Category Archives: new vehicle

Toyota, 7-Eleven Japan to Study Fuel Cell Trucks

Posted on 5 September 2017 by Ken Zino

Fuel cell trucks, where the refrigeration/freezer unit, and the truck itself, are powered by fuel cells, will be introduced as refrigerator/freezer trucks for stores with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions. An energy management system, combining already-installed solar power generators will be introduced to enable greater energy conservation and CO2 emissions reduction. Continue reading →

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Equinox Diesel Rated at 39 MPG Hwy

Posted on 30 August 2017 by Ken Zino

Whether anything remains of the diminutive diesel market with the ongoing Volkswagen diesel scandal, and relatively inexpensive gasoline prices remains to be seen. However, this is among the world’s hottest segments. Continue reading →

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Toyota and Mazda JV to Build Cars in U.S. Trumped?

Posted on 5 August 2017 by Ken Zino

The plant would have an annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 units. Pending approvals and authorization by government agencies, the companies will begin to examine detailed plans with the goal of starting operations in 2021. The plant will require a total investment of approximately $1.6 billion, and will create up to 4,000 jobs. Continue reading →

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2017 Honda Clarity Electric Sedan Debuts

Posted on 2 August 2017 by Ken Zino

The Clarity Electric has an EPA fuel economy rating of 126/103/114 MPGe (city/highway/combined) and an EPA range rating of a mere 89 miles on a full charge – a range-limited market no doubt. Continue reading →

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F-22 Fighter Prompts Ford F-22 F-150 Raptor

Posted on 31 July 2017 by Ken Zino

Ford claims the F-150 Raptor shares key F-22 design details, including red and green position lights in front that enhance left and right mirror skull caps, “unique glossy and matte exterior cues.” Continue reading →

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2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Models Grow

Posted on 17 July 2017 by Ken Zino

The lead of the S‑Class remains the Mercedes-AMG S 65 with its high-torque 6.0‑liter V12 twin turbocharged engine with 463 kW (630 horsepower) and 1000 Nm (fuel consumption combined: 11.9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 279 g/km). Just bring money – $272,437, which includes 19% “value added” tax. Continue reading →

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Ford Mustang Claimed as Most Popular Sports Car Globally

Posted on 25 April 2017 by Ken Zino

This gets into a murky automotive marketing claims… Continue reading →

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Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Runs Fastest Quarter-Mile Ever

Posted on 13 April 2017 by Ken Zino

With 840 horsepower and 770 pounds-feet of torque from a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine, the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the most-powerful production muscle car in history. It posted the world’s fastest quarter-mile with an elapsed time (ET) … Continue reading →

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Volkswagen America Launches Best SUV Warranty

Posted on 11 April 2017 by Ken Zino

Barring a competitive response, the six-year/72,000-mile coverage includes the powertrain coverage for engines, transmissions and the optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. Major competitors to Atlas, namely Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder, have a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. Continue reading →

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Qoros Shows Model K-EV Concept at Shanghai This Week

Posted on 11 April 2017 by Ken Zino

While U.S. journalists are obsessing over the New York Auto Show this week (not a mea culpa, but AutoInformed is admittedly part of this) in the world’s largest car market – China – Qoros Automotive will reveal its Model K-EV, an electric concept car at Shanghai Auto 2017. Continue reading →

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NYAS: Regal Returns as – What Else? – a Crossover

Posted on 11 April 2017 by Ken Zino

The former Detroit Big Three can’t give away a car, but are basking in the strong sales sunshine of pickup trucks (no Buick thus far?), SUVs and crossovers. The much Diminished Big Three – held 43.8% of the U.S. March vehicle market, down from 46% last month – despite an ongoing boom in light truck and crossover sales, slipping from 44.5% last March. Continue reading →

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Equinox SUV Design Enhances Aero – Sort of – for a Box

Posted on 16 March 2017 by Ken Zino

Aerodynamic performance, of course, is a big contributor to fuel economy given the speeds ‘Mericans drive at when able, but the box-like shapes of crossovers and SUVs are not conducive to aero efficiency. The new Equinox’s overall length was reduced by 4.7 inches, making it easier to park and maneuver. Continue reading →

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Ferrari 70th Anniversary – 125 S Drives Around Maranello

Posted on 14 March 2017 by Ken Zino

On 12 March 1947, Enzo Ferrari started his 125 S, the first car with his moniker for a test-drive on the streets of Maranello starting a tradition that is now Ferrari’s 70th anniversary. The tiny factory matured into an internationally-renowned made in Italy symbol. Exactly 70 years later, on Sunday 17 March 2017, Ferrari launches official merriments for this milestone. Continue reading →

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Geneva – Volvo Cars Shows New XC60 SUV

Posted on 8 March 2017 by Ken Zino

Something’s wrong when you have to put the word “premium” on an upscale crossover SUV that was developed with Chinese capital: People have to be told it’s premium because it doesn’t’ look like it until they see the window sticker? Continue reading →

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Geneva – Mercedes-Benz Concept X-Class Pickup Truck

Posted on 1 March 2017 by Ken Zino

Irony here: the original post-WW2 Ford F-100 – it would be considered a mid-size today – was a smash hit because it used a passenger car interior, spawning the dominate F-Series of today – the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for 40 years. Continue reading →

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