US Gov’t: Volt Won’t Save GM
January 31, 2009
According to the US government, the much-hyped Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid car won’t be enough to save General Motors. In its viability summary of the struggling automaker, the report cited the doubtful short-term commercial success of the vehicle thanks to its steeper price tag compared to its gasoline-powered compatriots.
According to the report, the Volt “is currently projected to be much more expensive than its gasoline-fueled peers and will likely need substantial reductions in manufacturing cost in order to become commercially viable.”
GM is eyeing a $40,000 price tag for the Volt, which will start production by the end of 2010. That’s more than twice what one would pay for cars in the same segment that run on gasoline. Would consumers be willing to pay double for a plug-in hybrid? Especially with vital infrastructure such as charging stations still not in place, there’s always the question of when these electric-powered bets will actually be viable.
As of now, it’s not wise for automakers to count on such models to carry it through the economic crisis. Of course, GM will be producing other highly-anticipated vehicles, including the Chevrolet Cruze, which could greatly help the automaker’s situation.
Source: The Detroit News free greedy
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Nissan and Europcar Sign Pact for EV-for-hire Program
January 31, 2009
Nissan and rental company Europcar have agreed to market zero-emission vehicles worldwide over the next three years, as Nissan comes close to finalizing a brand-new electric vehicle as part of its efforts to make electric technology more affordable.
Nissan says that the new EV is 95 percent ready for production, and is expected to reveal the vehicle at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show in October. Sources say that it is highly likely that this is the EV that the Europcar pact will center on.
“Nissan and Europcar share the same belief that the introduction and expansion of electric vehicles is one of the best solutions to sustain the growing need for mobility across the globe,” said Nissan International senior vice president Eric Nicolas.
Rafael Girona, the CEO for Europcar, said that the program gives consumers “the option of exploring a new means of mobility by giving them the unique experience of using an electric vehicle” and leading to eco-friendly citizens. The program will definitely go a long way in providing better accessibility for electric vehicles—especially since most EVs are generally quite expensive.download who am i free
Dodge Expands Challenger Line with SE “Rallye”
January 31, 2009
Dodge will be replacing the Challenger SE’s aging four-speed automatic with a new five-speed auto, and the automaker will also be releasing a new “Rallye” edition to coincide with the transmission update.
The Rallye will be based off the SE’s base model and will combine the five-speed with a 3.5-liter V6, allowing for better acceleration and reduced fuel consumption figures. The improved responsiveness and a better first-gear ratio anchors the Rallye’s performance. The V6 pushes the car with some 250 horsepower at 250 lb.–ft. of torque. Fuel economy is also improved, up to 17mpg in city traffic and 25mpg in highway traffic.
The Rallye also borrows some high-end features from other Challengers, including its custom bonnet, 18-inch black-highlighted alloy wheels, chrome fuel lid, faux-carbon trims, and racing stripes.
Production of the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye edition will start in the coming weeks at the Chrysler Brampton plant in Canada. With the promise of improved performance, better efficiency and fuel economy, and a sweet-looking exterior, Dodge is giving its Challenger line a much-needed update.
Source: Motor Authority
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US Poll Shows Majority Will Buy American—within 2 Years
January 30, 2009
A poll conducted in the United States by R.L. Polk & Co. has shown that there is still hope for the flagging US car manufacturers. The survey showed that over half of the American population will be buying a new vehicle within two years’ time, and that almost three-fourths of that figure will be buying American.
Looking closely at the results, some 55 percent of the poll respondents say that they will be buying a new car in two years. Of that number, 72 percent will be buying American cars. Of course, we do have to consider that Polk’s sample population is only 1,361 people.
“With all the doom and gloom in the U.S. auto industry, it’s encouraging that consumers are indicating that they plan to buy a vehicle in the relative near term,” Lonnie Miller, director of industry analysis for Polk, said.
All in all, it’s a nice show of faith from the loyal citizens of America. However, the problem is that, in 2 years’ time, their patronage might just come a little bit too late. GM and Chrysler are already on the edge of bankruptcy.
Source: Motor Authority
Honda Sales Decline, Profits Plummet
January 29, 2009
Japanese automaker Honda has reported a 77-percent decline in profits, the direct result of struggling new car sales brought about by the global economic crisis.
Honda hauled in 137 billion yen (£981M or $1.43B) from January up to the end of March 2009. Compared to last year’s 600-billion yen (£4.3B or $6.26B) profit for the same period, it’s just not a good sign. Total sales amounted to a 10 trillion yen, some 17 percent fewer than last year.
Honda is desperate to cut costs, minimize expenses, and optimize its workflow. The Japanese car manufacturer had already parted from its Formula 1 team (which is kicking ass so far in the season) and shut down its Swindon plant for four months, starting in February.
The recent decline in sales marked the first time in nine years that Honda sales dropped. This is just the latest setback for the struggling Japanese car manufacturers. Even Toyota was forced to close all Japanese plants back in January to reduce operating costs and prevent having more unsold stock.
Source: Autocarfree national lampoon s animal house
EU Wants Cleaner Air Conditioning Systems
January 29, 2009
The European Union wants cleaner, more environmentally-friendly air conditioning systems for use in new cars by 2011, citing the current systems’ coolant that has a global warming potential that is 1,300 times greater than carbon dioxide. Yes, apparently AC coolant is much more of a threat than CO2 emissions.
Consequently, automakers have requested that the new rules be held off until 2017. They cited the recession as a key factor that hampers their ability to develop better AC systems. This is especially true as automakers are putting a higher priority on the development of efficient and eco-friendly engines and drivetrains.
This is the Mobile Air Conditioning directive from 2006: “Emissions of hydrofluorocarbon-134a (HFC-134a), which has a global warming potential of 1,300, from air conditioning systems in motor vehicles are of growing concern because of their impact on climate change. Cost-effective and safe alternatives to hydrofluorocarbon 134a (HFC-134a) are expected to be available in the near future.”
Having the new air conditioning regulations is just another obstacle that car manufacturers have to hurdle. Some automakers and third-party developers are already at work, so there’s still some progress.
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