2014 Michelin Challenge Design finalists announced

Michelin has announced the 15 finalists of the 2014 Michelin Challenge Design, themed ‘Driven/Undriven: The Duality of Tomorrow's Automobile'. Their work will be showcased in January at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. A judging panel of automotive designers and industry experts selected individuals and teams from Italy, China, South Korea, Finland, Serbia, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Guatemala from over 900 registrants from 74 countries.

Mexico plant to build Honda Fit for U.S. market

Honda Motor Co. has confirmed it will build its Fit small car at its new plant in Mexico for export to the United States and other markets, as it expands its local production footprint to combat the Japanese yen's profit-eating strength. The plant, near Celaya, Guanajuato, will begin operation in 2014 with a capacity of 200,000 vehicles a year.

Gesture-controlled Audi wins VDA Design Award

The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has announced the winner of its 2013 Design Awards, which asked students from across the world to submit their final graduating projects completed between October 2011 and July 2013. Eric Leong from Sweden's Umeå Institute of Design, came in first place with his 'Audi Elite' project, earning himself €4,000. Leong's single-person vehicle can be controlled using the entire body through gestures and movements, and adapts to the needs of the driver, giving them more control.