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Hyundai lures Toyota's Michael O'Brien to head U.S. product planning

Hyundai named Michael O'Brien vice president of product and corporate planning--an influential position that has been vacant since John Krafcik became CEO in late 2008, the company announced on Tuesday. O'Brien, 55, spent the last 14 years at Toyota Motor Corp.'s U.S. sales division as a manager within the corporate planning division.

BASF MySetta concept showcases industry-leading automotive applications

Project type advanced materials demonstrator Donor vehicle 1958 BMW Isetta 250 Project idea/co-ordinator Heidrun Goth Project co-ordinator Guido Gabriel BASF coatings/color designer Mark Gutjahr Project launched April 2013 Website www.basf.steron.com In January 2013, German chemicals giant BASF came up with the idea of building a bespoke vehicle to help demonstrate its industry-leading automotive applications – the MySetta. Starting with the iconic 1958 BMW Isetta 250 ‘bubble car', a team led by project co-ordinator Guido Gabriel modified the chassis, body and interior using BASF paints, fabrics and flexible foams. As well as showcasing BASF's automotive applications, the MySetta project demonstrates how they can be used to create striking fashion products such as shoes, coats and handbags; and accessories like a picnic hamper and portable stereo.

Buick Envision SUV concept

Another car that broke cover at Shanghai, was the Buick Envision SUV concept. The Envision is another car that slots into the coverted crossover niche, and was developed jointly by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC). The Envision is said to merge Buick's global design language with Chinese aesthetics for the SUV segment.