At the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled a pair of concept cars based on the ID production model that they hope to produce in the next three to four years. The two, the IDx Freeflow and the motorsports-inspired IDx Nismo can boast an interesting feature- they appeal to both young and old.

About a decade ago, Porsche caused a scandal when it veered away from it's high performance sports cars and created a people mover called the Cayenne. That mid-sized crossover was a hit for the company, and now Porsche AG is doing it all over again.

The Chinese manufacturing industry is well known for it's knockoffs. Whether it be fashion, electronics or household goods, they can whip up a clone moments after it hits the public, sometimes even before that. Some Western manufacturers have even decided that if they can't beat 'em, join 'em, and are simply allowing the Chinese to build their designs through licensing agreements and joint venture partnerships.

There are lots of auto shows in North America, but Tinseltown's #Los Angeles Auto Show is definitely the shiniest one of them all. There are an awful lot of wealthy people in the area, so automakers bring out their most luxurious wares for this particular audience.

You may already know from a #Kia advertisement that #Peter Schreyer is the principal designer for Kia Motors, and has been since 2006. In early 2013, he was appointed president and chief designer of the Hyundai Motor Group. He completely redesigned the Kia range in only a few years, taking it to the point where Kia has now become a respected brand in the automotive industry. Peter Schreyer is the second designer in history to receive a Golden Steering Wheel. The first to be so honoured was Giorgetto Giugiaro in 1995. The Golden Steering Wheel award is presented by Bild am Sonntag and AutoBild.

#Lexus is well known for it's luxurious and comfortable models, but in recent years, the brand is showing some teeth. The Lexus LFA was the first to demonstrate that the upscale Toyota brand may well master the art of mechanical performance. The 2014 Lexus IS F is a good example of pure performance in a full size model.

In recent years, Ford's luxury brand #Lincoln has slipped far below it's German, American and Japanese rivals. The company is in the middle of reinventing itself, and staging a comeback with new models in segments where it can establish itself quickly. One of the hottest segments right now is the luxury compact crossover market, and Lincoln has just the vehicle for that slot.

Like it or not, the winter season affects our lives from one day to the next. Many of us though, never seem to find ourselves prepared when it hits us. The Michelin Winter Driving Academy has launched a website designed to answer many of our winter driving questions, not only related to tires, but also about preparing our vehicles for winter. Advice is also given to improve your driving skills while under difficult conditions.

The 2014 Ford Fusion has a few differences from the 2013 version. The most obvious changes this year are to be found under the hood of the sedan, with the introduction of a new four-cylinder 1.5-litre #EcoBoost engine. Ford has stated that this engine's fuel economy is better than that of the current 1.5-litre EcoBoost, and offers a significant reduction in engine noise.

Based on the 4Runner platform, only with a slightly shorter length and wheelbase, the FJ Cruiser was a rugged no-compromise off roader intended to evoke memories of the legendary LandCruiser FJ40 made in the 1960s.

Residents of Montreal who say that public transit is not suitable for them will now have fewer arguments. In addition to the subway, bus, commuter rail, BIXI, Communauto and Auto-mobile; Daimler has now launched it's #car2go service here in Montreal. A small party was held on Saturday to raise awareness of the new car sharing system. Two hundred and fifty smart cars, specially marked in the company's colours will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the Plateau, Mont-Royal, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie and Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame de Grace areas. On top of that, parking spaces for these cars are reserved in the borough of Ville-Marie.

For many of us, when we hear the names #Kia and Hyundai, we immediately think of cheap, almost disposable cars. We associate these brands with memories of the old Pony subcompact, and cars that required ten-year warranties to reassure us of our investment. At one time, Korean cars were thought to be only one level above a Yugo to North American consumers.

British automotive manufacturer Rolls Royce is diversifying it's line-up in a big way lately, adding variations to beef up it's range, and considering the addition of an SUV as well. Much like rival Jaguar, the company needs to offer a larger portfolio. Earlier this year, Rolls Royce rolled out the Wraith, attracting a great deal of attention and positive reviews at auto shows around the world.

Eight U.S. states, including California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont, want to have a minimum of 3.3 million hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, electric and fuel cell vehicles on their roads by 2025. Each state will purchase more zero-emission vehicles for their government service fleets, update their building codes to include charging stations, and add new buildings and road signs for these vehicles. They have created partnerships with manufacturers, asked for special rates on electricity and are providing extra financial incentives for #green car buyers. It is expected that within six months, they will have a concrete plan of action ready.

Canada's top seven selling cars are all found in the compact segment. We seem to love these smallish cars, all of which are of similar size and shape and priced in the $15,000 to $30,000 range. We buy three times more compacts than we do intermediate level cars, and four times the number of subcompacts. Canadians love their compacts- the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and the Toyota Corolla outsell everything else by a very wide margin.

The #Dubai International Motor Show is growing, and auto manufacturers are getting behind it in a big way. About 40 percent of the exhibitors this year will be appearing for the first time at the show, where over 600 cars, motorcycles and other types of vehicles will be showcased.

Only three weeks before Nissan's lucrative and exclusive partnership with New York City's "#Taxi of Tomorrow" plan was set to launch, the city has pulled the plug on the deal.

Challenging both the United States and China, the #Mexican automotive industry is about to embark on a $10 billion factory building spree.

Thanks to Mexico's low wages, a global network of free-trade agreements and a strong supplier base, the country is poised to become the China of the west. In the short term most vehicles will be destined for the U.S. market. However expect that to change quickly. Vehicles produced there are not only destined for the U.S. and Canada, but for export. Very soon the number of exports from Mexico to countries outside of North America will be higher than those within.

The Los Angeles Motor Show will be hosting an impressive 22 #world premieres, part of the total of 56 vehicles being unveiled at the event between November 19th and the 21st. On November 22nd, the event will open it's doors to the public, until December 1.

Last week Chevrolet showed off the new #2014 Camaro Z28. Once very popular, this version was absent from the return of the famous American muscle car. For it's return, the Z28 went to Germany to demonstrate it's prowess on the demanding Nürburgring. It definitely impressed, getting around the circuit in 7 minutes and 37.4 seconds, a time comparable to that of several exotic sports cars.