Ford F-150 powertrain looks set to blossom

One thing is for sure, 2016 could be an interesting year in the life of Ford’s F-150 pick-up truck that this year saw the automaker launch aluminium into the sector as well as a new family of EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline engines.

CGI set to take off in new application

A new and exciting high-performance diesel engine application for compacted graphite iron (CGI), together with its British connection and offering 105 bhp/litre, pushes out the boundaries of conventional CGI use into demanding areas where safety, reliability and performance are paramount.

Opel to publish WLTP results for 2016 Astra

From April 2016, Opel will publish fuel consumption figures according to WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) as part of its next step to meet future emissions guidelines, both on CO2 and NOx.

Former Volvo exec to join Ricardo board

Maline Persson joins Ricardo plc in the UK from next month as a non-executive director.

Delphi presses to widen Skip Fire use

Diesel equipment specialist Delphi is working with Tula Technology Inc. to widen the appeal of Dynamic Skip Fire, a system of cylinder deactivation. A 1.8-litre gasoline engine will run in 2016.

Partial all-clear from Volkswagen

Volkswagen AG claims “it is now clear that almost all of these model variants do correspond to the CO₂ figures originally determined. This means that these vehicles can be marketed and sold without any limitations.“

SAIC poised to pounce on UK van market?

Van dealerships in the UK may be wondering if the Maxus van could make a return to the country if SAIC is able to undercut established marques.

Porsche's Mission E gets the go-ahead

The supervisory board of Porsche AG has given the green light for the Mission E electric car project.

Nissan rejects French state takeover

NISSAN executives have rejected claims that a move by the French government to strengthen its grip on the carmaker's partner Renault poses a threat to jobs in the North-East of the UK.

The long journey of GAZ's latest van

GAZ Group, Russia’s largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles (CVs), has completed what Vadim Sorokin, group president, hails as “the most complex and large-scale project GAZ has implemented in the last 15 years.”

Ford bolsters Kentucky for 2017 Super Duty

Pickup trucks are vital to profits at Ford Motor Company, hence its announcement of a $1.3 billion investment in its Kentucky Truck Plant to support the redesigned 2017 Super Duty truck range.

Wolfsburg comes out on top

This year's Harbour Report praises the press shop at Volkswagen‘s Wolfsburg plant, havingtaken some top positions and proved its outstanding performance.

When it comes to the Harbour Report, issued by US management consultancy Oliver Wyman, many automakers are more than happy to keep quiet about their rankings, often claiming its contents are "confdential" as an excuse for revealing fugures.

 But VW wants to be seen in a good light at the moment, so any ‘good‘ news is good news.

The Habour Report compares and assesses a number of items including the press shops of all the world's key automakers. It also undertakes plant-by-plant assessments. In this study a comparson of "the most productive" automotive manufacturers is produced. The current report compares 124 press shops of 18 different automakers.

Thomas Ulbrich, member of the board of management of the Volkswagen brand responsible for production: "In view of its size and significance in the production of parts for the high-volume models of the Volkswagen brand, the Wolfsburg press shop plays a key role within the Group. The outstanding results obtained in the Harbour Reports confirm the successful development of the Wolfsburg press shop."

Jens Herrmann, Wolfsburg plant manager, said: "Since it was commissioned four years ago, our large-format press has already taken first place in the Harbour Report three times. This result bears witness to the quality and precision of the Wolfsburg plant."

Large-format press line 500 in Hall 1A took first place in the category of transfer XL presses. The Wolfsburg press shop also performed very well in the category of progressive die. Press line 810 in Hall 2 once again took second place.

Markus Lange, manager of the press shop, is equally pleased about the very good performance of the press shop  in fact, he would be disappointed if it wasn’t.

"Once again, our highly motivated team has been a key factor in winning these awards," he said, proudly.

Every day, the Wolfsburg press shop processes some 2,600 metric tons of steel sheet and produces almost half a million body parts. These parts are used for the models Golf, Golf Sportsvan, Touran and Tiguan as well as for the modular transverse toolkit (MQB) platform at 20 other plants. 2,000 people are employed in the Volkswagen Group's largest and oldest press shop

VW unveils "fix" for 1.6- and 2-litre diesels

Volkswagen Group claims that "correction measures" for 1.6-litre and 2-litre diesel engines affected by the 'defeat device' have been “fixed for the majority of vehicles affected”.

Daimler builds DD5, DD8 in US from 2018

Daimler Trucks North America is to start manufacture of its DD5 and DD8 medium duty diesel engines In Detroit, Michigan for sale in 2018.

JLR to "double" Ingenium engine plant

It is exactly three years since we revealed JaguarLandRover’s (JLR) secret ‘cut and paste’ Hotfire engine manufacturing centre (EMC) in Wolverhampton.

VW slashes its capex by €1 billion

Volkswagen Group, in “aligning its investment activity” in its Automotive Division, is capping investments in property, plant and equipment, investment property at €12 billion for 2016 against €13 billion normally.

Daimler shifts V12 engine production

Production will start early next year at Daimler’s Mannheim, Germany, facility of Mercedes-AMG V12 engines.

More work for Ford's EcoBoost CGI engine

Ford’s 2017 Lincoln MKZ, due to go on sale next summer, will provide further sales scope the V6 gasoline EcoBoost engine.

Ricardo delivers AWD transmission for rallying

Ricardo claims it has made a return to “very top level of rally-based motorsport” with an ultra- lightweight and highly compact AWD transmission and driveline

Battle tank application surfaces for CGI

For the first time, a diesel engine in a main battle tank (MBT) is using a compacted graphite iron (CGI) vee cylinder block.

Ricardo says adapt to protect aftermarket profits

Ricardo suggests automakers pay more attention to servicing the aftermarket, which generates one-third of revenue and one-half of profits.

F-150 take-rate bolsters SinterCast results

The take-rate of the 2.7 litre V6 gasoline turbocharged engine in America's best-selling vehicle, the Ford F-150, has continued to increase and, for the first half of the 2015, finished at 25 per cent. 

TRW wins US electric power steering job for UK

Car parts maker TRW plans to create 130 jobs in the North-East of the UK as part of a major investment in the region.

Next 10 days decides VW's future

The next 10 days will decide the future direction of Volkswagen AG as the company’s boss and head of the works council meet to thrash out the way forward for the troubled company.

Teksid to supply Volvo with engine blocks

Italy-based foundry group Teksid has won a contract to supply Volvo Trucks North America with 4,000 engine blocks a month.

Convertible extends Ingenium applications

Land Rover has unveiled the world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible.

Fire risk prompts Cummins NG engine recall

Up to 3,020 Cummins-Westport natural gas engines powering Navistar and Mack trucks in service across North America are being recalled because of a fire risk.

Mazda hints at a new rotary sports car

Is Mazda Motor Corporation about to push its rotary engine back into showrooms? Judging by the RX-Vision sports car concept it unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, it looks like it is. But when?

Teksid set for high volume output of CGI?

Could the Teksid group be on the point of starting high volume production of compacted graphite iron (CGI) components?

Peterbilt to offer CGI truck diesel

According to US sources, Paccar’s Peterbilt brand will soon offer the MX-11 diesel engine, which debuted in Europe in 2013.

Cummins falters as overseas markets slide

Pressure is growing on sales executives at Cummins Inc. to find new customers for the ISV5.0 V8 diesel engine in the wake of the company’s latest sales dip.

VW reassures the US and China

In the wake of its diesel emissions scandal, Volkswagen has reaffirmed its planned investments at the Chattanooga location and production of an all-new SUV for the US market.

Honda launches ‘front-engine’ fuel cell

Honda claims its new Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle is the world’s first production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle sedan to house the fuel cell stack and drivetrain system under the bonnet.

New presses take shape at Lansing

The first consignment of components for new stamping presses has arrived General Motors’ for its new $174-million Lansing Grand River (LGR) stamping facility.

The 'first' fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car

The first production Detroit Electric SP:01, the lightest and fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car in the world, has rolled off the line at the company’s Leamington Spa, UK manufacturing facility.

VW: Five-point plan for recovery

Matthias Müller, Volkswagen, chairman of the board of management, has unveiled a five-point plan to reinvigorate the company; to focus on quality not “faster, higher, larger”.

F&S predicts Volkswagen sales fall by 2020

At a time when scandal-hit Volkswagen Group has lost its sales crown to Toyota Motor Corporation, comes news from Frost & Sullivan (F&S) that VW sales are expected to fall by 2-4 per cent by 2020.

It’s official: Zhongding is an investor in EcoMotors

EcoMotors has today broken its long silence to report that it has secured a lead investor for its largest customer, Zhongding Power, giving renewed emphasis for the opposed-piston two-stroke diesel engine (opoc) the two firms are engaged in bringing to market.

Profits fall off a cliff at Bentley

Profits at Bentley Motors, owned by Volkswagen AG, fell dramatically in the 12 months to 31 December 2014.

Ricardo steers AWD into Jaguar’s F-TYPE

Jaguar’s 2016 all-wheel-drive F-TYPE has paid dividends for Ricardo which has created the “most potent road-going sports car Jaguar has even made”.

2016: Launch of next MINI Convertible

BMW’s MINI brand will launch the next generation MINI Convertible in March 2016.

VW: EA288 engines not affected

Volkswagen has now confirmed that no software constituting an improper defeat device as defined in law is installed in vehicles with EA 288 EU5 as well as EU6-engines in the European Union.

GM readies for Cadillac CT6

General Motors is to double its workforce at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly by adding a second shift and more than 1,200 hourly and salaried jobs.

Daimler AG continues its growth

Daimler AG continued with its strategy and again set new records for unit sales and revenue in the third quarter. With sales of 720,000 cars and commercial vehicles, the company sold 13 per cent more vehicles between July and September than in the prior-year period.

VW: Sales dip for commercials

Sales of Volkswagen commercial vehicles fell one per cent in the nine months to the end of September.

VW passenger car sales remain resilient

Volkswagen Group claims its total sales from January to September remained almost stable compared with the prior-year level, with 7.43 million vehicles handed over to customers worldwide.

VW: 'Cheat devices' discovered by accident

According to The Mail on Sunday newspaper, university researchers in West Virginia University stumbled on the Volkswagen ‘cheat device’ by accident.

VW bolsters integrity, legal, ahead of 'defeat' issues

Chairman of the supervisory board of Volkswagen AG, Hans Dieter Pötsch, has requested the chairman of the supervisory board of Daimler AG, Dr. Manfred Bischoff, to release Dr. Christine Hohmann-Dennhardt, Daimler’s legal specialist.

VW: Still no word as to the "technical solution"

Volkswagen is to recall about 8.5 million vehicles in Europe (EU28 markets), including some 2.4 million vehicles in Germany, according to KBA - the Federal Motor Transport Authority.

Ford achieves 152 bhp/litre for new RS

Ford claims the "unique" 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine in the latest Focus RS will produce 350 bhp – far exceeding original estimates of 315 bhp – together with 350 lb.-ft. torque.

VW: Out with the old; bring in the new

The newly-formed Volkswagen brand board of management has realigned diesel strategy in the light of the company’s recent 'defeat device' scandal.

Cummins V8 wins plaudits in Texas

Cummins Inc. executives will be pleased that their first production application of the ISV5.0 has won plaudits on the back of 2016 Nissan Titan.

Jaguar: A journey from style to design

Nick Hull is to be congratulated for producing Jaguar Design: A Story of Style – a benchmark in authorship pulling together in sure-footed detail, the diverse strands of Jaguar design.

Evidence of "widespread abuse by carmakers" - T&E

The average gap between real-world figures and drive cycle test results is growing across the industry. This may suggest that Volkswagen is not the only guilty party when it comes to fixing figures, says Transport & Environment (T&E).

Volkswagen's loss is Bosch's gain

Paul Willis, managing director of Volkswagen UK, appeared today before the Transport Select Committee of the UK’s House of Commons in Parliament to answer questions from MPs in connection with the "defeat device" that VW fitted to its cars.

VW: More top boss changes

More changes at the top of VW in preparation for the tougher months ahead in the wake of the implications of its emissions scandal, as Frank Witter (56) is appointed member of the board of management of Volkswagen AG with responsibility for Finance and Controlling.

Grob wins big at BMW's Hams Hall

Grob-Werke of Mindelheim, Germany has been one of the big machine tool winners of the heavy investment BMW has made to develop its Hams Hall engine plant near Birmingham.

VW: A "swift and relentless clarification"

The CEO of Volkswagen AG, Matthias Müller, has promised employees "swift and relentless clarification" of the emissions scandal.

F&S: VW pushes back diesel technology "by years"

 Frost & Sullivan claims that Volkswagen's concession of corporate wrongdoing in circumventing EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) testing in the U.S. has sent the global automotive industry into a tail spin and substantially pushed back developments in clean diesel technology and internal combustion engines (ICE) by years.

UK study: VW not alone in flouting RDE

The Institute for Transport Studies in the UK has made road-side tests on cars with Euro VI diesel engines and found their emissions to be at least five time higher than the Euro tests demand.

Porsche man takes charge of VW's PR

Surprise, surprise, Porsche PR man Hans-Gerd Bode (54) has taken over as head of group communications, investor relations and external relations at Volkswagen AG with immediate effect. He succeeds Stephan Grühsem (53); he leaves the company "by amicable agreement".

GM and Navistar in new truck deal

Perhaps it was only expected that after falling out with an old girlfriend, i.e., Ford Motor Company, Navistar had to choose the only other girl on the US shelf, namely, General Motors.

Ricardo: RDE providing a pathway to cleaner diesels

Ricardo claims it has demonstrated processes for evaluating the emission technologies of diesel cars under the forthcoming Real Driving Emissions (RDE) regulations which aim to ensure on-road compliance with published type approval data for fuel economy and emissions.

Ricardo set to give JAC a big boost

Ricardo is developing a production version of its ‘HyBoost’ concept to give China’s JAC a 30 per cent fuel economy gain.

VW scandal: Action plan unveiled

Volkswagen AG has unveiled its action plan to correct the emissions characteristics of diesel vehicles.

Volkswagen, scandal and the rumour mill

The rumour mill is asking: How would Volkswagen’s vehicles know when the EPA’s emissions testing equipment was connected?

The engineer who brought down Volkswagen

According to the Huffington Post, Daniel Carder, an unassuming 45-year-old engineer with grey hair and blue jeans, appears an unlikely type to take down one of the world's most powerful companies.

The Cat trims its tail

The past week has been a topsy-turvy world for the vehicle industry: the self-savaging of VW, Caterpillar’s 33-rolling months sales decline in the Far East and a dividend award of £60 million for JCB’s chairman and family.

Porsche man is new head of Volkswagen

 Matthias Müller (62) is the new chief executive officer of Volkswagen AG with immediate effect.

Winterkorn experiences his own downfall

A great many thoughts must be whizzing through the brain of Ferdinand Piech, who resigned earlier this year in favour of Professor Martin Winterkorn who has himself now resigned.

Ricardo set for natural gas engine R&D

Ricardo is set to be a key partner in the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Green Vehicle Initiative project ‘HDGAS’ – which aims for a 10 per cent in overall engine improvement.

SMMT gives a view about emissions testing

On a day when the fall in the share price of Volkswagen AG almost doubled and its plight continued to spiral downwards, the UK Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has given a view about passenger car emissions testing without passing comment one way or the other about the dilemma faced by Volkswagen Group in Germany, and possibly other automakers in Europe.

 “The UK automotive industry understands the concerns consumers may have following the actions of one manufacturer in regard to emissions testing and the subsequent decision to recall a large number of its cars. This is, however, an issue affecting just one company and there is no evidence to suggest that any other company is involved, let alone that this is an industry-wide issue.

“Consumers should be reassured that cars sold in the UK must comply with strict European laws. All cars must complete a standard emissions test, which, unlike in the US, is independently witnessed by a government-appointed independent agency.
 

“On the separate on-going debate about real-world testing, industry accepts that the current test method for cars is out of date and is seeking agreement from the European Commission for a new emissions test that embraces new testing technologies and which is more representative of on-road conditions.”

                                           UK Car emissions testing

Why is it done? All cars sold in the UK have to undergo an official emissions test under EU law. This is to ensure they meet the latest emissions standards, as set by the European Commission, before they can be sold to the consumer.

The latest emissions standard is Euro-6 – and all new cars registered in the EU from 1 September 2015 are required to meet this standard. A range of emissions is tested, including carbon monoxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

What is the test? It is a laboratory test, which ensures consistency and absolute comparability from one vehicle to another. The vehicle is put onto a ‘rolling road’ and fitted with equipment to measure emissions. The vehicle will then perform a standardised drive cycle known as the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) – which contains set acceleration/deceleration levels, and replicates different driving conditions.

If the vehicle emits levels of pollutants lower than the limits set for the Euro-6 standard, it will receive a Euro-6 approval certificate, meaning the vehicle can be sold.

What are the conditions of the test? The test is carried out in a controlled temperature of 20-30C, and the car must be calibrated to the specification as sold to the customer.

All of the vehicle’s components must be present and cannot be tampered with. For example, the alternator belt must be intact and the brakes must function fully to pass testing. The vehicle will be checked to ensure it has the same tyre pressures, fluid levels and components as it would have on the road.

Who carries out the test? The test is carried out in a government-approved test facility, with a government-appointed independent witness.

Who governs the test? The EU test operates in strict conditions and is witnessed by a government-appointed independent approval agency. In the UK, this is the Vehicle Certification Agency, which is responsible to the Department for Transport.

How old is the test? The current test dates back to 1996.

What is the difference between the EU test and the US test? In the US, the official tests are carried out by the manufacturer and not witnessed by an independent third-party as they are in the EU. The results are submitted to the US Environmental

VW on the ropes as 'cheating' issue grows

Volkswagen shares fell some 18 per cent on the first full day off trading following the EPA finding that algorithms on some VW Group cars could manipulate emissions limits.

EPA accuses VW of 'defeat' emission devices

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a notice of violation (NOV) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) to Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Cummins diesel prospect creates a buzz in Texas

There's a bit of a buzz in the air in San Antonio, Texas. For there, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMT) has a strategy to ramp up pick-up truck production.

EV versions of smart set for late 2016

Electric versions of the new smart fortwo and forfour will go on sale in late 2016.

Autonomous pod takes to the road

The first of three pod vehicles was unveiled in the UK today as part of a pioneering project to trial automated vehicles in pedestrianised areas.

How GKN can make the Ford Focus drift

GKN Automotive has developed a new version of its Twinster torque vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) system for the Ford Focus RS.

The man who changed Volkswagen?

Martin Winterkorn clearly wants to be remembered as the man who changed the face of the Volkswagen group.

Jaguar F-PACE: More business for vendors

Jaguar’s F-PACE performance crossover for with its lightweight aluminium architecture provides further business for suppliers of major technology and component suppliers.

Ford drives IC engine R&D to challenge EVs

As Ford continues to push its hybrid and electric vehicle products, its technical centre in Germany is working on lean reciprocating engines.

Mahindra launches India's first SUV with AMT

India’s leading SUV manufacturer, Mahindra, has unveiled its much-awaited sports utility vehicle, the TUV300.

JLR pushes on with zero emission technology

JaguarLandRover (JLR) has revealed some of the new and innovative low and zero emission powertrain technologies it is researching.

A time to hold nerves and stay calm

As auto executives pay homage by attending Europe's top-class automotive event – this year's Frankfurt motor show, just starting – their minds will be on other matters.

Qashqai generates UK cash for Nissan

Nissan claims it is making one Quashqai every 62 seconds at its Sunderland, UK production site.

VW to make 600 a day at new engine plant

Volkswagen Group has opened its new engine plant at Kaluga in Russia.

Daimler-Nissan break ground in Mexico

Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance yesterday broke ground for their joint-venture manufacturing complex, COMPAS (Cooperation Manufacturing Plant Aguascalientes) in central Mexico set to build next-generation premium compact vehicles for the brands Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti.

Navistar: Losses continue to flow

Thunder continues to rumble in the background at troubled Navistar International Corporation which has now reported 12 straight quarter losses on the trot

Ricardo cuts rear drive unit weight by 25%

Ricardo claims that by using state-of-the-art technologies it can cut the weight of a rear drive unit by 25 per cent

Schaeffler makes new active roll control unit

Schaeffler has built completely new production facilities at its Schweinfurt location in Germany to make a new electromechanical active roll control system the company has put into volume production.

Is there a market for plug-in hybrid trucks?

If Bob Lutz, chairman of VIA Motors is to be believed, his company is aiming to sell 50,000 hybrid trucks and vans a year by 2018.

Nissan seeks 10 per cent of US market

Nissan wants a 10 per cent US market share in 2016, according to Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, speaking recently at the J.D. Power Automotive Summit in San Francisco.

Bill McMenamin takes finance helm at Navistar

Bill McMenamin has become senior vice president and treasurer of Navistar International replacing Jim Moran.

TVR claims 250 orders for "new" car

TVR claims it has taken in excess of 250 deposits for its new sports car in only the first six weeks since the company opened the order book. 

I4 engine with the performance of a V8

A research programme in the US is pulling together various technologies to create a four-cylinder engine with the performance of a V8.

Ford pushes up 2-litre power, torque

In the US, Ford Focus ST customers can now obtain an upgrade kit that increases power and torque from the 2-litre gasoline engine.

Chevy teams with SAIC for 2019 MY launch

Chevrolet, through General Motors, is investing $5 billion for the development with SAIC Motors of an all-new vehicle family that will meet the rapidly changing demands of customers in these markets.

No downside to light-weighting – claims Jaguar

Dr Mark White, chief technical specialist, lightweight vehicle technologies at Jaguar, and an architect in helping Jaguar to pioneer the use of aluminium body-in-white (BIW) structures claims: “There is no downside to light-weighting.”

Torotrak sees JCB as ‘ideal partner’

Torotrak and JCB are working on a three-year £1,100,000 project to move the technology company’s Flybrid system know-how towards TRL8 readiness level.

Ohio sees SOP of Ford F-650/F-750

Ford Motor Company has launched start of  production (SOP) for the first time in the US of the all-new 2016 F-650/F-750 medium-duty trucks.

JLR to open 300,000/y car plant on Slovakia

JaguarLandRover (JLR) is to build a new manufacturing plant in the city of Nitra in western Slovakia to build aluminium-intensive vehicles from 2018 onwards.

Navistar: The changing face of MaxxForce

Could Navistar International be heading towards dropping its mid-range diesel engines following a quiet rejig of its nomenclature?

GM to build new body shop at Flint Assembly

General Motors is to invest $877 million to build a new body shop for the assembly plant, locating it closer to the Flint Metal Centre, which supplies sheet metal and other parts used in the Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickups produced in the Flint assembly plant.

Daimler-Nissan’s Mexico plant to roll in 2017

As BMW pushes ahead with its plans for its new plant in Mexico, the Daimler AG/Renault-Nissan Alliance launches a manufacturing joint venture in Aguascalientes in central Mexico to start in 2017.

US facility will test “real world” tyres

A new state-of-the-art facility for vehicle tyre characterisation will begin operations in 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

GKN to boost driveline output in Poland

GKN Driveline has launched the first phase of a significant expansion of its operations in Poland, with the construction of a new production facility. 

2.7-litre EcoBoost: where does Ford go from here?

Some years ago, somewhere deep in Ford Motor Company's Dearborn, Michigan, headquarters complex, a group of engineers and planners laid out the company's future engine strategy.

GM’s small diesels will compete with Audi

Chevrolet will add a new “clean diesel” engine to the lineup in 2017, featuring a B20-capable 1.6-litre diesel already proven in Europe and other global markets. B20 is a bio-diesel with 80% content petroleum-diesel.

BMW to open Mexico plant in 2019

BMW claims it is set to open its new plant in Mexico in 2019 with a planned annual capacity of 150,000.

Turnaround at Vauxhall

Vauxhall claims that its Vivaro UK van plant in Luton, Bedfordshire is working “almost full capacity”.

UPS gives backing to renewable diesel fuel

Delivery giant UPS, which has been in the vanguard of alternative fuels (last year it rolled out a fleet of 1,000 propane-powered delivery vehicles in Oklahoma and Louisiana), today has given its backing to Neste’s renewable diesel.

Volkswagen sees double-digit growth as . . .

Volkswagen Group has reported improved sales and earnings in the first six months of the year in a very challenging environment.

Ford, Nissan also show improved financial results

Declaring its second quarter results, Ford Motor Company shows a pre-tax profit of $2.9 billion, up $269 million from a year ago. Nissan too has impoved its results.

Teksid commits to greater CGI use

Teksid, the foundry arm of Fiat Group, is to boost its production of cylinder blocks and other engine components in compacted graphite iron (CGI).

GM continues “strong earnings growth”

General Motors has reported a strong earnings growth for the second quarter with net income attributable to common stockholders of $1.1 billion, which included a $1.1 billion loss from special items before tax.

Ricardo upgrades anechoic test facility

Ricardo has upgraded its Vehicle Anechoic Test Facility (VATF) at the Shoreham Technical Centre to expand the range of vehicles that can be tested.

VW forms truck and bus supervisory board

Volkswagen Truck & Bus GmbH, the holding company that brings together Volkswagen AG’s truck and bus interests, has formed a parity basis supervisory board.

Sunderland Q30 to bow at Frankfurt

 Visitors to the Frankfurt Motor Show in September will see the first Infiniti Q30 Premium Active Compact that will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland, UK plant next year

Nifco UK seeks third plastics facility

Plastic automotive parts maker Nifco UK, based at Eaglescliffe, near Stockton is to agree a deal with developers to launch the latest phase of the firm’s expansion as it plans to build the firm’s third new factory this decade.

Toyota hybrid sales pass 100,000 mark

Sales of Toyota and Lexus Hybrid models have passed the 100,000 mark for the first time in half-yearly sales. Sales of cars with BMW diesels will also increase.

BorgWarner named as VW turbo supplier

When Volkswagen introduced its high-performance 2-litre diesel, engineers adopted a twin-turbocharger layout; quite different to the simplified in-house single-turbo route taken by Daimler for its OM 471 truck diesel engine.

VW sales dip in “tense” markets

Volkswagen Group delivered slightly fewer vehicles in the first half of 2015 but again topped the five million mark even though some regions were “tense”. 

Are single-regime CVTs the way forward?

Step-less automatic transmissions continue to fascinate the automotive industry.

John Egan: The knight who rescued Jaguar

As Jaguar scales new heights in terms of production, output, quality and technical expertise, a new book depicts how Sir John Egan ‘saved’ the company from extinction and put it on a new footing. He even rescued the name 'Jaguar'.

Ford readies Transit for its next 50 years

Ford will next year add SCR deNOx technology to its heavier Transit van and chassis-cab models to comply with upcoming Euro 6.1 emission requirements applicable to diesel vehicles under 3.5 tonne gvw. Alan Bunting reports 

Ford Transit van is 50 today

Ford is marking the 50^th anniversary of the Transit van with a Press event at its Dunton, Essex, European Research and Development Centre.

Ford gives Mustang carbon fibre wheels

Ford is using carbon fibre for the wheels for the all-new Shelby GT350R track-ready, road-going production Mustang.

Change of technical lead at Cummins

Jennifer Rumsey, vice president of engineering for Cummins' engine business, is replacing Dr. John Wall as chief technical officer as the company begins production of its new ISV5.0 diesel.

Make or buy turbos? Daimler decides

Daimler AG is manufacturing diesel engine turbochargers in-house. It is another ground-breaking development by the vehicle builder on its relentless climb to the sunlit uplands of dominance.

Mercedes-Benz scores record half-year sales

With 898,425 vehicles delivered to customers in the first six months of 2015 (+14.7 per cent), Mercedes-Benz scored the best figures in the company’s history.

FlySafe will assess flywheel failure modes

Ricardo, in collaboration with various industrial and academic partners, has delivered a flywheel safety test environment to develop next-generation flywheel energy storage systems.

UK-built Honda R heads for Japan

Today, in his inaugural speech as Honda Motor Company CEO, Takahiro Hachigo said the new British-built Civic Type R is heading for customers in Japan.

Vauxhall Insignia latest to get ‘Whisper diesel'

Diesel engines have come a long way since the days when they emitted clouds of black smoke and a characteristic combustion sound. But they could be even better.

Demand for Ram diesel is “overwhelming” - FCA

Demand for the EcoDiesel version of the Ram 1500 pick-up truck has been described as “overwhelming”, according to Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA).

Daimler declares OM471 as a “masterpiece”

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its latest generation OM 471 heavy-duty truck engine which it hails as a “masterpiece of engineering”. 

OPOC engine production to begin this year?

Acccording to stock-watcher stock.ourxun.com production of the OPOC opposed-piston engine is expected to begin this year.

Torotrak seeks £13.8m to drive transmissions

Torotrak is asking investors to stump up £13.8 million. But will it be money down the drain?

Ricardo to develop Foton’s 1-litre engine

Ricardo is to develop a Euro 6 1-litre gasoline engine for Foton with a view to competing with BMW, Ford and Volkswagen in the European market.

Ford set to make greater use of 3D printing

Ford Motor Company could be on the point of making greater use of 3D printing to gain an edge in the manufacture of prototype parts.

Daimler: Sprinter van plant is a “benchmark”

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van plant in Ludwigsfelde is a benchmark for the industry, according to the company today.

Nissan to install new press line

NISSAN is investing £37 million in a new press facility in its record-breaking Sunderland, UK plant in a bid to increase output further.

Ford to return to Le Mans with EcoBoost

Ford will return to France in 2016 to mark the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.

ASIMCO signs up to make CGI engine parts

Another Chinese foundry has turned to SinterCast to install process control technology enabling it to supply CGI cylinder heads and blocks for commercial vehicle diesel engines

Opposed-piston engines: here we go again

The arrival of Cummins Inc. on the scene has once more thrown the limelight onto opposed-piston two-stroke diesel engines for military fighting vehicles.

Cummins in opposed-piston engine deal

Cummins Inc. has partnered with Achates Power, Inc. of San Diego, California which has been awarded a $14 million project to develop next-generation engines for tactical and combat vehicles.

Jaguar boosts power/torque of XJ diesels

Eight out of 13 of the models of the revamped Jaguar XJ luxury saloon are powered by a more powerful 3-litre diesel engine.

Fiat and GM? Barra says No!

Mary Barra is facing her first real test as chief executive officer of General Motors.

Ricardo to support Detroit Materials

Chassis brackets for Class 8 trucks could be the first area of joint development by Ricardo which has teamed up with Detroit Materials Inc. to help the start-up US company commercialise its products into the automotive sector.

Renault launches Bluecar production

This month, Groupe Renault’s Dieppe plant in northern France begins assembly of the Bluecar all-electric city car’.

Gliders offer EPA 2010 engine loophole

It seems that glider kits are attracting increasing attention in North America. On the one hand, Class 8 truck operators seemingly face problems and dissatisfaction with their EPA 2010 engines while on the other hand the glider kits offer them an opportunity to ‘wriggle round’ current EPA emission regulations.

AB Dynamics set to double capacity

AB Dynamics is moving to a new facility next year that will double capacity, allowing staff to work on one site for the first time in many years.

GM invests for future engine growth

General Motors is to invest $119 million in tools and equipment to support production of future vehicle components at its Grand Rapids, Michigan operations, creating approximately 300 future jobs.

Navistar makes progress under Clarke

Navistar International Corporation is beginning to spend money again. As the company continues with its mission to be industry 'Uptime leader’ in the industry, Navistar has purchased test track and proving grounds in New Carlisle, Indiana for an undisclosed sum. 

Ford halves shut-downs to boost output

Demand for Ford F-150, Edge, Escape and Explorer products is so great the company is idling certain plants for one week only in the summer shut-down in a bid to build 40,000 extra vehicles.

Next Astra has 1.4-litre aluminium engine

Leaked photographs have forced Vauxhall to reveal prematurely details of its next Astra, powered by an aluminium I4 gasoline engine; its predecessor has a cast iron cylinder block.

Ricardo strikes gold at Ford

Ricardo is feeling particularly pleased with itself today. Ricardo Inc. is one of 11 leading global suppliers to receive a Ford Gold award.

Eye in the car that keep drivers awake

A British company is working on a sensor device which can detect if a driver is falling asleep at the wheel.

Tupy expects four years' significant growth

Brazilian foundry Tupy SA is forecasting four years of “significant growth” of its compacted graphite iron (CGI) business from the automotive sector.

Tear-downs: paving the way for CGI growth

How will OEMs respond to Ford’s 2015 F-150 pick-up truck with its intensive use of aluminium and a gasoline engine with a CGI block?

BorgWarner wins JLR gasoline and diesel contracts

BorgWarner is one of a number of leading supplier companies to win business from JaguarLandRover (JLR) for its new Ingenium gasoline and diesel I4 engine programmes.