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Ford and GM reliability ratings dip in Consumer Reports survey

Consumers rated Ford's new Explorer, Fiesta and Focus models at less-than-average reliability during their first year, according to Consumer Reports' annual auto survey. Poor reception of the new models bumped Ford's overall reliability rank from the 10th spot in 2010 to the 20th this year among the 28 major nameplates included in the survey. Findings are based on responses from 1.3 million vehicle owners or lessees who subscribe to the magazine.

Toyota Recall Update: Half of UK cars now fixed

Toyota has fixed half of the 180k cars recalled over the sticky throttle problems It seems like forever ago that we revealed the enormous problems Toyota had with a mass worldwide recall on a  chunk of the cars they’ve produced in the last few years, but it’s actually only a little over a month – even less since we reported on the Prius recall. But having reported the negatives about Toyota – deservedly so – it’s only fair to report the positives. The Toyota Recall for the sticky accelerator affected a rather significant 180,965 cars in the UK alone.

Freeman Thomas: “it's easier to create your own rocket than create your own car”

The Industrial Designers Society of America's ‘Designing Innovation' panel discussion took place in San Francisco yesterday. The event was sponsored by Ford, with strategic design director, Freeman Thomas taking a place on the panel. Having parked a C-MAX Energi and new F-150 in the venue, Ford's influence weighed rather heavily, particularly in the early moments.