Torrance, CA … American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced its new Pilot SUV, to be introduced in the summer of 2002. A pre-production version will be unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit in early January. The new Honda-designed SUV replaces the Passport SUV sourced from Isuzu, and goes head-to-head in the midsize SUV market against the Ford Explorer and lwb GMT 370 SUVs from Chevrolet, GMC and Isuzu. The V6 Pilot raises the bar with eight-passenger seating and the "largest … cargo hauling capacity in its class." Honda addresses all-wheel-drive performance with more than 8" of ground clearance, short overhangs, widest in-class wheel track and an electronically locking differential like the new Hummer H2. More detailed specifications, pricing and production details will be released at a later date.

First official pictures of Volvo's new XC90, to be unveiled at the 2002 NAIAS on January 7th. The XC90 is Volvo's top of the line "Cross Country" model, and the first to carry the XC series designation. The passenger-car based, awd XC90 seats seven in forward-facing seats, and features Volvo's modern styling cues and signature turbocharged inline 5 and 6-cylinder engines. Chief Designer Peter Horbury explained that Volvo "wanted the car to look masculine and confident, but not macho," combining the V-shaped bonnet and pronounced "shoulders" with a more rugged, "powerful stance." One aim was to reinforce Volvo's leading image in terms of safety, and the XC90 design includes technology and features to handle issues of rollover protection and collisions with lower, conventional cars.

Its that time of year when automakers begin to reveal sneak peaks of concepts to be unveiled at the new year autoshows. Today it was Nissan's turn, as they issued illustrations of the "Next Generation Quest" and Infiniti FX45 concepts that will debut at the 2002 NAIAS in Detroit. more …

Rüsselsheim … More photos and information from Opel today on the 2002 Vectra, including the top of the range Vectra GTS hatch featuring a 3.2 L V6. more …

Zarella Goes. Ever since Bob Lutz was appointed vice chairman of GM Product Development, commentators have been waiting for Zarella's exit. This morning it happened. Bausch & Lomb, the company Zarella left as president for GM, has re-hired him as chairman and CEO. Despite praise from CEO & president Rick Wagoner for his contribution to the company, GM wasted no time in replacing the controversial executive. Bob Lutz, vice chairman of GM Product Development, will take on additional duties as chairman of GM North America with Gary Cowger appointed to Zarella's former position as president. Both changes are effective immediately. Cowger had been vice president of Manufacturing and Labor Relations, recalled after a brief tenure as Opel head to mend fences with the UAW in 1998, and remains GM's "global process leader for manufacturing." Now responsible for the day-to-day running of GM's North American operations, he will work with Lutz on the unit's "strategic direction."