Four big pickups get low marks in crash tests

Four 2009 full-sized pickups got low marks in side-impact crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group for auto insurers. Crash protection is "poor" in crew-cab versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and Nissan Titan without side-impact airbags, according to test results the institute released on Wednesday. The Dodge Ram with standard side-impact airbags got only a "marginal" rating, the institute said.

Partnership Premium 2030 - Part 2

Strate College has released the second episode in its five-part mini-series documenting a project students have undertaken in partnership with French automaker Peugeot: creating a premium vehicle for the year 2030. This second video delves into the 2D sketching phase of the project as 30 students – divided into 10 groups – devise their exterior and interior designs as well as the associated products and color and trim details for a future Peugeot. The video outlines the stage as students develop the overall proportions of the exterior and interior designs, and follows the teams as they choose the textures for materials that will feature in the interior.

Ford introduces Defender/Wrangler fighter for Brazil

Ford introduced a spiritual successor to the universally loved Bronco in Brazil this week. The styling is based on the 2012 Troller R-X Concept. Ford bought the Brazilian off-road manufacturer in January 2007.