Toyota Aristo 1998 Clock [1368050] on 2040-parts.com

Central Academy of Fine Arts degree show 2009, China

China's home grown car makers are increasingly ambitious, as illustrated by plans to grow rapidly at home and, in some cases, expand abroad and compete with foreign rivals in cutting-edge technologies. One big impediment they face in taking on their foreign rivals is design. Top dogs in the global auto industry invest heavily in engineers and designers.

Who's Where: Moray Callum to head Ford Americas Design

Moray Callum has been named Executive Director for Ford Americas design effective May 1, 2009. He will be taking over the position from Peter Horbury, who has been appointed to replace Steve Mattin at Volvo Cars. In his new role, Callum will be charged with leading the design for all cars and trucks designed in Ford's North and South America studios, as well as guide the design of Lincoln and Mercury products.

One Lap of the Web: Rags to riches, Beetles to Porsches

-- Joseph MacDonald parked his 1965 Beetle in front of a restaurant 41 years ago, and that was the last time he saw it. He might yet see it again today, as his stolen car -- now painted white, and with even more rust -- will reunite with him, through the providence of border patrol officers actually performing some due diligence. Jason Torchinsky -- who knows a thing or two about stolen Beetles -- notes that he was lucky enough not to have waited 40 years for his car to come back.