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Jaguar C-X17 Concept bringing SUV preview and new platform to Frankfurt

The Jaguar C-X17 concept will preview one of the brand's upcoming pair of SUVs, as well as its new modular aluminum platform that will underpin its next generation of cars. The teaser picture accompanying the press release doesn't give a huge amount away in terms of aesthetics, but familiar Jag elements such as the fender haunches and F-Type-style rear lamps suggest this will be instantly recognizable as a Jaguar. Its emphasis will be more on road performance than off-road ability in order to ensure it drives as a Jaguar should and also to avoid stepping on the toes of sister company, Land Rover.

News watch March 2010: today's auto industry news

Tuesday 30 March 2010• Mercedes has dismissed claims that its Maybach brand is for sale, after reports in the Chinese media claimed Chinese car company BYD was considering a bid for the upmarket offshoot. BYD has also denied the claims (Reuters)• Toyota president Akio Toyoda has promised his company will listen more carefully to customers and react faster in a bid to regain credibility after the Japanese car manufacturer was forced to recall millions of vehilces over safety fears (BBC)• The Obama administration is expected to unveil its finalised fuel economy and tailpipe emissions through to 2016 this week, to coincide with the opening of the 2010 New York auto show (Detroit News)  Monday 29 March 2010• Toyota has agreed to licence the hybrid technology in the Prius to Mazda, which will combine the electric system with its next-gen Sky engines. It’s part of Mazda’s plans to increase the average fuel economy of its vehicles by 30% by 2015 (compared to 2008 levels) and it hopes to have its first hybrid vehicle on sale in Japan by 2013 (Mazda)• Ford and Chinese car company Geely have signed a stock purchase agreement that will allow the latter to acquire 100% of Volvo (along with related assets including intellectual property rights).

Who's Where: Edgar Heinrich appointed Head of Design, BMW Motorrad

Edgar Heinrich, formally Vice President Product Design with Bajaj Auto Ltd, has been appointed Head of Design for BMW Motorrad. He fills the role left by the resignation of David Robb, reportedly following a disagreement with a co-worker. Heinrich will report directly to Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.