(Honda)
Civic, Elantra top Kelley compact test
Compact cars available in the U.S. are all significantly better, more fuel-efficient and more pleasant to drive than they were five years ago, according to a comparison test by Kelley Blue Book. The test of comparably equipped cars placed the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra on top, with the Ford Focus third and Chevrolet Cruze fourth. The redesigned Civic (shown), which has drawn mixed reviews, was given high ratings in the performance and value categories. The Focus was rated more exciting to drive.
--New York Times News Service
The Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Fiat logos adorn the exterior of the plant in Turin, Italy. (Massimo Pinca / The Associated Press)
Fiat may move SUV production to US
Fiat may shift planned production of Jeep and Alfa Romeo brand SUVs from its oldest plant in Turin to North America, a person familiar with the matter says. The strengthening of the euro against the dollar raises the cost of building vehicles in Europe bound mainly for the U.S. market. The Turin factory may instead build a small city car.
--Bloomberg
(The Associated Press)
GM's Lutz back on payroll as advisor
General Motors says its former head of product development, 79-year-old Bob Lutz, is on the company roster as a part-time special adviser. He had been informally advising GM executives since his retirement in 2010.
"I'll basically be doing formally what I did informally for the past 16 months -- general observation and advice to senior management -- whoever wants the view of a highly experienced outsider as an aid in arriving at what, in all cases, will be their judgment," says Lutz, a former GM chairman and legendary figure in the industry.
His return comes at a critical time for GM as the Detroit automaker tries to sustain momentum built on vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt and Buick Regal -- cars developed under Lutz's watch. Lutz's 47-year career in the auto industry includes executive posts at Ford Motor Co., Chrysler Group LLC and BMW. Lutz joined GM as vice chairman of product development in 2001, and is largely credited with GM's recent design renaissance. Many cars and trucks now sitting in GM showrooms bear his mark.
--New York Times News Service
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