Vehicles: Page
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Courtesy of WardsAuto
Dearth of Small Cars Pulls Down Q3 LV Fuel-Efficiency Rating
Despite the recent fall in quarterly fuel efficiency, the ’11 model-year (October 2010-September 2011) ended with an overall rating of 22.4 mpg, a 1% increase over year-ago results.
By John Sousanis • Oct. 14, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Origin of Future U.S. Chevy EV Minicar Sparks Debate
Some media are reporting the EV will come from South Korea, where gasoline- and diesel-powered Sparks currently are produced. If so, that’s news to the folks at GM Korea.
By Vince Courtenay • Oct. 14, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Chevy Says Sales Record in Sight; Announces Engine, EV Programs
Every 6.7 seconds, Chevrolet sells a vehicle somewhere in the world, says global marketing chief Chris Perry. Some 60% of the brand’s sales are outside the U.S.
By Eric Mayne • Oct. 12, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Mitsubishi Calls for Low Initial U.S. Volume of i EV
The rear-wheel-drive i, coming out of Mitsubishi’s Mizushima, Japan, plant, will be built to order and the auto maker says it can handle demand should it exceed 1,500 units.
By Christie Schweinsberg • Oct. 10, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
No SS in Cards for Chevy Sonic
Sportier versions are coming, just not an SS, says the car’s lead engineer.
By Jim Mateja • Oct. 7, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Report Predicts Shortfall in Cellulosic Biofuels Production
Experts say the absence of refineries, low feedstock volumes and federal subsidies for corn-ethanol producers are roadblocks to increased output of cellulosic biofuels.
By Alan Harman • Oct. 7, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ford Romania to Launch Output of B-Max, Engine in 2012
Production of a second model, most likely a small car, is targeted for 2015 at the former Daewoo plant in Craiova.
By Peter Homola • Oct. 6, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Internal-Combustion Engine Central Technology of Future Vehicles
“The future of the internal-combustion engine is bright and clear,” says Byron Bunker, a heavy-duty engines regulator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
By James M. Amend • Oct. 5, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
GKN Sees Increased Demand for Electric Rear-Drive Axles
The technology is a cost-efficient way to boost fuel economy, because it converts an existing FWD platform into an AWD-hybrid platform, a top executive with the German supplier says.
By Byron Pope • Oct. 3, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
New Chevy Malibu Scores With eAssist
The capable unit launches as Malibu’s sole powertrain until a new 2.5L I-4 becomes available. Maybe life under new fuel-economy and emissions rules won’t be so bad after all.
By James M. Amend • Sept. 26, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Johnson Controls Expanding Stop/Start Battery Production to China
Most stop/start batteries now are sold in Europe, but JCI says China and North America will be big users of the technology by 2015.
By William Diem • Sept. 20, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Peugeot Banking on Diesel Hybrid to Catch on Quickly
The 3008 HY4 has significantly lower CO2 emissions than the standard 3008, qualifying the diesel hybrid for a tax credit Peugeot believes will drive sales.
By William Diem • Sept. 19, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Chevy Volt’s Bold Blend of ICE and EV Right Strategy
“More than two-thirds of our customers are driving all electric all the time,” Voltec propulsion system chief engineer Pamela Fletcher says.
By Gary Witzenburg • Sept. 15, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
BMW’s N20 Engine Raises 4-Cyl. Bar
U.S. product planners surely lost sleep wondering if luxury roadster buyers would balk at a 4-cyl. engine. They can rest easy now because the Z4 is a better car with the N20.
By Tom Murphy • Sept. 15, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Focus EV Display Shaped by Consumer Feedback
Ford consulted the Michigan Electric Auto Assn. to develop the Focus EV’s displays.
By Byron Pope • Sept. 15, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
PSA Embraces Hybrids at Frankfurt
With the unveiling of the two hybrids at the Frankfurt show, the Peugeot 3008 HY4 already launched and a future sedan model in the works, the French auto maker will have four cars sharing the same powertrain.
By William Diem • Sept. 14, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
BMW Expands Diesel Offerings in Europe, But Not U.S.
Although the four show vehicles primarily are intended for the German home market, where some 50% of new-car buyers pick diesels, a BMW executive says a 4-cyl. diesel is being considered for the U.S.
By Tom Murphy • Sept. 14, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Fisker Breaks Into Niche Segment With 5-Door Surf EV
The Surf uses the same platform and powertrain as the auto maker’s electric Karma sports sedan, which has started deliveries.
By William Diem • Sept. 13, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Porsche Considering 4-Cyl. Engine
Stuttgart’s storied producer of purebred sports cars is considering a 4-cyl. engine for the next-generation Boxster and Cayman 2-seaters expected next year, says Porsche’s executive vice president-R&D.
By Tom Murphy • Sept. 13, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Jag CX16 Concept Production Ready
Borrowing a hybrid idea from Formula 1 racing, the car has a 70-kW electric motor within its 8-speed transmission for an extra power boost, providing a passing performance of 31-75 mph in just over 2 seconds.
By William Diem • Sept. 12, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Mahindra Facing U.S.-Market Lockout
Mahindra’s small pickups, equipped with 2.2L 4-cyl. diesel engines, originally were promised for 2008.
By Byron Pope • Sept. 12, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Fisker Says First U.S. Deliveries Imminent Amid EV Industry Turmoil
Some dealers do not expect to begin filling their orders, many of them pre-sold, until the first week of November.
By James M. Amend • Sept. 12, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
AHSS Capacity on Rise
Demand is being driven by government mandates that call for improved fuel economy and lower emissions in markets such as the U.S. and Europe.
By Eric Mayne • Sept. 9, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Survey: Auto Aluminum Use to Double by 2025
Aluminum already is the leading material in powertrain and wheel applications. The survey says it is quickly gaining market share in hoods, deck lids, doors and bumpers.
By Drew Winter • Sept. 8, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
New Chevy Cruze Diesel Geared for Performance
GENERAL MOTORS THINKS A SIZABLE segment of U.S. car buyers want more than just fuel economy from a diesel engine, making the business case for an oil-burner in the Chevrolet Cruze when the nameplate already has the high-mileage Eco variant in the market. But just in case, plans call for the Cruze diesel coming in 2013 to achieve fuel economy in the range of 50 mpg (4.7 L/100 km), sources at the auto
By James M. Amend • Sept. 1, 2011
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