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Detroit brands top Asian, European rivals in study of most appealing models

Owner delight with import vehicles is falling, and Detroit 3 brands are more appealing than European and Asian rivals for the first time in 13 years, according to a study measuring owner enthusiasm and satisfaction. The biggest improvement in owner appeal was made by high-performance models from Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co., J.D.

Max Wolff to become Design Director at Lincoln

Ford's luxury nameplate, Lincoln, is set to welcome a new design director, the first dedicated design director for the brand. The role will be filled by former GM designer Max Wolff, who will head the design team in the new year.  Until Wolff's appointment, Peter Horbury and Moray Callum, Ford's Executive Director of Design, The Americas, oversaw Lincoln-Mercury designs – the two brands were paired before Ford decided to kill off Mercury earlier this year. While Gerry McGovern headed Lincoln-Mercury design for a brief period before becoming director of Advanced Design at Land Rover in 2004, Lincoln itself has never had a design director dedicated solely to the brand.  Wolff brings with him extensive global perspective and luxury design experience; his most recent role was with Cadillac, where he was head of exteriors.

Stylish 4 Series Convertible announced by BMW

BMW revealed its new 4 Series Convertible that will cost from £36,675 when it reaches UK showrooms in March 2014. With styling closely related to the 4 Series Coupe’s, the Convertible has a folding metal roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 8mph. BMW has also introduced a new Air Collar to keep front seat passengers’ necks toasty by blowing warm air on to them from vents in the headrest.