North East worst for road safety

THE NORTH EAST of England has the worst rates for deaths and serious injuries on England’s roads according to data from the Department for Transport. In 2012, the number of deaths and serious injuries in the North East increased by 8%, with an extra 65 incidents recorded compared to 854 in 2011. The South East of England, which suffered some of the worst statistics in 2011, is now the most improved region.

Who's Where: Dave Rand resigns from Changan Automobile

Dave Rand, the former General Motors Design Chief, has resigned from the Chinese State-owned automaker after joining the company last October. Rand's resignation, which was made official last week, follows that of his senior at Changan, Ken Ma who stepped down as Vice President of Design earlier this year. It is not clear precisely why both men have decided to leave the Chinese carmaker, but several people familiar with the situation have said that both Rand and Ma's departures are connected with Changan Auto's recent financial difficulties.

Porsche Cayenne and Panamera production temporarily stops

Porsche stopped production today at its assembly plant in Leipzig, Germany, after floods in the region disrupted supplies. The factory builds the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sedan for global markets, including the United States. Porsche told workers on today's early shift not to come into work after floods in the Czech Republic halted supply of Cayenne bodies.