Auto-Tech HQ

As we reported earlier, BMW 1 series will be getting new variety of engines for 2010 models. We are still not sure if they will trickle down to US models but for now we know that Europeans get them.

One of the engines will be a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that utilizes direct injection and has 170 HP and 155 lb-ft. The estimated 0-60 should come in 7.8 seconds, and top speed of 149 mph.

The second one is the diesel variant that packs 143 hp and 221 lb-ft that will bring the car from 0-60 in nine seconds. The fuel economy and CO2 emissions is where this engine shines, and it achieves 4.5 liters/100 kilometers (about 52 mpg US) and a CO2 emission rating of 119 grams per kilometer.

Here is a complete Press Release.

Click here to read more…

Who says you have to be big or global or green to survive? A handful of car models, such as the Jeep Wrangler and the Smart, are maintaining their sales Despite the general auto collapse, a handful of car models and manufacturers are doing well.   Who said you have to be green to survive?  Look at Jeep, Smart, Subaru, Hyundai, and Kia.  They seem to be holding their own quite well. 

The Koreans have the advantage due to the dollar sharp decline, which leaves some room for greater incentives.  

But what about Subaru, how do they do it?

They have no hybrids or electric cars, the fuel efficiency is nothing spectacular, and to top it off, Subarus are definitely not the prettiest cars.

The company sells around 600,000 vehicles a year worldwide, making it roughly the 20th largest automaker.

Its major markets are Japan and then the U.S., with 187,699 sales here last year, outselling only Mitsubishi, and Suzuki.  Subaru’s idea is that you don’t have to be huge to hold your own in the world of giants.

Subarus that are sold in the U.S. are all-wheel-drive, somewhat even dull looking, family-type wagons and sedans, for the exceptions of the WRX and STI models. They are not the hottest cars ether, but these models are not for the faint of hearts.  People usually fall in to the category of you ether love them or hate them. 

So why the success?  Subaru has good quality vehicles, and they are always recommended by Consumer Reports.  They were one of the first to market with all-wheel-drive vehicles.  You can not forget one of the most important factors of Subaru cars, and it’s their 4 or 6 cylinder horizontally opposed “boxer” engines.

But the main reason to Subaru success is not only the pricing scheme (between $20,000 to $35,000 for the most cars, and up to $40,000 for a selective few models).  I personally think that Subaru crowd is very loyal to their brand, and hardly ever hear a bad word about them.  I just really hope Subaru will be true to their roots and their loyal customers, and stay that way with out trying to sway in to the wrong direction.

 Zotye have shown off their new pure electric SUV on April 21st in Shanghai, the most interesting part however is the pricing, which will be 110,980rmb which is a slightly over $16,000USD.

 Max power is 27Nm, and can reach a top speed of 110kph and travel for a distance of 300km before needing a recharge. Zotye are also working on a fast recharge system for home use.

This is the first pure electric market ready vehicle from a Chinese manufacturer, now the only problem is that most Chinese people dont have electrical outlets near their car parking spots, but this car will be perfect for government departments and business users who can run power outlets near their car parking spots.

Source:  China Car Times

Dozens gathered Thursday to gawk at the silver Nano sitting on a red platform with pink satin skirting at the Tata dealership in Coimbatore, a mid-sized manufacturing hub in southern India. Two DJ’s blasted Backstreet Boys, Ricky Martin and Madonna songs, while college kids snapped photos of the snub-nosed car on their cell phones.

Despite the festivities, analysts say Nano sales won’t do much in the short term to help debt-strapped Tata Motors, which is facing falling sales and is in talks with banks to refinance a $2 billion loan it took out to buy Land Rover and Jaguar from Ford last year.

Vaishali Jajoo, auto analyst at Mumbai’s Angel Broking, estimated that even if Tata Motors manages to sell 250,000 Nanos a year, it will only add 3 percent to the company’s total revenues.

Complete Story…