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Mercedes-Benz scores double wins at German Design Council awards

Mercedes-Benz took home two design trophies from the 2014 German Design Council awards, winning Special Mentions for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-class and the Ener-G-Force concept vehicle. The German Design Council traces its history back decades, and every year dozens of experts evaluate more than a thousand entries, with just a fraction of them being automotive designs. This year 30 well-known design experts judged approximately 1900 submissions, assessing a variety of design elements in picking their top choices, and this year a duo of Mercedes-Benz vehicles won the praise of design gurus.

Maybach reaches end of the line

Daimler AG is set to announce the closure of its Maybach ultra luxury brand this weekend, according to reports. The underperforming 57 and 62 limousines are to be killed off in 2013, following a decision from chairman Dieter Zetsche who has elected not to invest in their respective replacements for 2014. Following a concept car preview at the 1997 Tokyo motor show, Maybach was resurrected in 2002 after Daimler AG failed to purchase either Rolls-Royce or Bentley from then owners, Vickers.

Chevrolet Colorado concept

General Motors' Chevrolet brand is previewing the next generation midsized Colorado pickup truck in concept form at the Bangkok International Auto Show. The venue was chosen to debut the truck due to the Thai market's prevalence – it is the world's largest market for midsize pickups. Despite being a show vehicle, the basic proportions and form are said to convey the vision for the next-generation Colorado, whiuch is said to build on Chevrolet's 'strong truck DNA and award-winning heritage.' With a design calling on the inherent strength of Chevy trucks, it is unsurprising to see the exterior boast a broad shouldered and squat demeanor.