Kia Niro Concept points to a Kia Nissan Juke rival

The Kia Niro Concept (pictured) debuts at Frankfurt as a pointer to a new compact SUV Earlier this month we had a teaser from Kia for a new compact urban SUV heading for a debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and here its is – the Kia Niro Concept. Kia has obviously been careful with its concept naming this time after the storm in a teacup response to the Kia Provo last year, with a name that shouts ‘Famous Actor’ rather than ‘Famous Terrorist’. Sensible move.

CDN-GM Interactive Design Competition - interior phase finalists announced

July 19 saw the CDN-GM competition judging and mentoring teams meet at GM's world HQ in Warren, Michigan, to cast judgment over the 99 entries to the interior phase of the competition. The competition asked design students to develop concepts in response to briefs set by each of GM's four brands – Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick. The judges nominated three finalists for each brand, who will be invited to attend the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit.

Aston Martin signs Christian Klien as final factory driver

Ex-Formula One driver Christian Klien has completed Aston Martin Racing's factory driver lineup, the team said on Wednesday. He will join his new teammates in the all-new LMP1-class 007 AMR-One in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Klien competed in 49 F1 races since 2004 and drove for Peugeot in Europe's Le Mans Series, and in 2008, he had both the fastest lap and finished third in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.