Vehicles: Page 186

Beware of Test-Drive Risks

LAS VEGAS Few people worry about what could go wrong with that great auto dealership selling tool that connects customer to product: the test drive. But Charles Arrambide worries about it.

By Steve Finlay • March 1, 2007

Patent War Heats Up

After what one legal expert in fuel-cell patents calls an extended period of “patent passivity” in the auto industry, the number of patent filings is skyrocketing — fueled by auto makers and suppliers scrambling to protect advances in hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

By Bill Visnic • March 1, 2007

New EPA Ratings Hit Fuel Sippers Hardest

Combined city/highway fuel economy figures fell by an average 10% under the new ratings system.

By Scott Anderson • Feb. 28, 2007

Toyota Plans Engine Plant Investment in Wales

The new ZR engine reportedly will be used in the Toyota Auris hatchback, which went into production this week at the Burnaston, Derbyshire, plant.

By Ward's Staff From Wires • Feb. 27, 2007

Navistar Halts Production of Ford Diesel Engines

In early January, Ford filed a lawsuit against Navistar over warranty costs and pricing for the diesel engines.

By Ward's Staff From Wires • Feb. 26, 2007

‘07 Sprinter Features Multiple Configurations, New Diesel Engine

All-new ’07 Dodge Sprinter van can be had in three lengths and two wheelbases.

By Byron Pope • Feb. 16, 2007

Highlander Hybrid Gets EV Mode for ’08

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid will be the "the poster child" for the auto maker'’s hybrid-electric vehicle lineup.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Feb. 7, 2007

Hydrogen-Electric Racing Series Proposed

The HERF racing series aims to accelerate the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems through the rigors of factory-backed competition.

By Mike Sutton • Feb. 6, 2007

Ford Wants Navistar Diesels

Ford Motor Co. officials say the dispute with engine maker Navistar International Corp. will not affect supply of 6.4L PowerStroke diesels for use in '08 Super Duty F-Series pickups.

By Byron Pope • Feb. 1, 2007

Year of the Welterweights

The 13th year of the Ward's 10 Best Engines competitions finds the auto industry and its powertrain sector in acute transition entering 2007.

By Bill Visnic • Feb. 1, 2007

A Touching Way to Sell Vehicles

At the 2003 NBA draft, Cleveland picked LeBron James, Denver picked Carmelo Anthony and half a dozen young and new millionaires picked out their new BMWs at touch-screen kiosks in their New York hotels.

By Bryan Harris • Feb. 1, 2007

Hyundai Says Engine Shortage Hampered Sales Goal

Hyundai imports 4-cyl. engines for its Sonata sedan from South Korea to the U.S. and does not receive supplies from Michigan, where the engine also is made.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Jan. 11, 2007

Porsche Cranks Up Engine Power With Direct Injection

Porsche joins the growing ranks of auto makers turning to direct injection for its gasoline engines.

By Bill Visnic • Jan. 9, 2007

Mitsubishi Outlander to Get Diesel; Auto Maker Expects FY Profit

Officials say the auto maker will turn a profit in North America for the first time in four years when its current fiscal year ends March 31.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Jan. 9, 2007

Commentary: B-List Celebs Promote A-List Vehicles

Nothing wrong with adding a little celebrity hamburger helper to hawk products, but this year, the celebs are starting to look more like the main course.

By Drew Winter • Jan. 9, 2007

JCI Slim Seat Carries $10 Premium

The Slim Seat concept has a standard lower cushion and steel frame but a radically constructed seat back.

By Tom Murphy • Jan. 8, 2007

BMW to Offer Diesel Option in U.S. Next Year

After showing little interest last year in offering a diesel option in the U.S., BMW announces at NAIAS it intends to offer diesel-powered vehicles in 2008.

By Drew Winter • Jan. 7, 2007

Ambient Lighting Hot Interior Trend

Using tiny LED lights to personalize interiors and enhance styling is becoming a mainstream trend.

By Drew Winter • Jan. 7, 2007

Toyota to Sell Flex-Fuel Tundra Late Next Year

Lentz says Toyota hopes to reduce the number of vehicles it imports to the U.S. in 2007, as most of the models it debuts this year are built here.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Jan. 7, 2007

JCI Integrates GM CUV Interiors

The Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia stand among the few GM vehicles to benefit from the auto maker’s on-again off-again strategy to outsource full interior development.

By Tom Murphy • Jan. 7, 2007

New Software Makes Connecting With Nomadic Devices Easy

Microsoft introduces a new software platform that makes it easier for consumers to operate cell phones and other devices via voice commands.

By Drew Winter • Jan. 3, 2007

Ward’s 10 Best Engines 2007

The 13th year of the Ward's 10 Best Engines competition finds the auto industry and its powertrain sector in acute transition entering 2007.The U.S. domestic auto industry is undergoing a transformation to align its manufacturing capacity with new market realities. Likewise, consumers are indicating they, too, are shifting their tastes and questioning their vehicular needs in the wake of a protracted period of higher fuel prices.

By Bill Visnic • Jan. 1, 2007

Powertrain Outlook

More than 100 North America-based automotive powertrain experts foresee mostly gradual evolution of engine technology between now and 2020, according to a new study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

By Bill Visnic • Jan. 1, 2007

Malcolm Bricklin, Visionary Vehicles Switch to Plan B

Plans by Malcolm Bricklin's Visionary Vehicles LLC to form a joint venture with China's Chery Automobile Co. Ltd are canceled, and he instead wants to contract production with three Chinese OEMs.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Jan. 1, 2007

Growing Array of Readouts Marry Motorist, Motor

Displays citing real-time fuel efficiency could make motorists slow down, which would please driving instructors.

By Eric Mayne • Dec. 20, 2006