Automotive News for Industry Professionals - updated daily, Monday through Friday!http://www.automotivedigest.comhttp://www.automotivedigest.com/content/displayArticle.aspx?a=7449505/07/2012http://www.automotivedigest.com/content/displayArticle.aspx?a=7487005/07/2012http://www.automotivedigest.com/content/displayArticle.aspx?a=7487205/07/2012As fuel prices appear to have peaked, U.S. buyers are not as concerned about high-mileage transportation as they once were, and they have begun shifting focus from smaller cars to the high-powered trucks and SUVs American much prefer. Thus, the April 2012 University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute report indicates a slight downturn in the window-sticker fuel economy average of vehicles sold in the U.S. last month.http://www.automotivedigest.com/content/displayArticle.aspx?a=8739405/07/2012As part of the annual Michelin Challenge Design contest (student winners displayed at NAIAS next January) a panel of top vehicle designers present their ideas in Detroit this Thursday, discussing the challenge they face in the future of reducing vehicle weight while keeping the look of the vehicle “exciting”. Panelists include designers Bob Boniface (GM), Mark Trostle (Chrysler) and Michael Arbaugh (Ford).http://www.automotivedigest.com/content/displayArticle.aspx?a=8739505/07/2012