Top Right Lambretta Ld 125, Plate. Original Time. on 2040-parts.com

2014 Beijing Motor Show: weird and wonderful Chinese cars

The Chinese auto industry might not be the most important in the world yet, but it’s getting there. It’s already the top market for a large number of top-tier brands like Mercedes-Benz, and the industry has progressed to the point where companies including Nissan are setting up brands specifically to cater to the needs of Chinese buyers. But as far as Chinese brands go, things are very much a work in progress.

Renault Wind Gordini arrives

The Renault Wind Gordini When we revealed the Gordini moniker was going to be dragged out of the history cupboard to adorn modern Renaults we were fairly charitable. After all, we’d been less than keen on Citroen’s resurrection of the DS moniker to adorn a titivated C3. And then we got our hands on the joy that is the Citroen DS3 and had to change our minds.

Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

With the marques in its erstwhile premium brand portfolio having moved on to pastures (and owners) new, Ford looks a little lacking in the options when it comes to challenging at the plusher end of the global car market. Vignale is the Blue Oval’s response. “A unique upscale product and ownership experience” is how Ford was selling Vignale as the covers came off the Mondeo Vignale Concept car at Frankfurt 2013.