Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2007 theme and call for entries

At the 2006 North American International Auto Show, Michelin Challenge Design announced its theme for the 2007 Challenge. Michelin Challenge Design will ask entrants to explore the future of transportation design using safety as the focus and inspiration. "Road Safety for Everyone" is the official theme in what has become one of the industy's fastest-growing design forums.

CCS-AISI Project 2008

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) recently celebrated 20 years of partnership with the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).  Illustrating that environmental responsibility needn't come at the expense of design, power or desire, three students created their individual vision of a "Green Steel" concept car, resulting in the Lincoln Continental, Mazda Hyoryu and Mitsubishi Synthesis. Considering the current energy and environmental global crisis, the students involved in this project took the opportunity to re-think mobility for the year 2040 by developing innovative adaptations for automobiles and proposing a more humanistic approach to transportation.  Mitsubishi Synthesis Dave Owsen This automated 'travelling entertainment center of the future' bridges the gap between public and personal transportation. Utilizing the city traffic tier of the transportation network for navigation, the vehicle also creates a brand media experience for young urban commuters, combining elements of transportation and entertainment.

2012 Ford Focus gets force-adjustable airbags

The redesigned 2012 Ford Focus will use front and side airbags designed to tailor the deployment force to the seat occupant. Ford expects that the new airbags will reduce the chances of people being injured by a bag deployment. The 2012 Focus, which goes on sale next spring, will be the first Ford vehicle to use the new airbags.