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Ford eyes dandelions as sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber

Ford, in conjunction with Ohio State University, is turning to the humble garden weed as sustainable resource, researching the dandelion's potential use as an alternative to synthetic rubber. While the automaker already makes considerable use of sustainable materials in its vehicles – such as soy foam seat cushions and straw-filled plastic for interior trim – this latest discovery opens up a wealth of new possibilities for automotive applications. According to research conducted by Ford, a milky-white substance that is found in certain dandelion roots can produce a sustainable rubber that could be used to create plastic parts for vehicle interiors.

Mercedes A-class AMG (2012) spied on video

2012 Mercedes A-Class AMG caught on video in Germany We had the very impressive-looking Mercedes A-Concept at the Shanghai Motor Show back in April, and the less than impressive-looking new Mercedes A-Class patent drawings a while later. And now we have the first spy video of the range-topping 2012 Mercedes A-Class AMG caught blatting round Stuttgart. We had high hopes for the new A-Class – which will arrive sometime in 2012 – when we saw what Mercedes had done with the A Concept, but that turned to disappointment when the more prosaic patent drawings appeared.

Whos Where: Ken Okuyama appointed Creative Director at Pininfarina

The talented Japanese designer Ken Okuyama, who penned the Pininfarina Enzo and 'Rossa' during his days at Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche, is going back to the famous Italian coachbuilder, after completing his experience as Chair of the Transportation Design Department at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He is expected back as Creative Director of the Pininfarina Spa group as of May 10th. There he will be reporting, as before his departure, to Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Executive Vice President Design .