RCA's Dale Harrow: Car design more crucial than ever

As well as serving as head of the RCA's Vehicle Design Program, Dale Harrow is also a Financial Times columnist. His latest piece suggests the car is in the process of change, and at a rate beyond that undertaken in its first century of existence. Manufacturers have 'solved' the function of the car, and as reliability is no longer a concern for the consumer, design is now crucial.

Toyota's Akio Toyoda flies solo at media event, in change of style

It was as much a change for Akio Toyoda as it was for Toyota Motor Corp. In unveiling the company's new mid-term business plan this week, the media-shy president flew solo at a news conference without the usual safety net of being flanked by his top brass. The move was a departure for Toyoda, who -- in his two years as president -- has tended to divert technical or detailed questions to a panel of executives sharing stage with him.

Volvo launches plan to spread servicing costs

Volvo has launched a new website allowing owners of Volvos up to 48 months old the opportunity to purchase a Volvo Service Plan, via either a one-off payment or a fixed monthly fee. It works in a similar way to car insurance, where you have a choice of either paying monthly or upfront. The pre-paid service plans cover any service carried out on Volvos up to six years of age and up to a maximum of ten scheduled services.