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Consumer Reports says infotainment systems 'growing first-year reliability plague'

The Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Survey (right) is out, and the top two spots look much the same as last year's list with Lexus and Toyota in first and second place, respectively. However, there are some major shakeups for 2014, with Acura plunging eight spots from third in 2013 to 11th this year, and Mazda replaces it on the lowest step of the podium. Honda and Audi round out the top five. This year's list includes six Japanese brands in the top 10, two Europeans, one America and one Korean.
Acura isn't the only one taking a tumble, though. Infiniti is the biggest loser this year by dropping 14 spots to 20th place. Other big losses come from Mercedes-Benz with an 11-place fall to 24th, and GMC, which declines 10 positions to 19th.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it's not traditional mechanical bugs hauling down these automaker's reliability scores. Instead, pesky problems with infotainment systems are taking a series toll on the rankings. According to Consumer Reports, complaints about "in-car electronics" were the most grumbled about element in new cars. Problem areas included things like unresponsive touchscreens, issues pairing phones and multi-use controllers that refused to work right.

Kia Niro hybrid CUV teased again ahead of Chicago debut

The 2016 Detroit Auto Show just started, but Kia is already looking forward to February. That's when the Chicago Auto Show happens, and that's when Kia promises to unveil its Niro hybrid compact crossover. The company's two teaser images offer a great look at the little CUV, especially when you consider them with the earlier design sketches. The Niro is part of Kia's push to create a greener lineup through 2020, and the model packs a dedicated hybrid powertrain. Earlier reports suggest that it consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and 47-horsepower electric motor with a 1.56-kWh battery. A six-speed dual-clutch gearbox will likely put the power to the road. Kia's styling centers in California and Namyang, South Korea, are responsible for the Niro's look. The designers use a narrow version of the company's tiger-nose grille for this CUV, but the high-mounted headlights create a clear family resemblance to the latest Sportage. The roofline appears to have a coupe-like arch, and the rear gets nearly rectangular taillights that angle into the hatch. If the Niro name sounds familiar, that's because Kia first used it on a slightly bulbous crossover concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. You'll have to wait a month for all the details, but until then, enjoy the teasers and press release below. KIA REVEALS FIRST IMAGES OF ALL-NEW NIRO HYBRID UTILITY VEHICLE Kia reveals first images of all-new Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle Exclusive first images of Niro HUV illustrates sporty and versatile design Niro HUV world premiere set for Chicago Auto Show in February 2016 Dedicated hybrid powertrain specifically developed for all-new model (SEOUL) January 12, 2016 – Kia has today unveiled the first official images of the sporty and versatile Niro – an all-new Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) that's set to add a fresh dimension to the global compact SUV market. The styling of the Niro was led by Kia's design centers in California, USA and Namyang, Korea and incorporates the practicality and aesthetic allure of a compact SUV, with a sleek, aerodynamic body and subtly sculptured surfaces. Highlighting the raised rear haunches that endow the HUV with an athletic stance, the image also reveals high-mounted LED taillights that complement an uncluttered rear end. The slim character line and rear windows emphasize the car's sleek profile, while allowing greater room for the Niro's muscular wheel arches.

Autoline streaming live from Detroit Auto Show right now

As you can already see, the Autoblog team is digging deep to bring you everything from the Detroit Auto Show media days today and tomorrow, with obsessive coverage of all of the new sheetmetal, hot concepts and industry news. But we're hardly alone in Cobo Hall, and our friend John McElroy and his Autoline team have fired up a live video webcast with interviews from the show floor that you can watch right now by scrolling below. The daily streaming broadcasts start at 1:00 PM Eastern today and tomorrow, with a large number of A-list executives, designers, and product planners from both domestic and foreign automakers are expected to sit in. Interviewees scheduled to appear include Al Gardner, President and CEO of Chrysler; David Zuchowski, brand-new President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America; Doug Scott, Truck Group Marketing Manager at Ford; and Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer at Kia. For the live feed and a full list of guests for both days, scroll below. Live broadcast by Ustream [Pop-out Chat Window] Day One Al Gardner, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America Doug Scott, Truck Group Marketing Manager, Ford Tim Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer, Global Chevrolet Heiko Schmidt, Head of C-Class Product Planning, Mercedes-Benz USA Filip Brabec, Product Planning Manager, Audi of America Day Two Bob Ferguson, Senior Vice President, Global Cadillac Dave Zuchowski, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor America Mike Manley, President & CEO, Jeep Brand Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer, Kia Tom Kearns, Chief Designer, Kia Design Center America Jim Lentz, COO, Toyota Motor NA Tony Nicolosi, President & CEO, Volvo Cars North America Jose Munoz, Executive VP & Chairman, Nissan Americas Auto News Detroit Auto Show Audi BMW Chrysler Ford Kia Videos Detroit Autoblog 2014 Detroit Auto Show autoline Peter Schreyer