Genesis marked a new milestone with the global unveiling of its first crossover, the GV80, a crucial model that could reel in customers interested in the upstart Korean brand's value and quality proposition, but turned off by its all-sedan lineup.

Brian Latouf will be responsible for safety regulation matters, strategic legal direction and oversight of safety and emissions investigations. According to his Linkedin profile, Latouf worked for 14 1/2 years at GM, including as director of the Canadian Regional Engineering Center in Ontario. He has a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from the University of Windsor in Ontario.

Kia will introduce the entry-level model in North America early next year. It slots between the subcompact Soul hatchback and the compact Sportage crossover, padding the Korean brand's product lineup with six utility vehicles. Kia Canada confirmed on Friday that the vehicle will be sold in Canada.

Designers say the concept to be shown at Monterey Car Week already has many of the engineering details worked out, suggesting the production car won't be far off in terms of overall design.

J.D. Power CEO David Habiger said in a statement that the acquisition will help fuel growth for the firm known for its automotive quality awards and the Power Information Network. Terms were not announced. Autodata is headquartered in London, Ont.

Hyundai is packing its lineup with more utility vehicles, including the new Venue that promises to be the smallest and most affordable of its increasingly stylish offerings. It arrives in dealerships in the fourth quarter.