Vehicles: Page
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Courtesy of WardsAuto
Versatile Materials Called Key to Vehicle Interiors
Sustainability, lightweighting and consumer preference are among the OEM priorities suppliers are trying to address, company representatives say during a panel discussion at the recent WardsAuto Interiors Conference.
June 20, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Pressure on Automakers to Build Smarter Vehicles
The good news is there is tremendous value for those who seize the initiative in the data-driven disruption that’s defining the automotive world.
By Justin Schmid • June 19, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Nissan Out to Kick Some Butt
The Kicks is the right vehicle in this CUV-crazy time – more understated than the model it replaces and an incredible deal to boot.
June 19, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Strict Emissions Laws Push EV Plans for China
Automakers would find it nearly impossible to meet Chinese standards without including some electrified vehicles in their portfolios. Beijing announced in April it would allow 100% foreign ownership of companies producing EVs.
By Alysha Webb • June 18, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
EV Pioneer Mitsubishi Swept Up in Currents of Change
“Battery price has since fallen to one-fourth of that (2009) level and will go down further,” Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko predicts. “So we really can’t evaluate the marketplace with existing technology, because the technology is going to change in the next five to 10 years.”
By Roger Schreffler • June 15, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Kia’s California-Flavored Niro EV Debuts in Korea
The new CUV, boasting a range of 236 miles in its high-capacity version and 149 miles in a lower-capacity model, offers a high level of safety features and in-car technologies.
By Vince Courtenay • June 11, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Honda Accord Interior: Color It a Worthy Also-Ran
The Accord finished just out of the running in this year’s polling by WardsAuto editors, earning overall praise for comfort – particularly the seating and second-row legroom – as well as ADAS features and ease of access to driver information.
June 8, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Thailand Sees Bright Future for Electric Vehicles
Office of Industrial Economics Director-General Siriruj Chulakaratana says electric vehicles are poised to drive the local automotive industry because retail EV pricing and technology costs are expected to decline.
By Alan Harman • June 8, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Acura RDX Shines Against the Competition
The new RDX improves upon its predecessor and bests the Germans on power and handling, while its standard technology stands out.
June 7, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Mitsubishi Enhances All-Wheel-Drive Technology
The Super All-Wheel-Control system expands traditional all-wheel-drive functionality from traction control to include vehicle stability and predictive handling.
By Roger Schreffler • June 6, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
2018 Wards 10 Best Interiors: Going Soft
The right cushioning or microfiber in key interior locations makes all the difference when it comes to weighing an interior’s softer touches. (Scroll down for 10 Best Interiors video.)
By Bob Gritzinger • June 5, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Making the Ride as Important as Getting There
Peering into the automotive interiors of the future, technologists foresee a wide range of possibilities designed to enhance getting from Point A to B.
By Bob Gritzinger • June 5, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Autonomous Vehicles and the In-Cabin Experience
Passengers in autonomous cars can elect to be productive, entertained or even to zone out. The environment of the cabin can be used as an office, library or living room. But to achieve those options, there must be an upgraded interface between the car and the people inside.
By Gil Dotan • June 5, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Smart Interior Materials for Smart Cars
Autonomous vehicles will require new interior surfaces to cope with heavy usage from dozens of occupants. Industry experts see a host of innovative materials that are stylish, lightweight, soft and compatible with airbags, touchscreens and sound systems.
June 4, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
FCA Brand Plans Include Broader Lineups, Bigger Emphasis on Electrification
The automaker is focused on covering more market segments with its key Jeep, Ram, Maserati and Alfa brands and increasing transaction prices and volumes. It no longer is resisting the electrification movement, with a long list of plug-in hybrids and full battery-electrics planned.
By David Zoia Editor • June 1, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
FCA Makes Big Commitment to Electrification
With the automaker’s focus on premium brands comes a broad emphasis on electrification, including four full battery electrics by 2022.
By David Zoia Editor • June 1, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
GM: Design Studios Must Diversify for Future Mobility
“As the world of an interior designer becomes less and less traditional, we need diverse thinking in this area and that will only come from a more diverse talent pool,” says Sharon Gauci, the automaker's industrial design chief.
By James M. Amend • June 1, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Parts Makers Careful to Keep Focus on Craftsmanship
Magna may be able to supply Lincoln with 30-way power front seats for the Continental, but the supplier’s engineering expertise is compromised if the seating material isn’t wrinkle-free, says Frank Eupizi, director of engineering-consumer interface products.
June 1, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
FCA, Waymo, Announce Huge Autonomous Minivan Growth Plan
Close on the heels of GM’s announcement of a $3.35 billion investment in autonomous vehicles, FCA and Waymo say they’ll increase their self-driving fleet 100-fold starting late this year.
By Bob Gritzinger • May 31, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
FCA’s Benjamin Talks Wrangler Heritage, Why AVs Will Elevate Interiors
Elements of the earliest generations of the Wrangler can be found in the new ’18 model, including the trapezoidal surfacing of the 1954 CJ.
May 31, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Changing Priorities, Autonomy, Computerization to Shift User Experience
As billions of dollars are being poured into creating autonomous vehicles, consumers wonder if they need to own a vehicle anymore.
May 30, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Auto Interior Challenges: Less Weight, More Filling, Reduced Costs
Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.DETROIT – When automakers and their suppliers would discuss vehicle weight reduction, the dialogue typically centered on “how many dollars i...
By Steven Finlay • May 30, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Auto Industry Developing Safety Systems to Protect Sleepers
In the event of an accident, how will the auto industry protect autonomous vehicle occupants who instead of driving are taking naps or otherwise resting in various positions.
By Steven Finlay • May 30, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
2018 Wards 10 Best Interiors Quick Hits
A summation of all 40 interiors evaluated in the 2018 competition. Many of these comments are taken directly from score sheets submitted by WardsAuto editors. Prices listed are sticker. Winners in red.
By Tom Murphy, Christie Schweinberg • May 29, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Incremental Improvements to Leaf Helpful
The car falls short of the Chevy Bolt on range and infotainment, but has a lovely interior with above-average materials and does well in suburbia.
May 29, 2018
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