2013 SAE World Congress

“We need to be producing hundreds if not thousands of (space) vehicles per year. And in the world of space, we have no idea of how to do that,” Virgin Galactic’s CEO says.  

The Cruze diesel, due in the fall at dealerships, marks GM’s first car diesel in some 20 years. The auto maker says it expects consumers will gravitate to diesel technology for more than fuel economy.

WardsAuto writers pass along the buzz at this week’s SAE World Congress being held in Detroit.

Young stylists were given the task of creating a roomy, practical family-sedan cabin aimed at first-time buyers in the year 2025. The finalists were selected by top auto industry designers at Ford, Chrysler, Toyota and GM.

The first applications likely will be in light-commercial vehicles in China, CEO Bob Purcell tells WardsAuto.

Most panelists reluctantly agree that faster data transfer within the vehicle ultimately will be driven by insatiable customer demands for more convenience items, entertainment and connectivity, not powertrain requirements.

EV maker Fisker may be on the ropes, but Mary Nichols says California’s market for plug-ins is growing and its success is vital to the state’s air-quality efforts.