CDN and Opel/Vauxhall launch Interactive Design Competition

Opel/Vauxhall today asks students: "What do you think is our lounge style?" as part of a new, interactive design competition being launched with Car Design News. The competition is for students studying at design schools (of any discipline) in Europe, and will be in two stages: Stage 1 is the interior, and then Stage 2 the exterior. It culminates in a display of the work of the finalists and announcement of the two winners at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011.

Audi plans expansion of hybrids, electrics

Audi plans a rapid expansion of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles over the next few years as a key component in Volkswagen Group's strategy to dominate the alternative-powertrain market by decade's end. Michael Dick, Audi's board member for technical development, told Automotive News that the next-generation A6 sedan will have the potential to be a full hybrid by the end of 2012. The A6 would join the recently introduced hybrid A8 sedan at the Geneva auto show and the soon-to-be-launched Q5 hybrid crossover.

Holden reveals VF Commodore SS V before Chevy SS bows

General Motors’ Australian arm, Holden, revealed the new VF Commodore SS V before its brother-in-arms, the Chevy SS, gets revealed this weekend at Daytona. The show car is finished in a color named Fantale orange metallic. Unfortunately, Holden and GM kept hidden the most exciting parts of the new full-size, rear-drive platform: the engine and price.