Volvo Penta V-belt #978482 on 2040-parts.com

Who's Where: Gert Hildebrand appointed Head of Design at Qoros Auto

Gert Hildebrand, former General Manager of Mini Design, was appointed Head of Design at Qoros Auto in January this year. In his new role, Hildebrand is responsible for overseeing a regeneration of the existing design and styling processes at the joint venture company, a collaboration between Qoros and Israel Corporation, which was founded in 2007. One of many high level designers making the transition to China, Hildebrand is is currently tasked with leading the creation of the new Qoros brand, which was unveiled at a presentation in Shanghai last week.

2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic revealed

The 2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic raises the bar on economy & emissions With the 2011 Ford Focus now hitting showrooms and the roads, we can start to look forward to the usual ‘secondary’ reveals for the range – the ‘Eco’ and the ‘Quick’. Next year should see the launch of the 2012 Focus ST, and it will definitely see the launch of the 2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic, details of which have been revealed this morning by Ford. Building on the previous Focus ECOnetcic, Ford has managed to take an axe to emissions (cutting them to just 95g/km) and to fuel usage (Ford reckons 80mpg) which is better than any other car in its sector in Europe.

Nissan Qazana – the workforce gets a peek

Nissan bosses have been showing the Nissan Qazana to the workforce in Sunderland The Nissan Qazana is an important car, not just for Nissan in this tough economic climate, but also for the workforce in Sunderland. The Qazana, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, is set to take the place of the Micra at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, safeguarding over 1,000 local jobs. And after the official first view of the Qazana at Geneva, Nissan bosses decided it was time to let the workforce in Sunderland have a good look at the Qazana to see what mad-looking motor is going to save their jobs.