Nissan X-trail N-tec Mk3 2014-2016 Interior Roof Courtesy Light on 2040-parts.com

Who's Where: Luc Donckerwolke appointed Head of Advanced Design at VW Group

Luc Donckerwolke has been appointed Head of Advanced Design at the Volkswagen Group effective August 1, 2011. In this new function, he will report directly to Walter de'Silva, Volkswagen Group's Head of Design. Donckerwolke's successor as Director of Design at the Seat brand is Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos.

Alfa MiTo 1.3 JTDM-2 – paint job by Louise Dear

Alfa Romeo Art Car by Louise Childs Alfa Romeo are pushing quite a few PR buttons with the congestion charge busting Alfa MiTo 1.3 JTDM-2 85bhp, the latest of which is the ‘Art Car’ in the photo above. Recently, we had Alfa pitting the MiTo 1.3 JTDM-2 85bhp in a race around London against an athlete. On the face of it that race was to promote UK Athletics (sponsored by Alfa Romeo) but a big part, and the reason for the ‘London’ angle, is that the latest MiTo emits just 95g/km – the perfect London car.

GM disbands unit that creates high-performance vehicles

General Motors, focusing on mainstream products in a battle to survive, has scrapped a unit that produced high-performance vehicles. GM on Wednesday disbanded High Performance Vehicle Operations, which is based at the company's suburban Detroit technical center, and redeployed its engineers, spokesman Vince Muniga said. "All high-performance projects are on indefinite hold," Muniga said.