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Who's Where?: Maximilian Missoni becomes vice president exterior design at Volvo

Maximilian Missoni has been promoted to the position of vice president of exterior design at Volvo Cars. He replaces Fedde Talsma, who has elected to leave the company. Talsma's decision brings to an end a career at Volvo that began in 1982, with the past nine years spent as the firm's exterior design director.  Although Volvo states that Talsma has retired after serving 31-years at the Swedish firm, his LinkedIn profile states that he is now an independent automotive design adviser in his native Netherlands.

Ferrari 149M Project for Geneva Motor Show – looks like a California update

Ferrari Project 149M will be revealed on 12th February 2014 It’s was 2012 when Ferrari updated their entry-level car – the Ferrari California – with less weight, more power and a handling package, and it looks like they’re about to do the same again. Ferrari are trailing a reveal of ‘Project 149M’ for the 12th February – and a reveal at the Geneva Motor Show next month – which, although slightly cryptic sounding, does point firmly to a Ferrari California ‘Modificato’. The California has the internal product code ‘F149′ and Ferrari has a history of producing ‘Modificato’ or ‘M’ versions of their road cars to move the game on – think Ferrari 575M.

How South America designed the Ford Ka

The Ka Concept was shown at the São Paulo auto show in Brazil in November 2013, and was revealed in production form last week. It marks the first time the Ka has reflected the broader brand homogeneity of the 'One Ford' design strategy, and continues the Ka's shift in direction from the distinctive original.The new car is the work of Ford's South American design studio in Camaçari, Brazil - its second 'One Ford' car, following the EcoSport. But while the crossover enters a new segment, the 17-year history of the Ka nameplate in Brazil gives an insight into how the demands of the local market have taken precedence over design iconicity.