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Gesture-controlled Audi wins VDA Design Award

The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has announced the winner of its 2013 Design Awards, which asked students from across the world to submit their final graduating projects completed between October 2011 and July 2013. Eric Leong from Sweden's Umeå Institute of Design, came in first place with his 'Audi Elite' project, earning himself €4,000. Leong's single-person vehicle can be controlled using the entire body through gestures and movements, and adapts to the needs of the driver, giving them more control.

U.S. examining Mini Cooper steering

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating Mini Coopers for unexpected loss of power steering. NHTSA has launched an investigation of 2004-model Coopers after receiving 54 consumer complaints and a confidential number of field reports, the administration stated on its Web site. The reports state that it is hard to control the vehicle when the power steering fails.

VW to unveil Beetle Dune concept at Detroit Auto Show

The jury is out as to whether Volkswagen's Beetle Dune concept is more Frank Herbert or Bruce Meyers. Equipped with all mod cons, it’s a far cry from the simple, tough desert-race-inspired Bugs that popped up like aggro sandworms during the 1970s. On the other hand, it's still got four gasoline-burning cylinders and two-wheel drive.