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Videos: Volkswagen's exterior and interior designers highlight the Up's design elements

We've enjoyed the design of Volkswagen's new Up since we first saw the vehicle in concept form at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. Devoid of any extraneous detailing, the simple, product design aesthetic is pared back to represent the crux of VW's design philosophy: pure, simple and solid.  The result is a harmonious design that stands out from the pack, with simple surfacing and subtle detailing; the Up's design is pure and minimalistic, which serves to exude quality in the product. Inside, the vehicle is brimming with space-saving design details.  From an IP devoid of central air vents to a thin headrest that visually extends the height of the interior, the Up is a success story in space efficiency, but it is also finished to a high level using quality materials.

Monthly sales projected to rise 15 percent, J.D. Power says

December is shaping up to show the U.S. industry's strongest year-over-year sales increase of what's been a dismal 2009. Expect a 15 percent spike in new vehicle sales in December, powered by a retail surge, according to projections released today by industry forecaster J.D.

Road Safety Charity Says Casualties Increase In 20mph Zones

IN A potential blow to the current thinking by road safety campaigners, the number of serious accidents on 20mph roads increased by over a quarter (26 per cent) last year. That’s according to analysis of government data by road safety charity, Institute of Advanced Motorists. Slight accidents on 20mph roads increased by 17 per cent.However, in the same year, there was a decrease in the number of serious and slight accidents on 30mph roads and 40 mph roads.