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    Reducing Seat Mass a Science

    Seating engineers have turned to the science of metallurgy in efforts to reduce seat-frame weight, employing many different metals and forging and casting techniques.

    By Byron Pope • June 11, 2008
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    A Day at the Test Track

    Once perceived to be a secret site, a buying-guide’s auto-test center now hosts regular visits from engineers to executives.

    By • June 11, 2008
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    Toyota Boosts Fuel-Cell Vehicle Range to Pass Honda

    Toyota’s advanced FCHV-adv doubles the driving range of its predecessor, beating rival Honda’s FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle, which launches production next week.

    By Ward's Staff • June 9, 2008
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    Reporter Notebook: Inside Out

    Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at this week’s 2008 Ward’s Auto Interiors Show in Detroit.

    By Ward's Staff • June 6, 2008
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    Chrysler Upgrades World Engines

    After Many Frenzied Months, Which have seen Chrysler LLC reorganize its management ranks while paring its product lineup amid the usual circus that surrounds national contract talks, things are getting a little quieter. At least inside the auto maker's small and midsize vehicles. In a bid to address noise, vibration and harshness issues associated with Chrysler's 4-cyl. World Engines, the auto maker

    By Eric Mayne • June 1, 2008
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    Harry Criswell’s Brave New World: Selling Used Cars

    The used-car business is big business these days, with a slumping economy and gasoline prices hovering around $4 a gallon.

    By Derek Stark • June 1, 2008
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    Food vs. Fuel

    Some call it the perfect storm. Others refer to a silent tsunami.As the Western world anxiously calls out for relief from soaring gasoline and grocery prices and developing countries riot over food shortages, a growing chorus of critics is questioning the wisdom of government energy policies they say are responsible for destroying precious rainforests, accelerating global warming and driving up the cost and availability of food as farmers divert crops to fuel.

    By Barbara McClellan • June 1, 2008
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    Dealership Hosts Alternative-Fuel Vehicle Exposition

    Fitzgerald Auto Malls in Bethesda, MD, hosted an exclusive Alternative Fuel Vehicle Expo that showcased more than 20 of the latest and upcoming alternative fuel vehicles. Vehicles showcasing latest alternative-fuel technologies included Toyota, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru and Volkswagen models. Hybrid, alternative fuel, fuel cell, hydrogen, electric and E85

    June 1, 2008
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    Whatever Its Role in Global Warming, Auto Industry Will Face Consequences

    Most professionals consider global warming a natural occurrence the transportation sector will overcome no differently than the floods, fires, ice storms and mudslides already successfully endured, says one environmental engineer.

    By James M. Amend • May 27, 2008
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    Diesel-Led PSA Developing Small Gasoline Engine

    Up to now, the French auto maker has emphasized diesel’s contribution to CO2 reduction, so the shift to gasoline is an important signal that it foresees a similar change in the market.

    By William Diem • May 19, 2008
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    Canada Invests Millions in Vancouver’s Fuel-Cell Industry

    The Vancouver region already is home to what the National Research Council calls the world’s most sophisticated grouping of companies and organizations focused on fuel-cell and hydrogen technologies.

    By Alan Harman • May 15, 2008
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    Suzuki Announces Free Gas for Summer Event

    The Japanese auto maker’s free-fuel program will run for three months, with buyers receiving a pre-paid gas card if they purchase an ’07 or ’08 Suzuki through June 30.

    By Ward's Staff • May 6, 2008
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    Mann+Hummel Shows Plastic Oil Pan

    German Supplier Mann+hummel GmbH says it will begin production in Queretaro, Mexico, of a plastic oil pan that can be 35% lighter than a conventional pan made of steel or aluminum. While weight reduction is emerging as a top priority for OEMs to boost fuel efficiency, cost remains equally important. Although new technology often carries a premium, Mann+Hummel says the plastic oil pan actually costs

    By Tom Murphy • May 1, 2008
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    Fashion’s Influence

    Anthony Prozzi, interior design manager for the upcoming Ford Flex cross/utility vehicle, drew upon his years of experience in the fashion industry, including a stint with DKNY (Donna Karan New York), to craft an interior that is elegant yet functional. While the Flex will maintain the brand's traditional trim designations SE, SEL and Limited when it debuts this summer, Prozzi and his team intentionally

    By Byron Pope • May 1, 2008
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    Two Plug-In SUVs Coming This Year from FEV, Raser

    FEV Inc. and Raser Technologies Inc. say two extended-range plug-in series hybrid-electric fullsize SUVs will be on the road by the end of the year, both capable of achieving fuel economy of 100 mpg (2.3 L/100 km). Pacific Gas & Electric, a West Coast utility company, has agreed to purchase the two fleet SUVs and plans to deploy them this year, as well, says James Spellman, vice president-business

    By Tom Murphy • May 1, 2008
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    Taiwan Consortium Aims to Corner Light-Electric Vehicle Market

    Instead of recharging depleted batteries, they could be swapped out at service stations in the same manner that propane tanks are exchanged for the backyard barbecue.

    By Byron Pope • May 1, 2008
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    An Uncommonly Complex but Happy Marriage

    The GM 2-mode hybrid is the union of a big V-8 and an electronically variable transmission that marries two electric motors to a 4-speed automatic.

    By Gary Witzenburg • April 23, 2008
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    FEV Concepts Advance Engine Downsizing, Flexibility

    The engineering firm’s Spray Guided Turbo engine and variable-compression assembly showcase what might result as auto makers boost R&D spending to improve vehicle efficiency.

    By Mike Sutton • April 23, 2008
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    Ford Flex Interior Designer Leverages Fashion Background

    To ensure quality and comfort, a trio of engineers designed the vehicle’s seats in-house using sophisticated computer simulation technology.

    By Byron Pope • April 21, 2008
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    Lear: All Hands on DECS

    The supplier’s Dynamic Environmental Comfort System represents a radical new approach to seat construction that drastically reduces weight and improves recyclability.

    By Tom Murphy • April 16, 2008
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    FEV, Raser to Deliver Two Plug-In SUVs This Year

    The extended-range PHEVs are able to drive 40 miles in all-electric mode, with near zero emissions. A 4-cyl. engine only runs to charge the lithium-ion battery.

    By Tom Murphy • April 15, 2008
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    Advanced-Powertrain Technology Can Influence Consumers

    The benefits of today’s advanced powertrains represent a key 2008 selling feature for dealerships today, a panel of experts tells attendees at the SAE International World Congress.

    By Cliff Banks • April 14, 2008
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    Diesel Tech Considered Strategic Resource in France

    Diesel engines are critical to the success of Renault SA and PSA Peugeot-Citroen, and thus they are critical to the French supply base, research laboratories and government. More than a year ago, France created Mov'eo, a regional organization or competitive cluster that encourages cooperative automotive research among small and large industries, government labs and universities in Ile-de-France (the

    By William Diem • April 1, 2008
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    Everyone Tries to Get Lessee To Buy Vehicle

    One way to dispense with an off-lease vehicle especially if it has low-residual issues is to try to get the lessee to buy it. That approach took root last decade but is less effective now because just about everyone is trying to mitigate losses that way as an end-of-lease strategy, says Bruce Harris, a vice president at Volkswagen of America Inc.'s captive finance firm, VW Credit Inc. The success

    By • April 1, 2008
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    Better Fuel Economy, Higher Prices?

    The cost of new technology needed to meet 2020 U.S. fuel-economy requirements could cause at least a momentary hiccup in new-vehicle demand, General Motors Corp. Vice Chairman Robert Lutz predicts. The new rules, which call for the U.S. fleet to average 35 mpg), will add thousands to the price of each vehicle, Lutz says. Customers will have to take it (price increases), because we'll have to meet

    By Herb Shuldiner • April 1, 2008