Walker 82660 Calcat Catalytic Converter on 2040-parts.com

Who's Where: BMW Group reorganizes Design operations

BMW Group has announced changes to its design organization, in keeping with the company's stronger focus on its brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce. Under the overall direction of Chris Bangle, Director of BMW Group Design, brand specific design studios have been set up for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, as well as for the areas BMW Motorrad and BMW M. These new brand studios will accompany the entire development process for new models from the first sketches to the start of production.

Volvo S60 sedan shown at the Detroit auto show

Showing a new direction inspired by Scandinavian design, Volvo displayed a concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show that previews the new S60 sedan, due in 18 months. The car has a new face--with angled headlamps, a coupe roofline and no B-pillar--and an interior with the "environment of a modern Scandinavian living room," said Steve Mattin, Volvo senior vice president of design. The car's more emotional look is part of a longer-term strategy to give Volvo a more exciting image in the United States through changes in product design and marketing, said Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Car Corp.

Los Angeles Auto Show 2011: Photo roundup

2011 Los Angeles Auto Show Roundup This week saw the start of the Los Angeles Motor Show, so we thought we’d have a quick look at what was on the floor, including some of the stuff we haven’t already looked at. There was the ‘cool in white’ Jaguar stand and the latest Defender DC100 Concept, all prettied up in baby blue. There were Camaros and Mustangs, the new Bentley GTC (but no V8 – that’s for Detroit in January), a hot Beetle R and Volvo’s You Concept that points the way to the next generation of Volvo design.