Vehicles: Page 185

State of Trucking 2006: Managing the Challenges

A fall slowdown in freight tonnage coupled a driver shortage, high fuel prices and a temporary oversupply of truck capacity to make 2006 a tougher year for the U.S. freight-hauling industry.

By Sean Kilcarr • April 24, 2007

Toyota Wants Improvement for IC Engines, Hybrids for Lexus

Toyota has ambitious drivetrain plans calling for across-the-board economy and emissions improvements.

By Roger Schreffler • April 24, 2007

Gas Engines to Remain Relevant

Alternative fuels and technological advancements will allow gasoline engines to remain viable powertrains for at least another 20 years, a panel of experts says.

By Mike Sutton • April 20, 2007

Diversity Key to Future Powertrain Development

A variety of drivetrains will be needed to meet more stringent fuel economy and emissions standards of the future, says expert panel.

By Mike Sutton • April 18, 2007

MP3 Proliferation Spells End of CD Players by 2015

Apple’s iPhone will be the next breakthrough innovation for auto interiors, says a Siemens VDO executive.

By Eric Mayne • April 17, 2007

Gold Key Ingredient in New Diesel Catalyst Tech

Nanostellar says its NS Gold technology, aimed at light- and heavy-duty diesel engines, can cut noxious emissions 15%-20% from the levels achieved with platinum/palladium catalysts.

By David E. Zoia • April 17, 2007

Behr Pitches No-Idle Air Conditioning

The supplier’s system, designed to reduce diesel emissions by cooling the cabin when the engine is off, will appear on a heavy-duty truck in the U.S. this year.

By Tom Murphy • April 16, 2007

GM Holden to Export Engines to China for Buick Park Avenue

The auto maker says the export program is expected to be worth several hundred million dollars over the next few years.

By Alan Harman • April 13, 2007

Ssangyong Sets Lofty Goals for New Kyron Luxury SUV

At the top end, the revamped Kyron boasts a 175-hp 2.7L diesel engine.

By Vince Courtenay • April 10, 2007

Charged Auto Dealer Allegedly Mixed Up with Drug Dealers

Car dealer Mickey Miller — already charged with trying to launder drug money through a diamond and real estate sale — is now accused of using his three auto dealerships in Ohio to launder money for drug dealers.

April 1, 2007

Autobytel Revs Up Its Search Engine with a New Offering

Autobytel Inc. is launching what is billed as the Internet's largest used-car program and the world's first fully-integrated automotive vertical search experience.

April 1, 2007

Let’s Make an Electronic Deal

Electronic processes are finding their way into dealership finance and insurance offices, says Phillip Battista, a former dealer who now heads a technology firm. Consumers, who have become accustomed to signing electronic signature pads at retail stores, are doing the same thing at some time-conscious dealerships. It is part of a move towards electronic deal jackets. Without them, a deal can get mired

April 1, 2007

It’s the Gas Station Nation

Even though gasoline prices have dropped from mid-summer highs, a third of 14,000 online consumers surveyed by Burst Media say fuel prices are affecting their decision to purchase or lease a new or used vehicle.

April 1, 2007

Don’t Tell Me, Show Me

Used-car inventory management software systems are useful if you can get used-car managers to use them.

By Steve Finlay • April 1, 2007

In the Hunt

Siemens VDO Automotive's mammoth electronics plant in Huntsville, AL, shows there is a future for high-volume, high-tech component manufacturing in the U.S.

By Tom Murphy • April 1, 2007

Firm Grows Fast but Patiently

When it came to hitting the market with a slew of software applications for car dealerships, Scott Barrett says his 88-year-old boss, Jim Moran, taught him something important: patience.

By Steve Finlay • April 1, 2007

Delphi Strategic Partner

Delphi Corp. returns to the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress this month as an exhibitor for the first time since 2000.

By Tom Murphy • April 1, 2007

Hyundai Plans AL Engine Plant

Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. says it will build a new engine plant in Montgomery, AL, to begin production in September 2008.

April 1, 2007

Holden Special Vehicles Winning Over ‘Brand Snobs’

HSV modifies GM Holden’s Commodore and Statesman models to increase performance and handling and add sports styling.

By Alan Harman • March 29, 2007

French Industry Pursues Green Diesel

Green Diesel markets a liquid solution to the most nagging exhaust problems for diesel engines: soot and NOx.

By William Diem • March 26, 2007

GKN Says Intelligent AWD To Save Fuel

GKN says it’s designing a system that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by automatically switching to front-wheel-drive mode when conditions don’t warrant all-wheel drive.

By Byron Pope • March 26, 2007

Dassault to Enter Auto Industry With Hybrid Powertrain

Because the battery will be an expensive component, Dassault's Cleanova concept is designed around allowing buyers to decide how much battery to buy.

By William Diem • March 16, 2007

Hyundai to Build New Engine Plant in Alabama

The South Korean auto maker also announces it will begin mass production of hybrid-electric vehicles in 2009.

By Ward's Staff • March 15, 2007

Changan to Build Vehicles at Texas Plant

The truck maker says it will build two fullsize pickup trucks on one platform and a medium-duty truck on another chassis.

By Ward's Staff • March 13, 2007

Field to Foam

As auto makers pursue alternative fuels from renewable resources, so too are suppliers contemplating clever ways to produce auto parts from ecologically friendly materials.

By Tom Murphy • March 1, 2007