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Mercedes GLA goes subterranean

FOR SUV owners looking to test their cars’ off-road credentials, the obvious place to put them to the test probably isn’t nearly 200 metres underground. But that’s exactly where the new Mercedes GLA found itself as it descended into Winsford Rock Salt Mine, 620 feet beneath the Cheshire countryside. The working mine, which supplies much of the UK’s gritting salt for wintry roads, played host to four standard (apart from extra driving lights) GLA models, which were lowered down into the mine nose first before being let loose in the 130-mile network of tunnels.

Ford Design Center set to expand

Symbolic of the importance it plays in Ford's small car strategy, the automakers Design Center in Cologne, Germany, is about to receive a €11.6m redevelopment. Construction is already underway on the facility's new wing, which will include design studios and 100 workplaces. The 3,000 square-meter extension is set to be completed by the end of the year.

Redesigned 2013 Honda Accord aims to lead in safety, fuel economy

The redesigned 2013 Honda Accord will go on sale this fall with a shorter overall length, a new engine family and a continuously variable transmission--huge engineering changes for a signature car that has slipped against mid-sized rivals. Honda released the first images of the production version of the Accord sedan and coupe on Wednesday but provided few additional details about the cars. The 2013 sedan--weighing less than the outgoing model, but with more passenger and cargo room--features nearly flush windshield glass, flush-mounted windshield wipers and available LED daytime running lights, headlights and taillights.