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Lexus gets new focus

Battered by recalls and public inquisitions, Toyota is hoping to restore its once-pristine image with new hybrid products and a renewed focus on Lexus. Lexus increasingly will be positioned as a “global premium brand,” the company said on Wednesday, and see improved styling, more hybrids and better service. The brand's sales have fallen 9 percent this year, to 26,674 in the United States.

Duke of Windsor's Cadillac for sale

A 1941 CADILLACE custom-built for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor is to be auctioned in New York City. Dubbed The Duchess, the limousine features rose-coloured broadcloth upholstery, four jewellery cases and three cigar lighters. It's estimated to fetch between 500,000 and 800,000 dollars (£309,000 to £494,000) when it is sold on November 21 by Sotheby's and RM Auctions.

Syd Mead exhibition opens in New York

A selection of the work of Syd Mead – the designer behind some of the most iconic vehicles in films such as Blade Runner and Aliens – has gone on display at the BravinLee Gallery in New York. The exhibition of the works, which span the forty years of his career to date, is sure to excite fans of the visionary designer, who continues to inspire designers young and old. Daniel Simon, the concept designer behind such films as Marvel's Captain America and TRON Legacy, for example has worked closely with Mead.