2003 Nissan Touring on 2040-cars

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Nissan bringing 2014 Versa Note to Detroit

Nissan today confirmed that it will be showing the 2014 Versa Note - not Versa, not Note, but Versa Note - at next week's 2013 Detroit Auto Show. And while we can't see a whole lot from this one teaser image, we're willing to bet that the car looks a lot like this.
All Nissan will tell us at this time is that the Versa Note will have "segment-exclusive technology, outstanding fuel economy, smart packaging and class-leading cargo space." Sounds... class-competitive.
Given how turned-off we are by the second-generation Versa sedan, it'll be interesting to see just what's in store for this Notably more functional version of the affordable compact. Stay tuned for the full details live from Cobo Hall in just a few days, and scroll down to read Nissan's brief press blast.

Nissan Rogue redesigned with three rows for 2014

Nissan has been on a roll lately, redesigning its core model line with all-new versions of the Altima, Pathfinder, Sentra and Versa Note released this year. But the Japanese automaker wouldn't leave out the Rogue, its second-best-selling model in the US.
Like the Range Rover Sport, Mitsubishi Outlander and Ford Explorer, the second-generation Nissan Rogue has gained an optional third row of seats for seven-passenger capability. Along with the middle and rear rows, the front passenger seat can also be folded flat for the benefit of cargo capacity, and the cabin has been redesigned for an airier look and feel.
Despite the added space inside, the new Rogue is only marginally larger than the model it replaces, with a 0.6-inch longer wheelbase offset by shorter overhangs front and rear. A lower drag coefficient ought to help reduce wind noise and improve fuel consumption as well.

Tier 1 suppliers call GM the worst OEM to work with

Among automakers with a big US presence, General Motors is the worst to work for, according to a new survey from Tier 1 automotive suppliers, conducted by Planning Perspectives, Inc.
The Detroit-based manufacturer, which has been under fire following the ignition switch recall and its accompanying scandal, finished behind six other automakers with big US manufacturing operations. Suppliers had issues with trust and communications, as well as intellectual property protection. GM was also the least likely to allow suppliers to raise their prices in the face of unexpected increases in material cost, all of which contributed to 55 percent of suppliers saying their relationship with GM was "poor to very poor."
GM's cross-town competitors didn't fare much better. Chrysler finished in fifth place, ahead of GM and behind Dearborn-based Ford, which was passed for third place this year by Nissan. Toyota took the top marks, while Honda captured second place.