(November 17, 2011) LOS ANGELES — The Azera was Hyundai's first truly entry-level near-luxury sedan when it was introduced in 2006. It was loaded with standard features, a healthy V-6 engine, and offered a sophisticated interior.

But in recent years the Azera was pushed into background, first with the more upscale Genesis in 2009 and the luxury Equus in 2010. The neglected sedan has become the worst selling Hyundai in the U.S. lineup with just 1,448 units sold through the first 10 months on 2011.

(November 17, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Lincoln has freshened the MKS sedan and MKT crossover with new technology and engine tweaking, but the big news is a new grille that will point to the future. The two 2013 models were revealed today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

While the new grille tones down the in-your-face look of the current models, it retains the same basic look, but with less extravagance retaining the shape and the vertical bars.

(November 16, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Mazda today unveiled its all-new 2013 CX-5 compact SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The North American debut is the first Mazda to fully encompass SKYACTIV Technology, the brand's engineering-focused philosophy toward improving all-around vehicle efficiency.

The segment newcomer also offers best-in-class fuel economy. Mazda says the CX-5 embodies the perfect balance between the best of all worlds: captivating design, dynamic handling, unexpected efficiency, flexible functionality and first-class safety, with a dash of Zoom-Zoom.

(November 16, 2011) COSTA MESA, Calif. — NADAguides.com today announced that the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has been awarded the NADAguides "Car of the Year." 

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze beat out 10 other strong contenders that were eligible for this award based upon performance, impressive styling and design, fuel ratings, safety features and cost of ownership all at a very competitive price point.

(November 16, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Cadillac today unveiled its flagship sedan, the 2013 XTS, the newest addition to the Cadillac luxury sedan lineup. It arrives in showrooms in U.S. and Canadian showrooms in the spring of 2012 as the most technologically advanced production car in the brand’s history.

(November 16, 2011) Toyota is using the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show to reinforce its position as an environmental technology leader with three concept cars, one near future, one mid term and one way out there.

Near Future…

Based on the Toyota iQ, the FT-EV III (Future Toyota – Electric Vehicle III) is a 4-seater electric vehicle concept suitable for short-distance trips.  

(November 16, 2011) LOS ANGELES — The Ford Escape, America’s best-selling SUV, will raise the bar even higher with the debut of an all-new model that features 11 new exclusive features and fuel economy projected to top any vehicle of its kind on the market today.

With the 2013 Escape, Ford is making a major break from the conservative formula that has made it a best-seller with a sleeker, more aerodynamic design that takes its cues from the Ford Focus.

(November 15, 2011) TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — General Motors and its local joint venture partner UzAvtosanoat today opened a new state-of-the-art engine plant in Tashkent, 250 miles from the automakers’ vehicle manufacturing facility in Asaka.  It represents GM’s most significant powertrain investment in Central Asia.

GM has a 52 percent stake in GM Powertrain Uzbekistan and its partner has a 48-percent stake.

(November 15, 2011) LINCOLN, Ala. — Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) marked its 10th anniversary of the start of production by announcing today that it would invest an additional $84 million, hire 100 new full-time associates and increase annual production capacity to 340,000 vehicles and engines.