Aluminum Jeep Compass 2011-2015 Roof Rack Cross Bars Black on 2040-parts.com

UPDATED: Honda hints at new European advanced design studio

On the eve of the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda Design's Creative Director, Toshinobu Minami, announced that the company is looking to once again open a design facility in Europe. The announcement came during a presentation at the R&D Center in Waco, just outside the Japanese capital and, while not confirmed, Minami-san strongly hinted that the UK would be a likely candidate to play host to Honda's revitalized European design operations. He cited the country's existing manufacturing and administration facilities, as well as a wealth of new talent from the Royal College of Art in particular.

Rolls-Royce Bespoke creates Year of the Dragon Collection

Rolls-Royce has announced a commemorative offering in preparation for the forthcoming Year of the Dragon celebration, which starts on January 23, 2012. Designed by Rolls-Royce's Bespoke team, the Year of the Dragon Collection has been inspired by the legendary creature that is revered in China, and created to celebrate the ultimate symbol of power, prosperity and good fortune. The collection features unique detailing on both the exterior and interior of the Phantom or Phantom Extended Wheelbase models and includes a gold hand-painted dragon coachline inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City; dragon headrest embroidery available in Tan, Golden Sand, Black and White; a dragon inlay, which will be hand-laid to the passenger panel and include the Phantom name outlined in gold; two hand-stitched cushions for the rear passengers, specified with embroidered double R-R logos and piping; and illuminated treadplates with ‘Year of the Dragon 2012' highlighted in LED lighting.

French government vows Renault reform after meeting with Ghosn

The French government will see to it that the individuals responsible for the now debunked Renault SA espionage affair are dealt with, the Finance and Industry ministers said in a statement. "The ministers underscored that they will pay close attention to organizational reform and individual responsibility (at Renault) based on the result of the audit," Finance minister Christine Lagarde and Industry Minister Eric Besson said in a joint statement after meeting with Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn on Thursday. The French state, which owns 15 percent of Renault, has called for a thorough investigation into discredited claims that three Renault executives were spying on the carmaker, possibly for a foreign government.