Posts Tagged ‘cars’

1. Coda to Make Battery-Powered Cars With China’s Great Wall Motor

   Posted on April 25th, 2012 by admin

   Coda to Make Battery-Powered Cars With China’s Great Wall Motor
   News from Bloomberg:

   Coda Holdings, the Los Angeles- based maker of electric cars, plans to produce battery-powered autos with China’s Great Wall Motor Co. (2333) to be sold under the U.S. company’s name starting in 2014.

   Motors and batteries from the U.S. company’s Coda Automotive unit will be used in Great Wall vehicles, Chief Executive Officer Phil Murtaugh told reporters today by telephone. The cars also will be sold in China under the Great Wall name, he said. The partnership doesn’t include equity ties.

   The partnership is intended to develop electric cars that match the price of gasoline-powered autos, after government incentives are included, Murtaugh said. Coda, a closely held company with investors including b…………… continues on Bloomberg

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   Real Electric Car Battery Costs Remain Elusive
   News from PluginCars.com:

   Nissan LEAF battery pack

   Recent reports about the declining cost of electric car batteries raise as many questions as they answer. According to a report from Bloomberg News last week, EV battery costs fell to $ 689 per kilowatt-hour during the first quarter of this year, down from $ 800/kWh a year earlier. It wasn’t clear from the report if that cost is for cells, all components and software—or a total installed cost. Any quoted price per kilowatt-hour can be partial and hide costs that produce a misleading figure in either direction.

   The relatively high cost of lithium ion battery packs are often cited as the biggest obstacle to mass adoption of electric cars and plug-in hybrids.

   This week, the UK Committee on Climate Change issued a PluginCars.com

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2. Hydrogen cars: A zero emission longshot

   Posted on March 22nd, 2012 by admin

   Hydrogen cars: A zero emission longshot
   News from WKBT La Crosse:

   • Small Text
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   iStock / vossphotography

   NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -

   Imagine an electric car that can be charged in about the time than it takes to fill a gasoline tank and which can then drive hundreds of miles.

   This is not a fantasy scenario. In fact, that pretty much describes the hydrogen fuel cell cars several major auto manufacturers, including Toyota and Hyundai, plan to have for sale…………… continues on WKBT La Crosse

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3. At Geneva Auto Show, a More Circumspect View of Electric Cars

   Posted on March 7th, 2012 by admin

   At Geneva Auto Show, a More Circumspect View of Electric Cars
   News from New York Times:

   Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg News

   A BMW hybrid automobile is on display at the Geneva Auto Show, but this year the spotlight at the show is on more traditional engines.

   GENEVA — After several years of hype about New York Times

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   Chevy Volt is a safe bet
   News from Globe and Mail:
   
   

   jeremy cato

   Globe and Mail Update

   Published Tuesday, Mar. 06, 2012 2:00PM EST

   Politicians giveth and they taketh away. At least in the United States, where the politics of blind ideology, division and self-interest trump anything resembling honesty, truth and fairness.

   General Motors just learned that in the latest manufactured flap over the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car.

   More related to this story

   • Everybody Loves Leaf: Actress digs her EV
   • Globe and Mail

   >>> Read the full article

4. 2012 Annual Auto Issue: Best cars for braking

   Posted on February 26th, 2012 by admin

   2012 Annual Auto Issue: Best cars for braking
   News from ConsumerReports.org:

   Good brakes are critical for controlling a car and avoiding accidents. In our tests, we measure dry and wet braking to assess how each vehicle compares to its competition, and we find there can be significant variation from the best to the worst performers.

   To measure how cars do in this important test area, our automotive engineers conduct a series of tests, bringing a car from 60 mph to zero on wet and dry pavement. To collect the data, each test car is rigged with a pavement-scanning optical device that records precise stopping times and distances. We also judge brake-pedal modulation.

   Our current results show notable variance between the best and worst vehicles, with the extremes separated by 39 ft. To put that in perspective, if a trio of the best-stopping Porsche Boxsters were traveling at 60 mph, trailed by a bumper-riding Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, and all vehicles applied the brakes with maximum force, the Jeep would be theoretically halt atop the leading Porsche. The differences are so severe they could be measured in car lengths.

   To see the best…………… continues on ConsumerReports.org

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   There is still time to attend Autorama’s 60th anniversary show
   News from Hometownlife.com:

   Three Livonia residents will be among the car enthusiasts displaying their hot rods, custom cars and ’50s classics at the 60th Anniversary Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama this weekend at Cobo Center in Detroit.

   Bob Smith will show his 1953 Chevrolet Station Wagon, Katie Haddad her 2000 torch red Corvette and Frank Tullio his 1988 Pontiac Trans AM Drag Car.

   Autorama will feature 1,000 exhibits including WRIF’s Kid Rock Collection of four legendary vehicles owned by Detroit’s own Kid Rock; celebrity appearances and special exhibits.

   Smith’s station wagon is a “tin woody,” which he had rebuilt four to five years ago for his wife, Karen, for their wedding anniversary.

   From the exterior, the wagon looks like a stock car painted in green and white for Karen’s alma mater, Michigan State University.

   ‘Drives like a dream’

   But the car features a 350 GM Crate Motor, 700 R transmission, 355 Chevy rear end, Mustang II front suspension, digital dash, air springs and shocks, power steering, power brakes and air conditioning.

   “It drives and rides…………… continues on Hometownlife.com

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5. Electric cars need a clean energy source, study suggests

   Posted on February 22nd, 2012 by admin

   Electric cars need a clean energy source, study suggests
   News from EarthSky:

   Could it be that electric cars cause more overall pollution and are more harmful to health than conventional gasoline powered cars? In China, where electricity is generated primarily through the burning of fossil fuels, the answer appears to be yes. A research team from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has found in China the potential for a more negative overall impact – on pollution and health – from electric cars than from gasoline cars.

   Study authors say their results point to electric vehicles being attractive if they are powered by a clean energy source. They also found that electric bikes had the lowest environmental impact in China.

   Electric car. Image Credit: ebOla, via Flickr

   The research team was led by Chris Cherry, assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering at UT Knoxville and graduate student Shuguang Ji. They looked…………… continues on EarthSky

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   Ad: CALL 227-0633 // REHOBOTH AUTO REPAIR // AUTO CARE
   News from WGMD Radio:

   Feb 22, 2012 posted by: Rehoboth Auto Repair

   REHOBOTH AUTO REPAIR PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF EXPERT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES. WHATEVER YOUR AUTO CARE NEEDS LET US SERVE YOU WITH HONESTY, QUALITY AND SPEED.WE PROVIDE QUALITY REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH COMPLETE REPAIR SERVICE. AIR CONDITIONING, BATTERIES, EMISSION CONTROL REPAIRS, BELTS AND HOSES, EXHAUST AND DRIVE TRAIN, RECOMMENDED REGULAR MAINTENANCE SERVICE INTERVALS, BRAKES, LIGHTING AND COMPUTER ENGINE REPAIRS. WE ALSO STOCK A LARGE LINE OF REPLACEMENT TIRES FOR YOUR CAR OR TRUCK. WE SPECIALIZE IN COMPUTER ROAD FORCE WHEEL BALANCING AND HUNTER WHEEL ALIGNMENT

   Category: WGMD Radio

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6. Bentley, Bugatti and Other Luxury Cars Threatened by EU Carbon Emission Targets

   Posted on February 20th, 2012 by admin

   Bentley, Bugatti and Other Luxury Cars Threatened by EU Carbon Emission Targets
   News from IBTimes.co.uk:

   The European Union‘s carbon emissions tax could hit luxury car markets badly by putting thousands of pounds on the retail price of gas guzzlers.

   A report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) warns that Bugatti could face a charge of €40,000 (£25,000) per vehicle under the EU rules while Bentley could be hit by €20,000 in penalties.

   According to the European Commission, passenger cars alone are responsible for around 12 percent of total EU emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas. As part of efforts to tackle climate change, the commission has set emission performance standards for new cars.

   That legislation, adopted in 2009, is the cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to improve the fuel economy of cars and ensure that average emissions from new passenger cars in the EU do not exceed 120 gCO2/km.

   The move was strongly criticized by luxury carmakers like IBTimes.co.uk

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7. Electric cars might not carry the day for A123

   Posted on February 15th, 2012 by admin

   Electric cars might not carry the day for A123
   News from Boston Globe:

   Is the battery maker A123 Systems’ electric-car play starting to stall?

   The Waltham company recently cut its revenue forecast for 2011 by about 20 percent and laid off a few hundred employees at its Michigan factory after one of its biggest customers, electric-car maker Fisker Automotive, unexpectedly reduced the number of batteries it had ordered from the company.

   Fisker was recently cut off from hundreds of millions in federal funds because it failed to meet the terms of its government loan.

   While company officials say A123 is already diversifying its business, it remains dependent on the electric-car business; sales to the transportation sector accounted for nearly 60 percent of its revenue in the first nine months of 2011, according to A123 financial statements.

   A123’s troubles are emblematic of the struggle of the nascent clean-technology industry, which currently relies on government subsidies as it labors away at developing commercially viable products.

   In addition to Fisker’s misfortune, at least two other alterna…………… continues on Boston Globe

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   Batteries to Rival Gas Peaker Plants by 2016, A123 CEO Says
   News from BusinessWeek:

   February 15, 2012, 3:54 AM EST

   • Energy Conversion Files for Bankruptcy, Seeks Sale of Assets
   • New LNG Projects May Glut Gas Market by 2018, Bernstein Says
   • U.S. Shale Gas Exports Face Hurdles, Former Exxon CEO Says
   • First Solar-to-Vestas Wind Profit Crash Deters New CEOs: Energy
   • Americans Gaining Energy Independence With U.S. as Top Producer

   …………… continues on BusinessWeek

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8. In Latin America, Chinese cars are gaining buyers | The Republic

   Posted on February 13th, 2012 by admin

   In Latin America, Chinese cars are gaining buyers | The Republic
   News from The Republic:

   LIMA, Peru — At first, Lima taxi driver Mario Segura was disgusted by the thought of buying a Chinese-made car. He had doubts about the vehicles’ durability, service and resale value.

   But favorable word of mouth, assurances that spare parts are plentiful and, of course, unbelievably low prices won him over.

   “Little by little, I heard favorable comments,” said Segura, speaking in a Chery showroom in the Surquillo district. He had just plunked down $ 12,000 in cash for a new Fullwin XR sedan, half the cost, he said, of a comparable Fiat or Renault. “It took a long time to decide, but I’m risking it.”

   So is Luis Luna, a doctor just back in Lima after working for several years in Argentina. He had planned on buying a secondhand Japanese car. Until, that is, he noticed billboards touting low-price Chinese brands and listened as his relatives insisted that he kick tires at a JAC dealership, one of dozens of Chinese brands sold here.

   “We realized for the same money that we’d pay for a crummy secondhand car that inspired no confidenc…………… continues on The Republic

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   California passes new auto emission rules
   News from Newsday:

   Content Preview Newsday 7 day/Optimum Online^® subscribers click here for full access
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   Originally published: January 27, 2012 4:35 AM
   Updated: January 27, 2012 3:53 PM
   By The Associated Press  JASON DEAREN (Associated Press)

   Quick ReadCalif air regulators pass auto emissions rules to cut air pollution, spur clean car market

   Photo credit: AP | FILE – In this June 28, 2011 file photo, other autos are reflected in the curved bumper of a Toyota Prius hybrid auto bearing California DMV dec…………… continues on Newsday

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9. Chicago Auto Show: Muscle cars still have the power

   Posted on February 11th, 2012 by admin

   Chicago Auto Show: Muscle cars still have the power
   News from Chicago Tribune:

   There was plenty of chatter over the new electric and hybrid offerings at Friday’s opening of the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place. But off in the wings, the throaty roars of unapologetically powerful V-8 engines more than drowned out the buzz.

   Throwbacks in the age of high-tech, fuel-efficient engineering, a new wave of muscle cars from the Detroit Three is proving that for many attendees, miles per hour is still a lot sexier than miles per gallon.

   The Ford display prominently featured new gas-electric and plug-in hybrid versions of its 2013 Fusion, but it was the 650-horsepower, 200 mph 2013 Shelby GT500 that turned more heads. A noisy, floor-rattling demonstration probably didn’t hurt.

   continues on Chicago Tribune

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   Engine options fire up Chicago show
   News from nwitimes.com:

   Performance is a hot button for many consumers at this year’s Chicago Auto Show.

   Today’s technology has altered buyers’ thinking on performance offerings that exist in virtually every market segment.

   Hot performance vehicles offered in the compact segment have turbocharged four–cylinder engines priced under $ 20,000. A number of the 2012 vehicles on the show floor year are strong head–turners with outstanding performance worthy of consumer consideration.

   One notable car in the Hyundai display is the cool looking and functional 2012 Hyundai Veloster.

   Introduced as a 2012 model, enthusiasts voiced concerns about its “all show and no go” performance capabilities. All those performance issues have been corrected in the 2013 model with the addition of a new 1.6-liter turbocharged direct injection engine delivering 201 horsepower bringing true justice to its dual exhaust placement.

   Scion has also ramped up its performance reputation with the 2013 Scion FR–S, a compact coupe on sale this spring. FR–S stands for “front engine, r…………… continues on nwitimes.com

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10. The best used cars and SUVs for the money

    Posted on October 31st, 2011 by admin

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    Courtesy of TopSpeed.com

    The 2008 Ford Taurus gets a top ranking for reliability, yet suffers from poor resale value — which makes it a great buy.
    updated 10/30/2011 11:42:31 AM ET 2011-10-30T15:42:31

    It’s never been more difficult for buyers to find a bargain in the used car market. Fortunately we’ve dug deep into the data to identify 11 worthy late-model cars and SUVs that are truly great deals.

    According to the used-car valuation experts at Kelley Blue Book, the average value of a one- to three-year-old used vehicle has increased from $ 15,000 in 2008 to more than $ 23,000 in 2011, which amounts to an average boost of nearly 16 percent per year. This is causing an affordability problem among cash-strapped buyers who can’t otherwise afford a new car, which on average costs nearly $ 30,000 according to the industry research and f …MSNBC

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