Vehicles: Page 111
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FCA Moves to Resolve Diesel Dilemma
FCA and the federal government may have resolved differences over emissions from the automaker’s 3.0L diesel engine.
By Bob Gritzinger • May 19, 2017 -
Study: Lab Tests Underestimate Nitrogen Oxide Levels
The diesel vehicles studied emitted 13.2 million tons of nitrogen oxide under real-world driving conditions, which is nearly 4.6 million tons more than the 8.6 million tons expected from the vehicles’ performance under official laboratory tests.
By Alan Harman • May 19, 2017 -
2017 Wards 10 Best Interiors Quick Hits
A summation of all 31 interiors evaluated in the 2017 competition. Many of these comments are taken directly from score sheets submitted by WardsAuto editors. Prices listed are sticker. Winners in red.
May 17, 2017 -
Oz Researchers Working to Grow Hydrogen Availability
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Organization’s membrane-reactor technology will fill the gap between hydrogen production, distribution and delivery in the form of a module that can be used at or near a refueling station.
By Alan Harman • May 16, 2017 -
What Do Car Consumers Really Want?
Product-development researchers come across an untruth here and there as they try to tap into the mind of the customer.
By Steve Finlay • May 15, 2017 -
Primearth Says Toyota Eyes U.S. Battery Plant
The timeframe remains unclear and the project is in discussion stages, but a company official tells WardsAuto Toyota wants to produce its own batteries for both hybrids and battery-electric vehicles.
By Roger Schreffler • May 15, 2017 -
Odyssey Functional Family Hauler
Ultra-configurable second-row seats, a camera to spy on your kids and improvements to powertrain and infotainment should appeal to Odyssey-buying parents.
May 15, 2017 -
With Moss Underfoot, BMW Reimagines Interiors
Designer Eric Brown spoke at this week’s WardsAuto Interiors Conference about the BMW i Inside Future Sculpture show car, which integrates holographic controls and a second-row lounge with a bookshelf. “How do you enjoy your time in the vehicle if it’s driving itself?” he asks.
May 12, 2017 -
Company Plays EV-Charging Matchmaker
Chargie allows EV drivers to access the wall-mounted chargepoints of other EV owners at homes across the U.K. who are signed up to the service.
By Alan Harman • May 12, 2017 -
Let’s Dance: New Land Rover Disco Hits Trailhead
It is just as capable as it was in the previous four generations, but adds even more of the Discovery’s trademark versatility and luxury, as well as new connectivity and a design aimed to broaden its appeal.
By James M. Amend • May 11, 2017 -
Future Car Designers Envision New Types of Luxury
The College for Creative Studies assignment is the basis of a semester-long class where students compete for recognition and special scholarships.
May 10, 2017 -
Leather, ‘Decotainment’ Find Space in Future Interiors
Use of leather and wood isn’t going away, but suppliers and automakers are finding innovative ways to use the premium materials, along with promising alternatives.
By Bob Gritzinger • May 10, 2017 -
Vehicle Interiors Not Off-Limits for Cutting Weight
OEMs and suppliers are drawing upon products and processes to lighten every part of the car, including not only the sheetmetal and powertrain but also the vehicle’s interior, industry officials say during the WardsAuto Interiors Conference.
May 10, 2017 -
Emerging Markets Pose New Plastics Challenges
One expert sees automakers requiring interior materials be designed to withstand spills of a growing menu of foods, beyond ketchup and mustard. “I think specs will change somewhat along with some very exotic-type chemical and food sources we will see,” Rose Ryntz says.
May 9, 2017 -
Now It’s User Experience First, Technology Second
In past years, “the industry hasn’t done a particularly good job on user experience; we all should admit that,” says Faurecia’s Jim Hotary.
By Steve Finlay • May 9, 2017 -
More Sensors, More Positions, Better Comfort Seen for Future Seats
Biometric monitoring, or using sensors integrated into seats to gauge health, is fraught with danger, Adient engineer says.
May 9, 2017 -
Designers: Consumers Must Be Guided Through Autonomy’s Stages
With five technology levels to go through before vehicles drive themselves 100% of the time, riders will need to know exactly what a semi-autonomous car is capable of when they climb in, interior designers say.
By David Zoia Editor • May 9, 2017 -
Jeep Snags Japanese Efficiency Incentive
Jeep’s ’17 Grand Cherokee is the second FCA model to earn a Japanese tax benefit for its fuel efficiency and low emissions. Jeep is Japan’s top-selling U.S. brand.
By Bob Gritzinger • May 9, 2017 -
Growing Malaysia Auto Show Moves to Bigger Venue
The new location outside of Kuala Lumpur has plenty of space indoors and outdoors for manufacturers to maximize their activities for visitors, including test drives and a 4x4 off-road course, organizers say.
By Alan Harman • May 9, 2017 -
U.K. Diesel-Emissions Plan Praised, Denounced
Road-safety charity Brake questions the effectiveness of the government’s draft proposals in reducing the 40,000 deaths annually that the Royal College of Physicians blames on poor air quality.
By Paul Myles • May 9, 2017 -
French Startups Pitching Autonomous Tech to Detroit, Silicon Valley
France's UbiMobility selects companies offering tech related to ADAS, facial and vocal recognition, driver behavior and interaction, vehicle connectivity and software validation.
May 9, 2017 -
Real-World Emissions Controls in Peugeot 308 Engines
The French automaker claims it’s the first to come up with engines that meet the Euro 6.c standard expected after real-driving-emissions controls take effect in September.
By Paul Myles • May 8, 2017 -
Report Says Shared Mobility Key to Better Future
The report says shared mobility is the vital piece that not only would save energy and reduce emissions, but also decongest highways, free up parking lots for other urban uses, cut transportation costs and improve walkability and livability.
By Alan Harman • May 8, 2017 -
Countryman Captures Mini’s Soul in Modern CUV
With the ’17 Countryman CUV, BMW’s Mini brand avoids the cookie-cutter curse by seamlessly transporting the endearing qualities of its tiny premium cars to its big second-generation CUV.
May 5, 2017 -
Maserati Uses Brand’s DNA to Create Posh SUV Interior
It looks and feels like a Maserati. Yet, it emits the character of an SUV.
By Steve Finlay • May 4, 2017