Jaz Fuel Cell on 2040-parts.com

2014 European Car of the Year finalists revealed. Could the Mercedes S-Class win?

Could the 2014 Mercedes S-Class (pictured) win the Car of the Year? We’re at the end of 2013, so the time has arrived to take a look at the finalists for the 2014 European Car of the Year award. In the last few years, despite Europe producing some of the most impressive luxury and performance cars on the planet, the Car of the Year Award has gone to much more prosaic machinery.

Suzuki Q concept

The second of Suzuki's concept trio is the Q, whch is designed for the inner-city commuter. The highly stylized all-electric quadracycle is powered by an electric motor and battery pack, the Q has a range of 50km and a top speed of just 37mph. The Q is aimed at those with a short commute, described as being "ideal for everyday journeys within a radius of about six miles" and, as such, is pitched as a comfortable commuting tool.

Briefs all in for Car Design Awards China 2014

It's exactly a month since the fifth annual Car Design Awards China's launch and we're pleased to announce all the briefs are in. Created to discover the latest crop of Chinese design talent, this year's contest – open to full-time students studying a design discipline of any kind in China – features briefs from Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Geely, JAC, Qoros and UD Trucks. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz has asked participants to study the average Chinese family, their lifestyle and habits and design the most suitable Mercedes-Benz car concept imaginable for them in the future.