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Toyota drags down new-vehicle quality average; Ford leads Detroit 3 gains

Dragged down by Toyota Motor Corp., the quality of new cars and trucks sold in the United States slipped slightly this year--the first time since 2007, according to a study released Thursday. But Detroit's automakers--helped by Ford Motor Co. and some of the smoothest new-model launches ever--have matched or surpassed Asian and European rivals in initial vehicle quality for the first time, based on the closely watched J.D.

Me and My Car: Eric Bauer and his Nissan Skyline

Here at Car Design News we're big fans of Depth of Speed: the combination of great cinematography, beautiful cars and interesting people makes for compelling viewing. Its latest video, ‘Taking the Plunge', features Eric Bauer, a digital modeler, Art Center instructor and CDN contributor and his glorious 1970 Nissan Skyline. Eric has been a professional digital modeler for over 10 years, having worked for BMW DesignWorks USA, GM (CA & MI), KIA, Porsche AG, Volvo Concept & Monitoring Center, and VW/Audi Design Center California.

Lamborghini 'their choice' says Webb

IT WILL be up to pensioners whether they spend their retirement pot on a Lamborghini, Pensions Minister Steve Webb said as he defended a relaxation of rules announced in the Budget. Critics have warned that allowing pensioners to draw down the cash rather than being forced to buy an annuity will result in some blowing the fund and relying solely on state help. The luxury Italian sport cars sell for six-figure sums.