Dodge Hornet is go

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 04 July 2007 12:30 The newly independent Chrysler Group has saved its deal with Chinese maker Chery - which means that the Dodge Hornet is a step closer to production. Dodge needs a partner with which to develop new smaller cars, like the Hornet, as it's too cash-strapped to fund them solo. The deal signed last night means that the two car makers will 'work together to develop, manufacture and distribute Chery-made small and sub-compact cars in North America, Europe and other major automotive markets under the Chrsyler Group brands.' No mention was made of the Hornet, but Chyrsler’s international director for sales and marketing, has previously told CAR Online that the firm would produce the butch supermini.

Ford streamlines design process with latest 3D technologies

Ford has released details of its use of new digital technologies in streamlining its design process. Designers use what they call the 3D CAVE – Computer Automated Virtual Environment – to recreate a car's interior by projecting images onto the large white walls and roof. 3D polarizing glasses framed with motion sensors are used to transport them into the car's virtual interior.

Mercedes GLC Coupe SUV /Crossover planned

Mercedes GLC Coupe SUV /Crossover planned Four-door coupe versions of saloon cars have become a strong seller in the last few years, and now swoopy coupe SUVs are following the same path after the success of the BMW X6. BMW are building an X3 Coupe in the BMW X4, Mercedes are planning a Coupe version of the ML – the Mercedes MLC – and now they’re heading in to a fight with the BMW X4 by planning a coupe version of the next GLK – the Mercedes GLC. Car & Driver are reporting Mercedes’ plans to build a coupe version of the next GLK – which will already be a lot less boxy than the current GLK – and expected to hit Mercedes showrooms by 2016.