Nissan Caravan 1995 Left Clearance Lamp [1811100] on 2040-parts.com

Toyota drags down new-vehicle quality average; Ford leads Detroit 3 gains

Dragged down by Toyota Motor Corp., the quality of new cars and trucks sold in the United States slipped slightly this year--the first time since 2007, according to a study released Thursday. But Detroit's automakers--helped by Ford Motor Co. and some of the smoothest new-model launches ever--have matched or surpassed Asian and European rivals in initial vehicle quality for the first time, based on the closely watched J.D.

Suzuki Kizashi duo

The New York Auto Show played host to a duo of concepts from Suzuki. The polar opposite Kizashi concepts from the brand take in an eco-minded approach as well as a hardcore turbocharged, race inspired model. The Ecocharge adopts the necessary virginal white hue, blue lighting and smaller diameter wheels to cement the fact it is environmentally friendly.

Nissan Leaf tours the country

Those who haven't made it to the dealership to test drive a Nissan Leaf can get behind the wheel of the electric car when the carmaker swings through towns across the country on its Drive Electric tour. Started on July 8 in Long Island, the tour is visiting 26 cities from Indianapolis to Austin, Texas. Attendees will learn about driving and owning a Leaf, how the car compares with other vehicles, its fuel efficiency and environmental impact, and how to communicate with the car via phone or computer.