The 2010 Lexus RX

Luxury car brands are confronted with a marketing nightmare thanks to the current global economic crisis. To revive floundering sales, Toyota’s luxury wing, Lexus, has come up with a vehicle that might just become the game-breaking model in the midrange luxury crossover segment.

Perhaps the RX’s most appealing feature is Remote Touch, a tactile response input device that makes it easier to access the central console for navigation and entertainment. The system makes use of intuitive tactile input and thus eliminates the need to look over the console and pay close attention to on-screen interfaces. The system also allows voice commands using phrases with keywords. This way, the driver can focus on driving and keeping his eye on the road while accessing important information.

The Remote Touch System

Interesting as Remote Touch is, other aspects of the RX seem to be lacking. The leather of the interior could be better, and fuel economy is really an issue for this crossover. Of course, you can argue that anyone who can afford a luxury vehicle shouldn’t really be that concerned with mileage and efficiency. That said, the RX still looks like a top dog in the luxury crossover category, alongside the Cadillac SRX.

If automakers still aren’t going green by design, they will soon be left without a choice. President Barack Obama has issued orders to allow US States to make their own regulations concerning fuel emissions, a move that will effectively reverse a law set in the Bush administration, which prevented some 14 states including California from setting stricter emission requirements under the existing Federal Clean Air Act.

Obama Signs Orders for Stricter Emission Rules

Obama said that the intention is “not to further burden an already struggling industry.” The goal is to “prepare for the future” and “thrive by building the cars of tomorrow.” This starts with making the EPA grant California and other states the waivers they need to set their own emission rules.

Additionally, Obama directed the Department of Transportation to impose stricter requirements on mileage and emissions come March. “It will be the policy of my administration to reverse our dependence on foreign oil while building a new energy economy that will create millions of jobs,” said the recently-inaugurated President.

Currently, federal laws require automakers to produce cars with 35 mpg economy by 2020. California, on the other hand, wants to impose a stricter level by that same year: 42.5 mpg.

So, it’s shape up or bust for automakers. Looks like change is coming faster than expected. Of course, this initiative will be met with challenges, particularly coming from Detroit and America’s automobile-producing states.

Source: Autocar, Washington Post