Design Contest: 2005 World Automotive Design Competition announced

The World Automotive Design Competition, sponsored by Alias and hosted by the Canadian International Auto Show, is back with more participating design schools and an impressive list of prizes. Design students from twenty-six schools around the world have been invited to design a World Car that visually identifies its cultural origins and, at the same time, has appeal, and can be sold throughout the world, in at least five countries on three continents. The vehicle should be easily recognized as coming from a particular culture.

Ford Focus RS rolls off the production line

Ford has announced this afternoon that the much awaited Ford Focus RS has now started to roll off the production line at its plant in Saarlouis, Germany. Long awaited, and much anticipated, the Focus RS is going to be available in 20 countries throughout Europe, with its biggest markets being Germany and the UK. Ford Focus RS rolls off the production line The Focus RS has a number of unique features – apart from its performance – including a wider track and wheel arches, new front and rear bumpers and a choice of three colours – Ultimate Green, Performance Blue and Frozen White.

Europe's road train technology ready for testing

Work is accelerating at Europe's project to let clusters of cars drive together in convoy on motorways - with no input from the driver. The so-called Sartre project today issued a new video showing how its work is developing. Ah, that'll be the Europe-wide Sartre road safety project. It stands for Safe Road Trains for the Environment and is part-funded by the European Commission.