Vehicles: Page


  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    Vauxhall Wins U.K. Police-Vehicle Contract

    The auto maker has supplied more than 7,000 vehicles to U.K. police, fire and ambulance services since in-house production began in 2007, and will deliver 7,000 more under its newly awarded contract.

    By Alan Harman • Oct. 21, 2011
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    S-Class Diesel to Find U.S. Niche, Mercedes Exec Says

    Mercedes expects diesel penetration for S-Class purchases in the U.S. will correspond to the 5%-10% range in the less-expensive E-Class models. Diesel penetration of the GL model is 25% and is 15% for the ML.

    By Herb Shuldiner • Oct. 20, 2011
  • Carmy sedans and move on the assembly line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky next to a row of colored front bumpers with Toyota badges. Explore the Trendline➔
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Toyota Motor North America
    Image attribution tooltip
    Trendline

    Top 5 stories from WardsAuto

    Automakers are evaluating their long-term strategies, revisiting their product mix, and approach to both retail and manufacturing approach along the way.

    By WardsAuto staff
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    France Cuts High-Mileage Car Bonuses, Hikes Gas-Hog Levies

    The government says adjustments to the incentives program will not affect its support of electric- and hybrid-vehicle purchases.

    By William Diem • Oct. 18, 2011
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    SkyActiv Engine Broadens Refreshed Mazda3’s Appeal

    The C-segment car is the auto maker’s highest-volume model in the U.S., accounting for 40% of its business, with half of sales in the Northeast and Western regions.

    By Byron Pope • Oct. 17, 2011
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Oct. 10, 2011
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • WardsAuto logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    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