Toyota Corolla 1979-83 Oem Plate 74559-20090 on 2040-parts.com

BMW UK updates and extends 3 Series, 5 Series & 6 Series

BMW UK is adding new models and engines to its UK line-up, including xDrive 3 Series models, 520d Gran Turismo and a new 650i engine. BMW UK is having a comprehensive update of UK models and options right across the range, with a focus on more economical options on the 3 Series, 5 Series and 6 series models. Probably the big news for the BMW 3 Series is the arrival of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 which gets the TwinPower 3.0 litre and a 55bhp electric motor to deliver 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds and official economy of 47.9mpg.

Exclusive: Laurens van den Acker to replace Patrick le Quément at Renault

The wheels of change are continuing to turn within the automotive design industry, with yet another new appointment being made at the director level. According to industry insiders, Laurens van den Acker is set become the new Design Director at Renault when Patrick le Quément retires later this year. One of the most pre-eminent car designers in the world, Patrick le Quément began his design career at Simca, worked at Ford for 17 years and did a brief stint at Volkswagen before taking the top design job at Renault.

Smart Fourjoy concept revealed ahead of Frankfurt motor show

Smart will preview its upcoming second-generation Forfour at next week's Frankfurt motor show when it shows the Fourjoy, the latest concept from the Mercedes-Benz owned city car brand. Pictured here for the first time, the new four-seater follows the earlier Forus and Forstars concepts, providing clues to next year's Forfour, developed with Renault. The French automaker will offer its own version of the new car as a replacement for the Twingo.