March 21, 2008
All-New 2009 Honda Fit makes World Debut at New York International Auto Show
Photo: The all-new 2009 Honda Fit was introduced by Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., during the New York International Auto Show. The Fit promises to further its leadership in the subcompact segment with top-of-class feature content, including an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System; improved interior functionality, including one-motion dive-down rear seats; enhanced sporty demeanor through improved suspension, steering and body rigidity; and high levels of standard safety equipment, including Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure.
The all-new 2009 Honda Fit, set to go on sale in the U.S. this fall, is making its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show. According to American Honda Motor Co., Inc., the Fit promises to further its leadership in the subcompact segment with top-of-class feature content, including an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™; improved interior functionality, including one-motion dive-down rear seats; enhanced sporty demeanor through improved suspension, steering and body rigidity; and high levels of standard safety equipment, including Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.
Dimensionally compact on the outside, the interior provides large passenger and class-leading cargo space to maximize comfort and utility.
Adding further refinement, Fit Sport offers an available factory-installed Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition, featuring a 6.5-inch screen. All Fit Sport models feature a USB audio interface1 compatible with current generation iPods and many USB storage devices. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:09 PM | Link to this Post
Subaru to Evaluate Quick Charge Electric Car with New York Power Authority
• 50-mile Charge Costs Less Than $2 Dollars
• 80-Percent Re-Charge in 15 Minutes
Subaru today announced that it would begin evaluating its R1e electric vehicle (EV) in the United States this summer. The Subaru R1e will be on display at the New York International Auto Show, from March 21-30 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
Based on the Subaru R1 minicar sold in Japan, the R1e was developed by Subaru in partnership with the Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (TEPCO). The utility has been testing a fleet of R1e electric cars since 2006. As part of a U.S. test program, two of the Subaru R1e electric cars will join the New York Power Authority (NYPA) fleet (NYPA is USA's largest state-owned electric utility).
The Subaru R1e employs state-of-the-art, fast-charge lithium ion battery technology that eliminates typical lithium ion battery issues of charge memory loss, allowing partial charges and quick charges that do not decrease battery life. The two-seat Subaru R1e is capable of driving at speeds up to 65 mph with a range of up to 50 miles, making it an ideal urban commuter. The Subaru R1e can be "quick-charged" to 80 percent capacity in only 15 minutes using quick-charge technology. The vehicle can be fully charged overnight (eight hours) while connected to a standard household electrical outlet. The R1e uses an AC permanent magnet synchronized motor producing 40 kW.
There are currently 40 Subaru R1e vehicles in use and Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries will place an additional 100 electric vehicles for test marketing in Japan in 2009. Subaru is focusing on the development of new battery technology for future power train applications. Compared with nickel metal hydride or nickel-hydrogen battery technology, lithium-ion battery technology offers a number of advantages, among them easier packaging, higher power density and better cooling for longer life.
Service life for the high-density lithium-ion battery is estimated at 10 years and 100,000 miles, another environmental benefit. The battery pack is also designed to be easily recycled. The laminated battery packs are flat, rather than cylindrical, offering EV manufacturers wide latitude in vehicle design and packaging. The battery's basic design and composition consist of laminate, manganese, and lithium ion.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:21 AM | Link to this Post
March 20, 2008
Pininfarina unveils the Sintesi, the new concept car that explores the car of the future
Turin, Italy -- Three years after the Birdcage 75th, Pininfarina returns with the Sintesi, a new concept car that explores ideas and solutions for the car of the future.
The Sintesi is a sports car with four doors and four seats, developed by a highly innovative approach: it does not consider the car as a shape that covers the mechanicals, but one that gives a shape to the mechanicals around the passengers, starting from the latter. This approach, which is known as "Liquid" Packaging, tends to improve weight distribution and lower the centre of gravity, which are important elements for driving dynamics.
Pininfarina made this possible by close collaboration with Nuvera, which developed the Quadrivium Fuel Cells system, the various components of which were distributed around the car, with four fuel cells positioned near to the wheels. The result is that the space for passengers is much more generous - in proportion to the total volume of the car - without detracting from the sporty line with its relaxed, elegant profile which is sleek, tapered and aerodynamic. The modular nature of the fuel cells, combined with the batteries and a sophisticated overall electronic architecture (developed with PI Shurlok), allows for modular use of the available power depending on driving conditions.
The Sintesi was imagined in a setting of Transparent Mobility which (according to Clancast, the radio technology developed by Reicom after years of research) envisages that all cars act as nerve cells, creating a dynamic communications network managed by a disseminated intelligence. A real "living connective tissue" on which data and information about traffic and security, audio and video, Internet and cross-media content can travel. A concept of wireless connectivity that establishes a continuous, transparent dialogue between the town, the road and the vehicles that we will drive in the future, without limiting the motorist's autonomy, but increasing his sense of freedom.
This futuristic scenario opens the door to advanced active safety solutions which in turn have made it possible to design the car with volumes that are not conditioned by today's bulky passive safety systems.
The important role played by electronics in the Sintesi project is also evident in the design of the interior and the lights. Inside, the dashboard reflects the flow of information in which the car moves.
Photo: The ultramodern headlight design emphasizes Sintesi's car-of-the-future concept. Instead of two standard separate headlights, the Sintesi headlight is comprised of 16 OSRAM OSTAR(R) Headlamp LEDs that formed a continuous, narrow strip of light. The ultra-bright and efficient LED-powered headlight is one of several LED packages illuminating this concept car. The OSRAM OSTAR Headlamp LED technology platform allows for infinite options in the design and manufacture of traditional headlights.
The lights become focal points through which the car dialogues with its environment. In addition to the innovative LED system supplied by Osram, which made it possible to create a simple, strong shape that underlines the car's central axis, the 'headlights' also incorporate the telecameras and the proximity radar system.
With a history dating back to 1930, Pininfarina is a leading service company within the automotive industry, able to offer to the OEM's creative solutions based on its know-how and flexibility through each stage of Concept & Design, Product & Process Engineering, Niche Vehicle Manufacturing, as a full-cycle turn-key partner, or a provider of specific services.
The company has more than 3,000 employees and operations in Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Morocco and China. The current car input includes 5 new models: Volvo C70, Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider, Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet, Mitsubishi Colt CZC. Some other customers are: Ferrari, Maserati, Peugeot, Renault, Jaguar, Honda, Daewoo, Hyundai, AviChina, Brilliance, Chery, Changfeng, and JAC. |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: Pininfarina
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:21 PM | Link to this Post
March 19, 2008
Maserati GranTurismo S arrives in New York
Photo: The Maserati GranTurismo S arrives in New York, after its worldwide debut at the Geneva Autoshow earlier this month. The glamorous setting for the New York debut is the Maserati Showroom on Park Avenue in Manhattan, where the GranTurismo S premiered before US clients and collectors. In 2007, Maserati delivered more than 2600 units in the United States, marking a 20% growth in relation to the previous year. (Photo Credit: Maserati North America) |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:30 PM | Link to this Post
Dick Colliver Receives Prestigious J.D. Power and Associates 'Founder's Award' for Distinguished Service in the Automotive Industry
Photo: J.D. "Dave" Power III, founder of J.D. Power and Associates (left), presents the Founder's Award to Dick Colliver. The award was presented at the 2008 Wall Street Automotive Awards Dinner Tuesday evening at The Plaza Hotel in New York City on Tuesday, March 18.
J.D. Power III, founder of J.D. Power and Associates, presented the prestigious Founder's Award to Dick Colliver of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. for his outstanding commitment to customer service in the automotive industry.
Power presented the Founder's Award to Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., during the Wall Street Automotive Awards Dinner held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Tuesday, March 18.
A discretionary award presented periodically, the Founder's Award recognizes individuals or companies demonstrating dedication, commitment and sustained improvement in serving customers. In the 40-year history of J.D. Power and Associates, only 19 companies or individuals have previously received the award.
Photo: Honda Accord Coupe 2008
Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products including its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products, marine engines, personal watercraft, and aircraft. Founded in Japan in 1948, Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. The company has invested more than $9 billion in its North American operations with 14 major manufacturing facilities, employment of more than 35,000 associates, and annual purchases of more than $18 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America.
Colliver joined Honda as senior vice president of the Honda Automobile Division in 1993 and was promoted to executive vice president in July 1997. Prior to joining Honda, Colliver worked for more than 20 years with Mazda Motors of America. His automotive career, which began in 1962, included a variety of sales and marketing positions with General Motors and Chrysler.
Under Colliver's leadership, the Honda Automobile Division has set sales records each year, and Honda and Acura dealers are among the most profitable in the automotive industry.
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies. Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 5:57 AM | Link to this Post
March 17, 2008
New York International Auto Show: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Makes American Debut
NEW YORK -- Following its world premiere at the Geneva auto show earlier this month, Saab 9-X BioHybrid premium compact concept is scheduled to make its American debut at the New York International Auto Show media days, beginning March 19.
GM explains that the 9-X BioHybrid is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package. The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab's driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a "low-friction" loading system.
Anthony Lo, director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in cooperation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. According to him, this car is all about efficiency in design and performance
With its turbine-style wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact hatchback looks.
Echoing Saab's roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag - and fuel consumption - at cruising speeds.
The four-seat cabin introduces an entirely new execution of Saab's driver-focused cockpit design. The central, floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now eliminated. Instead, the driver-focused layout incorporates a main instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door molding, arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be "frozen" in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in the Aero X.
Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab has cooperated with Sony Ericsson to provide seamless, in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions for display and use. The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: General Motors
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:55 PM | Link to this Post
March 13, 2008
CarMax Reports Most Popular Vehicle Colors
Black Ranks No. 1 Car Color Choice for Shoppers on carmax.com
Photo: Black is a much liked Car Color (2006 Cadillac Star Black Limited Edition XLR).
RICHMOND, Va., March 13 -- CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:KMX), USA's largest retailer of used cars, reports that the color black has topped the list as the most popular color for vehicle searches conducted on carmax.com in February.
"We find color choice is a very important consideration for customers when car shopping," said Mark Simmons, Purchasing Manager in San Diego, California. "I am not surprised that black tops the list. The color black looks good on nearly every make and model."
Used car shoppers' top five color choices for online searches in February were:
Color Choice / Percent of Searches
1. Black / 36%
2. White / 17%
3. Blue / 11%
4. Red / 10%
5. Silver / 9%
Other colors of interest to online shoppers included Gray (6%), Green (4%) and Yellow (2%).
Online shoppers can use the CarMax website to search the company's inventory of more than 25,000 new and used cars. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:22 AM | Link to this Post
March 8, 2008
Portable Smart Navigation System II for the "smart fortwo"
Smart guide through the concrete jungle.
Photo: At the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva a further special edition of the successful smart fortwo is celebrating its world premiere. The "edition limited two" will be produced as a limited series of 2000 vehicles and is characterized by exclusive coloring and a high quality mix of materials - on both the outside and the inside. An innovative start/stop function makes the smart fortwo micro hybrid drive (mhd) consume 8 percent less fuel on average, greatly reducing CO2 emissions. It has the lowest standard consumption worldwide, earning it the title "CO2 champion" amongst series production cars.
The smart fortwo's savvy concept is designed for the city. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is now offering a new guide for the nimble two-seater that enables smart fortwo drivers to find their way through the urban maze of an unfamiliar city. The "portable smart navigation system II" is as extraordinary as the smart principle itself: with its optimum integration into the car, clear voice output and high-resolution TFT color monitor, it makes mobile navigation a joy. It fits perfectly into the interior of the smart fortwo.
Smart solution for a smart car: the portable smart navigation system II is attached directly to the instrument panel by means of a special mount. The optimum ergonomic positioning on the dashboard enables a perfect view of the monitor. The touchscreen system is also easy to operate,
The system is integrated into the car's electronics system. The suggested routes are announced with voice instructions from the car speakers. The radio switches over automatically, meaning that the driver can always hear the information clearly. Further, as the device is fixed to the instrument panel, it is always connected to the power supply (when the ignition is on) and is therefore always ready for use.
The portable smart navigation system II was developed in cooperation with the US manufacturer Garmin, one of the most renowned producers of mobile navigation devices with many years of experience in the car, motorcycle, yacht, off-road and outdoor sectors.
Neat flatscreen: the large monitor is both the screen and the operating panel A range of well-conceived details facilitate orientation without demanding too much of the driver. This includes the zoomable or three- dimensional map display that provides different perspectives on the street. On particularly blind bends the system automatically switches to the optimum display mode. The device also has automatic day and night adjustment. An additional function enables the driver to vary the brightness individually.
The high-resolution, anti-reflection and high-contrast widescreen color monitor measures 4.3 inches (10.9 centimeters) diagonally and thus offers a considerably greater viewing and operating area than standard devices. With a depth of just 2.0 centimeters the smart system is one of the flattest units on the market. It can be integrated into the car in no time and is immediately ready for use. If it is not required it can be removed just as quickly and can be carried with you in the supplied bag.
To prevent smart fortwo drivers from unnecessarily wasting time in traffic jams, the system has a "traffic-jam avoidance function". The unit receives the necessary TMC (Traffic Message Channel) signals via the car's radio antenna, guaranteeing optimum reception. For the quickest possible drive home the portable smart navigation system II also incorporates the "home function": a push of a button is all you need and the most direct route to your pre- programmed destination is located. If you want to take in a particular shopping address or drop in on friends for an espresso, you can enter an intermediate location as an additional function.
The electronic guide always issues clear and unambiguous directions. The hi-tech device not only knows the street names, but also the turn-off points.
Sauntering through Europe: over two million meeting points for smart drivers. Mobility without borders: the unit stores detailed road data as well as comprehensive maps for 33 European countries -- over two million "points of interest" are stored. These include petrol stations, hotels and tourist attractions as well as restaurants and bars. As an additional, exclusive service the driver can find the addresses of the smart Service Centers in Europe under the "smart dealers" section. The system also incorporates an integrated MP3 player and a Bluetooth interface. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 4:12 AM | Link to this Post
March 6, 2008
2008 Geneva Motor Show: AutoWeek Editors Honor the Best
The magazine's Editors' Choice Awards recognize Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun
The AutoWeek editorial staff today announced its Editors' Choice Award winners for the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
For more than a decade, the editors of the weekly automotive-enthusiast magazine have scoured show floors in Detroit, Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo, selecting winners in four categories: Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun.
The 2008 AutoWeek Editors' Choice Award winners for the Best of Geneva are:
BEST IN SHOW: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider
Photo: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider -- In contrast to the current folding-hardtop craze, Alfa Romeo 8C Spider uses a soft top. Designers were careful to make it look good when up, while engineers made sure it was aerodynamically and acoustically sound.
MOST SIGNIFICANT: Ford Fiesta
Photo: Ford Fiesta -- Ford's redesigned small car will be sold globally, including the United States market.
BEST CONCEPT: Saab 9-X BioHybrid
Photo: Saab 9-X BioHybrid -- The 9-X could be Saab's entry into the super-fuel-efficient small-car wars. The two-door coupe is powered by a small turbocharged gasoline engine that has a mild hybrid system. GM estimates fuel economy at 48 mpg on gasoline and 36 mpg on E-85.
MOST FUN: Fiat 500 Abarth
Photo: Fiat 500 Abarth
The magazine's March 17, 2008 issue will take an in-depth look at the winners, and some of the finalists, of this year's Geneva show.
Source: AutoWeek
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:35 AM | Link to this Post
March 5, 2008
Volvo Unveils the New XC60 at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show
Stunning appearance and standard City Safety.
GENEVA, March 4 -- Volvo Car Corporation today unveiled the new XC60 premium crossover at the 2008 Geneva auto show. With its stunning good looks and standard City Safety low-speed collision avoidance system, the new XC60 marks a new chapter in Volvo's design and legendary safety heritage.
The new Volvo XC60 is the first vehicle in a new generation of the contemporary cross-over concept. It is a combination of a traditional city vehicle and an XC vehicle aimed for young, professional urban people with an active life. Volvo XC60 is a sporty and dynamic car with tasteful exterior and interior design and versatile functionality.
Volvo XC60 has a characteristic XC design language, with a blend of passenger- and coupe-like car shapes - including a touch of well-known Volvo design elements. The formula-drive stance, with big wheels "in the corners", lifted visual platform and a very high waistline - all contribute to a sturdy and robust impression.
The rear design is characterised by the tail lamps with micro optics and LED technique. The lamps, distributing light in a special way, give a characteristic "Volvo" design impression.
City Safety is a new function, sensing if vehicles ahead are moving slower or standing still. By measuring the car's speed and distance to the vehicle ahead, City Safety is able to calculate the braking force needed when approaching the other vehicle. In a situation where the calculated braking force needed reaches a certain level, and the driver has not reacted, the City Safety function senses that a collision is imminent.
The function is a standard feature that is active if the car's speed is below 30 km/h (19 mph). In situations where the difference in speed between two vehicles is 15 km/h (9 mph) or less, a collision can be avoided completely. In a potential collision situation in which the difference in speed between the vehicles is between 15-30 km/h (9-19 mph), City Safety alone cannot prevent a collision. However, the consequences of the impending collision can be mitigated considerably because the system will intervene to reduce speed when the collision occurs. Further, Collision Warning with Autobrake alerts the driver if the distance to a vehicle ahead suddenly decreases. The function contributes in giving the driver a fair chance to avoid a collision.
The new Volvo XC60 is stepping boldly into what is currently the automotive world's fastest-growing segment - dressed in a thrilling blend of muscular XC capability and the sporty charisma of a coupe.
The sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. Distribution between Europe and North America is unusually uniform: about 40 percent each. The remaining 20 percent is destined for the rest of the world.
The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China. |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: Volvo Car Corporation
Edited & Posted by Editor | 4:23 AM | Link to this Post
March 3, 2008
2008 SUZUKI RENO OFFERS COMBINATION OF STYLE & UTILITY
Five-door hatchback compact with handsome European styling by Italdesign.
2008 Suzuki Reno is a clever alternative in the small car segment. In an era of look-alike sedans and hatches in the compact entry-level segment, Suzuki's Reno gives consumers beautifully sculpted sheetmetal, careful attention to detail and a host of convenience and comfort features. In combination with a responsive 2.0 liter DOHC four-cylinder drivetrain, economy of operation and an ultra-competitive price point, the Reno constitutes a viable alternative for those consumers wanting both "show" and "go."
For 2008, the Reno retains an extensive list of standard features and remains Suzuki's most affordable vehicle. Sharing its basic drivetrain and platform with the larger Forenza, the Reno delivers its own persona with a design by Italdesign that embraces the upbeat personality typical of all Suzuki products.
The Reno's interior is equipped with multiple power features and an impressive array of extras designed to make driving more enjoyable, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system.
Standard Reno features include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission (a smooth four-speed electronically controlled automatic with gated shifter and "hold" mode switch is offered as an option), tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, dual sun visors with vanity mirrors, remote fuel door release, and premium features like air conditioning and heated power side mirrors. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 5:34 AM | Link to this Post
February 29, 2008
FIRST FORD KUGA ROLLS OFF THE SAARLOUIS PRODUCTION LINE IN GERMANY
SAARLOUIS, Germany - Production of the all-new Ford Kuga, Ford of Europe's first entry into the highly competitive crossover market, began February 26, 2008 at the Ford plant in Saarlouis, Germany.
The company plans to build around 45,000 examples of the new model in Saarlouis this year - equivalent to nearly 10 per cent of the plant's annual production volume.
Altogether Ford invested a very significant amount in new manufacturing technology to support Kuga production at Saarlouis. Sales of the Kuga will progressively begin across all European markets a little later this year.
The Kuga is the fourth model to be launched at Saarlouis in the past 12 months. It follows the new Ford C-MAX in March 2007, the new Ford Focus in December 2007 and the new Ford Focus ST earlier this month.
The Ford Kuga is being built exclusively in Saarlouis and around 84 per cent of production will be exported to a total of 32 different countries. The five largest sales markets are Germany, Italy, Great Britain, France and Spain. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 4:08 AM | Link to this Post
February 24, 2008
Designing of Daimler AG Mercedes-Benz "smart fortwo"
Photo: Show car smart crosstown: CAD rendering of exterior with color-highlighted "Tridion" safety cell. A solid steel "Tridion" frame, left visible at the exterior as a major design element, completely surrounds and protects the passenger compartment, and defines the basic shape of the car as well.
The history of the smart is short. The smart city coupe with gasoline engine came onto the market in 1998, the diesel-engined version in 1999. The smart cabrio complemented the model lineup at a later stage. It was followed by the smart roadster, the smart roadster-coupe and the smart forfour -- all of them history today. This is because the brand is now fully concentrating on the archetype of the smart -- the two-seater car.
Giving concepts a concrete shape is a challenge that a designer must face time and time again. But no matter how many times the process is repeated, it can never become routine. Good design stubbornly resists any clear definition. This is largely because a product must first mature in people's perception before it can truly be considered as good design.
Thus giving a form to "things" is far from simple. Particularly when these "things" are not mere consumer goods, but elements in a deep, emotional relationship. A car, however, is quite a different matter. Here the design becomes the user interface to our emotions and to our demands on the subtle perception of the technical capabilities that the vehicle represents. Our subconscious expects faultless technology, and our sense of aesthetics wants to be wooed.
It didn't take long for Mercedes-Benz to decide what basic features a car of this kind must have: four wheels, two seats, an engine, and a length of approx 2.5 meters. That was back in 1981. Discussions took place, but the resulting proposals were not found to meet the safety requirements of Mercedes-Benz. Ten years passed and the project was put on ice again and again until Mercedes-Benz Design in Sindelfingen finally managed, in cooperation with the Advanced Design Center in the USA, to reconcile form with function in such a way as to satisfy the company's requirements and to ensure that the vehicle had emotional presence.
A greenfield factory was built where completely new approaches could be implemented at every stage of the development process.
The designers drew their inspiration from fashion, architecture, furniture, and also from icons of automotive history.
Ultimately, this process yielded the unique smart body concept that was to open up totally new possibilities: for example the variable color concept, whereby the smart owners can change the color of the plastic body parts of their vehicle, to give the car a new look whenever they see fit. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:34 AM | Link to this Post
February 20, 2008
Volvo produces its 15 millionth Car
Photo: All-new Volvo C70, Passion Red.
Photo: Volvo ÖV4 and PV4.
The very first Volvo car left the factory on April 14, 1927. It was called the ÖV4 because the letters ÖV are Swedish for "Open Car" and 4 denoted the number of cylinders powering the new Swedish car. On February 20, 2008, it is once again an open car that is under the spotlights. That's when car number 15,000,000, an attractive convertible Volvo C70, will leave the factory in Uddevalla.
Photo: All-new Volvo C70 and falcons, Dubai. (Photographer Elisabeth Ohlson Walli)
In the first year, production proceeded at a modest pace, with 297 cars being sold in 1927. Emerging from the shadow of the global economic depression and Second World War, it took Volvo 23 years to build its first 100,000 cars. Today, that figure corresponds to about three months of production.
However, Volvo has never really been a high-volume manufacturer. Early in the company's history, it was decided that the brand name should signify quality and safety. Today the Volvo brand is known for the attractive design of cars that reflect characteristic Scandinavian design traditions. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:59 AM | Link to this Post
February 11, 2008
NADA Chairman Urges Automakers to Treat Dealers as 'Real Partners'
Photo: NADA's AutoExecMag.Com Car of the Week is 2009 Corvette ZR1. Detroit's own Kid Rock performs as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 makes its world debut on stage at GM Style - General Motors' car studded music and fashion gala that kicked-off the 2008 North American International Auto Show Saturday, January 12, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan. Chevy's new ZR1 supercar is the fastest, most powerful car ever made by GM. At $100,000 plus, it's also the most expensive Vette yet, with limited production of 2,000 units. Competition: Ferrari 599, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Turbo.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Dealers are "uniquely qualified" to connect three sectors that drive the U.S. auto industry -- consumers, automakers and Congress, said Dale Willey in his remarks at the National Automobile Dealers Association's (NADA) 91st Annual Convention & Exposition in San Francisco.
Willey, president of Dale Willey Automotive in Lawrence, Kansas, says after 37 years in the retail-auto industry and as NADA chairman over the past year, he now sees the role of dealers differently.
"We are the bridge that connects the consumer to the manufacturer," Willey said. "We hear everything the car buyer likes or doesn't like about a vehicle."
It's this experience that makes dealers "uniquely qualified" to help automakers develop products that sell, says Willey. Dealers gather valuable product information daily under real-world conditions.
Dealers must work with automakers as "real partners" -- not in a legal sense, but in terms of working together with one goal in mind -- producing and selling vehicles that consumers want to drive, Willey added.
Willey says manufacturers spend millions of dollars on surveys, polls and focus groups to figure out what consumers want," he says. "Just because a focus group likes something doesn't mean that consumers are going to rush out and buy it," Willey says.
America's franchised new-car and truck dealers "know better than anyone what consumers want to drive," Willey said.
In addition, dealers understand legislation that affects the industry and the difficulties automakers face in creating cars with increased fuel economy, he said. "Dealers also understand the consumer's desire to get better gas mileage."
The National Automobile Dealers Association, founded in 1917 and based in McLean, Va., represents about 20,000 franchised new-car and truck dealers holding nearly 43,000 separate franchises, domestic and international. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 7:31 AM | Link to this Post
February 10, 2008
RENAULT LAGUNA ESTATE Voted 2007's 'Most Beautiful Car of the Year' and 'Most Beautiful Interior of the Year'
The 23rd annual International Automotive Festival of Paris, which is currently being held at the French capital's Hôtel des Invalides (February 7-10, 2008), saw Renault Laguna Estate pick up the top prizes in both the 2007 'Most Beautiful Car of the Year' and 'Most Beautiful Interior of the Year' categories.
Designed with quality as a prevailing theme, Renault Laguna was released four months ago and is available in 56 countries. Every year, the International Automotive Festival of Paris offers a chance to discover and reward the creative talent in the world of the automobile.
Of the 11 Grand Prix awards presented in the course of yesterday evening's opening ceremony, the prize for 2007's 'Most Beautiful Car of the Year' went to Renault's Laguna Estate which was chosen from a shortlist of high standard cars by the voting public from across Europe. The jury also announced the winner of 2007's 'Most Beautiful Interior of the Year' award which went to Renault Laguna in recognition of its interior styling, conspicuous quality, harmonious shapes, materials and colors. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:15 AM | Link to this Post
February 8, 2008
Detroit Electric Car to Return After 100 Years
ZAP to Carry Revived Detroit Electric Brand
Photo: Electric car executives Steve Schneider, CEO of ZAP, and Detroit Electric Chairman Albert Lam celebrate the revival of Detroit Electric next to a 1918 Detroit Electric 75 Coupe, which will be on display February 9-12, 2008 at NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) Conference and Expo in San Francisco.
In a joint announcement, US electric car pioneer ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAAP) and China Youngman Automotive Group announced today they are reviving the 100- year-old electric car brand Detroit Electric for their automotive joint venture. Detroit Electric officials look forward to bringing new vehicle technologies to market by 2009, and beyond that the possibility of bringing new manufacturing and green collar jobs to California.
Detroit Electric plans to introduce its first electric cars and buses in 2009. The ZAP Alias, which is under development for the joint venture, will be one of several vehicles being planned to carry the Detroit Electric brand. ZAP is planning a presentation on Detroit Electric for North American auto dealers at NADA 2008, the world's largest auto show for dealers (National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) annual meeting and exhibition, February 9-12, 2008, San Francisco).
Detroit Electric was an early 20th Century electric car. The Anderson Electric Car Company started building the cars under the Detroit Electric brand over 100 years ago. Anderson of Detroit, Michigan is the longest running electric car company in history, operating between 1907 and 1939. In its heyday, Detroit Electric was an American icon and the cars were very popular with customers like Thomas Edison, Charles Proteus Steinmetz, Henry Ford's Wife Clara, and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Detroit Electric plans to build a special edition electric vehicle based on the original Detroit Electric as a tribute for the new name of the joint venture.
While joint venture officials are reviving the Detroit Electric brand, the first offices and facilities are planned, not for Detroit, but California. Management will be opening offices in California and evaluating manufacturing opportunities for economic development within the state. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 4:13 AM | Link to this Post
February 7, 2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin
High-Class Fashion Event and
World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz CLC Coupé
The second Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin (January 27 to 31, 2008) made its stages and catwalks available for the creations of established fashion designers from Germany and abroad, as well as up-and-coming young design talent. Mercedes-Benz is a sponsor of the event which bears its name, and has created a remarkable key visual for this high-class fashion event. It shows top model Eva Padberg with the CLC Sports Coupé, which is celebrating its world premiere during the event.
In addition to its involvement in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin, the Stuttgart-based premium manufacturer sponsors other international fashion events that include the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, which is immediately following the shows in Berlin from February 1 to 8. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:35 AM | Link to this Post
January 31, 2008
Stockholm is final stopover in Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09
Portsmouth (England) - 31 January, 2008 - The Swedish capital, Stockholm, has been announced as the final stopover for the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 before its finish in the Russian Baltic port of St Petersburg in July 2009. During the stopover, between 16 - 25 June 2009, Stockholm will also host an in-port race as well as a pro-am race in its famous archipelago.
At a city hall press conference in central Stockholm, its Mayor, Kristina Axén Olin, was joined by Ulla Hamilton, Vice-Mayor and Chairman of Ports of Stockholm, together with Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, to make the formal announcement.
Photo: ABN AMRO ONE passing the scoring gate at Lizard Point, England after Volvo Ocean Race Leg 6 from New York across the Atlantic Ocean to Portsmouth in England. (© Oskar Kihlborg/ Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006)
The 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race will be the 10th running of this ocean marathon. Starting from Alicante in Spain on 4 October 2008, it will for the first time, take in ports in Asia. Spanning some 39,000 nautical miles, stopping at around 11 ports and taking nine months to complete, the Volvo Ocean Race is the world's premier yacht race for professional racing crews. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 5:18 AM | Link to this Post
January 29, 2008
GM Chevrolet Beat Concept
Photo: The Chevrolet Beat takes center stage with models wearing fashions by Kevan Hall at GM Style- General Motors' car studded music and fashion gala at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
Chevrolet Beat : Designed to evoke the mood of a speedy micro import tuner, the Beat is a front-wheel-drive, three-door hatchback concept built to be personalized, and powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an automatic transmission. It's loaded with technology, including a navigation system and premium stereo.
Built on GM's global mini architecture, this concept demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM's Asia Pacific region. The Chevrolet Beat concept, a running prototype of a micro import tuner, was built in India.
According to GM, the Chevrolet Beat concept was designed and built leveraging GM's Global Product Development process, created from best practices around the world that integrate design, engineering, powertrain and manufacturing organizations to ensure each vehicle program meets its quality, timing and business targets, yet is responsive to the needs in regional markets.
As part of its global product development process, GM is growing the skills and capabilities of its design and engineering centers in several emerging markets, using key tools and technologies, such as a global virtual design and engineering network, that allows engineers and designers to collaborate with each other around the world.
Chevrolet is one of four GM global brands, meeting diverse customer needs in 120 countries with vehicles that range from subcompacts and family sedans to full-size pickups and SUVs and iconic sports cars such as the Corvette.
The Chevrolet Beat concept has the potential to expand the reach of Chevrolet - already a beloved brand around the world - even further. |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: General Motors
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:19 AM | Link to this Post
