Hyundai & Kia get Google Maps integration – but not in UK

Hyundai and Kia are adding Google Maps functionality to their SatNav Systems in the US, but it’s not coming to the UK any time soon. In the US, Hyundai has a clever system called Blue Link (Kia has a similar system called UVO) that offers increased functionality for stuff like the SatNav, Remote Access, Location Sharing and Enhanced Recovery. It costs a few hundred dollars a year (for the all-singing, all-dancing version), but makes your Hyundai much smarter than the average bear.

Jaguar-designed Santa's sleigh (2009)

Santa's sleigh by Jaguar By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 14 December 2009 10:01 CAR has resurrected our Christmas theme from last year, commissioning some top car designers to sketch out their vision for Santa's sleigh. And our first festive treat is this new Jaguar sledge, an intriguing look at a Big Cat on its way to the next chimney top.The bright red sky scooter was designed by 25-year-old Jaguar exterior designer Thomas Smith. He graduated from the Royal College of Art in June 2009 and joined Jaguar this summer, after a placement in Coventry's advanced design studio where he penned a luxury flagship coupé blue-sky project.His version of Santa's sleigh reveals a push-me-pull-you, very modern take on what a Jag could be.

Audi designer to head VW's design center

Volkswagen AG has picked Stefan Sielaff, its current head of Audi design, to lead the VW design center in Potsdam, Germany. Sielaff, 49, will replace Thomas Ingenlath, who is leaving the company. The change will be effective Feb.