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LA Design Challenge 2010 announced

This year will see the seventh running of the annual LA Auto Show Design Challenge when the industry circus hits the US west coast in November. All participating studios have been tasked to envision a 1000lb (454kg) 2+2 vehicle that is both comfortable and secure while delivering satisfactory driving performance without sacrificing the emotional connection and beautiful styling today's consumers demand. For the first time, design studios from outside the US – from both Germany and Japan – will compete for the prize.

CAFE standard set at 54.5 mpg by 2025

The final version of the new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard was released today and, as expected, automakers will need to attain a fleet average of 54.5 mpg by 2025. The rules include electric and hybrid vehicles and—as of today—natural gas vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed the rules in November, after reaching an agreement with automakers last July.

Future products: BMW focuses on small crossovers, new EV subbrand

BMW will concentrate on small crossovers next year with a redesigned X3 and the all-new X1. Both are based on the redesigned 3-series sedan, which will arrive in 2012. In 2013, a new subbrand of electric and hybrid vehicles being developed by BMW's Project i group will debut.