Aqua Performance Auto Retracting, Boarding Ladder, on 2040-parts.com

Ford completes $14 million overhaul at its German design studio

Ford has opened a $14.5 million expansion of its design studios at Merkenich-Cologne in Germany. Global design work for Ford's subcompact and compact vehicles, including the Fiesta and the Focus, is done at the center, which is close to the automaker's Cologne factory where the Fiesta is built. The expansion is the largest since the studios were constructed in 1968 and increases the size by about 32,300 square feet to about 172,000 square feet.

Mercedes Wows Goodwood With Dramatic Event Centerpiece

AS IS traditional at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the event’s main attractions is the centerpiece display in front of Goodwood House itself. Used to celebrate a particular manufacturer and event theme, this year saw Mercedes take centre stage with a dramatic interpretation of the firm’s 120-year motorsport anniversary celebrations. Created by artist Gerry Judah, the sculpture is said to be the most complex and ambitious yet.

Lancia Ypsilon rolls out in Europe

Take a look at the new Lancia Ypsilon city car, which went on sale in Europe on Tuesday. This third-generation Ypsilon rides on a stretched version of Fiat's Mini platform. The Mini platform is the base for the Fiat 500 that is now rolling into U.S.