Details, Quality, Consumer Focus Typify Tomorrow’s Interior Designs May 26, 2009 3:09 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend Design executives from Toyota, Chrysler and Ford discuss the growing importance of interiors in their vehicle programs as consumers become more choosy.
Lutz Influence Expected ‘For a Generation’ May 22, 2009 3:29 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy A top designer says under Bob Lutz, GM went from “near the bottom of the interiors market to world-class in one product cycle.”
Luxury Vehicle Interiors for Consumer 2.0 May 22, 2009 2:50 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay As the new generation moves to luxury, they look for multi-functional interiors with lightweight and ‘green’ materials.
Reporter’s Notebook: Working for the Man May 21, 2009 5:43 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at this week’s Ward’s Auto Interiors Conference in Dearborn, MI.
Audi Culls Consumer Info by Living With U.S. Families May 21, 2009 5:36 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay Attention to details is what has earned Audi in general and its interiors in particular a reputation for excellence.
Lightweight Interiors Could Bolster Fuel Economy May 21, 2009 5:25 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Magna has been working with various polymers and composites, which could result in a reduction in the number of seat parts, maximizing interior space.
Understanding Customer Needs Key to Designing Interiors of Future May 21, 2009 5:18 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope When trying to determine what consumers will want in the future, it’s of utmost importance to have a firm understanding of the so-called Generation Y.
OEs Will Need to Cover All Bases With Electronics Systems, Panel Says May 21, 2009 3:06 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia Vehicles will need to incorporate a combination of embedded and non-embedded systems, plus have the ability to connect to the Internet for frequent updates and new applications.
Fusion Hybrid Makes Gauges Engaging Apr 28, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne Stomp the accelerator and watch a tree wither and die. Nurse the pedal and it grows wild, filling the screen with foliage.
’09 Audi A4 Receives Best Redesign Award Apr 28, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter Superb design and much improved ergonomics create a first impression of technical sophistication and functionality that also is warm and welcoming.
Lexus RX Interior Achieves Harmonic Balance Apr 28, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Throughout the interior, the RX demonstrates its mission to introduce a new aesthetic that relies not on straight lines but unconventional shapes that serve as strong design cues.
CTS-V Says ‘Luxury, Performance’ Like Few Others Apr 28, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend Ward’s editors gush over the Recaro performance driving seats and the matching suede-like microfiber covering the steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter.
Love at First Sight Apr 28, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter The CC’s striking first impression comes from the car’s four ergonomically formed sport seats that immediately announce it is no run-of-the-mill family hauler.
370Z Interior Sparse, Mechanical – And Just Right Apr 28, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy Nissan 2-seater is a great value, and the brushed aluminum pedals and purposeful interior urge the driver to turn off the traction control and hit the track.
Watch This Space Apr 28, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Eric Mayne The Ram’s spacious cab, available for the first time in crew size, is packed with inspired, easy-to-use features designed to help you “git ’er done.”
What Capt. Kirk Would Drive Apr 27, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By David E. Zoia The metallic treatment along the IP and doors adds to the car’s high-tech, driver-oriented theme and pulls together the gray trim and the saddle-tone Milano leather seats better than anyone has a right to expect.
Honda Fits Nicely in Winner’s Circle Apr 27, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy From the sporty mesh on the steering wheel to the second-row “Magic Seat,” the Honda Fit represents a superb value. The competition was outgunned.
Kia Wins With Soul Apr 8, 2009 8:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Ward’s staffers for the most part are smitten with the thoughtful, colorful and, well, groovy interior of the subcompact boxy Soul.
Interior of Year Finalists Announced Mar 23, 2009 8:40 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy The annual competition recognizes that interiors must soothe stressed-out motorists, while accommodating extreme multitasking. Editors are evaluating 35 vehicles, and winners will be announced in April.