Lexus Rx350 2004-2009 Cargo Cover .tan on 2040-parts.com

Chris Bangle begins work with Changan Automobile on its design strategy and methodology

Chris Bangle is to consult with Changan Automobile to help develop its design strategy and processes in his first official automotive project since leaving BMW in 2009. Bangle – through his company Chris Bangle Associates (CBA) – will work with Changan's team in its European design center in Turin, Italy, reporting to design director Chen Zheng. And while his role will be linked to the brand's Chinese products, his focus will be on the design team's methodologies and philosophy; its management and its process of critique, rather than the hands-on design of its products.

2012 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG costs £54,950

2012 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG The Mercedes SLK 55 AMG, which was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is to cost £54,950 in the UK. The 2012 Mercedes SLK AMG 55 was revealed just before the Frankfurt Motor Show, and Mercedes told us it would go on sale in the UK in early 2012. So it’s a good job they’ve finally managed to come up with a price for the new SLK 55 AMG so at least UK buyers will finally know what they’ve got to stump up – £54,950.

Toyota Matrix likely to be dropped

Toyota will roll out Tundra and Corolla redesigns next year and will revise the RAV4, Avalon and Highlander, but there are some things the division probably won't do. For example, there is a strong possibility that the Corolla-based Matrix hatchback will not be renewed for the United States when the Corolla redesign comes next fall. "If we don't have the Matrix, it won't be the end of the world," said Toyota Division boss Bill Fay at the press introduction of the RAV4 in Phoenix.