Infinity reveals production-ready VC-Turbo 2-litre

Nissan’s Infinity brand will exhibit its “compelling” production-ready new VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) engine technology next month at the Detroit Auto Show.

Are US Class 8 sales finally on the move?

Class 8 heavy truck net orders in the US experienced an uptick in November, following weak, including cancellation heavy numbers reported for October, according to ACT Research based in Columbus, Indiana.

VW wraps up US 3-litre ‘dieselgate’ for Christmas

Volkswagen AG and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. have reached an agreement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to resolve civil claims regarding approximately 83,000 affected 3-litre TDI V6 diesel engine vehicles in the US.

Outlook dims Torotrak's off-highway prospects

Torotrak plc has noted today that a further deterioration in the trading outlook for the global off-highway market could affect the timing of its target to secure an initial licence for Flybrid KERS technology.

GM engine plant to receive $295 million

General Motors’ Tonawanda Engine Plant near Buffalo, New York, will receive $295.9 million by 2018 for future engine production.

Schaeffler set to double CVT output by 2020

By 2020, Schaeffler LuK, part of Schaeffler AG, expects to have doubled its worldwide capacity for continuously variable transmission (CVT) belts.

Hydrogen fuel cells: yes or no?

Whose voice should we listen to: the lone voice in the wilderness or vehicle makers preparing to peddle their wares in years to come?

Sell-out of Aston Martin and Red Bull “hypercar”

Aston Martin and Red Bull claim that all 150 road-going versions of the duo’s “ultimate hypercar”, the AM-RB 001, have been sold, together with a further 25 track-only models.

G&W Invests £5 million in machining capacity

Grainger & Worrall (G&W), which provides engine casting to Porsche, Aston Martin, Bugatti and McLaren, is to open a state-of-the-art, £5 million machining facility at its site in Bridgnorth, Shropshire.

VW bolsters Brazilian truck and bus offshoot

Following in the wake of taking a stake in Navistar International Corporation, Volkswagen AG is pitching in with a €420 million investment in Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus in Brazil to boost that business’s poduct portfolio. Intriguingly, Navistar too has operations in Brazil.

Aston Martin taps into Maserati/Ferrari

In an interesting move, Aston Martin has appointed Maximilian Szwaj as its new vice president and chief technical officer.

MINI output tops three million mark

Production of the modern version of the Austin/Morris Mini, designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and launched in 1959, has just topped three million.

Rolls-Royce goes four-wheel-drive at last

Is Rolls-Royce the last major automaker to adopt four-wheel drive? Certainly, aficionados of the marque will not have long to wait with 2018 as the launch date for the Cullinan with a price tag of circa £300,000.

2017 Algeria assembly car/van assembly by VW

Next spring, SOVAC Production SPA will begin production of certain Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, SEAT and ŠKODA brands.

Euro electric vehicles to receive charge boost

Four major automakers have teamed up to create high-power charging points throughout Europe, paving the way for greater electric vehicle (EV) use.

Torotrak to fit KERS into Caterpillar wheel loader

Torotrak has secured funding to fit KERS technology into a wheel loader programme in collaboration with Caterpillar Inc. of Peoria, Illinois.

VW to launche new upper class model

Next March at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen will launch its new premium saloon, the Arteon, a totally new model which sits above Passat. Production begins in summer 2017.

JLR seeks to generate 10,000 UK jobs

JaguarLandRover (JLR) is hoping to take advantage of a UK government pledge to put battery development and electric vehicles at the heart of its industrial strategy.

VW to quit selling diesels in the US

Whoever sanctioned Volkswagen’s ‘dieselgate’ will see the price the company is now paying as an executive says VW will exit diesel car sales in the US.

Škoda surpasses production record

Škoda, the butt of many jokes with its post-war rear-engine oversteering models, has just surpassed the one million mark of vehicles delivered in 2016.

Ricardo hits record engine output

Ricardo plc claims to have manufactured over 2,000 engines in the six months to the end of October, claiming this as a record for the company, and more than achieved in any previous full year.

How will US President-elect Trump react to GHG?

‘Global warming is a Chinese hoax designed to weaken US manufacturing’, according to US President-elect Donald Trump.  Alan Bunting asks: So can we expect the incoming Republican administration to scrap all greenhouse gas (GHG) control legislation?

German-branded pick-ups facing ‘hostile’ US market?

 A recent survey by market research organisation Edmunds.com indicated an unusually high degree of brand loyalty among North American buyers of pick-up trucks, writes Alan Bunting.

Half JLR cars will be electric by 2020

By 2020, JaguarLandRover (JLR) claims it will offer customers the option of electrification on half of all its new cars.

Is VW’s Amarok pick-up set to bow in the USA?

In May this year, 2018suvs.net proclaimed that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VCV) would begin marketing the Amarok pick-up truck in the USA in 2017.

Ron Dennis ‘resigns’ as boss of McLaren

Following an exclusive story in one of the UK’s leading newspapers, the Daily Mail, yesterday, McLaren Technology Group (MTG) has confirmed the exit of Ron Dennis exit as its chief executive.

Jaguar to produce I-PACE from 2018

Jaguar will put its I-PACE electric car into production in 2018. Described as the start of a new era for Jaguar, the company is launching the car at this month’s Los Angeles auto show.

Nissan to sell UK-made QX30 in China

 Nissan is to sell the Infiniti QX30 to buyers in China, however, the car will be made at the company’s Sunderland, UK plant, where workers already produce its sister Q30 model.

First BYD electric bus order outside London

 Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BYD say they have won their first electric bus order outside London.

Any ‘smoke and mirrors’ behind VW’s EA189 ‘fix’?

Does everyone understand what really lies behind VWs powertrain engineers’ implementation of their ‘fix’ for the EA189 engines? What is really implied in the ‘fix’?

Software ‘fix’ set to fix VW’s TDI mire

Guess what? Volkswagen AG is relying on a software ‘fix’ and a ‘flow conditioner’ to provide the “technical solution” for the 2.6 million vehicles with EA 189 1.6-litre TDI engines.

New coating saves engine block weight

Grainger & Worrall (GW) is working in conjunction with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) to develop a new type of cylinder block that uses plasma coatings to reduce the weight and size of engines.

VW pushes out SUV boundaries in US

Volkswagen is to build a new SUV (Atlas) alongside the Passat for the North American market at its Chattanooga assembly plant in Tennessee, but only with gasoline engines.

Nissan denies any UK ‘sweetheart deals’

NISSAN Motor Company has denied the presence of any ‘sweetheart’ deals associated with its latest plan to expand production and create fresh jobs in the UK.

Ford’s performance marks time

Ford Motor Company has just produced third-quarter results in which sales (revenue) came out at $35.9 billion giving year-to-date (YTD) sales of $113.1 billion ($109 billion in 2015).

VW improves business despite ‘dieselgate’

The Volkswagen Group financial figures for the first nine months of the year appear unfazed by the events of ‘Diesel’ gate in the USA and Europe.

Nissan gives UK its vote of confidence

Nissan Motor Company Ltd. announced in Yokohama that following its executive committee meeting, the company will produce the next Qashqai as well as adding production of the next X-Trail model at its Sunderland, UK plant.

Volkswagen settles in the US over 2-litre TDI

Volkswagen AG, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and certain affiliates (together, Volkswagen) has announced that Judge Charles R. Breyer of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California has granted final approval to the settlement agreement between Volkswagen and private plaintiffs.

Daimler relies on Renault-Nissan for X-Class pick-up

Mercedes-Benz Vans will rely heavily on its alliance with Renault-Nissan to manufacture its new pick-truck that it will sell in Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Europe from 2017 onwards.

VW opens new Crafter plant in Poland

Volkswagen Group has officially opened its automotive plant in Września dedicated to production of the new Crafter. Is VW claims the plant Europe’s most advanced new factory of its kind.

ASIMCO displays CGI cylinder heads

One of the less obvious booths at last month's IAA commercial vehicle exhibition in Hannover, Germany, amidst all the glitz and glamour of the various commercial vehicle displays, was that of the ASIMCO Group.

Delphi unveils smaller diesel fuel injector for 2021

Delphi Diesel Systems has demonstrated its next generation technology – the DFI 21 common rail injector.

New steel from Tata cuts weight 15 per cent

Tata Steel is fighting back to reclaim lost ground following successful trials of its XPF product range. XPF800 is a new hot-rolled steel for demanding chassis applications.

Schaeffler launches all-electric concept vehicle

Schaeffler regards its electric wheel-hub drive, as in its STEP² concept vehicle, as an enabler for future space-efficient vehicle concepts.

Nissan ‘more confident’ over future of UK plant

FEARS that Nissan’s Qashqai flagship model could leave the car-maker’s UK plant in the north-easy may have been eased after the company’s boss said he was “confident” the UK will remain a competitive place to do business.

UK’s first ‘serious’ hydrogen fleet bows

Arval has become a leading partner in one of the UK’s largest hydrogen fleet car trials to date.

Autonomous trucking – anyone interested?

According to reports, within the next decade, we can expect that the number of autonomous vehicles on U.S. roads will become a mainstream force.

G&W wins Aston’s V12 engine casting job

Aston Martin has confirmed Grainger & Worrall (GW) as its preferred engine castings partner for the new DB11.

Torotrak to visit OEMs with V-Charge

Torotrak is to begin a programme of visits to pan-European vehicle manufacturers and Tier One suppliers to conduct a series of test drives.

Car makers miss carbon dioxide target by 39%

Real-world emissions testing of passenger cars shows greenhouse gas emissions exceeds the official figures on which UK national objectives and vehicle taxation are based.

US Postal set for hybrid delivery vans?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is set to examine the use of hybrid delivery vans as part of its Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDV) programme which has just kicked off.

China buoys up Jaguar and Land Rover

Strong sales in China, boosted by the launch of the locally-built Jaguar XFL, helped JaguarLandRover achieve its strongest global September sales to date, selling 61,047 vehicles, up 28 per cent compared to 2015.

Mercedes-Benz tops 200,000 per month

Mercedes-Benz has performed a hat-trick: In September, in the third quarter and also in the first nine months of the year.

Nifco UK announces record sales

Nifco UK, based in Eaglescliffe in Stockton, makes components used in the engines, and car interiors and exteriors.

Will Cummins ever integrate vertically?

It is not unreasonable to think that 12 or 18 months ago, at least one Cummins senior executive might have mulled over the question in his mind in a quiet moment: Is it time for the company to integrate vertically?

Will VW have an impact on MWM in Brazil?

It will be interesting to see what happens to MWM International in Brazil when Volkswagen AG’s two board members take their place round the table at Navistar International Corporation.

Automakers should use ‘circular economy’ - report

Makers of luxury cars, including Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, could benefit from a ‘circular economy’ and thereby engaging in more closed-loop recycling, adopting a ‘rent instead of sell’ business model, and by lengthening product usability.

Nexteer output reaches 40 million EPS systems

Some 40 millionth electric power steering (EPS) systems have been manufactured by Nexteer Automotive, a global leader in intuitive motion control.

VW and Navistar to create new ‘engine platform’

The deal between Volkswagen AG and Navistar International Corporation will not be ‘closed’ until early next year but in the meantime the two companies are working on a ‘new engine platform’.

Geely provides backing for Bloodhound

Geely Automotive, through Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, is to be the prime automotive sponsor (and will provide technical assistance) to the British Bloodhound world land speed record attempt in 2017.

INFINITI claims ground-breaking turbo

INFINITI claims its new variable compression turbocharger due in 2018 amounts to ground-breaking new engine technology.

Audi launches aluminium five-cylinder engine

The new Audi RS 3 at the Paris Motor Show is said to be the most powerful five-cylinder engine used a series production Audi.

GM ditches piezos, opts for solenoids

Those expecting General Motors to jump through the hoop in launching the company down the compacted graphite iron (CGI) route with its redesigned Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel will go to bed tonight disappointed. And others might see a step from piezo as a backwards move.

Volkswagen seeks one million EV target by 2025

Volkswagen has unveiled I.D., a highly automated electric able to cover a distance of 400 to 600 km on a single battery charge.

Latest ‘Disco’ receives Ingenium I4 diesel

The latest generation of Land Rover Discovery, D5, continues to make use of Ford Motor Company’s 3-litre V6 diesel engine made at Dagenham, heralding continued production of that engine for some time to come.

Bentley sheds kilos from Bentayga diesel

Bentley Motors is saving weight on its new diesel engine for the Bentayga sports utility vehicle (SUV).

Audi diesel powers Bentley's Bentayga SUV

Bentley Motors has announces plans to install a diesel engine in its Bentayga luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV).

Texas awaits next Duramax engine

Observers of the US diesel engine scene are waiting for this week's Texas State Fair which opens 30 September to see how General Motors achieves 445 bhp from its 6.6-litre V8 Duramax.

MG car production goes ‘home’

Cynics among us knew it would happen before long. That it took so long is indeed a surprise.

Navistar: Time to step up to the plate and deliver

Is it just conceivable, when the dust of document signing has settled and top-level Volkswagen Truck & Bus Group (T&B Group) engineers and managers sit round the table with their counterparts at Navistar International Corporation that the conversation will move to the detail of not only customising the MAN engines that Navistar builds under license, but manufacturing other VW group diesel engines in North America.

McLaren denies Apple takeover bid

Formula 1 team owner McLaren has played down a report that Apple has made a buyout or investment approach for the supercar maker.

Is platooning just around the corner?

 Bosch claims platooning, which allows multiple commercial vehicles to connect and run in an autonomous road train, will increase truck safety and reliability. Platooning is part of Bosch's drive to improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

VW achieves 550 PS from 2-litre TSI engine

A specially-tuned Volkswagen Beetle has set a new speed record powered by a turbocharged 2-litre gasoline engine giving 550 PS.

Researchers remotely hack into Tesla Model S

It is reported that Chinese researchers have managed to control the brakes, lights and mirrors within a Tesla Model S from while the car is moving and up to 20 kilometres (12 miles) away.

Next Jaguar XE reinforces ally ‘road map’

The message in Jaguar’s ‘Road Map’ always claimed that the XE saloon could be built at the firm’s Land Rover plant in Solihull or Jaguar’s ‘home plant’ of Castle Bromwich. In the event, Solihull became the XE’s first port of call but with the option production could be moved to Castle Bromwich should the need arise.

Opoc engine moves closer to production

The developers of the opposed-piston two-stroke diesel engine claim the engine is moving closer to production. But details, as ever, remain elusive.

Mahle fits eSupercharge 1.2-litre to VW Golf

Mahle Powertrain’s Northampton (UK) engineering team has replaced the standard 2-litre turbocharged engine in its donor VW Golf GTi, with the latest development of its 1.2-litre downsizing engine.

VW says ‘new’ Crafter is “without compromise”

Volkswagen claims its ‘new’ Crafter light commercial has been designed ‘without compromise’. It will be available up to 5.5 tonnes.

Nissan raises output nearly 10-fold in 30 years

When UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher opened Nissan’s first European plant 30 years ago yesterday, the car maker had 470 staff and produced 5,000 vehicles at a rate of 12 an hour.

Torotrak verifies V-Charge performance

Torotrak Group claims it has verified its previous claims for V-Charge, a variable drive mechanical supercharger, using a Ford three-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

VW enters electric vehicle deal with JAC

Volkswagen AG and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to secure long-term cooperation in the joint development of all-electric vehicles in China.

Torque converters now becoming lighter

Component supplier Schaeffler claims its iTC torque converter represents a new generation of lighter-weight torque converters that are help reduce vibrations.

Milestone

Auto Industry Newsletter has achieved a milestone. Over a quarter of a million page views have been recorded since its launch.

Land Rover’s extreme seat-folding test

World-renowned British adventurer and well-known Land Rover owner Bear Grylls took to the skies to put the New Discovery’s Intelligent Seat Fold technology to the ultimate test.

OX ‘flat-pack’ truck seeks funding

A ‘flat-pack’ truck has been developed to provide low-cost all-terrain mobility for remote parts of Africa and the developing world.

Kia applies 8-speed auto box to FWD

Kia Motors has a new eight-speed automatic transmission (8AT), engineered for use in front-wheel drive vehicles, but based on RWD experience.

New Land Rover Discovery set for Paris

Land Rover will unveil its new Discovery on 28 September 2016 ahead of the Paris Motor Show.

Clarke confirms Navistar/VW tie-up

Navistar International Corporation has confirmed a wide-ranging strategic alliance with Volkswagen Truck & Bus that brings in $256 million.

Is Troy Clarke about to start smiling?

Rumours suggest Volkswagen may strike a deal with Navistar International Corporation.

Spectris gobbles up Millbrook in £122 million deal

Rutland Partners only wanted the former General Motors/Vauxhall Motors’ proving ground at Millbrook for one thing, and one thing only – to make money.

Freightliner rolls out ‘efficient’ 2018 Cascadia

January 2017 sees the next generation Freightliner Cascadia take to the roads in North America.

Daimler launches SOP of GLA SUV in Brazil plant

Five months after its Brazil plant opening, Mercedes-Benz has launched SOP of a second model at its new passenger-car plant in Iracemápolis - the GLA.

Peterbilt opts for Cummins/Westport gas engine

Peterbilt Motors has decided to introduce the Cummins Westport ISL-G Near Zero NOx emissions natural gas engine for line-haul, vocational and refuse applications. Launch ismset for the year-end and early 2017.

MG boosts engine test capability

MG Motor UK has invested £1.2 million at its Longbridge site, Birmingham, UK, to install addition test equipment and reduce the need for outsourcing.

GM/US Army to probe fuel cell military vehicles

Next Month, General Motors and the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) will reveal a fuel cell electric vehicle; as Nikola Motor also opts for fuel cells but for Class 8 trucks.

Achates Power responds to EPA's GHG move

Earlier this month, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced new greenhouse gas emissions and fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The announcement has brought forth praise and support.

Ricardo and Quanchai to collaborate on new diesels

The UK is one of a world centre of excellence in diesel engine technology, proof of which can be found in the need for a large and well-established China-based diesel engine maker to knock at the door of Ricardo plc.

Horiba MIRA readies for automated driving

Horiba MIRA is readying itself for the road ahead when facilities will be needed for the development of driverless cars.

GM’s Tonawanda awaits news affecting its future

General Motors’ Tonawanda engine plant is expecting to hear some news that could affect its future.

JLR sees boost for 4x4s

JaguarLandRover has sold more than 100,000 4x4 vehicle les on the 12 weeks to the end of June. This figure is four per cent up on last year.

VW cries ‘wolf’ over short-time working

Sabre-rattling by Volkswagen over possible interruptions to production of Golf and Passat passenger cars due to component shortage proved to be empty words.

VW tries to give Tiguan sales a boost

Volkswagen’s Tiguan now has the 2-litre TSI engine familiar in the Golf GTI.

Daimler boosts BYD link with Denza 400

Daimler has extended its portfolio of new energy vehicles (NEV) with the introduction of the Denza 400, the company’s “Made in China, for China” electric vehicle from Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology.

Supplier dispute stymies production at VW plants

Production at several Volkswagen AG plants has been interrupted as a result of a halt in component deliveries by external suppliers, according to the automaker.

Is this the shape of things to come?

Is the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 the shape of things to come?

Hella’s lights dimmed by supplier failure

Lighting specialist HELLA managed to boost group sales in 2015/2016 despite failure of a supplier in China.

US truck makers face more woes

The extent of the woe experienced by North American Class 5 to 8 is reflected in the latest figures which show a near 60 per cent drop on year-by-year basis.

Daimler knocks Cummins from pole spot

Vertical integration is showing signs of taking a firm grip of Class 8 diesel engine sales in North America as Daimler AG has nudged Cummins Inc. from the top spot in first-half 2016.

Mahle set to ‘move house’ in the US

Mahle Powertrain is taking over property recently acquired from Westport Fuel Systems in a move that will create new jobs and accelerate a variety of advanced engine-development programmes.

JLR fits twin turbos to Range Rover Sport

The 2017 Model Year Range Rover Sport is the first full-sized Land Rover SUV to feature a four-cylinder diesel engine with twin sequential turbochargers.

BYD set to expand its electric bus fleet

Observers of the electric bus business are awaiting the outcome of trials in Paris following the recent announcement by China-based BYD, the world’s largest producer of “pure electric” buses – 10,000 have been produced so far – that it has secured a six-month trial of one of its buses with RATP, the French public transport operator RATP.

Mahle grows sales 16 per cent

Mahle GmbH has enjoyed an impressive year in 2015, with sales growing to €11.5 billion, a rise of 16 per cent year on year.

Cummins launches ‘new era’ truck diesels

Cummins Inc. has announced what it calls a “new era” in heavy-duty power with the next-generation X Series. With the line-up expanded to three X engines, the ratings extend from 350 bhp to 605 bhp.

Battle for Silverstone becomes bitter

Having lost out some three years ago in its bid to buy the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire previously owned by General Motors, JaguarLandRover set its cap at buying the Silverstone racing facility.

Mercury Marine adopts CGI

Reports are emerging from Mercury Marine of a 2-litre marine diesel engine with a cylinder block of vermicular graphite iron or GGV.

VW to start fitting GPF in 2017

As the Volkswagen Group continues to wash its face in the context of emissions, from 2017, all Group direct injection TSI and TFSI engines will be fitted step-by-step with GPF – gasoline particulate filters.

Volkswagen weathers diesel-gate storm

Volkswagen Group deliveries for the first half of 2016 ran at 5.12 million units, representing an increase of 1.5 per cent over the corresponding prior-year period.

Federal-Mogul claims high-temp piston novelty

Federal-Mogul Powertrain will unveil a novel design of piston at the forthcoming IAA show in Hanover, Germany in September. But production is five years away.

Knorr-Bremse chairman quits

In a strange move, which must have as its ignition point some events of the last few weeks, the chairman of Knorr-Bremse has quit.

Mahle Powertrain pitches for RDE, PEMS work

MAHLE Powertrain, the global leader in engine development and consultancy, has opened the doors to its new half a million pound Vehicle Engineering Centre (VEC) in Northampton, UK.

Mecaplast wins JLR parts job

CAR parts maker Mecaplast has undergone a £3.5 million expansion ahead of a major contract from JaguarLandRover (JLR).

Opel diesel finds use in marine world

The Opel diesel engine adapted by Cimco Marine AB in Sweden for outboard use is based on the 2-litre diesel engine made in the Opel plant in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

NG Class 8 truck sales bounce up in North America

Natural gas Class 8 truck retail sales in the US and Canada improved in May, after getting off to a slow start earlier in the year, according to a recent report from ACT Research.

Brexit drives Ricardo deeper into Europe

As Brexit looms for UK government under new Prime Minister Theresa May, Ricardo is strengthening its consultancy push into Europe.

First turbine truck to bow in 3 years

For the second time this year and only the fourth time in 19 months, demand for Class 8 trucks in the US rose faster than the supply. However, new generation hybrid turbine trucks are unlikely to fill the gap anytime soon.

Are powertrains facing transition?

Could diesel engines be on their way out? asks Ricardo Plc in its latest quarterly journal, RQ.

Turbine truck set to overtake diesel Class 8s?

Nikola Motor Company (NMC) of Salt Lake City, Utah claims it has generated $2.3 billion in reservations, accounting for over 7,000 truck reservations with deposits, for its new turbine-driven hybrid Class 8 truck.

How a Bluebird started an industrial revolution

As the UK heads for its second woman Prime Minister and challenging lie months ahead, today marks the 30th anniversary of Nissan Motor Company’s faith in the country.

Jaguar XJ13 is 50 years’ late

The 1966 Jaguar XJ13, conceived to continue Jaguar’s winning ways at the Le Mans 24 Hours, will finally make its debut this weekend at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe, 50 years’ late.

Mercedes-Benz tops one million cars

Mercedes-Benz delivered over one million (1,006,619) cars to customers worldwide in the first six months of 2016 (+12.1 per cent), more than ever before in half a year.

Nissan’s UK plant wins extra model

Nissan’s facility in Sunderland is set to manufacture a special edition Juke hatchbacks.

Aston and Red Bull unite their forces

Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing have joined forces to produce a hypercar; surprise-surprise code-named AM-RB 001.

JLR boost for ‘specials’ and ‘classics’

JaguarLandRover has opened the new technical centre for Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) in Coventry, UK.

Next Phantom will be in aluminium

The development programme for the eighth generation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, considered to be the ‘Best Car in the World’, has taken another significant step forward.

Ford puts CGI into 1-litre EcoBoost

Ford in the UK has confirmed its three-cylinder 1-litre Fox gasoline engine does have a cylinder block of compacted graphite iron (CGI).

DTF: “Trust will cut excess NOx diesel emissions”

The $2.7 billion mitigation trust established through the settlement with Volkswagen AG will reduce excess emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) according to Diesel Technology Forum (DTF).

Cat pays for its EGR misdeeds

Caterpillar Inc. has agreed to pay $60 million to settle claims about defects in its C13 and C15 heavy commercial vehicle engines.

VW settles over 2-litre diesel claims

Volkswagen AG has reached settlement agreements with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the State of California; the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC); and private plaintiffs represented by the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee (PSC) to resolve civil claims regarding eligible Volkswagen and Audi 2-litre TDI diesel engine vehicles in the US.

CGI offers boost for small diesels

Development of small-displacement diesel engines using compacted graphite iron (CGI) and offering over 100 bhp/litre is under way.

SMMT and EU referendum

The trade body for the UK automotive sector, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), has reacted to the result in the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU.

CVT sales to reach 12 million - Torotrak

Torotrak Group claims sales of CVTs could reach 12 million by 2020 and has designed a variator with a ratio spread of 12 for front- and rear-wheel drive vehicles to meet future demand. The design has been proven up to 300kW.

JLR to be self-sufficient in engines by 2020

The winner of the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering’s MacRobert Award will be announced tomorrow.

US truck vertical integration set to grow

Last year, diesel engines made up 98.5 per cent of the North American Class 8 vehicle market, but this dominance is forecast to lessen by 2021, claims Americas Commercial Transportation (ACT) Research and Rhein Associates.

Latest V12 rolls off the line at Niehl

The Aston Martin Engine Plant (AMEP) in Cologne, Germany, has launched production of its latest engine, a 5.2L twin-turbo unit for the DB11.

Knorr-Bremse strikes again – in the UK

Family-owned Knorr-Bremse has made another acquisition, this time in the UK with GT Group, a business aimed at reducing heavy-duty vehicle pollution.

Ford, McLaren back digital engineering

Ford Motor Company and McLaren Automotive were among major companies supporting the launch of Digital Engineering and Test Centre (DETC).

Six drivers to guide BMW’s next 100 years

BMW has identified “six focus areas” that comprise the Group’s view of the next 100 years – this assumes the company is not the subject of an acquisition or financial failure.

GHG regs prompt new US engine report

Impending GHG Phase Two regulations, growth of vertical integration and constant push for improved engine efficiency have sparked a new report of the North American engine activity.

JLR opens new manufacturing facility in Brazil

As the UK hovers on the brink of deciding either to Leave or Remain in the EU, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has opened its new R$750 million (£240 million) manufacturing facility in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

US Class 8 truck sales in May plummet

Shock news from the US suggests the economy is not too healthy as orders for heavy trucks in the region plunged 30 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Calsonic Kansei to open new UK R&D centre

Calsonic Kansei, a supplier of heat exchange, air conditioning, exhaust, interior and electronic automotive components, has created a new R&D centre at Millbrook’s Bedfordshire-based Technology Park in the UK.

Navistar turns the corner – maybe

Troy Clarke's efforts to turn round Navistar International Corporation looks to be bearing fruit, but the new fruit may be short-lived.

Euro truck makers set for heavy fines?

European truck makers including Daimler AG, Volvo AB and Renault SA are said to face the biggest cartel fine in EU history, according to London-based Financial Times.

Knorr-Bremse: from brakes into steering

Knorr-Bremse’s acquisition of tedrive Steering Systems looks like an important strategic move that will allow the family-owned business to expand into commercial vehicle steering systems.

New law could affect JIT auto deliveries

Truck operators handling containers could face additional delays at ports as from 1 July shippers will be required to weigh and certify the contents of containers.

UK connected driving trials next year

Trials could begin in the UK next year on one of the world’s most advanced environments for connected and autonomous driving.

Former JLR manger jailed for ''road-rage' driving

Andrew Nay, former venue manager at JguarLandRover (JLR) who left two young sisters paralysed after a "road rage" crash in Northamptonshire, UK, has been jailed this afternoon for four-and-a-half years.

Daimler invests €3 billion in new engines

Mercedes-Benz claims it is the first manufacturer to put diesel-engined vehicles on the market that already fulfil the stricter emission limits planned for the EU as of September 2017.

BMW’s eAxle nod gives others the push

BMW is the industry benchmark. It is every vendor’s aim to have BMW heading its reference list.

Study examines aluminium vs iron energy balance

The conclusions of a Cranfield University project into the life cycle energy analysis of aluminium versus cast iron, and its implications for the automotive industry, will be published before the year end of 2016.

Citan gets six-speed dual-clutch automatic

Feeling pressure from competitors such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz Vans has introduced dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) versions of Citan.

Cummins feels effects of vertical integration

Cummins Inc. has suffered a first-quarter fall in sales which it attributes to weak industry orders and higher dealer inventories.

UK driverless cars set to get moving

In the coming few months, eyes will be turned to the UK CITE project – a bid by the UK government to fund autonomous vehicles as work by consortium partners gathers momentum.

G&W pushes for more CV engine work

Specialist UK-based foundry expert Grainger & Worrall (G&W) is hoping it can attract business from the commercial vehicle (CV) powertrain market following the purchase of a second digital sand printer.

Millbrook test cells ready next month

Millbrook Group expects its new engine test cells will be completed and ready for use by the end of next month.

Nissan dumps UK production of Note

At Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK profit-per-car is all important in upholding the plant’s financial performance.

VW begins ‘dieselgate’ update modifications

Volkswagen’s passenger car brand has begun technical modification of affected vehicles, beginning with engine type EA 189.

TVR comes to the surface – but not completely

 TVR says it will exhibit at the London Motor Show in Battersea Park on 5 to 8 May, 2016.

GM to invest $788.7 million in Spring Hill

General Motors is to invest $788.7 million for an “all-new, high-efficiency engine” programme, as well as projects to modernize various vehicle programmes at its Spring Hill Manufacturing Plant.

Turbocompounding spreads its wings to Mack

Turbocompounding, developed by Volvo Powertrain, is finding more applications within the group as Mack Trucks unveils its new product lineup for 2017.

VW remains resilient despite ‘Dieselgate’

In spite of ‘Dieselgate’, Volkswagen Group’s sales for 2015 grew by 5.4 per cent to €213.3 billion. However, due to high extraordinary charges, the Group recorded a consolidated loss before and after tax of €1.3 billion and €1.4 billion, respectively.

VW reaches deal with US over ‘dieselgate’

 Volkswagen AG has reached an agreement in principle with the various US authorities including Department of Justice (Environmental Division), the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), with the full involvement of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Mitsubishi falls on its sword

It is reaching a sad point, indeed an indictment, when the “man in street” does not believe the information given out by automobile manufacturers.

Torotrak shuns IVTs; focuses on KERS, V-Charge

Transmission engineer Torotrak plc has put new focus on two of its three main technologies, namely KERS and V-Charge.

Cummins dips toe in plug-in hybrids

Cummins Inc. has won a $4.5 million grant from the US Department of Energy (DofE) to develop a Class 6 commercial plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that “can reduce fuel consumption by at least 50 per cent over conventional Class 6 vehicles”.

Cummins and Komatsu forge deeper links

Cummins Inc. of the US and Japan’s Komatsu Ltd. have deepened their connections through a global corporate responsibility partnership to improve communities around the world.

VW sales hold as ‘dieselgate’ rumbles on

Volkswagen Group vehicle deliveries rose by 0.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2016. The Group handed over 2.5 million vehicles to customers from January to March 2016.

Mahindra set to make e2o in UK plant?

Is Mahindra set to manufacture its e2o electric car in the UK, following in the footsteps of Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK with its LEAF electric car?

Nexteer steers new path in Poland

Intuitive motion control specialist Nexteer Automotive has opened its third manufacturing plant in Europe. Besides launching a new Technical Centre in Tychy, Poland in mid-2016, Nexteer is looking tohire 100 engineers.

Nissan scores all-time Euro sales high

Nissan’s European sales in fiscal year 2015 (ending March 31^st) reached 710,321 with Nissan sales in Western Europe of 621,910, an increase of 9.4 per cent on 2014 levels and an all-time high.

5 Series reigns supreme – BMW

BMW claims that with over two million vehicles sold, the current 5 Series sets new benchmarks in the premium business segment.

Stobart to trial KERS semi-trailer

Trailer manufacturer SDC has developed a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) Curtainsider semitrailer designed to maximise operational efficiency.

JLR’s V6 and V8 on the way out – for SVO

Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) could be using in-line six-cylinder engines come 2017, eventually dropping its V8 and V6 powertrains.

Ustian slammed by SEC in EGR cover-up

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has said Navistar International Corporation misled investors about the environmental compliance of its exhaust gas recirculation, or EGR, method of reducing air pollution from its trucks.

JLR claims record 2015-16 year sales

JaguarLandRover, the ‘largest manufacturer in Britain’ has reported a record-breaking month, quarter and financial year, with Jaguar just missing topping 100,000 vehicles sold in 2015-16.

Is there a lesson to learn in steel?

Is there a lesson to be learned from the turmoil now hitting the British steel industry of which Tata Steel is at its heart?

Schaeffler gives new meaning to “hybrid”

German automotive and industrial parts supplier Schaeffler has developed a new form of transport, a “bio hybrid” which it hails an “innovative micro-mobility concept”.

Achates gives opposed pistons a 2018 boost

Achates Power Inc. of San Diego, California, has put a news story from Voice of America of 22 March 2016 on its web site noting that the company, Delphi Automotive and Argonne National Laboratory will have a three-cylinder opposed piston engine in operation by 2018 that is "50 per cent more efficient compared to a downsized, turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine, while reducing the overall cost of the powertrain system”.

Nissan to invest £22 million in UK plant

An investment of £22m investment is being made by Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (NMMUK) in its Washington, UK facility in a bid to increase production of its Qashqai SUV, the company’s best-selling model.

Volvo opts for turbocompounding

Volvo Trucks North America has launched the group’s MY2017 engines offering customers increased power, performance and fuel efficiency.

Audi launches 'new' ‘hand-built R8 Spyder…

Audi claims the latest R8 Spyder with a naturally aspirated V10 power unit returns “more technologically accomplished, more powerful and quicker against the clock, even more tightly pinned to corners and even more composed on the straights thanks to a 50 per cent improvement in torsional rigidity”.

As Jaguar is set to revive the XKSS

Anxious not to miss pout on any ‘high end’ sales that may be in the offing, Jaguar is to build the XKSS as a £1 million ultra-exclusive continuation model.

TVR picks Wales as new production site

 As expected, sports car maker TVR will follow the lead set by Aston Martin and build its new car in a new production facility located in Wales; in this case in the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone in South Wales.

Jeep Wrangler set for diesel and hybrid

The US automotive press is awash with speculation that Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) is planning to reconfigure its Toledo, Ohio, assembly complex next year to build next-generation Jeep Wranglers.

Aston Martin and Red Bull unite forces

When Dr. Andy Palmer, chief executive officer of Aston Martin, spoke last May to the Manufacturing Forum at Cranfield University, outlining his next century plan, he had a good idea of what was to come.

R&D consortium strives for ‘advanced diesels’

Ricardo is one of some 16 organisations participating in Project REWARD to develop advanced diesel engines beyond Euro6 for passenger cars and light commercials under 3,500kg, including a new two-stroke diesel for B/C segment cars. 

Daimler's van sales rise 9 per cent

Mercedes-Benz Vans, which has reported record sales, revenue and EBIT figures for financial year 2015, delivered 321,000 vehicles, a rise of 9 per cent compared with 295,000.

GKN’s eAxle migrates to C-segment cars

GKN is attempting to increase its return on investment in hybrid technology by pushing its technology to a wider C-segment OEM audience.

Audi lifts secrecy cloak around 4-litre TDI

Following our earlier posting, Audi has now decided to lift the cloak of secrecy that mysteriously surrounded the bore and stroke of its new 4-litre TDI diesel engine.

Audi throws cloak of secrecy over 4-litre TDI

In an amazing move, of which the KGB or the Mafia would be immensely proud, Audi has declined to disclose the bore and stroke of its new 4-litre TDI diesel engine.

Ford extends aluminium use in F-Series trucks

Ford loves aluminium - especially when it comes to cutting weight from its F-Series trucks.

Shengrui moves to stop/start 8-speed auto ‘box

A new version of the Shengrui 8AT transmission adds stop/start functionality to the capabilities of this eight-speed automatic transmission, co-developed with Ricardo.

Audi adopts 48V electrical compressor for V8 TDI

Audi claims its ‘new’ 4-litre V8 diesel engine makes the new SQ7 TDI “the most powerful diesel SUV on the market”.

VW’s US emission penalties gather momentum

More details have emerged of the additional penalties for Volkswagen AG (AIN, 23 February 2016) being mooted by different authorities in the United States, writes Alan Bunting.

Aston Martin to build DBX in Wales from 2020

Cars have not been made in Wales, in the UK, since the days of Gilbern Sports Cars Ltd., which built glass fibre cars in Pontypridd, Glamorgan between 1959 and 1973. Former butcher Giles Smith and German engineer Bernard Friese joined forces to found the company.

VW to build electric cars in the US?

As Volkswagen expands its powertrain options for the Up!, including an innovative electric power unit, reports from the US suggest the German automaker may have to build electric vehicles there to pacify regulators.

GM rebrands its powertrain centres

General Motors is rebranding GM Powertrain to GM Global Propulsion Systems.

Boost for Dagenham-made CGI engines

Output of 3-litre V6 diesel engines at Ford’s Dagenham Engine Plant, UK topped 100,000 in 2015

Ford set to build more cars in Mexico

By 2018 Ford will have shifted production of its next-generation compact cars from its Wayne sited assembly plant in Michigan to Mexico in the next couple of years.

UK metrology gains new centre

The importance of metrology in manufacturing, but especially in Formula 1, is evidenced by a new metrology centre that will open shortly at the technology park at Silverstone in the UK.

Mercedes-Benz launches all-ally 4-cylinder diesel

Mercedes-Benz has joined the ranks of JaguarLandRover and others with its OM 654, its first all-aluminium  four-cylinder diesel engine which it says marks the debut of a “ground-breaking” family.

Achates spends $125 million on new two-stroke

An executive of Achates Power Inc. has revealed the company has invested $125 million developing a new two-stroke engine that uses compacted graphite iron (CGI)  for its highly-stressed cylinder block.

Will new Ampera really be a ‘game-changer’?

It will be interesting to see if the GM/Opel Ampera-e is as “game-changing” as the company claims it will be when it is launched next year.

Could Paccar build a 15-litre truck diesel?

Is it possible that Paccar Inc. will develop a 15-litre heavy-duty truck diesel engine for the North American market, one that can match Cummins' ISX15?

Volkswagen considers IPO for trucks division

Volkswagen AG is considering setting up an IPO for its international trucks division in a bid to counter Daimler Trucks and Volvo Trucks.

5,000 jobs ‘vacant’ in UK auto industry?

Up to 5,000 job vacancies in the UK automotive industry could be vacant due to a skills shortage affecting the sector, according to the Automotive Council.

Daimler set to top 3 million vehicle sales in 2016

In 2016 Daimler AG expects to continue its growth and improve on its return on sales. Last year, when Daimler sold Atlantic Foundries (Pty), return on sales increased  across all products.

New ‘take back’ scheme to recycle UK vehicles

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is partnering with recycling company Autogreen to ensure that all unclaimed cars and vans can be disposed of and recycled responsibly – with no cost to the consumer.

Bosch makes bid to join race to autonomy

Bosch is leading the £5.5 million MOVE-UK research project that will help future autonomous vehicles drive naturally like human drivers, rather than like robots.

Europe sees 9 per cent car growth - JATO

Last year was the second year in a row in terms of positive growth in car sales in Euope, with the increase driven by Spain and Italy and other smaller markets

BMW commits to GKN's new CV joint

GKN Driveline has been able to reveal itself as vendor of choice for new lightweight constant velocity joint (CV Joint) system in the BMW 7 Series, production of which began over six months ago at Plant Dingolfing, Germany.

Daimler set to launch DI CNG in cars?

Bosch and Daimler are working on a joint programme to introduce direct injection (DI) CNG engines in passenger cars.

McLaren sets ambitious targets

McLaren Automotive will be hoping that the economic storms buffeting emerging regions, such as Brazil, Russia and China (how long before China - already dumping steel - starts dumping cars in Europe), will not swamp its forecasts for this year and next.

‘Defeat device’ all-clear for Renault, as…

Tests conducted so far on a number of Renault vehicles have not revealed the presence of any ‘defeat devices’.

Master achieves record output in 2015

According to Renault sources, the company's Sandouville plant in France built 93,000 New Trafic and vehicles for Renault and its partner GM in 2015.

Vauxhall builds 60,280 Vivaros in 2015

Vauxhall built over 60,000 vans in the UK last year, making it Britain’s leading van maker for the 14^th year running, according to SMMT figures.

Ricardo to support US natural gas engine work

Ricardo will partner with Gas Technology Institute (GTI) to enable natural gas engines to provide a fuel-efficient, low-emissions alternative to diesel power in California, US, for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles (excluding Class 8).

Proton low-emission engine set for 2017 launch

Proton of Malaysia and Ricardo of the UK have just celebrated the ‘first fire’ of the prototype of an innovative new engine family set to spearhead the next phase of the Malaysian automaker’s growth, even to the point of making a return to Europe.

British car output rises 4% in 2015

British manufacturers made more cars in 2015 than any year since 2005.

LDV Maxus sets van sights on UK and Europe

Plans are in place to import 3,000 LDV Maxus V80 vans, made in China, into the UK where the design originated in 2000, when it was a joint venture between LDV in Washwood Heath, Birmingham and Korea's Daewoo.

As VW shrinks, 2016 will be ‘challenging’

Volkswagen Group suffered a two per cent sales drop in 2015 caused by its diesel crisis and shrinking markets, as the boss plans for 2025.

BMW sets sales record in 2015

BMW’s sales seem unchallenged by world events. In 2015, BMW scored its most successful year ever for the BMW Group with annual sales climbing six per cent to set a new record for the fifth year in a row.

JLR sees 5 per cent sales growth for 2015

JaguarLandRover (JLR) has achieved its best ever full year global sales performance in 2015, retailing 487,065 vehicles, up 5 five cent on the prior year.

Ricardo fires up three-cylinder engine

A new prototype engine has been fired-up for the first time at a ceremony held at Ricardo’s Shoreham Technical Centre, UK.

VW’s MEB offers ‘breakthrough’ technology

No doubt in an attempt to take the US public’s eye off its woes with diesel car emissions and point the eye to the future, Volkswagen AG has launched its BUDD-e, an idea of motoring life in 2019 – one year ahead of Audi’s 2018 e-tron.

Audi e-tron set for 2018 production

The Audi e-tron quattro concept, launched at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is an all electrically-powered sport SUV set for 2018.

VW shares fall after US lawsuit

The supervisory board of VW faces a difficult time. Yesterday, shares of Volkswagen AG fell six per cent following plans by the US government to file a lawsuit.

Robot man Engelberger dies aged 90

Joe Engelberger, who did more than almost any man to introduce robotics into the automotive industry, has died aged 90

KERS production "on track" for mid-2016

Torotrak has begun detailed testing of its ‘second generation’ KERS design on rigs and in a new Wrightbus Euro VI StreetLite bus.

Ricardo triples niche-engine capacity

Ricardo’s niche engine assembly plant at Shoreham, UK, has now tripled in size to provide improved technical capabilities, paving the way for  future low-volume, multi-variant engine production. The site can now produce 5,000 engines a year, 100/week.

Cummins, Eaton receive ‘killing’ remark from Daimler

Frank Reintjes, Daimler Trucks’ global head of powertrain and manufacturing, has said that for proprietary, that is independent, suppliers of engines, transmissions and drive axles in North America, the complexity of meeting the operating requirements ‘of all customers and all their different applications, is killing them’.