talks for three potential deals in which executives at the "highest levels" of the companies involved are "talking specifics." "We are absolutely committed to making this company win longer term, and the history of smaller companies living on their own in the automotive business is not stellar," Posawatz said in an interview. "We are not going to go it alone." Posawatz said alliance deals could be completed within the next year.

Nissan unveils new generation 'black cab'

NISSAN has unveiled its new ‘black cab’, adapted specifically for London and designed to win business from cabbies looking for a more reliable, more functional and less polluting vehicle. This year, emissions legislation will force many older taxis off the road, and noting the financial struggles of Manganese Bronze, the makers of the traditional black cab, Nissan has seen the opportunity to muscle in on the market. The famous London taxi design has come in for much criticism from cabbies for its unrefined drive, patchy reliability and questionable cabin ergonomics.