Lexus NX compact SUV production starts – first UK deliveries October 2014

The first Lexus NX rolls off the production line We’re not entirely sure the new Lexus NX – revealed in production guise at the Beijing Motor Show in April - will be one of the most driver-focused compact SUVs, but it is a car that should see Lexus sales rise considerably. And the NX is now starting to roll off the production line at Lexus’s Miyata plant in Japan, and Lexus say they already have 6,500 orders for the NX in Japan, and a more modest 350 in the UK. The big seller in the UK – in the absence of a diesel NX – will be the NX 300h with its hybrid setup of a 2.5 litre petrol engine, electric motor and CVT gearbox, but despite promises of good economy (55.4mpg) the real world economy is likely to be significantly less, although its high headline economy will help BIK rates for business buyers.

BMW designer Chapman joins Hyundai Motor America

Former BMW AG designer Christopher Chapman has been named chief designer for Hyundai Motor America, effective Jan. 3. He will lead new vehicle and concept design at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif.

Mercedes ML 63 AMG (2012) teased ahead of L.A. Motor Show debut

Mercedes ML 63 AMG (2012) tease Back in June we had the debut of the 2012 Mercedes ML, but as is the norm for new car reveals from Mercedes the M Class we saw didn’t include a suitably bonkers ML 63. That was for later. And now it is later and the 2012 Mercedes ML 63 AMG is going to bow in at the L.A.