Quicksilver/mercruiser Bearing Assembly 31-35988a9 on 2040-parts.com

UPDATED: Honda hints at new European advanced design studio

On the eve of the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda Design's Creative Director, Toshinobu Minami, announced that the company is looking to once again open a design facility in Europe. The announcement came during a presentation at the R&D Center in Waco, just outside the Japanese capital and, while not confirmed, Minami-san strongly hinted that the UK would be a likely candidate to play host to Honda's revitalized European design operations. He cited the country's existing manufacturing and administration facilities, as well as a wealth of new talent from the Royal College of Art in particular.

Ford Tourneo Custom

The Tourneo Custom – which will take the iconic Transit name in commercial vehicle form – was first unveiled in concept form at the 2012 Geneva motor show and has been confirmed for production. The Transite/Tourneo follows Ford's Kinetic design approach that features on the company's passenger car range, including a sportier stance, bold rising shoulder line, flush glazing, distinctive trapezoidal grille and prominent wheel lips. Available in eight or nine seat configurations as a passenger vehicle, the Tourneo Custom comes in both short and long wheelbase, which measure in at 4,970mm and 5,430mm respectively while the vehicle stands at less than two meters high.

MyFord Touch revealed at Consumer Electronics Show

Ford is using the concept behind its Sync technology to dramatically redo the appearance of its instrument panels and the manner in which drivers interact with their cars. Ford is revealing MyFord Touch at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and the technology launches on the 2011 Ford Edge followed by global availability on the 2012 Focus. MyLincoln Touch will be standard on new Lincolns, starting with 2011 MKX.