Metra Turbowire Car Wire Harness 70-1729 on 2040-parts.com

Why Ford’s Euro design is changing: Joel Piaskowski replaces Martin Smith

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 28 May 2014 14:30 Ford today confirmed that it is shaking up its European design team, as it appoints Joel Piaskowski to replace the retiring Martin Smith. Smith, 64, has led Ford of Europe’s design team for a decade and is the father of the brand’s edgy ‘kinetic design’, but will step down on 1 July 2014, it was announced this afternoon. Before he retires fully at the end of the year Smith will work with the Blue Oval’s vice president of design, Moray Callum, on a global project looking at the future of Ford design.

Future products: Buick sees 6 to 7 models in its lineup for 2011-13

A Buick LaCrosse hybrid sedan probably will join a new small car and new crossover as Buick expands its lineup in the next three model years. The brand, which sells four nameplates now, eventually wants a six- or seven-vehicle lineup, says John Schwegman, Buick-GMC's top marketer. Buick seeks to revive its reputation for performance and stylish luxury to appeal to middle-aged professionals who often buy Asian luxury brands.

Executive touch for Volkswagen Passat

THE POPULAR Volkswagen Passat has been given two new generously equipped trim levels to mark its final months of production. It is due to be replaced by an all-new model within the next year, so in an effort to sell off as many as possible before that time, Volkswagen has introduced the Executive and Executive Style trim levels in place of the previous Highline. Both the saloon and the estate body styles can be ordered with the new specification.