Huntsman U-Box concept explores use of carbon materials

If you attended our Car Design Night at this year's Geneva motor show, you may well have seen the U-Box concept vehicle parked outside the entrance. Developed by Huntsman Advanced Materials, this 'last mile' delivery vehicle is a showcase of the company's composite materials expertise. "The D3 Group [based in Paris] designed the car and also came up with the idea of 'last-mile delivery'," explains Harald Wiedemann, Vice President of Huntsman Advanced Materials (EMEAI).

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

‘Big Red London Bus’ returns

The 21st Century 'Routemaster' Double-Decker Bus will be in service by 2012 I doubt we can speak for everyone who visits London. But from our perspective London is a poorer place now the iconic Routemaster red buses are relegated to the odd heritage route and pay-to-see tourist trip (and we’d have to say the same about Mercedes Taxis – nicer places to be but they don’t look right). What’s needed is a 21st century version of the Routemaster (and the Black Cab – but that’s another story).