Standard Motor Products Us281l Ignition Lock Cylinder on 2040-parts.com

Marc Girard appointed head of Interior Design at BMW Cars

Marc Girard starts his new job as head of the Interior Design department at BMW Automobiles today, taking over the post previously held by Michael Ninic who died unexpectedly last year. His appointment also alleviates some of the pressure put on Adrian van Hooydonk, who has effectively been managing both exterior and interior design departments for BMW Cars as well as acclimatizing to his new role as design director of the BMW Group following Chris Bangle's departure last month. A BMW Group designer for the last 15 years, French-born Girard was most recently team leader for Interior Design at BMW Automobiles, having been promoted from the position of head of interior design at MINI - a role he filled from 2004 to 2006.

Driving with criminals

At first it had all the appearances of a routine police checkpoint, a simple little affair in which some warnings might be issued, possibly some speeding tickets. But otherwise our group of 18 or so U.S. automotive journalists driving a fleet of high-priced Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedans would be allowed to continue on our merry way through the Spanish countryside.

Danville concours honors Phil Hill

"Cool Cars for a Cause" is the slogan for the Danville (Calif.) Concours d'Elegance, and it's an apt description for a gathering of classic, vintage-racing and contemporary cars, along with a few restored racing boats carefully parked along Danville's charming downtown streets. The event has raised more than $1 million for Parkinson's disease research and patient care. This year, the event honored Phil Hill, who succumbed to complications from the disease in 2008 after a legendary international career in racing and classic-car restoration.