Michael Mauer appointed head of design at Porsche

Porsche AG has anounced the appointment of Michael Mauer to take over as chief designer from Harm Lagaay, who will retire on July 1 after 15 years in the post. Michael Mauer, 41, studied automobile design at Pforzheim University, and started his career at Mercedes-Benz. In 1989, he was appointed design project leader for the Mercedes V Class models, and was in charge of design work for the first SLK model generation.

Renault unveils R-Link tablet

Renault is aiming to take its in-vehicle user interface modules to the next level with the new R-Link tablet system announced at LeWeb 2011 today, December 7.  R-Link features a seven-inch tactile screen, steering wheel-mounted controls and voice recognition systems. It is simultaneously connected to the vehicle's information and data center, the user's mobile phone and to the Cloud. The company claims that the bespoke UI features interactive and intuitive menus, which enable users to access all the car's functions and data easily.

New Ford Edge SUV revealed – and it’s heading for the UK

The new Ford Edge (above) will arrive in the UK in 2015 The new Ford Edge – new to the UK, but already in Ford’s model range in the US – has been revealed as Ford’s big hope to cash in on the still growing obsession with SUVs of all shapes and sizes in the UK. A big brother to the new Fiesta-based EcoSport and the longstanding Ford Kuga, the new Ford Edge rides on underpinnings that started out as the new Mondeo (well, new to the UK when it finally arrives in the Autumn) and owes its looks, more or less, to the Ford Edge Concept we saw at the LA Auto Show last year. Just like the Edge Concept, the new Ford edge comes with a big statement grill and big alloys, LED lights all round and a choice of three trim levels - Trend, Sport and Titanium – with more than a fighting chance that Ford will add a Vignale version too.