Pitbull 5.5, 2 3/8" Length on 2040-parts.com

Tokyo motor shows: past, present and future

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 20 August 2009 09:30 As bets in this topsy-turvy, unpredictable industry go, it’s a banker: of all the motor shows on the global calendar, the Tokyo exhibit is always the barmiest. Although the Chinese shows are rising in importance – and amusement value –  there’s something peculiarly bonkers about the biannual Japanese bash held in downtown Tokyo. So strange is the exhibition at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City to westerners, that you don’t bat an eyelid at talking cars, vehicles with feelings, or cars designed for dogs.

Exclusive: Joel Piaskowski to head Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design NA

Thanks to our contacts within the automotive design community, Car Design News can confirm that Joel Piaskowski, who resigned from his position as Chief Designer at Hyundai's North American design studios on December 19, 2008, will be taking over the position previously held by Gorden Wagener at Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design. He starts his new job on Monday, January 12. Mercedes-Benz has made a few changes to its design team since taking over the Carlsbad facility from Chrysler last year, notably the retirement of Prof.

Saab’s Heritage Cars snaffled by the Bailiffs

The bailiffs have been in to the Saab Museum Just like every other car maker with a lineage, Saab likes to make the most of its car-making history. So it has a museum with everything from the UrSaab to the Aero-X on display. And now, it has a little addition – stickers on all its cars from the Swedish bailiff saying Utmätt Gods - sequestered for debt.