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Rolls-Royce Bespoke creates Year of the Dragon Collection

Rolls-Royce has announced a commemorative offering in preparation for the forthcoming Year of the Dragon celebration, which starts on January 23, 2012. Designed by Rolls-Royce's Bespoke team, the Year of the Dragon Collection has been inspired by the legendary creature that is revered in China, and created to celebrate the ultimate symbol of power, prosperity and good fortune. The collection features unique detailing on both the exterior and interior of the Phantom or Phantom Extended Wheelbase models and includes a gold hand-painted dragon coachline inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City; dragon headrest embroidery available in Tan, Golden Sand, Black and White; a dragon inlay, which will be hand-laid to the passenger panel and include the Phantom name outlined in gold; two hand-stitched cushions for the rear passengers, specified with embroidered double R-R logos and piping; and illuminated treadplates with ‘Year of the Dragon 2012' highlighted in LED lighting.

Do Winter Tyres REALLY work? Oh, yes, say Volvo (+ video)

Volvo prove how effective Winter Tyres are in the Snowdome For some reason, the debate on fitting winter tyres in the UK continues to be a debate, even when those who’ve actually used a car fitted with winter tyres swear by them (an argument not helped by previous government advice). So Volvo – safety conscious as ever – decided to prove the point by taking the very good Volvo V40 off to the Snowdome indoor ski slope in Tamworth to see exactly what difference a set of winter tyres makes to the grip available in a regular, FWD, family Volvo. And the results should make every car owner go out and fit winter tyres.

Who's Where: Martin Uhlarik appointed SAIC UK Design Director

SAIC Motor has announced the appointment of Martin Uhlarik as its new UK Design Director amidst plans to significantly expand its European Design Center at Longbridge, UK. Canadian-born Uhlarik has been appointed by Tony Williams-Kenny, who takes over as Global Design Director at SAIC's Shanghai design base. Uhlarik comes in with experience as Senior Interior Designer for Skoda's Prague studio, Project Design Leader for Nissan Design Europe in London.