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Car Design News to host a trio of events around Beijing auto show

As the automotive world looks forward to Beijing, and what promises to be one of the most significant auto show in this year's calendar, Car Design News is actively contributing to the focus on China by hosting three events – CDN Interior Motives China Conference, Car Design Awards China and Car Design Night. CDN Interior Motives China Conference Our annual CDN Interior Motives China Conference takes place over the weekend of 21-22 April, immediately prior to the opening of the motor show. The theme of this year's conference – ‘Chinese Car Design 2.0 The foundations are in place; let the creativity begin' – neatly sums up the challenge facing designers in the world's largest car market.

Marc Girard appointed head of Interior Design at BMW Cars

Marc Girard starts his new job as head of the Interior Design department at BMW Automobiles today, taking over the post previously held by Michael Ninic who died unexpectedly last year. His appointment also alleviates some of the pressure put on Adrian van Hooydonk, who has effectively been managing both exterior and interior design departments for BMW Cars as well as acclimatizing to his new role as design director of the BMW Group following Chris Bangle's departure last month. A BMW Group designer for the last 15 years, French-born Girard was most recently team leader for Interior Design at BMW Automobiles, having been promoted from the position of head of interior design at MINI - a role he filled from 2004 to 2006.

Peugeot RCZ View Top: It’s an RCZ with a Venetian blind for a roof

Magna Steyr is showcasing its technology with the Peugeot RCZ View Top Concept featuring a roof made of folding glass panels. The USP of the RCZ is its Zagato-esque double-bubble glass roof, a daring (and expensive)  design feature for a modestly priced production car. But what the double-bubble roof does is give a little bit of extra headroom in the back of the RCZ which makes it just about useable for vertically challenged passengers.