Nissan Bluebird Sylphy 2002 Multi Monitor [2761300] on 2040-parts.com

Future products: Kia seeks lively, upscale look

Kia's redesigned Optima sedan and the Cadenza replacement for the Amanti, both due next year, reflect an emphasis on creating a livelier and more upscale look for the once-bland brand. Indeed, styling has been a crucial element of Kia's new-product push in the past 18 months. The team at Kia Design Center America near Los Angeles--part of the automaker's global design network led by onetime Audi design chief Peter Schreyer--has helped set the new styling direction.

BMW to invest £500 million in UK MINI production

David Cameron welcomes BMW's £500 million investment in the UK What’s going on? Two days on the trot we get good news about the UK economy. Yesterday we reported that Nissan are to invest £192 million to design and build the next generation Qashqai in the UK, and today comes confirmation from BMW that they will be spending £500 million over the next three years in the UK as they gear up for the next generation MINI.

Lexus launches own Design Award contest

The first Lexus Design Award has been launched that gives the next generation of designers the chance of seeing their work showcased at next year's Milan Design Week. The theme of this global competition is ‘Motion', with Lexus looking for designs that respond to issues 
in daily life that relate to ‘Motion' as well as providing solutions. Two of the ten award winners will then develop prototypes with a renowned designer – either Sam Hecht or Junya Ishigami – acting as their mentor.