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Capitol Hill notebook: Obama defends autos, Akerson defends the Chevrolet Volt

Less than 10 hours after President Barack Obama wrapped up his third State of the Union address, manufacturing and automobiles continued to command the spotlight on Wednesday in Washington. The day began with General Motors CEO Dan Akerson defending the Chevrolet Volt before a U.S. House committee hearing, saying he didn't want it to become a "political punching bag," according to testimony provided by the company.

Who's Where: Jason Castriota joins Stile Bertone

Contrary to what was previously disclosed, Car Design News has now confirmed that Jason Castriota, who left his position at Pininfarina on the eve of the Paris Motor Show in September, is set to become Design Director at Stile Bertone. He will start his new position on December 1. Castriota had initially intended to set up his own design consultancy before being approached by Bertone.

Lexus NX Compact SUV: OFFICIAL

The Lexus NX (pictured) revealed in standard and F Sport guise Last weekend Lexus teased the production version of their new compact SUV – the Lexus NX – ahead of its debut, and this morning we get the official reveal and details of specification and powertrains. Aimed at compact SUVs like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, the production version of the Lexus NX may have been toned down somewhat from the LF-NX Concept, but it’s still a bold design and keeps a degree of the angularity of the concept; it’ll stand out in the sector – no bad thing. As you’d expect, the big, bold Lexus grill makes its presence felt, with slim LED headlights, big wheelarches, statement alloys (17″ or 18″), sculpted bonnet, sharp creases on the flanks and a back end that’s as angular as the front.