Winners announced in 2010 Car Design of the Year competition

The 2010 Car Design of the Year awards, which took place at the annual Car Design Night at La Sip nightclub in Geneva last night, recognized the winners of the best production and concept cars of 2010 as voted by Car Design News readers in an online poll. With over 1000 votes taken in over a three month period, the winners finally emerged as the Range Rover Evoque and the Pininfarina Duettottanta in the Best Production and Best Concept Car design categories, respectively. Officially unveiled at the 2010 Paris motor show, the Range Rover Evoque represents the best translation from concept car to production vehicle we've seen in recent times.

EPA makes it official--greenhouse gases are pollutants

On the eve of an international climate summit, the EPA on Monday formally declared greenhouse gases to be dangerous pollutants, strengthening President Barack Obama's hand and laying the groundwork for a new 35.5 mpg standard for light vehicles. The finding is likely to have a greater impact on electric utilities, oil companies and manufacturers than on the auto industry. The EPA's scientific finding reported that these gases “are the primary driver of climate change,” which can intensify heat waves and increase ozone pollution linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Dacia Duster SUV already selling well in UK

Despite no one in the UK yet having the chance to see or drive the new Dacia Duster SUV, Renault has taken over 1,000 orders. Renault has revealed that the Duster is selling well ahead of its arrival in the UK, despite none of its dealers having their own Duster to coax buyers in to a purchase. In the 100 days since the order book for the Dacia opened, Renault has taken more than 1,000 orders from all round the UK.