Monroe/expert Series Sc2940 Steering Damper on 2040-parts.com

Mazda hires VW alum Derek Jenkins to head U.S. design staff

Former Volkswagen designer Derek Jenkins has been hired to be the design chief for Mazda in America. Jenkins, 39, fills a position vacated last summer by Franz von Holzhausen, who left to take the top design post at electric-vehicle maker Tesla Motors. Jenkins had been chief of design for the Volkswagen Group in North America, which he joined in 2000.

Chrysler Shakes Up Design Leadership

A recent shuffle of Chrysler Group's design team could be just what the company needs to effect a quick turnaround after bankruptcy, industry analysts say. The automaker has promoted three men from within to head design for its Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands. These freshly created positions - part of a broader restructuring effort - will report to Ralph Gilles, senior vice president of product design.

Mercury fading: A look back at some of the brand's milestone cars

Rarely do we at AutoWeek like to see a nameplate get deep-sixed. When one does, we enthusiasts get a little nostalgic. Whether it's remembering the one our grandma had or the piece of junk we bought after high school, no brand lives for more than 70 years without a few high points.