Motorcycle Meets The Automobile

Here's some food for thought about the future of economical transportation.

The Highway Of The Future?

I have to wonder why the environmentalists haven't embraced this. Could it be because it's a highway, and not a multi-billion dollar mass transit system?

The Automotive Assembly Plant Of The Future — Today...

I've been to about a half dozen automotive assembly plants, but have never seen anything like this one.

VW and Chrysler issue large recalls

Both Volkswagen and Chrysler have announced large recalls to address possible fuel leaks and potential accidental air bag deployments.

Volkswagen is recalling more than 228,000 vehicles sold in the American market, including 2007-2009 model year Golf, Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Rabbit and 2006-2010 New Beetle small cars.

VW says on all of the recalled vehicles except the New Beetle, a small plastic tab in the windshield wiper fluid reservoir could rub against a fuel supply line under the hood. A fuel leak could develop and lead to fires.

Volkswagen is beginning its recall in late January and dealers will either remove the plastic tab or inspect the position of the clamp and adjust it free of charge.

On New Beetles under recall, a fastening clamp on the hydraulic hose of the power steering system could be located in the wrong place and rub against a fuel supply line that could create a fuel leak and cause a fire.

According to VW spokesman Kerry Christopher, there had been no reports of fires, crashes or injuries.

Chrysler is recalling more than 367,000 minivans to address potential accidental air bag deployments in 2008 model year Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. The automaker said water could leak near the heating and air conditioner drain, which could cause the air bag warning light to go off and deploy the air bag by accident.

Chrysler's recall is expected to begin in February and dealers will replace the drain ring free of charge.

Chrysler spokesman Vince Muniga said the automaker was aware of 30 complaints of air bags deploying inadvertently and five injuries since February 2008.

Owners can contact Volkswagen at (800) 822-8987 and Chrysler (800) 853-1403.

Nissan LEAF 2011 European Car of The Year

In a historic moment for Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and zero emission vehicles, the 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF was awarded 2011 European Car of the Year.

The world’s first mass-marketed, affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the global market beat 40 contenders to win one of the industry's most important accolades. This is the first time in the 47-year history of the annual competition that the award has gone to an electric vehicle. Nissan LEAF’s rivals included vehicles from brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Volvo. The jury included 57 leading motoring journalists from 23 European countries.

“The jury acknowledged today that the Nissan LEAF is a breakthrough for electric cars. Nissan LEAF is the first EV that can match conventional cars in many respects,” said Håkan Matson, President of the Jury, Car of the Year.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.’s President and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: “This award recognizes the pioneering zero-emission Nissan LEAF as competitive to conventional cars in terms of safety, performance, spaciousness and handling. It also reflects Nissan’s standing as an innovative and exciting brand with a clear vision of the future of transportation, which we call sustainable mobility. With three other electric vehicles in the pipeline from Nissan – and with the imminent market introduction of four additional electric vehicles from our Alliance partner Renault – Nissan LEAF represents a significant first step toward a zero-emission future.”

Nissan LEAF is powered by a compact electric motor in the front of the car, which drives the front wheels. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 ft.. lbs. of torque, enough for a maximum speed of 90 mph. The electric motor is powered by a Nissan-developed laminated lithium-ion battery with an output of more than 90 kW. The car has a range of 100 miles between charges ,making it a viable alternative for many urban drivers.

The vehicle is fully equipped with features such as regenerating braking, air conditioning, satellite navigation, parking camera and advanced on-board IT and telematics systems. Innovative connectivity will allow an owner to set charging functions to monitor the car's current state of charge and the remaining battery capacity, as well as to heat or cool the interior of the car remotely via mobile phone or computer. 

Deliveries in Japan and the United States begin this month. In Europe, deliveries start in early 2011 to Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands. The zero-emission car is currently being built in Japan, but will also be produced in Tennessee, and in Europe when new manufacturing facilities open in late 2012 and early 2013.

Nissan’s innovative thinking extends beyond zero-emission mobility. Under the PURE DRIVE label, Nissan manufactures an extended line-up of environmentally friendly, internal combustion engine vehicles offering class-leading fuel efficiency supported by advanced green technologies. In Europe, the company will soon launch an advanced gas-electric hybrid luxury sedan wearing the Infiniti badge.

Nissan has won the CoTY award in Europe before. In 1993, the UK-built Nissan Micra became the first car from a Japanese automaker to win the accolade and started Europe’s love affair with the little car that continues today with the recent launch of the newest Nissan Micra model.

A Less Than Casual Drive Through The Streets of Paris

Here's a ride she'd never forget.... in a 1968 Ferrari 275 GT (300 HP)

Open up your screen to full size... turn up the volume and try to image doing what this driver does on the early morning streets of Paris... across town in 9 minutes!!!

Once they saw this 1978 video, the Paris Police looked for this driver for years but never found him. Remember, these are public streets with no baracades or driver assistance warnings anywhere. Flat-out driving as fast as you can go in traffic. Pretty amazing stuff that wasn't staged.

Enjoy. Watch it all. You can change your underwear later.

Playing Full Out At Going Green

By Lary Coppola

I have to admit, being raised on big-block, mega-horsepower, gas-guzzling V8s, I was more than mildly skeptical about Electric Vehicles (EVs) — until I actually drove one. I came away a believer that EVs are the future — not everyone’s future — but for a lot of folks, it will be. While the automotive industry has seriously experimented with alternative fuels (remember hydrogen fuel cells?) for the past decade, it seems they’ve finally settled on electricity as the alternative power source.

Just to clarify the difference between a hybrid and an EV, hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, run on a combination of gasoline and battery power, while a pure EV is 100 percent battery-powered. 

Nissan is committed to EVs — so much so, it will offer an EV version of a new commercial van, the NV2500, it will debut in 2011. Company CEO Carlos Ghosn stated without hesitation, "A new era is beginning in the global automotive industry. At Nissan and Renault, we are working together to lead the way to mass market zero emission mobility." Ghosn is car guy in the Lee Iacocca mold. He “gets it” about what consumers want, and his stunning success turning Nissan, and its luxury brand, Infiniti, around by delivering some of the best selling product on the market proves that.

Nissan has put its money where its mouth is, gambling almost a billion dollars over more then a decade that the Leaf will change the way we drive. And make no mistake, EVs are coming — The high-performance Tesla sports car hit the market last year, and 2011 will see Ford debut an electric version of its Focus, along with the long-anticipated Chevy Volt, Mini E, Mitsubishi MiEv, and a plug in version of the Toyota Prius. The 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show previewed no less then 20 EVs — some from manufacturers you’ve never heard of.

Read More

GE Commits To Buy 25,000 EVs by 2015

With a name like General Electric, why wouldn't GE embrace the electric car? The company has announced plans to buy 25,000 of them by 2015.

Jeffrey Immelt, GE's CEO, said the company would convert half of its corporate fleet to electric vehicles (EV) by 2015 in an effort to jump start the technology and help develop a potentially big new market for the company.

"By electrifying our own fleet, we will accelerate the adoption curve, drive scale, and move electric vehicles from anticipation to action," Immelt said in a statement  The company had hinted at the plan in late September.

GE builds natural gas-fired generators for utilities, electric motors, advanced electric meters and a home electric car charging station called the WattStation, all of which could be in higher demand if drivers buy electric cars. It stands to reason they could also build motors for EVs as well as expand sales of its charging stations.

GE estimates the expanding market could bring it up to $500 million in new revenue over the next three years. The first mass-market electric cars are expected to go on sale next month, including the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf.

GE said it will buy 12,000 GM vehicles starting next year, beginning with the Volt. It plans to add others as manufacturers expand their electric car offerings. Every major automaker has plans to introduce cars that can be powered by electricity over the next two years.

EVs are cheaper to fuel and operate than gasoline powered cars, but they are more expensive to buy, mainly because of the high cost of batteries. The battery that powers the $33,000 Nissan Leaf costs about $12,000, nearly the price of a gasoline-powered car the Leaf's size — although the Leaf's lithium-ion batteries are guaranteed for 100,000 miles or 8 years, and can be replaced a cell at a time, which wculd stretch out the expense.

Carmakers hope to be able to sharply reduce the cost of the batteries over time, but in order to do so they need to sell more electric cars. That's where GE comes in. GE is hoping that its planned purchase will help drive down costs by increasing production volumes and assuring carmakers that they will have at least one big buyer.

Electric utilities, and local governments which would also benefit from the adoption of electric cars, are also expected to buy thousands of vehicles. The feds are offering $7,500 tax credits to electric car buyers to help make the cars more affordable and some states and cities offer additional subsidies that can reach $8,000. Washington State offers $3,500.

Still, only 30,000 electric vehicles are expected to be sold next year, out of a projected 13 million new cars. J.D. Power and Associates predicts that by 2020 that number will grow to 275,000, still only about 2 percent of total car sales.

Tesla Motors Recalling Roadsters

Tesla Motors, the Palo Alto, Calif.-based manufacturer of luxury electric vehicles, is recalling 439 of its 2010 model year Roadsters to address potential fire hazards connected to battery cables. The recall involves Roadster 2.0 and 2.5 vehicles with a 12-volt auxiliary cable, which may be routed improperly, and could cause the wire to become exposed.

Contact between the bare wire and carbon fiber could lead to a short-circuit and a fire in the right front head lamp area, according to a notice by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The two-seater electric sports car, the only vehicles currently sold by Tesla, sells for more than $100,000 and plugs into a conventional outlet for recharging. The company has sold about 1,300 Roadsters in at least 30 countries.

The automaker plans to introduce its next-generation electric sedan, the Model S, by 2012, and is working with Toyota to develop an electric version of Toyota's RAV4 small crossover vehicle.

As part of the recall, Tesla will check the routing of the cable and install a protective sleeve over the wire free of charge. Owners can call the company at 877-888-3752.

NWAPA Announces Mudfest 2010 Winners

SUV of the Year decided at the 16th Sport Utility Vehicle Competition

 

 The results are in from the Northwest Automotive Press Association's Mudfest 2010 event, which was held in Vancouver, Washington, September 30 and October 1. Twenty SUVs and CUVx competed in four scored categories-Affordable, Family, Luxury, and Off-Road-with the overall highest-scoring vehicle being declared the SUV of the Year.

The 2010 winners are: 

SUV of the Year:  
2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged

Best Affordable SUV: 
2011 Subaru Outback

Best Family SUV: 
2010 Acura MDX

Best Luxury SUV: 
2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged

Best Off-Road SUV: 
2011 Land Rover LR4

The 20 NWAPA members who tested and scored every vehicle both days noted the Range Rover's "elegant look" and "outstanding performance on- and off-road." One tester said of the LR4, "What can you say? A great SUV." The Outback was praised for its "aggressive handling," while another tester said the Subaru "flew over the [off-road] track." The Acura MDX garnered much praise from the journalists, who called it "very sporty with a beautiful interior." One tester said its "quality and refinement [were] first class."

Mudfest (shorthand for the Northwest Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year Competition), is a yearly event bringing journalists from the Pacific Northwest and the latest in off-road vehicles together for two days of testing. The first day involves an on-road route, where vehicles are tested in every-day situations and scored on design, handling, braking, and more. The second day of the event puts vehicles through their paces on an off-road track, where handling and ride are rated.

Each vehicle was also assigned to one of four categories in addition to vying for SUV/CUV of the Year. The Family category included scoring for kid-friendly features and versatility, Affordable vehicles were scored on features for the money and power vs. MPG, Luxury vehicles were rated on materials and technology, and Off-Roaders had to prove their capability and gear capacity.

Sport-utility vehicles are a mainstay of the Pacific Northwest automotive market, and journalists from this region are among the most knowledgeable critics of this segment. Mudfest is the most widely recognized event of its kind in North America.  This annual event allows member journalists to test the performance, handling, and braking, as well as the on-road and off-road demeanor, of each competing SUV. Vehicles invited to participate include all-new and recently updated models. The previous year's winners are also invited to defend their title.

NWAPA (www.nwapa.org) is a professional trade organization of automotive journalists from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 38 voting members, representing more than 100 newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, media groups and online resources. Non-voting members are comprised of representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.

Honda Crosstour: Attractive package inside and out

       By Lary Coppola

The 2010 Honda Crosstour is the newest Accord — and what’s known as a CUV — Crossover Utility Vehicle. In reality, it’s a hatchback Accord that fills the slot in between the CR-V and Pilot. However, this vehicle is aimed at a totally different buyer than the standard Accord.

The Crosstour comes in two versions and two trim levels, with front-wheel-drive standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) optiona.l I’ve had the opportunity to drive both versions, and have to say, the Crosstour has a lot going for it.

. The Crosstour EX starts at $29,670, while the more upscale EX-L sells for $32,570. The AWD package is only available on the EX-L, starting at $34,020. Available navigation adds another $2,200 to the sticker, for a total of $34,770 with 2WD and $36,220 with AWD.

Walkaround: Although visually similar to the recently introduced Acura ZDX (Honda owns Acura), the Crosstour doesn’t share the ZDX's platform, instead, riding on a modified Accord chassis.

The Crosstour is what is known in Europe as a five-door — a four-door sedan with a hatch making five. It’s somewhat ironic, that after years of rejecting the hatchback (well, there was the Gremlin…), the auto industry is slowly moving back toward what's always been the most practical sedan design.

The Crosstour differs from the Accord sedan in several ways besides the obvious sloping roofline. There’s a beefier more aggressive looking grille, two-inch wider stance (although there’s about an inch less room inside), a 110.1-inch wheelbase, more weight — 299 to 487 pounds more than Accord sedans. It's the only Accord to offer AWD — as basic as Honda’s is — and has two additional inches of ground clearance than the Accord sedan for foul-weather and bad-road driving. The sloping rear roof gives the 2010 Accord Crosstour a very distinctive look — especially in contrast to the flat-roofed, Camry-based Toyota Venza or Ford Flex.

Interior: The Accord Crosstour EX comes pretty well-equipped, with standard features that include dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation, auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows, moonroof, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, 360-Watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, compass and outside temperature indicator, cruise control, easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seat back, 17-inch aluminum wheels with 225/65 R17 all-season tires, hidden removable utility box, rear privacy glass, projector beam headlights with auto-off, fog lights, chrome door handles, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost, and more.

Upgrades on the Accord Crosstour EX-L include leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, leather steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, memory driver-side seats, memory side mirrors with reverse tilting capability, auto day/night dimming rearview mirror, auto on/off headlights, Kevlar cone speakers, aluminum dome-type front tweeter speakers and a USB audio interface, 18-inch aluminum wheels with 225/60 R18 all-season tires, cargo privacy cover, and HomeLink transmitter.

The seats were unusually comfortable for a Honda, offering good lumbar support, and the instrumentation includes some cool blue lighting. The center control console, which houses the navigation system and backup camera display, looks like it came straight out of an Acura RL rather than the standard-issue Accord controls.

While its coupe-like styling somewhat limits cargo volume, the Crosstour was designed with cargo hauling in mind. It doesn't want for cubbies, bins and other storage, featuring an 8-inch deep under-floor Hidden Removable Utility Box with a reversible lid, and under-floor bins that mirror the popular feature in the Honda Ridgeline pickup. A big, removable and washable center bin is flanked by two smaller ones, and the covers of all three can be reversed, offering carpet or a durable hard-plastic surface.

The hatch is just much handier than a trunk, and space behind Crosstour's back seat is twice the size of an Accord sedan trunk.

Safety features include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, multiple threshold front airbags; and active front seat head restraints.

Under The Hood: Power for the Crosstour is courtesy of Honda's 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine — the same motor as the Accord sedan. It delivers 271 horses and 254 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. It’s mated to a five-speed automatic that shifts briskly and smooth. No four-cylinder engine is offered.

The AWD system, which Honda dubs Real Time, is the same one used on its CR-V and Element small SUVs. Basically, it’s a front-drive system that transfers some power to the back wheels when, and only when, the front wheels slip. While it responds quickly, AWD always provides better stability and traction if it anticipates, and can power all the wheels a moment before they lose traction, rather than after. The system is lighter and cheaper than more sophisticated AWD setups used by other manufacturers, but it worked fine in some very wet winter weather.

Behind The Wheel: The Crosstour offers one of the best combinations of ride comfort and bump-smoothing I’ve found in almost any test car I’ve driven in awhile. It handled some tight, two-lane blacktop twisties at speed surprisingly well — especially with AWD — and acceleration was adequate in freeway traffic. Both are surprising, given that extra weight usually degrades handling and slows acceleration.

Steering had a comfortable feeling of quick turning response, and wasn’t too heavy or sluggish, while the 4-wheel disc brakes felt above average. Towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.

Whines: There’s no stowage for the covers if you overfill the storage bins. You have to leave them loose in the vehicle, or at home. The navigation system was annoyingly slow to load, but worked well otherwise. An old-school type parking brake handle, rather than a pedal, hugs the center tunnel.

Bottom Line: I liked the Crosstour a lot. It drives great and is stylish, comfortable and practical. Although the Crosstour is anywhere from $2,865 to $3,665 more than a  equipped Accord sedan, you get the flexibility and convenience of a hatchback, and even more capability with AWD. You just can’t beat its bang for the buck — especially when you factor in Honda dependability and resale value.

Cadillac Debuts Long-Awaited CTS Coupe

One of the most anticipated new models of the year, the Cadillac CTS Coupe, recently began arriving at dealerships.

The CTS Coupe is expected to attract a new generation of luxury sports car enthusiasts to Cadillac and go head-to-head with the BMW 335i Coupe, Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe and Audi A5. “Cadillac is once again ready to compete with the world’s best,” Autoblog wrote in its review of the CTS Coupe.

The CTS Coupe has been cited by the automotive press for its groundbreaking design and outstanding performance. “It’s safe to say the coupe is positively gorgeous,” Automobile magazine wrote in a review. “Pictures simply don’t do it justice, which is saying quite a bit.”

“The CTS Coupe is one of the most significant automobiles to enter the market this year,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of Cadillac sales and service. “It represents the new focal point for Cadillac in terms of design and performance. Cadillac and its dealers want to make sure customers are given a chance to get an up-close look at this stunning new vehicle.”

 The CTS Coupe extends the CTS line, which has been named to Car and Driver’s 10 Best list for three straight years. It shares design cues with the CTS Sport Sedan, but the CTS Coupe has a wider track, lower roofline and shorter length, giving it an aggressive stance and sleek, athletic profile. 

The CTS Coupe starts  at $38,990 and comes standard with a 3.6L Direct Injection V6 engine that produces 304 horsepower, six-speed auto tap up/down shifting, rear-park assist and Bose audio.  A high-performance CTS-V Coupe model also is available with a 6.2L Supercharged V8 that produces 556 horsepower, dual-mode magnetic ride control suspension and Brembo brakes.

Volvo C30 Wins 2010 Motorist Choice Award

Named Premium Brand Winner, Cute Category by IntelliChoice and AutoPacific
 

The Volvo C30 has been honored with the 2010 Motorist Choice Award for its top scores in ownership satisfaction and overall ownership costs in the Premium Brand, Cute category by car buying information site, IntelliCoice and automotive market research firm, AutoPacific.

The Motorist Choice Awards are the result of 42,000 customer surveys and analysis and are designed to direct consumers towards vehicles that fit their lifestyles and pocketbook. The awards were calculated by merging IntelliChoice's empirical cost of ownership data and owner satisfaction data from AutoPacific's survey of new car and light truck buyers.

"This award showcases Volvo's commitment to not only creating cars that are leading the industry in safety - but creating ones that people will want to show off and are proud to own," said Art Battaglia, Volvo's lifecycle, business and brand strategy manager. "The Volvo C30 truly looks like nothing else on the road, and to receive this award from our own customers means a lot to us."
 

The C30 T5 and C30 R-Design are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Yet, beneath its revolutionary style and power lies the heart of a true Volvo, embodying a fastidious devotion to safety that remains at the cornerstone of Volvo's core commitments to its customers.

The Volvo C30 was previously awarded the 2009 SmartChoice Award from IntelliChoice in the Cost of Ownership, Near Luxury Class category.

Modern Electric Car Era Begins In November at the LA Auto Show

Mass-Production Electric Vehicles Become Available to Consumers

A new era of modern, electric drive transportation begins at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. Worldwide, nearly all major automakers have announced plans for an electric car in the next few years and Los Angeles will receive the first arrivals in the next several months.

Auto manufacturers are looking to Los Angeles to lead the charge in early electric vehicle adoption, much as Los Angeles continues to lead in hybrid vehicles sales. Since Los Angeles is recognized as a trendsetter for the automotive industry, it makes sense that at least a half-dozen electric vehicles will make news during the LA Auto Show Press Days, Nov. 17 and 18.

The first electric cars to kick-off this new era are the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, expected to arrive in November and December of this year, respectively.

Several other electric vehicles will debut at the LA Auto Show including the North American, production version of Mitsubishi's i-MiEV and Toyota's RAV4 EV concept. Expected to be one of the next electric vehicles to hit dealerships, the i-MiEV model debuting at the LA Show will be wider and will also include an upgraded list of standard and optional interior features to make it more attractive to the U.S. buyer. Toyota's RAV4 EV will use Tesla's lithium-ion battery packs, which will be modified to become more aerodynamic. Toyota has been testing prototypes of the car, which is scheduled to hit the market in 2012.

This drive toward the electrification of the automobile has also spawned new manufacturers focused exclusively on the electric vehicle market. Expected to reveal important news are at least two leaders in this category, including Santa Monica, California-based Coda Automotive and luxury electric car maker, Fisker Automotive. Both manufacturers are expected to make customer deliveries in 2011.

"After years of anticipation, electric vehicles are finally here," said Andy Fuzesi, LA Auto Show general manager. "It may take years for electric vehicles to be accepted broadly, but it's undeniable that an electric era has officially begun."

For the first time ever, the coveted Green Car of the Year® award nominees will feature electric vehicles. The focus of the Green Car of the Year® award is to recognize significant environmental achievement in a production vehicle. Having electric vehicles qualify for the prestigious award is further evidence that the modern electric car era is finally beginning in earnest.  The winner will once again be unveiled at an LA Auto Show press conference on Nov. 18.

Significant announcements about infrastructure are also expected at the show. Specifically, one of the region's major utility providers, Southern California Edison, will address important questions about the costs of operating this new generation of plug-in vehicle. Also, PEP charging stations will be on hand to demonstrate what is required for both in-home and commercial charging of electric vehicles.

Puget Sound Energy Ready to Support Deployment of Electric Vehicles

Utility’s President Tells Elected Officials, Manufacturers and Transportation Groups During Regional Planning Workshop

Puget Sound Energy President Kimberly Harris recently told a gathering of elected officials, transportation planners and auto-industry representatives in Bellevue that her utility is prepared to support the integration of plug-in electric vehicles into Western Washington’s transportation system.


During a one-day regional workshop at PSE’s Bellevue headquarters, Harris said PSE intends to actively help manufacturers, municipalities and electric-vehicle purchasers enhance their deployment of plug-in automobiles as the vehicles start entering the Puget Sound marketplace this fall. The “Get Plug-In Ready – Now!” workshop was coordinated by Puget Sound New Energy Solutions, a partnership of Central Puget Sound municipalities, utilities, housing and transit authorities, and others that addresses energy, economic and environmental challenges.

In her remarks, Harris told attendees, “Half of our region’s greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. We will need to focus on examining our distribution infrastructure and collaborate with local governments, vehicle manufacturers, and charging developers to help support and educate our customers about the benefits of new vehicle technologies.

“At PSE, we are committed to doing our part to ensure that consumers and businesses can connect their new vehicles and power them with our regional electric grid. Vehicles run on PSE’s electricity will have roughly half the greenhouse gas emissions and one-third of the fuel cost of those run on conventional gasoline.”


The workshop to help public and private entities prepare for this fall’s market arrival of electric vehicles included a parade of electric vehicles driven to the event by attendees. More than a dozen local elected officials as well as representatives from the King County Executive’s Office, state Department of Transportation, state Department of Commerce and the C7 New Energy Partnership (the Cities of Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Redmond, Renton, and Sammamish), major car manufacturers and other organizations involved in the deployment of electric vehicles participated.

Also on the day’s agenda with Harris were King County Executive Dow Constantine, EPA Regional Administrator Dennis McLerran and Congressman Jay Inslee, D-Wash.


Constantine announced the county’s plans to work with local city governments and Charge Northwest to install 125 charging stations in King County. “This is the first step in creating a public and private network of charging stations that will put King County at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution,” Constantine told attendees. “This will give drivers more confidence that the infrastructure will be in place before they purchase an electric vehicle, and it will help local auto dealers convince customers that an electric vehicle is a practical investment.”

EPA Regional Administrator Dennis McLerran noted that emissions standards will only get more rigorous in coming years. “To meet tougher air quality standards, we will have to cut more vehicle emissions,” said McLerran. “Our transportation system will have to transform in order to do that.”


Congressman Inslee recapped the policies to support electric vehicles that are already included in a national energy bill and cited electric vehicle-related projects that have benefited from federal stimulus funding, noting that they have created new jobs. According to Inslee, electric vehicles are key to rebuilding the U.S. economy. “It’s not just a transportation or environmental imperative; it’s an economic imperative that the U.S. be a leader in these new technologies,” he said.

Harris said PSE supports the use of electric vehicles and other alternative-fueled vehicles by its customers. The utility expects to see several thousand electric vehicles purchased and over 1,000 public charging stations installed in its electric service area over the coming two years. As new electric vehicles come on the market in late 2010 and beyond, Harris said, PSE will work with residents and businesses, government agencies, and automakers to ensure that Western Washington can smoothly integrate the next generation of technologies into its transportation system.

For more information on PSE’s involvement with electric vehicles, visit PSE.com/electricvehicles.

Hyundai Recalls 139,500 Sonatas in U.S. For Steering Problem

Hyundai Motor Co. said it is voluntarily recalling 139,500 Sonata sedans in the U.S. because of a manufacturing defect that could cause drivers to lose steering control.

From The Associated Press
Hyundai Motor Co. said it is voluntarily recalling 139,500 Sonata sedans in the U.S. because of a manufacturing defect that could cause drivers to lose steering control. The recall affects 2011 models built between Dec. 11, 2009 and Sept. 10, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted on its website. 

Some of the cars have steering column shafts with connections that may not have been tightened enough or were improperly assembled. As a result, the steering wheel could become separated from the column or a driver could lose the ability to properly steer the car.

The U.S. government had opened an investigation into possible steering problems in the vehicle in August. Hyundai, South Korea's top automaker, has said there have been no related injuries or crashes reported. Owners of affected vehicles can go to their dealers for inspection. Dealers also will update power steering software. Owners may also call NHTSA at 888-327-4236 for more information.

The recall comes as automakers ramp up their focus on safety and quality control in the wake of Toyota Motor Corp.'s massive global recall last year over gas pedal and floor mat problems. In February, Hyundai announced a recall of about 47,000 Sonata midsize sedans, mostly sold in South Korea, to replace front door latches following a handful of customer complaints. The company said it had discovered a mechanical problem with the latches which, in rare instances, would not close properly.

Earlier this month, Hyundai affiliate Kia Motors said Chung Sung-eun resigned as vice chairman following a global recall of more than 100,000 vehicles due to defective wiring. Of that total, 35,185 vehicles were recalled in the United States. Together, Kia and Hyundai form the world's fifth-largest automotive group.

So far this year, U.S. sales are up 17 percent for Hyundai Motor America, though August sales fell 11 percent from a year-earlier record sparked by federal Cash for Clunkers rebates. The new Sonata has been selling well and nearly doubled its sales numbers to 21,399 in August.

GM Trademarks "Range Anxiety"

In what has to be a clever, pro-active move, General Motors (GM) has trademarked the term "Range Anxiety." Unless you've been on another planet for the past year or so, you're aware that like it or not, electric vehicles (EV) are coming. In connection (no pun intended) with EVs, you've probably heard the phrase "range anxiety" a time or two.

"Range Anxiety" is a stress-inducing term conjuring up the fear your EV will leave you stranded on the side of the road in a most inopportune location at the worse possible time, due to insufficient battery life. It's not just a problem for EV buyers, but is a major issue for auto manufacturers trying to convince a skeptical public EVs are the new way to go. 

That's why GM filed an application with the U.S. trademark office in July to patent the term — because it's a safe bet that range anxiety will be among the top customer concerns when they think about purchasing the Chevy Volt, GM's much ballyhooed, but still to be released, Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV).

The move is akin to of BP buying up all the Gulf disaster-related terms in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon incident. Is GM doing the same thing — grabbing up the term that envisions nightmares for potential EV owners? Is the company hoping to protect itself from competitors' accusations? At the same time, GM is undoubted seeking to assure drivers that the Volt is "Range Anxiety-free." Ironically, compared to its EV competitors, it actually is — the Volt has a gasoline engine that kicks in when the battery gives up.

Updated Window Stickers To Include Environmental Grade

What grade will your new car get in fuel efficiency? A government proposal may be adding report card style letter grades to showroom window stickers on new cars and trucks to reflect a vehicle's overall fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Transportation Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are considering two changes to the energy and environmental information on new car window stickers beginning with the 2012 model year. The government is considering updating the design of the current sticker to include letter grade comparisons of a vehicle's fuel economy and emissions. The stickers have not significantly changed in 30 years, and the government wants the labels to reflect and account for greenhouse gas emissions.

"From electric to plug-in hybrid vehicles, we think a new label is absolutely necessary to help consumers make the right decision for their wallet and for the environment," said Gina McCarthy, the EPA's top air pollution official. The changes are required under a 2007 energy law.

Using the letter grade approach, an average vehicle on fuel efficiency and emissions would receive a B-. Electric vehicles would receive an A+, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles would earn an A and three gas-electric hybrids — the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius — would get an A-.
The best-selling passenger car in America, the Toyota Camry, would receive a B or a B-, depending on the vehicle's engine, while hybrid versions of the Camry would earn a B+. The top-selling pickup truck, the Ford F-150, would receive a C+ or a C, based on the engine. Luxury cars such as the Mercedes-Benz Maybach 57 and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorana would get a D+ while the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti would earn the lowest grade — D.

Automakers questioned the proposed letter grades, saying it could impact sales. Gloria Bergquist, a spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said "the letter grade inadvertently suggests a value judgment, taking us back to school days where grades were powerful symbols of passing or failing."

McCarthy said the letter grade option was not meant to be a judgment on the vehicle, but a "metric that consumers can use" when car shopping. The letter grade would include an estimate of how much money a motorist would save in fuel costs over five years.

The second option would maintain the current label's focus on a vehicle's miles per gallon rating and annual fuel costs but update the design and add new comparison information on fuel efficiency and vehicle tailpipe emissions.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration administrator David Strickland said there was "no preferred option" and the government hoped to hear from the public during a 60-day comment period. The public can e-mail comments on the plans to newlabels@epa.gov and a final plan is expected in early 2011.

Environmental groups said they generally supported the plan, noting it would help consumers make meaningful comparisons between vehicles and choose vehicles that will help them save money at the gas pump. "You shouldn't need a Ph.D. to buy a car. These proposed new labels will make it much easier for consumers to comparison shop," said Vickie Patton, Environmental Defense Fund's general counsel.

Toyota looking to enter high-end sports car market

As the world's largest carmaker tries to rebuild its reputation for quality after record recalls, Toyota President Akio Toyoda has said he wants to add more fun to his cars.

By Makiko Kitamura and Yuki Hagiwara

Bloomberg News

Maurizio Raffone bought a Toyota Prius hybrid for its top-of-the-line fuel efficiency. In his current search for a new sports car, he said the Japanese carmaker hadn't sprung to mind.

"Would I consider buying a Toyota high-end sports car?" said Raffone, a London-based director at Commerzbank AG. "I might think about it, but ultimately I'd choose something with a trident, a prancing horse or a bull on its hood," he said, referring to Maserati and Ferrari and Lamborghini.

As the world's largest carmaker tries to rebuild its reputation for quality after record recalls, President Akio Toyoda, a racing fan, has said he wants to add more fun to his cars. Under Toyoda, who became president in June 2009, Toyota Motor has taken orders for the Lexus LFA $375,000 supercar, is readying an "affordable" rear-wheel drive coupe and may even add a sporty version of the Prius.

"Cars like the LFA are brand-builders in the overall product portfolio," said Ashvin Chotai, London-based managing director of Intelligence Automotive Asia, an industry consultant. These cars, at the periphery of Toyota's business model, "are less about volume and more about excitement."

The projects fall under a new Sports Vehicle Management Division set up in January, a month before Toyoda flew to Washington, D.C., to face congressional questioning on the company's recalls for problems related to unintended acceleration.

The unit expands a similar group organized by Toyoda in 2007 and aims to "reinforce sports-vehicle product planning," according to a company statement.

The "affordable" sports car, known as the FT-86, is being developed with affiliate Fuji Heavy Industries's Subaru unit. Toyota plans to introduce the model by the end of 2011.

Toyoda touts the role of racing in car development and started participating in a 24-hour endurance race in 2007 in Nurburgring, Germany, where various versions of the LFA were tested.

His fervor for racing is reflected on his business card, where a cartoon image of Morizo, his race-car driver alter ego, flashes a peace sign with one hand and cradles a helmet in the other.

The carmaker has orders for all 500 units of the LFA, according to the company. The car will enter production in December.

"The LFA is technologically brilliant but completely overpriced" at almost triple the price of Porsche SE's 911 Turbo, said Mark Sweeting, a London investment banker in London who has owned numerous sporty European cars.

Toyota's sports cars no longer in production include the Supra, built between 1986 and 2002 and featured in the 2001 racing movie "The Fast and the Furious," the MR-S roadster that ended production in 2007, and the Celica, made between 1970 and 2006. The company's first supercar was the 2000GT, featured in the 1967 James Bond movie, "You Only Live Twice."

"Toyota used to have cool sports cars like the Supra and Corolla Levin," said Kosuke Kakizawa, a sports-car fan in Tokyo who owned a Toyota Cynos coupe in the mid-1990s. "Now, when you think of sports cars, you think of the foreign brands." Kakizawa now owns an Audi TT coupe.

Raffone, the Prius owner, said, "Toyota should really focus on its cutting-edge eco-friendly technology and leave the sports cars to the niche manufacturers."

Last month, Toyota held a test-drive event for its new "G Sports" versions of the Noah and Voxy minivans, which were developed and tuned with the help of race-car drivers and have lowered suspensions, more responsive steering and high-performance brakes.

"These are cars that are sporty without being hard-core sports cars," to be enjoyed by drivers with families, said Tadashi Yamashina, a senior managing director in charge of the company's development of sports cars. Sports models contribute little to sales volume and profit, Intelligence Automotive's Chotai said. Toyota sold 1,300 units of the MR-S in Japan in 2006, the last full year it was offered. That compares with 2.27 million cars sold domestically in the fiscal year ended March 2007.

Japanese rival Honda Motor also cut back on sporty cars over the past decade, axing plans for a revamped NSX supercar and ending production of the S2000 roadster in 2009. Instead, Honda introduced the sporty hybrid CR-Z in February.

Toyota displayed a concept hybrid sports car, the FT-HS, at the 2007 Detroit auto show.

Nissan Motor, Japan's third-largest automaker, came out with a more powerful version of its flagship GT-R sports car in 2007.

"The sporty push is understandable since the whole industry is so fixated on improving vehicle fuel economy, which leaves something to be desired" for enthusiasts, said Koji Endo, an auto analyst at Advanced Research Japan in Tokyo.

More sports models may also raise morale inside the company. "Sports cars keep the engineers motivated," said Edwin Merner, president of Atlantis Investment Research in Tokyo. "They are worth doing on a limited scale."

Chevy Announces Pricing on Volt

Chevrolet has announced that customers will be able to lease the 2011 Chevrolet Volt for $350 a month. For those who wish to purchase the Volt, the MSRP after the $7,500 U.S. Federal income tax credit will be $33,500.

Due to high demand, Chevrolet has also announced that production will be increased by 50 percent from 30,000 to 45,000 in 2012.

To place your order for the Volt and to learn more about which California Chevrolet dealers are participating, visit www.getmyvolt.com/.

Best Defense Against Car Theft — Drive a Prius

By Arial Swartz

From Fast Company

 You hardly need a car alarm if you drive a Prius. That's the conclusion of a new vehicle theft study from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). According to the report, thieves are after "chrome, horsepower, and HEMIs," but not "sedate family cars and fuel-sippers."

HLDI's report calculates the vehicles with the highest insurance claims for theft by taking into account the rate at which insurance claims are filed as well as the size of the payments. Unsurprisingly, the rap song-worthy Escalade is the most stolen car--one out of every 100 are swiped by thieves. Other popular targets include the Hummer, Corvette, and GMC Yukon.

Meanwhile, the Prius gets left behind — and that's a good thing. Toyota's bestselling hybrid gets stolen at a rate that's less than 15% of the average. It joins the Toyota Sienna, Toyota Tacoma, Saturn VUE, and Honda Pilot on the list of  10 vehicles with the lowest rates of insurance claims for theft.

The idea of buying hybrids just to deter thieves won't hold true for long. Luxury car makers are rolling out dozens of hybrids and all-electric vehicles in the next few years. Flashy fuel-efficient cars will undoubtedly become targets for theft. Fully electric vehicles, meanwhile, are uncharted territory. Are thieves more or less likely to make off with a pricey EV, since they can't fill 'er up at a gas station? Would a network of easy charging electric stations create more car crime, or deter it?  Better fit a car alarm to that new Tesla Roadster, just in case.

Nissan Xterra Off Road — still my choice for versatility and capability

      By Lary Coppola

“Everything you need. Nothing you don’t,” was the tagline for the versatile Nissan Xterra some years back. It still applies today. The Xterra is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) engineered for serious off-roading that easily does double duty as a comfortable daily driver.  

The Xterra is a truck-based, body-on-frame SUV, not a crossover. It features a boxed-in steel ladder frame, riding on the same rugged suspension as the Nissan Frontier pickup, with double wishbones up front and a solid axle on leaf springs in the rear.

Model Lineup: The 2010 Xterra, which was freshened up in 2009, is offered in four models — the base-level Xterra X with 2WD or 4WD; the Xterra S 2WD or 4WD; the Terri SE 2WD or 4WD, and the Xterra Off-Road, which comes only with 4WD, but a choice of manual or automatic transmission. Our test vehicle was the Off Road version with the automatic.

Walkaround: Not much has changed in the overall look and shape of the Xterra since it first debuted for the 2000 model year, it’s just been refined over time. The front end boasts Nissan’s signature truck grille with the same no-nonsense headlamp setup as the Frontier. The flat-black lower corners of the front fascia are rugged and massive, but not conspicuous. Sandblast Aluminum trim wraps up from underneath suggesting a skid plate that's real only on the Off Road model.  

The fenders are flared in the same manner as the Frontier and big-brother Titan. The Xterra's ubiquitous roof rack was tweaked somewhat last year, and now features what Nissan calls its sloping front surface air dam, which is where the Off Road version houses its 50,000-candlepower roof lights. All Xterra models have a "gear basket" right behind the air dam meant to hold ski boots, wetsuits and muddy mountain-biking clothes, covered by a lid secured with a plastic latch.

The rear of the Xterra features huge windows, and the signature tailgate lump housing the First Aid kit. Steps molded into the rear bumper make it easy to climb up and reach the roof rack.

Interior: The 2009 refresh brought some small interior upgrades, including a new center instrument cluster with new climate controls, new upholstery fabrics for the X and S models, new unique rugged gray fabric with red stitching for the Off-Road, and reclining driver and front passenger seats.

The center console is deep, with dual cupholders, coin slots, a tray forward of the shift lever, a decent sized glovebox, and steering-wheel controls on most models. The rear liftgate window and large side rear windows offer good visibility. 

The standard 60/40 split rear seat folds flat, as does the front passenger seat on the Off Road. There are sturdy grab handles over the rear doors, and two 20-ounce bottle holders. Rear legroom is tight, but adequate, even with the driver’s seat slid back. 

The Xterra boasts advantages over all its competitors in cargo room. All but the base-level X offer easy-to-clean hard-vinyl surfaces. There's lots of space with nets to stow things, and a deep hidden compartment under the floor. The Xterra also features no less than 10 utility hooks on the floor, sides and ceiling, along with an adjustable track system in the cargo floor, on all but the base-level X, that’s similar to the Utili-track system offered on Nissan pickups.

Other standard amenities include cloth upholstery, A/C, remote keyless entry, cruise control, six-speaker sound system with single CD, three 12-volt DC outlets, power windows, cargo-area carpeting, roof rails with an air dam, and 16-inch steel wheels. 

The Xterra S comes with the automatic only, and adds an eight-way adjustable driver's seat, power mirrors, an interior microfilter, fog lamps, aluminum step rails, roof rack crossbars and gear basket, and alloy wheels.

The Terri upgrades include leather seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel with Bluetooth and audio controls; Rockford Fosgate audio with 6CD changer; MP3 capability, auxiliary input; Sirius/XM Satellite Radio; auto-dimming inside mirror with compass; illuminated vanity mirrors; first aid kit; cargo net, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Mirrors and door handles are body colored.

The Off-Road comes equipped similar to SE, minus the step rails and leather seats. It adds roof-mounted driving lights, an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein gas shocks, and skid plates for the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case. The automatic transmission version comes with Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist as well, plus BFG Rugged Trail tires on 6-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels.

Safety equipment on all models includes dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags in front, roof-mounted airbag curtains with a rollover sensor, and the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). Vehicle Dynamic Control and vented disc brakes with ABS and EBD are standard, along with the government-mandated tire pressure monitor. The Xterra rates four of five stars in NHTSA crash tests for frontal impact, five for side impact, and three for rollover.

Under The Hood: All Xterra’s are powered by Nissan's award-winning V6 — universally acknowledged as the best powerplant since the small block Chevy. It’s been stroked to 4.0-liters, delivering 261 horses and 281 pound-feet of torque, with an aluminum block and heads, Teflon-coated pistons, Continuous Valve Timing Control (CVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished cam and crankshaft surfaces, digital knock control, and 105,000-mile spark plugs.

The electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD system features 2WD, and 4WD High and Low, all controlled by a single-dash mounted knob. For 2010, Nissan has made last year's Gear Package standard on S and SE models, and what was the Technology Package is now standard on SE and Off Road.  

Behind The Wheel: The Nissan Xterra is built on the same chassis as the Frontier pickup, and its higher center of gravity is noticeable in the reasonably comfortable ride, although side-to-side motion is a bit more pronounced than in crossover SUVs.  

The engine has plenty of power and torque, accelerating easily, but its torque curve almost seems better suited to a sports car than a truck. I noticed the Xterra didn’t feel terribly powerful until I kicked it, and then it felt like a Nissan 370Z.

The Hill Descent Control (HDC) allows you to move down steep hills with both feet off the pedals, relying only on electronics, at a safe and steady 5 mph, preventing the rear from sliding out on steep, muddy descents, so you don't slide off the trail. With throttle control and ABS applied electronically, it works in both forward and reverse, and is every bit as good as that on the legendary Range Rover.

Off road, our test Xterra conquered every challenge it faced with ease. With short overhangs front and rear, there’s not much interference, so you can go about anywhere without problems.

Whines: Moldings on the doors of our Off Road test vehicle were flat black instead of body color like other models, which is visually distracting considering the exposed bolts underneath, where apparently running boards attach to other Xterras.

Bottom Line: Nissan has been on a major product roll for more than a decade now, and the Xterra has just gotten better with age. It’s super capable on and off road, user friendly, has a comfortable ride for a truck, and wears well. Honestly, it’s my personal favorite vehicle of this genre, kicking serious butt against any and all comparable size competing crossover SUVs. Well-equipped at $32,005 as tested, is a hell of a value besides.

Toyota Recalling Lexus Models Due To Engine Defect

Toyota Motor Corp. has announced plans to recall up to 270,000 Lexus models in the U.S. as well as Japan after saying engines may have defective valve components that can lead to stalling. As many as eight 2006, 2007, and 2008 models may be affected, including the Lexus GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, IS 350, LS 460, LS 600h and LS 600hL, and the Toyota Crown. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it hasn’t yet received official notification of the recall.

Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, is working diligently to restore its reputation for quality after recalling about eight million vehicles globally for defects linked to unintended acceleration. 

The company recalled about 13,000 Lexus GX 460 sport-utility vehicles in April after Consumer Reports labeled the model a “safety risk” because it could roll over. The designation was removed in May. Recently, Toyota said it would also recall hybrid Lexus HS250h sedans because of a fuel-leak risk that posed a potential fire hazard after too much gasoline spilled during U.S. government crash tests.

According to Toyota, about 90,000 vehicles in Japan and 138,000 in the U.S. may have engine problems ranging from “abnormal” noise and idling to stalling while the vehicle is moving. “Due to slight variations during the manufacturing process, some foreign material may have contaminated the valve springs, resulting in potential breakage,” Toyota said on its website. “We want to take care of customers better than anybody and take care of this as quickly as possible,” stated Mark Templin, U.S. group vice president and general manager of the Lexus brand.

The company also said it has completed the needed repairs on more than 4 million — or 78 percent — of U.S. vehicles recalled this year for flaws linked to unintended acceleration.

Think They Used To Build Cars Better In The "Old Days?"

Just because Cars were bigger, heavier, and had way more steel in them, doesn't mean they were safer. If you have any doubts, check out this video.

Ferrari Designer Hired to Speed Saab Turnaround

Jason Castriota, the U.S. designer known for creating the Ferrari P4/5 and Maserati GranTurismo, will head Saab Automobile’s design team to help the Swedish carmaker take on Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and Audi AG. 

The first assignment for Castriota’s design firm is to create an upscale version of Saab’s current 9-3 model, scheduled for release in 2012, the 36-year-old said in an interview. Aerodynamics will be a focus of the new design, he said.

“It’s absolutely vital we get this car right,” Castriota said from New York late yesterday. “This is Saab returning to its roots, not having to worry about being part of a much larger machine that they were before in the GM organization.”

Saab, sold by General Motors Co. to Dutch supercar maker Spyker Cars NV in February, aims to become profitable by 2012. The turnaround strategy includes releasing premium models more distinct and sporty in their design than when Saab was under GM, according to Spyker Chief Executive officer Victor Muller. Castriota will play a major role in fashioning the new 9-3 and other models, said Eric Geers, a spokesman for the Trollhaettan, Sweden-based Saab. 

“The 9-3 design as made by him is basically done, and I can tell you it is spectacular,” Muller said by telephone, adding that the design will be completed within weeks. “It is truly aircraft-inspired and Swedish-clean.” 

Benchmark Cars

The 9-3 was first released in 1998. The second generation, still produced today, hit the streets in 2002. The new version intends to challenge BMW’s 3-series and Volkswagen AG’s Audi A4, Castriota said. “Those are the benchmark cars,” he said by telephone. “They’re true premium vehicles and the 9-3 also needs to be a true premium vehicle.” 

Castriota started his career in 2001 at luxury-car designer Pininfarina SpA in Turin, Italy, where he stayed until 2008. He then worked for Stile Bertone in Italy until September 2009. Last December, he started his own firm, Jason Castriota Designs. The design house has five designers and is based in New York City and Turin. 

“I literally started sketching Ferraris when I was about five years old,” he said. “For whatever reason, some kids might kick around a soccer ball, I picked up a pencil and started sketching cars.” 

BMW Talks

Castriota will become part of the leadership at Saab and will help “define the strategy for the new models,” he said. Saab is also planning to introduce a smaller car with a tear-drop shape inspired by the 92 model that was in production between 1949 and 1956. Saab is in talks with BMW about using its Mini platform, as well as engines and gearboxes, for that model, two people familiar with the situation said last week. 

“A small premium car from Saab is a very important vehicle and is something that could truly help the overall production volume of Saab in a great way,” Castriota said.

U.S. Automakers Best Imports In J.D. Power Quality Survey

The U.S. auto industry edged out import brands in an important benchmark of quality for the first time in nearly a quarter-century

By Jerry Hirsch

Los Angeles Times

Related

The U.S. auto industry edged out import brands in an important benchmark of quality for the first time in nearly a quarter-century.

Led by improvements at Ford and General Motors, the domestic industry's ranking topped that of overseas manufacturers for the first time in the 24 years that J.D. Power and Associates has conducted its Initial Quality Study. The study measures how many problems owners experience during the first 90 days they have a new vehicle.

"This is a landmark in the quality history of the auto industry," said David Sargent, J.D. Power's vice president of global vehicle research.

Reliability and dependability problems have plagued the U.S. auto industry for decades. But Sargent said the quality gap between domestics and imports has narrowed steadily for some years now. The massive restructuring of the domestic industry over the last year and the introduction of a fleet of newly designed and engineered models appear to have pushed Ford and GM over the quality hurdle, he said.

"It was likely that the gap could reach zero, and it is a result of a huge amount of hard work. They are now designing vehicles not to have problems," he said.

Ford and GM placed a combined 22 vehicles in the top quality rankings, but Chrysler Group lagged far behind its domestic rivals and the entire industry, the auto-information company said.

Ford, with 93 defects per 100 vehicles, was the best-performing volume brand, beating Honda by two points. The Ford Focus was the highest-ranked compact car, coming in above Honda's Civic and the Hyundai Elantra. The Ford Mustang was the highest-ranked midsize sporty car and the Ford Taurus was the top large car.

Overall, domestic brands suffered from 108 problems per 100 new vehicles, an improvement from 112 last year and down dramatically from the 164 garnered by the American automakers in 2000. Imports scored 109, up from 106 a year ago.

The improvements are paying off in the marketplace.

Sales of Ford-badged vehicles have jumped 34 percent this year, about double the industry average, according to Autodata. The brand's market share has risen by nearly two percentage points to 15.2 percent.

Porsche was the top nameplate, logging just 83 problems per 100 new vehicles in the 2010 survey, compared to an industry average of 109.

Acura was the top luxury brand with just 86 problems, a notch better than the 87 score of Mercedes-Benz.