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Study links low-speed collision-avoidance system to fewer accidents

A study of the Volvo XC60's low accident rate offers evidence that collision avoidance systems can improve vehicle safety. The XC60, which has a low-speed collision avoidance system dubbed City Safety, was involved in 27 percent fewer property damage accidents than other mid-sized luxury SUVs, according to a report released Tuesday by the Highway Loss Data Institute. The XC60 also was involved in 51 percent fewer bodily injury accidents.

Detroit Auto Show roundup

The 2012 NAIAS in Detroit, MI has proved to be exactly the dose of salts the US auto industry so desperately needed after a few very lean years for the event. Numerous concept and production cars made their debuts in the halls of COBO and, as ever, Car Design News was on hand to provide our in-depth live show coverage. Here's a full rundown of our reportage from NAIAS 2012: Acura Acura NSX Concept: Living up to the name Cadillac Cadillac ATS: Finally breaking into the premium mainstream?

Honda Civic's frugal 2013 DTEC diesel: more info

Honda will equip its current Civic hatch with a 1.6-litre diesel engine from early in 2013. The engine is, Honda claims, the cleanest, most frugal engine in its class, and will offer diesel Civic buyers up to 78.5mpg, according to the company's figures. The downsized 1.6 derv will also see duty in the new CR-V soft-roader later on in 2013.