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BMW poised to add X4 to lineup in 2014

It was only natural. With the SUV craze decidedly downsizing, BMW appears set to add an X4--with a range-topping M version--as part of plans to expand its utility-vehicle lineup in 2014. Conceived along the lines of the highly successful X6, the X4 is a smaller and more agile four-seater.

Who's Where: Peter Jones appointed Lincoln Interior Design Manager

Lincoln has appointed Peter Jones as the luxury brand's new interior design manager, a role he will take up within the next few weeks. Jones, who has worked at Ford Australia's design studio for seven years, will report directly to Max Wolff, a former colleague who moved in January 2011 to become Lincoln's Design Director. The Australian designer was interior design manager for the new Ranger and also worked as lead exterior designer on the FG Falcon Ute.

SAE approves new fast-charging standard for EVs, plug-ins

SAE International said it has approved a new technical standard that will dramatically reduce charging times for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles. The global engineering group said the new charging standard, developed with the cooperation of more than 190 automakers, utilities and equipment builders, will allow charging times to be reduced from as long as eight hours to as short as 20 minutes. Automakers want DC direct charging to take less than 10 minutes, or roughly the time it takes to fill a tank with gasoline.The goal is to accommodate currents as high as 500 volts distributed from public charging stations.