The innovative Nissan e-NV200 Concept, which made its world debut at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit, serves as more evidence of Nissan's leadership position in the zero-emission automotive industry.

2012 marks the 18th year of WardsAuto World magazine's 10 Best Engines list. Not only is this the only award of its kind in the North American auto industry it is, according to WardsAuto, "considered by many to be the ‘Oscars' for automotive engines." We'll let that comment slide for now.

Volkswagen has traditionally partnered with Dynaudio for its premium in-car audio systems. The only problem was the high-end German manufacturer of home and professional loudspeakers and studio monitors is largely unknown here in the U.S. Veedubs solution was to find a partner on this side of the pond with a name more familiar to American car buyers. Boy did they ever.

Protean Electric, the global leader in electric in-wheel motors, showcased its award-winning Protean Drive system in a BRABUS Hybrid at the SAE 2012 World Congress April 24 at Cobo Center. The event marked the BRABUS Hybrid's premier North American appearance.

The same issues the MINI brand faced when it was re-introduced in 2001 are now facing Fiat - how to expand its 500 lineup to make new car dealers more profitable and bring in more buyers to the Fiat fold at the same time.

Earlier this week, the new Explorer Sport was on display for the first time to the public at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

In 2010 Morgan heralded the coming production of a 21st Century 3 Wheeler thusly: "When did you last regard a journey by motor car as an adventure? The Morgan 3 Wheeler is launched to bring the fun and passion back to personal transport. Lift the safety catch from the "bomb release" starter, hear the massive twin cylinders detonate and choose your favourite destination."

If there remain naysayers out there that still doubt the impact of social media on the automotive industry, what was announced by Nissan at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show should put those thoughts to rest.

If you have yet to see it in person, picture this: a true 4-seat car (yes, 2 full-sized adults can sit in the back seat with plenty of head, hip and leg room) that, when compared to the diminutive Ford Fiesta, is 200 pounds lighter, has a wheelbase that's 4.5 inches shorter and an overall length that's nearly 16 inches less.

The Infiniti Emerg-e Concept, the latest embodiment of Infiniti Inspired Performance, made its North American debut during festivities surrounding the 62nd annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, one of the world's premier celebrations of the automobile.