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Report: Interior Motives China Conference 2009 - Day 1

Interior Motives returned once more to the exciting city of Shanghai for its second China design conference, themed ‘China: Changing the landscape of car design'. Held straight after the first Shanghai auto show press day - a day topped off by the Car Design Night, attended by some 300 or so designers - this two-day event saw 27 of the world's foremost car design experts and nearly 250 delegates gather together to debate the future of Chinese car design. Session 1 - Harnessing design awareness Tony Williams, UK design director of China's biggest carmaker, SAIC, kicked off the session by explaining how trend research was finding more savvy and confident Chinese consumers who want their character reflected in the products they buy and "cars they want rather than just need".

Ford B-Max concept

The Ford B-Max concept from Geneva previewed more than just an evolution of the Kinetic design language. The B-Max demonstrates a production ready B-pillar-less sliding rear door, as well as other ecologically minded additions, strongly suggesting that the show car is little more than a thinly veiled doppelganger for a production model. The B segment car is powered by a turbocharged three cylinder, one liter EcoBoost engine, combined with a start-stop mechanism to produce significantly improved economy and CO2 ratings.

Alfa 100: Eat, drink and celebrate in Milan

Considering that Alfa Romeo originated in Milan, Italy, it's no surprise that the city plans to spend June 24-27 celebrating the historic marque's 100th anniversary. We know you'll have your hands full with the festivities, but we suggest dedicating some of your week to enjoying the local cuisine as well. Here are some suggestions.