Renault Laguna

Renault has released photos of the all-new upper-medium segment Laguna five-door hatchback and estate that will compete with the Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 407 and Volkswagen Passat in European markets. The new Laguna is a conservative evolution of the themes introduced in 2000 with the second generation Laguna: the hatchback moving further towards a sedan-like profile, while the estate model has a more sporting character from its steeply raked wraparound rear screen and horizontal lamps. The Laguna's most notable design features include the angular front and rear lamp design, and a distinctive plunging shoulder line, which is echoed in the sweeping IP form.

Who's Where: Bryan Nesbitt appointed VP of Design for GM North America

General Motors is looking to inject some newfound flair into its North American product lineup. Effective June 1, Bryan Nesbitt, currently Executive Director of Design at General Motors Europe will become Vice President of Design for North America and relocate to the company's technology headquarters in Warren, Michigan. The 38 year old, credited with the forward-thinking but retro PT Cruiser design in 1996, began his career at DaimlerChrysler and became the youngest design executive when he was appointed Executive Director of Body Frame Integral at General Motors in 2002.

Honda confirms 'mobile desk chair'

HONDA has announced details for a new version of its existing Uni-Cub ‘personal mobility solution’ – essentially a powered office chair. The Uni-Cub β is a development of the initial concept that appeared in 2012 as a bizarre solution to mobility around typical office-based work environments, although it would seem that no one at Honda had considered that humans have legs for that. It uses an omni-directional driving wheel system derived from Honda’s research into humanoid robots like the well-known ASIMO, allowing it to move in any direction according to the weight shifts of its user.