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U.S. unveils blueprint to tackle driver distraction

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday the agency isn't looking at new regulations to address distracted driving, but rather is calling on automakers to step up voluntary efforts to combat risks with new technologies and education. LaHood, who's made distracted driving a top automotive safety priority of the Obama administration, said he's met with the CEOs of numerous automakers and feels confident "they're committed to safety." He even praised Subaru of America for a TV ad that highlighted the dangers of driver distraction. The commercial featured a father talking to his teenage daughter about the risks of using a cell phone while on the road.

Honda Insight goes for $1,560 less with new base model

Honda slashed $1,560 from the base price of its Insight hybrid for the 2011 model year, creating a new entry-level trim that carries a sticker price of $18,950, including destination charges. The move gives the Insight a pricing edge of about $4,610 over the Toyota Prius. The Insight LX was the base model for the 2010 model year, and its price started at $20,510.

Lotus evolves with moving art

WITH VIDEO -- With five new concepts dotting its stand at the Paris motor show, Lotus demonstrated that it knows a bit about metamorphosis. Now, the automaker has collaborated with French artist Gerard Rancinan and writer Caroline Gaudriault for a moving art display for a VIP event in Los Angeles. Rancinan specializes in art of the human form while Gaudriault is a journalist by trade who has worked in Japan, Australia and France.