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Ford B-Max

A production version of the Ford B-Max mini-MPV will make its debut at next month's Geneva motor show – one year after the concept was announced. The production B-Max stays true to the 2011 concept, with the same lack of a B-pillar between the conventional front and sliding rear doors, which creates a 1,500mm aperture. We'll be interested to learn how this affects both weight and rigidity as well as how much real-world advantage it offers.

Plans for Smart’s three-seat sports car uncovered in patent drawings

Mercedes-Benz is developing a three-seat sports car for Smart. Depicted here in a series of European patent-application sketches obtained by AutoWeek, the radical new sports car forms part of an extended range of new Smart models planned for introduction by the middle of the next decade, including a more conventional four-seater to be produced in cooperation with Renault. Mercedes-Benz is reacting to increased competition from Toyota in the form of the iQ and the impending arrival of similar urban-based offerings from premium-brand rivals Audi and BMW.

TRW unveils bag in roof airbag system for European customer

TRW Automotive Holding Corp. has developed a roof-mounted airbag that is designed to allow automakers create more space for interior styling compared with typical instrument panel airbags. The “bag in roof” airbag system deploys one airbag from the roof, protecting both driver and passenger, thus eliminating the need for a passenger-side airbag (usually found in the instrument panel).