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The Hidden Work of Design Consultancies

Most major car companies carry out most of their design work themselves, with dedicated design departments increasingly capable of handling every aspect of the design process. But few car companies do not use the services of external car design consultancies for some smaller projects, and many smaller car companies use such consultancies to supplement their more limited in-house design facilities on larger design projects. Throughout the world there are numerous companies offering these design services to car companies.

Who's Where: Richard Ferlazzo appointed GM Australia design director

Richard Ferlazzo has been appointed General Motors Australia design director. Taking up the position from 1 September, he will report directly to executive director international operations design Michael Simcoe and also GM Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux. Ferlazzo will be responsible for Advanced, Production and Global Contract programs and replaces Andrew Smith who left Holden this month to take up the position of executive director of global Cadillac and Buick design at GM's technical center in Warren, Michigan.

Aston Martin creates three special-edition DB9s

Aston Martin has designed three special-edition DB9 models named Carbon Black, Quantum Silver and Morning Frost. The Carbon Black and Quantum Silver models are both sport editions with a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission and a remapped sports exhaust that provides a more evocative sound, the automaker said. Both cars come equipped with 19-inch, black 10-spoke wheels, a black grille and graphite tailpipes.