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Better Place EV Battery Swap business goes bust

It seemed like a good idea: take the cost of batteries out of the cost of buying an electric car and instead charge EV owners to use ‘Battery Swap’ stations where depleted batteries could be swapped for fully charged ones in the time it takes to fill an ICE car with petrol. But it’s all gone a bit Pete Tong. Better Place – which partnered with Renault in 2009 to make the battery swap technology viable – has failed to find anyone to add to the $750 million already involved in the project and has filed for bankruptcy.

Chris Bangle begins work with Changan Automobile on its design strategy and methodology

Chris Bangle is to consult with Changan Automobile to help develop its design strategy and processes in his first official automotive project since leaving BMW in 2009. Bangle – through his company Chris Bangle Associates (CBA) – will work with Changan's team in its European design center in Turin, Italy, reporting to design director Chen Zheng. And while his role will be linked to the brand's Chinese products, his focus will be on the design team's methodologies and philosophy; its management and its process of critique, rather than the hands-on design of its products.

Saab seeks partner for new small car, aims to be a contract manufacturer

Saab is continuing its search for a partner to help it build a new entry-level car and the company also wants to build vehicles for other automakers at its factory in Sweden, Chairman Victor Muller said. "We are talking with other manufacturers to buy a platform or drivetrain technology for this entry-level car," Muller told Automotive News Europe. "It should come as soon as possible, in 2014 the earliest." Muller said the car would be priced at about 20,000 euros, or about $28,300 at current exchange rates.