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Top 12 consumer car debuts at 2012 U.S. auto shows

The 2012 calendar year brought a lot of excitement in the automotive industry. Sales numbers show a gradual recovery, and pending federal fuel-efficiency requirements have fueled a slew of mainstream green technologies that don't dampen driving dynamics. Among the glitz of auto shows, some of our most memorable reveals from the year include such high-profile machines as the 2013 SRT Viper and Acura NSX concept.

Motorway Service Station Fuel 'Too Pricey'

IT WOULD appear that cash-strapped drivers have had their fill of motorway service station fuel – that’s according to a survey conducted by research company Viewsbank. Almost all (98%) of motorists canvassed reckon motorway petrol and diesel is too pricey, with 60% saying they never buy it. Based on responses from 1,030 drivers, the poll also showed that 28% always fill up before going on a motorway and 5% always leave the motorway to find cheaper fuel elsewhere.

EyesOn design awards 2012 winners announced at NAIAS

The Detroit-based EyesOn Design competition winners have just been announced at their traditional time, late on the second press day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The jury, which this year included Ralph Giles (Chrysler), Derek Jenkins (Mazda), Lorenzo Ramaciotti (Fiat/Chrysler), Peter Schreyer (Kia) and Franz Von Holzhausen (Tesla) had a much greater array of products to choose from than in recent years; this is a somewhat rejuvenated Detroit auto show. From the cars on display at the show, the judges shortlisted the Ford Fusion, BMW 3-Series and Cadillac ATS for the best production car award.