All I am saying is BMW and Audi are working at the most cutting-edge level of production car design right now -- design students are almost invariably attracted to the most cutting-edge design.

We have said on numerous occasions that we wished Hussein was working for DCX -- they need to be bold enough to lead the auto-world world with new design ideas as much as they lead with their technology.

It seems odd to me that the most cutting-edge manufacturer in the world, in terms of technology, is so conservative with its design.

Mercedes can afford to be far more adventurous -- they certainly have spent a fortune on cutting edge, high-culture architecture recently -- I hope we start to see some much more adventurous and forward-thinking designs soon -- BMW and Audi are very good ...but Mercedes could still be better -- there is so much opportunity right now ...they just need to be brave enough to do it. BMW took great risks with Bangle ...but it paid off.

Mercedes do not have to be so unconventional as BMW ...but they should be more forward-thinking. I wish one of these German manufacturers would be brave enough to finally banish wood from their top luxury interiors -- or at least use it in a more interesting way, the wood thrown around the interior of the S class looks like a passionless afterthought.