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AutoDesign Prague 2013: Design from the Heart of Europe

Charismatic designers, inspirational speeches and beautiful cars in an informal and friendly atmosphere was the order of the day at the third edition of the international automotive design conference AutoDesign Prague, which once again highlighted the importance of car culture and tradition's strong roots within the Czech Republic. In recent years, speakers have included prominent figures from the world of automotive design such as the Geely Group's Peter Horbury, Dassault Systèmes' Anne Asensio, Pininfarina's Fabio Filippini and design consultant Peter Stevens. This year's conference was themed ‘Design from the Heart of Europe' and so featured many Czech and Slovakian speakers.

Dacia Lodgy MPV ice racer (2011) first official pictures

Strip away the ice-racing livery – this is being presented as Alain Prost's ice slider for the 2011-12 Trophee Andros – and this is the new Dacia Lodgy, as revealed in our artist's impression. That unusual name signifies the budget brand's new small MPV, which could come to the UK. We won't see the new Lodgy in roadgoing spec until spring 2012, but we hear it could join the Dacia Duster and Sandero when UK sales begin next year.

First Sight: Volvo Concept You

Volvo today revealed its Concept You at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, as the company continues to evolve its luxury car range. The latest evolution of the Concept Universe, first unveiled at Shanghai earlier this year, showcases the technology and craftsmanship that Volvo will be using in its future line-up, including smart pad technology and a touch-control cockpit. The emphasis on technology reflects the importance of infotainment in current society and immerses the driver to give them complete control and mobile connectivity.