SUV safety surge and Cadillac makeovers

(The Associated Press)

Report: Safety surges for SUV drivers
Drivers of SUVs are among the least likely to die in a crash thanks mainly to the addition of electronic stability control, a report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found. Stability control, which uses brakes and engine power to keep vehicles on the road, was introduced more quickly on SUVs than other car models. The death rate for SUV drivers dropped 66 percent -- from 82 per million vehicles for 1999-2002 models to 28 per million for 2005-2008 models. The death rate for drivers of small, four-door cars dropped 35 percent -- from 110 per million in 1999-2002 models to 72 per million vehicles for 2005-2008 models.

--The Associated Press

(The Associated Press)

Cadillac dealerships getting makeovers
More than 200 Cadillac dealerships nationwide will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each to spruce up their showrooms in an effort to better compete with Lexus, Mercedes and other luxury brands. The makeovers, to be completed within the next two years, include oak walls, limestone exterior tiles, modern lighting and leather chairs, all specified by General Motors, the company says. The work can cost anywhere from $200,000 to over $1 million per dealer depending on the age and condition of buildings.

--The Associated Press