Citroën reveals MINI challenging DS3's insides'

Taking advantage of the news-thirsty internet media, Citroen is slowly revealing new bits and pieces of its MINI rivaling DS Inside hatch that will be called DS3 when it enters production during the first quarter of 2010. Although the premium hatchback made its world debut as a thinly disguised concept at the 2009 Geneva Show in March, this is the first time that we get a chance to see the car's interior which is for the most part, production ready. The French automaker has yet to release details, but it is clear from the photos that the designers have tried to give the DS3's interior a contemporary and upscale feel.
Highlights include the two-tone leather sports seats, a neat instrument panel with three deeply-dished instrument dials, the flat bottomed three spoke steering wheel and the decorative chrome trim. Following in the footsteps of MINI, Citroen will offer DS3 buyers the chance to customize the interior with various individual options.
The DS3 that will not replace the C3 in Citroen's range, will be offered with a variety of four cylinder gasoline and diesel engines including the BMW and PSA Peugeot-Citroen developed 1.6-liter petrol unit in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms.

Peugeot inundates London commuters with 308 'nudists' to celebrate launch of 308CC

In a cheeky bit of naked ambition, French automaker Peugeot inundated London's morning commuters during rush hour on April 22nd 2009, with a pool of 308 'nude' actors who appeared to only be wearing scarves. The reason for this au natural display? Celebrate the arrival of the company's latest topless model, the 308 Coupe Cabriolet.

On first inspection, much of London's commuters could have been excused for thinking a public exposure offence could have been in order but for the extremely minute, yet hugely important detail – their fellow commuters were wearing specially made bodysuits which gave the impression the commuters were naked.The nudes were out in force to celebrate the launch of the stunning 308CC, in attire designed to bring to life the car's first-of-its-class Airwave Neck Heating System – heat scarf. With its blend of innovative technology and sophisticated style, the 308CC is the newest addition to the 308 range and continues to build on Peugeot's rich heritage in the CC sector.

A website was created for this event Nudeinascarf.com . All this created a huge buzz in Great Britain with videos on YouTube, comments on Twitter and Facebook, pictures on the specialized website, Flickr, and numerous intermediary renown blogs, as well as articles in dailies, magazines, TV…

Mercedes E-Class Coupé

In Germany, Scholz & Volkmer has created a new website for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, presented as an "object of desire".

It's glamorous in an eccentric, Euroglam sort of way. The body shares its platform with the slightly longer E-class saloon and is very masculine. An array of sharp angles are contained within its swooping, droopy silhouette, but any doubts about its Cirque du Soleil architecture are soon forgotten as you sit inside.

Entrepreneur pushes idea of air-powered cars

NEW YORK - Most car companies are racing to bring electric vehicles to the market. But one startup is skipping the high-tech electronics, making cars whose energy source is pulled literally out of thin air.
Zero Pollution Motors is trying to bring a car to U.S. roads by early 2011 that's powered by a combination of compressed air and a small conventional engine.
ZPM Chief Executive Shiva Vencat said the ultimate goal is a price tag between $18,000 and $20,000, fuel economy equivalent to 100 miles per gallon and a tailpipe that emits nothing but air at low enough speeds.

The technology behind the "AirPod" car was developed by the French race car engineer Guy Negre, head of Motor Development International.

Renault created a Web TV intended for its customers' relationship with their car… (International)

Alike several car manufacturers such as BMW, Audi or even Peugeot, Renault has recently launched its own TV channel on the Internet. Renault’s two key concepts for this launch are “Inform and Entertain”. Accessible on Renault.tv website, this live TV channel has a French and English version; it is intended for all of the brand’s ongoing events. On the website, the manufacturer presents its products, news, reportages, activities, tryouts and motor sports. Considerable space is at women’s and men’s disposal with portraits of people who are passionate for the brand, interventions from Renault teams as well as its avid popular fans. The key aspect is the relationship people have with their car. With over half of its 2008 advertising investments focused on TV and nearly 15% on Internet, Renault’s objective is to focus on media with the highest impact: TV and Internet. “Renault TV” is a response to this strategy. It needs be pointed out that between 2007 and 2009, Renault has doubled its advertising investments on the Web.

"INNOVATION JUBILATION" 50+ new business ideas that defy doom and gloom

By now, virtually everyone has chimed in on how innovation is the only way out of the recession. So instead of adding more theory, let’s have a look at actual B2C innovations from recession-defying entrepreneurs and brands around the world.

Yes, we all agree that innovation is the only way out of the current mess that both mature and not-so-mature consumer societies find themselves in. We’re talking basically anything that will get consumers spending again, and preferably the kind of spending that involves sustainable goods, services and experiences.

There will never be a shortage of smart new ventures, brands, goods and services that deliver on consumers’ wants and needs. And if those wants and needs currently revolve around practicality, efficiency and responsibility, and less about traditional luxury, splurging and upgrading, then that’s what brands should deliver on.