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Michelin Challenge Design 2013 finalists announced

The finalists of the 2013 Michelin Challenge Design global vehicle design competition have been announced with all 15 of the chosen entrants' work to be displayed at NAIAS 2013. This year's theme, 'HALF! Lightweight with Passion', asked participants to explore how design contributes to and impacts the ongoing effort to develop more efficienct vehicles, while keeping the emotional side of car design front of mind.

Ford at CES: Charge your car with science and wash your dishes while you sleep

Ford's C-Max Solar Energy Concept is a "plugless plugin," said Donna Bell, which initially sounds silly -- as if the carefully structured chaos and noise of CES may have finally gotten to her. But as someone who has been managing Ford's electric vehicle infrastructure for the past 20 years, she isn't being facetious. Solar panels on the roof of a car aren't anything new -- the Fisker Karma used them to power the radio and other in-car accessories, to cite a soon-obscure example.

IAT Crosswind II concept (w/ Gallery)

The Crosswind II concept was one of three very competently resolved full-size models displayed on IAT's large stand at the Beijing motor show. A development of the Cross-Coupé model seen two years ago in Beijing. It's a simple concept: the top half is coupé, the lower half has a tough offroader aesthetic,  and it's powered by a 150kW electric motor.