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Car makers shun Detroit show NAIAS 2009

By Simon Stiel Motor Shows 27 November 2008 11:28 The number of car makers pulling out of Detroit's major auto show, the North American International Auto Show 2009, is growing. The very survival of Detroit is being questioned as Congress debates the $25 billion aid package to save GM, Ford and Chrysler – and now it looks as if the NAIAS is under threat too. In the past weeks, Ferrari, Land Rover, Rolls Royce, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Suzuki have announced their withdrawal from the show, which is scheduled to begin on 11 January 2009.

Toyota's global design chief Tokuo Fukuichi appointed president of Lexus

Toyota's global design chief Tokuo Fukuichi will be the first designer to sit on the company's board of directors when his appointment comes into effect on 1 April. Fukuichi will retain his position as global head of design for the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands and will join the board after the general shareholders' meeting. His influence on Toyota's design direction over the last few years has been noticeable, particularly with Lexus, as the company strives to make its traditionally very conservative products a little more exciting.

Aston Martin dealer toasts record March

ASTON MARTIN Works is raising a glass this month after a record March that saw its best monthly sales results yet. The special showroom for the iconic British firm saw the extreme V12 Vantage S and the extremely beautiful Vanquish Volante lead the way in sales, with well-to-do buyers racing to place orders for the earliest deliveries of the two newest Astons. Based at the historic home of Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, Aston Martin Works has for almost 60 years been home to either the factory or, more recently, the brand’s specialist heritage, restoration and servicing operations.