Hyundai claims a 10% fuel-economy improvement with its Sonata hybrid, while the new Sonata plug-in hybrid will have better range than Accord, Fusion.

FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne says automotive mergers would allow automakers to spread out the cost of product-development programs. 

A new 3.5L V-6 replaces the 4.0L V-6 in the outgoing Tacoma and has Toyota’s port- and direct-injection D-4S system.

Ford CEO Mark Fields says the automaker is not moving away from designing fuel-efficient vehicles, despite its introduction of high-powered cars.

Alfa left the U.S. amid chronic complaints of product unreliability. The returning Italian automaker says this time it’s different.  

The NSX has a carbon-fiber floor, and body panels are a mix of aluminum and sheet molding composite.

VW will flesh out its lineup with several new CUVs over the next couple of years, with a version of this latest concept to be revealed later today expected to be among coming offerings.

“It’s a concept vehicle,” Barra warns. “But if it is going to fit the equation that customers are looking for then, yes,” it will cost $30,000.

The awards are unique because, instead of being given out by a specific group or media outlet, they are chosen by 57 automotive journalists representing a wide variety of media, including WardsAuto, from the U.S. and Canada.