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Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

Weird Chevrolet pickup roadster hot rod probably inspired the SSR

Here's a thought: If you've ever wanted to be buried in what you're driving, it's a boon if your car is already shaped like a coffin. Behold this "cute little roadster," which resembles the unholy union of a Ford T-Bucket and a mechanical pencil lead dispenser and probably will make its way into a Jimmy Buffet video. (Click here if the ad goes down or if one of the Autoweek editors snaps it up first.) A 1972 Chevrolet pickup truck is scattered in there, somewhere after the bowtie-shaped everything.

Kia Soulster concept unveiled at Detroit auto show 2009

By Ben Pulman Motor Shows 12 January 2009 13:48 To rub salt into the wounds of the beleaguered Big Three, Korean manufacturer Kia unveiled its own version of the iconic American pick-up truck at the Detroit auto show. But rather than a ultilitarian flat-bed, the Soulster concept is something at the very other end of the scale, designed to drum up interest in the Soul (on which it's based) before the B-segment baby goes on sale later in 2009. The Soulster concept was penned at Kia’s LA design studio – where the original Soul concept was created – and while there are no current production plans, company insiders have said that the right reaction from American customers could see the Soulster become a reality.