Vehicles: Page 115
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Alternative-Powertrain Vehicle Sales Gain in Europe
Electrified-vehicle sales of all types grew 21% from 235,604 units in 2015 to 303,506 units last year. Plug-in hybrid sales rose 17% to 112,999 units, while sales of battery-electric cars rose 3% to 90,795.
By Roger Schreffler • March 6, 2017 -
Managing Dieselgate Tops New Audi VW CEO’s Agenda
Analysts believe Audi VW Korea’s legal response to the false-advertising fine is only the tip of the iceberg. Co-CEO Marcus Hellman and his company’s lawyers also must defend several current and former executives against criminal indictments.
By Vince Courtenay • March 3, 2017 -
Range Rover Velar to Offer Wide Range of Engine, Tech Options
Powertrain choices include six gasoline and diesel engines, all matched to ZF 8-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics.
By Paul Myles • March 2, 2017 -
Singapore EV Developer to Unveil Hypercar at Geneva
The concept project is the result of a partnership with U.K. Formula One racing-tech specialist Williams Advanced Engineering, the technology and engineering services division of the Williams Group.
By Paul Myles • March 2, 2017 -
Toyota Leads Hybrid Market to Record Sales in 2016
Toyota fielded the top-selling hybrids in 2016, led by the Prius with 356,560 units, followed by the Prius C and its Japanese derivative, the Aqua (194,390); RAV4 hybrid (98,780); Auris (93,983); and Yaris (87,223).
By Roger Schreffler • March 1, 2017 -
All-New Compass Points Jeep in Global Direction
Jeep has expansive global aspirations for its all-new Compass small CUV, which was launched in Brazil late last year. The ’17 Compass mimics its big brother Grand Cherokee in exterior styling and offers a highly capable optional 4WD system.
By Bob Gritzinger • March 1, 2017 -
Schaeffler Stakes Claim to Automotive’s Leading Edges
“We see a stepwise advance into autonomous cars, fleet cars, city cars, “'robo-taxis” and the like,” says Peter Gutzmer, Schaeffler’s chief technology officer. “Why? These vehicles can afford the additional cost.”
By Roger Schreffler • Feb. 28, 2017 -
U.K. Shopping Center to Promote Electric Vehicles
Besides showcasing the latest EVs and technology, independent professionals will staff the Chargemaster showroom to answer visitors’ questions and refer them to local dealerships or leasing companies.
By Alan Harman • Feb. 28, 2017 -
GM’s New Duramax Diesel Whisper Quiet
The re-engineered 6.6L pushrod diesel V-8, now available in ’17 GMC and Chevrolet HD pickups, is nearly vibration-free at idle and during steady-state cruising. It tows big loads with aplomb, even on treacherously steep, narrow winding roads.
Feb. 27, 2017 -
Hyundai Using Predictive Mapping for Ioniq
Tapping into topography data from the navigation system, the hybrid-electric model can better allocate its energy for maximized efficiency, executives say.
Feb. 27, 2017 -
Family Van or Rolling Man Cave, Chrysler Pacifica Does It All
FCA boasts the Pacifica offers 37 minivan innovations, raising the total over the three decades since Chrysler invented the segment to a claimed 115.
By Gary Witzenburg • Feb. 23, 2017 -
Hyundai: Ioniq Has Right Formula to Beat Green-Car Doldrums
The South Korean automaker says its new, dedicated green cars have competitive advantages on price, fuel economy/range and interior space.
Feb. 21, 2017 -
McLaren to Feature Potent Turbo V-8 at Geneva Show
Factory coded the M840T, the motor employs ultra-low inertia, twin-scroll turbochargers that will spool up quicker than previous designs to reduce turbo lag and provide quicker throttle response.
By Paul Myles • Feb. 17, 2017 -
JLR Reveals First Recipients of New Ingenium Engines
The powerplants’ first applications will be seen in the Jaguar F-Pace performance SUV and the XF and XE sports sedans.
By Paul Myles • Feb. 17, 2017 -
Rockin’ and Rollin’ in ’17 Ram Power Wagon
FCA’s niche off-road truck, the Ram Power Wagon, gets a new face and interior enhancements for the ’17 model year, but continues the same super-capable formula that dates back to the postwar original.
By Bob Gritzinger • Feb. 16, 2017 -
Toyota Passes Sales Milestone, Plans to Push Affordable Hybrids in U.S.
The automaker hopes to duplicate the market success of its RAV4 strategy with new packaging and pricing for the Highlander Hybrid.
By David Zoia Editor • Feb. 15, 2017 -
Wireless Charging: EV Power Via Slot-Car Technology
The electromagnetic technology involved in dynamic inductive charging is the same principle as the Qi wireless-charging system which powers a smartphone. This could result in lighter, less-costly batteries.
By Sarah Gibbons • Feb. 15, 2017 -
Driverless Airport Shuttle Tested in New Zealand
The 2-year trial of the 15-person Arma shuttle is being conducted on private roads on airport grounds with the long-term aim of moving to public roads once safety issues have been assessed.
By Alan Harman • Feb. 14, 2017 -
Chinese PHEV Battery Deal Has Political Overtones
Some analysts speculate China’s refusal to certify the LG Chem and Samsung SDI battery packs is a response to South Korea’s decision to deploy the U.S.-built Terminal High-Altitude Aerial Defense missile system to guard the country against attacks by China.
By Vince Courtenay • Feb. 14, 2017 -
BMW Raising Profile in Pakistan’s EV, PHEV Market
This sub-sector of Pakistan’s automotive market has the support of the government, whose 2013-14 finance bill included reductions in duties and taxes on imported hybrid-electric vehicles ranging from 25% to 100%, depending on engine capacity.
By Kaswar Klasra • Feb. 13, 2017 -
New EU Guidance Meant to Prevent Dieselgate Repeat
In its ongoing revamp of testing procedures that followed the Volkswagen emissions-cheating scandal, the EU is replacing laboratory tests with onboard portable emissions-measurement devices allowing on-road testing.
By Sara Lewis • Feb. 10, 2017 -
Final Nissan Titan Variant Revealed in Chicago
King cab’s second-row seat can be deleted and replaced by tiedowns, making the pickup more suitable for commercial use, the automaker says.
Feb. 9, 2017 -
Italdesign-Badged Supercar Bound for Geneva Show
The 2-seater is not a traditional concept or show car but is a street-legal supercar with European type approval. No more than five will be built.
By Giancarlo Perini • Feb. 8, 2017 -
Study: Consumers Ready to Buy EVs If Product Right
A high percentage of U.S. vehicle buyers seriously consider battery-electrics and plug-in hybrids, but don’t pull the trigger because they can’t find a product that precisely fits their needs, McKinsey & Co. says.
By David Zoia Editor • Feb. 8, 2017 -
Lexus LC Loaded With Bad-Boy Mojo
The hot as Hades road hugger, with hybrid efficiency, V-8 power and a seductive bright orange, blue and white interior, sets a new course for Lexus. If the LC can’t redefine what makes a great Lexus – and what makes Lexus great – then nothing will.
Feb. 7, 2017