This Week on TheCarConnection.com: Ford to Slash White-Collar Ranks, Flint Says Cheap Can Be Cool

DETROIT, July 25 -- Quality at the Big Three has soared -- three domestic brands nudging past perennial quality leader Lexus in the latest J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index -- so why don't America's car brands get any respect? Even General Motors' "car czar," Bob Lutz, admits he has a hard time believing Detroit can beat the Japanese, despite having the statistics to prove it. This week TheCarConnection.com, http://www.thecarconnection.com/ , examines how difficult it is for U.S. makers to get credit for their gains.

It's a spy shot extravaganza on TheCarConnection.com this week. Don't miss exclusive pics of the new Saturn crossover, Acura RDX, Bentley convertible, Jeep Rescue and Nissan Teana.

This week's reviews include the 2006 Lexus IS sports sedan and BMW 3- Series Touring.

And then get the word from curmudgeon-at-large Jerry Flint, who says that cheap can be cool.

In business news, Ford is reportedly ready to slash as much as 30 percent of its white-collar workforce. Canadian autoworkers may be heading for a showdown with the Big Three, while in the US, the UAW has hired outside experts to see if GM really needs help on health care costs.

In the new blog, TccConfidential, take a trip on Air Lutz, as the retired Marine aviator strafes the GM Proving Grounds. And tell us whether you think Big Three quality is now on a par with the imports.

In this week's TCC Tip, find out how to add the right aftermarket auto alarm -- and stay on your neighbors' good side.

Don't miss this week's CAR-toon, only on TheCarConnection.com. Let OnSite Mechanic solve your service problems. Find Kelley Blue Book pricing and more -- on the Web's Automotive Authority, TheCarConnection.com.

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