Major Developments Major Developments by Calendar Year

March 15, 2010

Major cars introduced in Geneva Motor Show 2010

Filed under: Automobile — Tags: , — Winson @ 2:37 AM

The 80th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show introduced latest environmentally and ecologically friendly automobiles, including electric or alternatively powered automobiles. Apart from these green cars, it also showcased some breath taking high performance cars. Overall, it has a good collection of vehicles suitable for almost every person. We will take a look at some of the major models that were introduced in this show.

The well-known manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, Porsche unveiled three hybrid models namely, the new Cayenne S Hybrid, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racing car and 918 Spyder prototype.

The two-seat, ultra-high-performance 918 Spyder was the star of the motor show. With a seven-speed PDK gearbox, it is powered by a 500-horsepower 3.4-litre V8. When it comes to for the green statistics, it is said to consume just 3.0 litres per 100 kilometres with reduced C02 emissions. Another attraction of this car is it accelerates to 100 kilometres an hour in just 3.2 seconds.

Equally popular sports car maker Lotus also introduced green as well as performance based model called Evora 414E Hybrid.

Honda introduced a unique looking one seater, three-wheeler. Honda’s 3R-C is an electric vehicle. It looks as a good prospect for the future to limit the traffic congestions in urban areas.

Lexus contributed to the green movement with CT 200h compact hybrid. It can run for up to two km at city speeds on electricity alone.

Hyundai’s i-flow introduced a mid-sized sedan concept with a 1.7L diesel engine with a new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox kit.

Volkswagen launched its second edition of the Touareg sport-ute. It is lighter in weight and said to have increased mileage.

Lamborghini introduced its new Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. Its 570-hp, 5.2L direct-injection V10 is said to have reduced fuel consumption and emissions by 20.5% compared to its earlier model.

Mazda exhibited its next-generation minivan called Mazda5 mini.

The Volvo introduced all new S60 sport sedan. Its high-performance, 304-hp, turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder pleases the driving experience.

March 10, 2010

Automobile Industry Suffers Recession

Filed under: Business — Tags: , , , — Winson @ 3:29 AM

Recession started to effect on global scale economy from the mid of 2008. This resulted in declining automobile sales and triggered widespread automotive industry crisis. This recession majorly affected the US automotive car industry. Many US car manufacturers face the problem of bailout and restructuring.

As per the New York Times, recession occurred mainly to US car industry because of bad business practices by “Big Three” U.S. automakers. These are:

  • General Motors
  • Ford
  • Chrysler

This fact can be justified by the example of Asian car manufacturer. These foreign-owned car companies also manufacture automobile in US and experienced no such problems. They have deep pockets and ample credits.

Because of following reason the US Big Three suffered in the recession:

  • Expensive automobile fuels price in the 2003-2008 oil crisis led to turn from SUV’s (sport utility vehicles)
  • High labor costs and their other counterparts like salaries, benefits, healthcare, and pensions.
  • Uncompetitive cost structures

The year 2008 heavily destructed the US automobile industry.

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North American Cars And Truck Awards: 2010

Filed under: Automobile — Tags: — Winson @ 2:46 AM

North American cars and truck awards are the most prestigious award in automotive industry. These awards are judged by 50 most experienced and respective journalist of Canada and US. They represent newspaper, magazine, website and many more.

In 2010, 49 veteran journalists judged awards. This year Ford fusion hybrid bagged the North American car of the year award and Ford Transit Connect won the North American truck of the year award.

This is the third time in 17 years of awards ceremony when one automaker has won both awards. Earlier in the year of 2006 and 2007 Honda and General Motor respectively won both awards.

The major objective of this award is to search the most outstanding vehicles of the year based on factors like innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, price value.

To win this award vehicle must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the earlier design.

Three finalists for North America car of the year are:

  • The Ford Fusion Hybrid with 241 points
  • The Volkswagen with 146 points
  • The Buick LaCrosse with 103 points

Three finalists for North America truck of the year are:

  • The Transit Connect with 213 points
  • The Chevrolet Equinox with 183 points
  • The Subaru Outback with 94 points

Last year the North American Car of the Year award was won by the Hyundai Genesis where as North American Truck of the Year award was won by the Ford F-150.

March 7, 2010

Different Innovative Car Models of 2005

Filed under: 2005 — Tags: — Winson @ 5:40 AM

The year 2005 was a strong season for new and redesigned models of cars. Consumer’s got plenty of options from car dealers this year. After this success, manufacturers promised to develop plenty of new models in the coming years. A renewed emphasis on passenger cars, sports cars and family cars were apparent among the new and redesigned models of 2005.

New sports cars provide many high performance specifications to consumers. For example, the exclusive release of limited-production Ford GT super car. In the passenger-car segment, Chrysler kept its new rear-wheel release. It was the 300 Sedan, which includes Hemi-powered 300C technology. A redesigned M45 from Infiniti was also debuted in the spring of 2005.

Apart from these various super models many other designed cars were also launched. These were smaller crop of SUVs, add vans, new versions of Toyota Highlander hybrid vehicle and Tuner. Thus, overall 2005 model cars showcased various innovative shades in automotive industry.

March 6, 2010

Race To Shorten the Automotive Development Time

Filed under: 2005 — Tags: — Winson @ 5:36 AM

Manufacturers in the automotive industry are constantly looking for new ways to maintain their competitiveness. Only developing innovative products as soon as possible could make a difference. To be top seller in the market, manufacturers have to suffer various pressures like reducing product development time, safety issues, fuel efficiency, warranty costs, and styling. These goals are set to meet the increased demands and expectations.

Time-to-market policy is a critical issue in manufacturing industry. As per this policy competitor manufacturer has to launch his product as soon as possible. It all because if the same design is launched by other manufacturer before them in market, then the value of this innovation will get lost. A few days delay could result in a loss of millions of dollars loss. So, to reduce automotive development time and to achieve desired goals, manufactures are using engineering simulation technologies. Simulation technologies includes following major steps:

  1. Integrated simulation
  2. Refining ride
  3. Racecar design
  4. CFD for design improvement
  5. Advanced aerodynamics
  6. Engine development

Manufacturers, to win the race of competitiveness in the automotive market did make all these developments. This race to market yields many profits to customers like lower engineering costs, reduced prototypes tooling costs, and best product from core teams.

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