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    ‘Smart Intersection’ Safety Technology to Save Billions of Gallons of Gasoline

    Ford’s research facility has several smart intersections that alert the driver through audio and visual signals when he is about to drive through a red light or run a stop sign.

    By Byron Pope • July 16, 2008
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    New Technologies Free Up Space for More Stuff

    Newer technologies are making it easier to fit more into less vehicle-interior space. For example, Ident NA Technology LLC sensors, as small as a fingertip, can be positioned throughout the vehicle and eliminate much of the wiring traditionally needed for power switches. Our sensors can be moved around the vehicle and used to increase volume and change stations, Stefan Donat, chief operating officer

    By Derek Stark • July 1, 2008
  • 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➔
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    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
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    Has Diesel Had its Day?

    Regulations to Remove Oxides of nitrogen from diesel exhaust and pressure to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions are shrouding the future of compression-ignition engines, and only time and engineering will tell if gasoline is on the verge of having its revenge in Europe. A study by the Center for Automotive Research in Germany says diesels will decline in Western Europe from the 2007 penetration level

    By William Diem • July 1, 2008
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    Lear Buys Share of Chinese Fabric Maker

    In a Bid to Vertically Integrate Its global seating business, Lear Corp. acquires a 75% stake in the automotive fabric business of New Trend Group Co. Ltd., a privately held Chinese company founded in 1986. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition allows Lear, a leading global seat producer, to manufacture its own fabric, rather than relying on a handful of fabric suppliers, such as Milliken

    July 1, 2008
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    Australia’s Long, Winding Road to Improved Fuel Efficiency

    Industry Minister Kim Carr compares changing the direction of the auto industry to trying to turn around an aircraft carrier.

    By Alan Harman • June 18, 2008
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    ’09 Mazda RX-8 to Get 100,000-Mile Engine Warranty

    The 8-year/100,000-mile program is a sign of faith in the rotary engine and covers refreshed ’09 models, as well as ’04 through ’08 RX-8s with past service issues.

    By Mike Sutton • June 11, 2008
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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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    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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    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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    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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    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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    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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    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