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Future products: Kia seeks lively, upscale look

Kia's redesigned Optima sedan and the Cadenza replacement for the Amanti, both due next year, reflect an emphasis on creating a livelier and more upscale look for the once-bland brand. Indeed, styling has been a crucial element of Kia's new-product push in the past 18 months. The team at Kia Design Center America near Los Angeles--part of the automaker's global design network led by onetime Audi design chief Peter Schreyer--has helped set the new styling direction.

Agnelli family member to become Fiat chairman

Fiat S.p.A. said that Agnelli family heir John Elkann will become chairman and that Italy's biggest carmaker will separate its car-making business from trucks and tractors. Elkann, 34, is the grandson of former chairman Giovanni Agnelli and is vice chairman and head of the family's holding company.

Toyota Matrix

Toyota unveiled the second-generation Matrix at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show last week. Based on the Corolla sedan, the sporty five-door 'crossover' has been totally redesigned for the 2009 model year. Development of the new Matrix focused on svelte exterior styling with enhanced interior utility and improved performance.