DETROIT (Bloomberg) -- U.S. automobile sales in January may have reached the second-fastest pace in 17 months, aided by rising business spending and consumer confidence.
January vehicle deliveries, to be released tomorrow, may have run at a 12.4 million annual rate, the average of six analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg. The seasonally adjusted rate in December was 12.6 million, the fastest since the government’s “cash for clunkers” program in August 2009.
Spending on equipment and software rose at a 5.8 percent annual rate in the fourth quarter, showing businesses were investing in a recovering economy. Humphrey & Associates Inc., a family-owned electrical contractor in the Dallas area, added seven Chevrolet trucks and vans to its fleet in December after delaying the purchases during the recession.
“People are beginning to spend a little money they’ve had on the sidelines,” Randy Humphrey, 42, the company’s vice president, said in a telephone interview. “We are dependent on our commercial and industrial clients and their business growth to make ours. When they’re adding, we’re adding.”
U.S. consumer confidence rose more than forecast in January to the highest in eight months, the Conference Board reported last week, while the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index of consumer sentiment fell less than analysts estimated. Gross domestic product grew at a 3.2 percent annual pace in the fourth quarter, the Commerce Department reported.
Analysts at Deutsche Bank AG and J.D. Power & Associates this month raised their estimates for 2011 light-vehicle sales after auto demand topped expectations in the fourth quarter. Gains from General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. may push the industry to a second annual sales increase after a 27-year low in 2009.
‘Strong close’
“There was such a strong close in December, and we aren’t expecting an equally strong payback,” said Jeff Schuster, the director of forecasting at J.D. Power who raised his full-year sales estimate to 13 million from 12.8 million. “That sets the year up for a good start.”
Full-year sales in 2010 were 11.6 million, or 31 percent less than the average 16.8 million annual rate before the recession, according to researcher Autodata Corp., based in Woodcliff Lake, N.J.
Ford, which last week announced full-year profit of $6.56 billion that was the most since 1999, may say sales climbed 18 percent, according to four analysts’ estimates.
“Ford still relies heavily on F-150 sales for the profit generation, and that segment is poised to outperform the market this year,” said Jesse Toprak, vice president of industry trends at TrueCar.com, who predicts a 16 percent gain for Ford in January.
Chevrolet pickups
GM may report a 9.2 percent increase in January sales, the average of four estimates. The automaker announced this month it would add a third shift and about 750 jobs to its assembly plant in Flint, Mich., to meet rising demand for heavy-duty pickups.
The largest U.S. automaker said its top-selling Chevrolet brand’s sales to small businesses accelerated in the fourth quarter, including a 54 percent surge in December from a year earlier.
Federal Reserve policy makers last week kept measures to stimulate the economy in place after President Barack Obama reached an agreement with Republicans in December to extend by two years tax cuts enacted during President George W. Bush’s administration.
“Interest rates are low enough, credit availability is improving, and we didn’t get a jolt from tax increases that would have affected higher-income taxpayers who buy a lot of vehicles,” said Paul Ballew, chief economist for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. in Columbus, Ohio. “All those things are clear pluses helping to bolster demand.”
Toyota sales
Toyota Motor Corp., the only large automaker to post a U.S. sales decline last year, may report a 16 percent gain for January, the average estimate of four analysts.
The world’s largest automaker suspended U.S. sales and production of eight models a year ago that accounted for more than half its deliveries. The company has recalled more than 18 million vehicles globally for a variety of reasons, including unintended acceleration, since the fall of 2009.
Barclays Capital analyst Brian Johnson predicts a 2.8 percent decline for Toyota, its fourth straight month of a decrease in sales from the earlier year. Deliveries of the top-selling Camry and Corolla cars may decline at least 10 percent, and Lexus sales also may drop, Christopher Ceraso, an analyst at Credit Suisse in New York, wrote in a Jan. 27 research note.
Chrysler estimates
Chrysler Group LLC may have increased sales 27 percent, the average of four analysts’ estimates. The automaker is preparing for an initial public offering this year and has said it can break even on an operating basis with 150,000 fewer vehicle sales annually.
The company is selling about 20 percent of its cars to fleet buyers such as governments and rental-car companies, down from about 50 percent in some months last year, Caldwell said.
Chrysler is considering two new pickups, a seven-passenger Jeep and a smaller minivan as part of a plan to boost global sales to 2.8 million in 2014. Worldwide deliveries gained 21 percent to 1.6 million last year, the automaker said.
Deliveries at Honda Motor Co. may have risen 24 percent, and Nissan Motor Co.’s sales may have increased 14 percent, according to the average of four analysts’ estimates.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
California Air Resources Board Tire Pressure Check Mandate
Effective September 1, 2010, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has a new regulation that requires California's automotive maintenance industry to check the tire pressure of every vehicle they service.
This rule, one of 44 early action measures required by the 2006 California Assembly Bill 32, will annually:
1. Eliminate 700,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions;
2. Reduce the state's fuel consumption by 75 million gallons; and,
3. Extend the average tire's useful life by 4,700 miles.
"The 40,000 service providers subject to the regulation include smog check stations, engine repair facilities and oil service providers. Those not included are car wash, body and paint, and glass repair businesses."
This rule, one of 44 early action measures required by the 2006 California Assembly Bill 32, will annually:
1. Eliminate 700,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions;
2. Reduce the state's fuel consumption by 75 million gallons; and,
3. Extend the average tire's useful life by 4,700 miles.
"The 40,000 service providers subject to the regulation include smog check stations, engine repair facilities and oil service providers. Those not included are car wash, body and paint, and glass repair businesses."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
taxes on a gallon of gas
The taxes on a gallon of gas start as soon as the oil comes out of the well. Although negotiated contracts, sweetheart deals, kickbacks and cross-cutting legislative actions can dramatically muddy the waters when it comes to assessing an "average" royalty in many countries, the fact is that companies like Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM - News) and BP (NYSE: BP - News) owe the landowner and/or the state money whenever they remove oil and natural gas. In the United States for instance, companies pay a royalty of 12.5% on oil taken from onshore Federal lands, and that is an addition to so-called "bonus bids" that are paid upfront.
If that oil travels through a pipeline to reach a refinery (and much of it does), there's more taxation there - states and municipalities will charge property tax on the pipelines, and some also charge tax based on the volume of oil or gas sent through the pipeline. What's more, pipeline tariffs are often restricted by law, which is in effect a tax as well.
Once the oil gets to the refinery, there's still more taxation that figures into the final pump price. Although excise tax is collected at different times and at different levels, the federal tax on gasoline amounts to a little over $0.18 per gallon, with states tacking on more tax (ranging from $0.07 to $0.30 per gallon depending upon the state). Don't forget, too, that many states tack on their regular sales tax every time you buy gasoline.
As the infomercials say, "but wait, there's more!" From the wellhead to the filling station, employers have to pay taxes on their employees' wages, property taxes on facilities, corporate income taxes and other incidental taxes like vehicle registration. While some of this does not necessarily pass on to the consumer (many economists have demonstrated the employees pay for their employer's taxes in the form of lower wages), most of it does.
If that oil travels through a pipeline to reach a refinery (and much of it does), there's more taxation there - states and municipalities will charge property tax on the pipelines, and some also charge tax based on the volume of oil or gas sent through the pipeline. What's more, pipeline tariffs are often restricted by law, which is in effect a tax as well.
Once the oil gets to the refinery, there's still more taxation that figures into the final pump price. Although excise tax is collected at different times and at different levels, the federal tax on gasoline amounts to a little over $0.18 per gallon, with states tacking on more tax (ranging from $0.07 to $0.30 per gallon depending upon the state). Don't forget, too, that many states tack on their regular sales tax every time you buy gasoline.
As the infomercials say, "but wait, there's more!" From the wellhead to the filling station, employers have to pay taxes on their employees' wages, property taxes on facilities, corporate income taxes and other incidental taxes like vehicle registration. While some of this does not necessarily pass on to the consumer (many economists have demonstrated the employees pay for their employer's taxes in the form of lower wages), most of it does.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
2005 Honda CR-V vibration on sharp turns
Customer complained about a noise and or shuttering when turning into a tight parking spot. The shudder is there everytime but only on sharp turns at slow speeds. The CR-V only has 52,000 miles on it.
SHop:
test drove and could duplicate the exact issue as described by the customer. Pulled into shop and put up on rack for further inspection. The vibration is in fact coming from the rear differential. With the engine off and holding one tire still and turning the other tire slowly you can reproduce the vibration and watch the rear differential jump around.
All research points to changing the differential fluid and Making certain to use Honda Dual Pump Fluid Only! According to the operaters manual the differential fluid is due to be changed at 60,000 miles. Unit holds 1.3 qts of fluid.
FIX:
Drained and replaced fluid with Honda Dual Pump Fluid II, that I got at my local auto parts store, and test Drove. Problem solved.
SHop:
test drove and could duplicate the exact issue as described by the customer. Pulled into shop and put up on rack for further inspection. The vibration is in fact coming from the rear differential. With the engine off and holding one tire still and turning the other tire slowly you can reproduce the vibration and watch the rear differential jump around.
All research points to changing the differential fluid and Making certain to use Honda Dual Pump Fluid Only! According to the operaters manual the differential fluid is due to be changed at 60,000 miles. Unit holds 1.3 qts of fluid.
FIX:
Drained and replaced fluid with Honda Dual Pump Fluid II, that I got at my local auto parts store, and test Drove. Problem solved.
Toyota recalls 1.7 million cars globally, including 245,000 Lexus sedans in U.S.
TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp., struggling to restore its reputation for top quality, today recalled nearly 1.7 million vehicles globally for a variety of fuel system related problems, including 245,000 Lexus IS and Lexus GS sedans in the United States.
The North American vehicles are being called back to inspect for possibly faulty installation of fuel pressure sensors. In cases where the sensor is not fastened tightly enough, fuel can leak between the gasket that connects the sensor to the fuel delivery pipes, Toyota said.
Lexus dealers in the United States will inspect vehicles for fuel leaks. If none is found, they will tighten the sensor. If leaks are confirmed, the gasket will be replaced and the sensor tightened.
The move affects the following vehicles in the United States: 2006-2007 model year Lexus GS300/350; 2006-early 2009 Lexus IS250; and 2006-early 2008 Lexus IS350.
Today's actions bring the total number of Toyota recalls since fall of 2009 to 18 million vehicles.
“After Toyota's recalls last year, the company is more sensitive to recall issues and conducting them as early as possible,” Satoru Takada, a Tokyo-based analyst at TIW Inc., told Bloomberg.
The move covering the fuel-pressure sensor covers 354,524 vehicles worldwide, including the Toyota Crown and Mark X sedans in Japan.
Also today, Toyota conducted a global recall targeting faulty fuel pipes and fuel check valves. That action affects 1.34 million vehicles, but none in North America.
Toyota said there have been no accidents related to any of the recall-related problems.
About 1.2 million of the vehicles in the second recall were sold in Japan, including the RAV4 SUV and the Voxy and Noah minivans. About 135,000 vehicles are in Europe, mostly the Avensis sedan and wagon manufactured at Toyota's plant in Britain.
A design flaw in those vehicles means that fuel pipes may develop cracks and leak. Some of the vehicles also have faulty check valves meant to prevent the reverse flow of fuel.
PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250 and 2006-2008 IS 350 Vehicles to Inspect the Fuel Pressure Sensor Installation Click here for Customer FAQ for Lexus IS and GS Fuel Pressure Sensor Re
Toyota Motor Corporation announces separate recall involving certain vehicles not sold in North America.
TORRANCE, Calif., January 26, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation.
Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and if no leakage is found, will tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and possible gasket replacement will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first class mail once the parts that may be needed have been obtained. Lexus will also post this information on its website. Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced a separate recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve. TMC's recall announcement does not involve vehicles sold in North America.
The North American vehicles are being called back to inspect for possibly faulty installation of fuel pressure sensors. In cases where the sensor is not fastened tightly enough, fuel can leak between the gasket that connects the sensor to the fuel delivery pipes, Toyota said.
Lexus dealers in the United States will inspect vehicles for fuel leaks. If none is found, they will tighten the sensor. If leaks are confirmed, the gasket will be replaced and the sensor tightened.
The move affects the following vehicles in the United States: 2006-2007 model year Lexus GS300/350; 2006-early 2009 Lexus IS250; and 2006-early 2008 Lexus IS350.
Today's actions bring the total number of Toyota recalls since fall of 2009 to 18 million vehicles.
“After Toyota's recalls last year, the company is more sensitive to recall issues and conducting them as early as possible,” Satoru Takada, a Tokyo-based analyst at TIW Inc., told Bloomberg.
The move covering the fuel-pressure sensor covers 354,524 vehicles worldwide, including the Toyota Crown and Mark X sedans in Japan.
Also today, Toyota conducted a global recall targeting faulty fuel pipes and fuel check valves. That action affects 1.34 million vehicles, but none in North America.
Toyota said there have been no accidents related to any of the recall-related problems.
About 1.2 million of the vehicles in the second recall were sold in Japan, including the RAV4 SUV and the Voxy and Noah minivans. About 135,000 vehicles are in Europe, mostly the Avensis sedan and wagon manufactured at Toyota's plant in Britain.
A design flaw in those vehicles means that fuel pipes may develop cracks and leak. Some of the vehicles also have faulty check valves meant to prevent the reverse flow of fuel.
PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250 and 2006-2008 IS 350 Vehicles to Inspect the Fuel Pressure Sensor Installation Click here for Customer FAQ for Lexus IS and GS Fuel Pressure Sensor Re
Toyota Motor Corporation announces separate recall involving certain vehicles not sold in North America.
TORRANCE, Calif., January 26, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation.
Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and if no leakage is found, will tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and possible gasket replacement will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first class mail once the parts that may be needed have been obtained. Lexus will also post this information on its website. Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced a separate recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve. TMC's recall announcement does not involve vehicles sold in North America.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Suzuki to pitch Kizashi sedan in regional Super Bowl ads
American Suzuki Motor Corp. will air a commercial for its Kizashi sport sedan during the Super Bowl next month, joining the crowded field of automotive brands hoping to capitalize on the year's biggest TV event.
It will be the Japanese automaker's first advertising appearance during a Super Bowl broadcast.
The 30-second Super Bowl spot is called “Wicked Weather” and will air in 19 markets concentrated in the eastern United States and seaboard, and in the Southeast.
The spot shows a driver evading a pack of menacing, snowball-wielding snowmen with the help of the Kizashi's optional all-wheel-drive system.
Suzuki aims to get the Kizashi and its optional AWD system in front of consumers that drive on snowy, icy roads during winter.
Suzuki will join a host of automotive brands with ads planned for the Super Bowl, including Hyundai, Kia, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz.
Before the “Kizashi Kicks” marketing campaign that began this month, Suzuki had a scant national advertising presence in 2010 as U.S. sales fell 38 percent from 2009.
Kizashi volume totaled 6,138 in 2010 in its first full year on sale.
It will be the Japanese automaker's first advertising appearance during a Super Bowl broadcast.
The 30-second Super Bowl spot is called “Wicked Weather” and will air in 19 markets concentrated in the eastern United States and seaboard, and in the Southeast.
The spot shows a driver evading a pack of menacing, snowball-wielding snowmen with the help of the Kizashi's optional all-wheel-drive system.
Suzuki aims to get the Kizashi and its optional AWD system in front of consumers that drive on snowy, icy roads during winter.
Suzuki will join a host of automotive brands with ads planned for the Super Bowl, including Hyundai, Kia, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz.
Before the “Kizashi Kicks” marketing campaign that began this month, Suzuki had a scant national advertising presence in 2010 as U.S. sales fell 38 percent from 2009.
Kizashi volume totaled 6,138 in 2010 in its first full year on sale.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
EPA approves E15 fuel for use in 2001-2006 cars
Automakers to ask courts to overturn rule
WASHINGTON – Gasoline can be sold with as much as 15 percent ethanol – up from the current 10 percent limit - in vehicles made between 2001 and 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said today.
The Obama administration's announcement dealt another defeat on ethanol concentration to automakers, who said they would probably contest the decision in court.
Last October, the EPA approved use of so-called E-15 gasoline for cars, SUVs and light pickup trucks made during the 2007 model year and later.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said today that use of E-15 gasoline would “allow more home-grown fuels in America's vehicles” without harm to emissions control equipment in cars and light trucks made since 2001.
Jackson said there had been “thorough testing” of the fuel by the U.S. Department of Energy.
EPA also said it will ensure that E-15 gasoline is properly labeled at the gas pump to prevent it from being pumped into vehicles that might be harmed.
An international automaker group said the government hasn't done enough testing to ensure that vehicles fueled with E-15 gasoline would be safe.
“All the data is not in to prove that E-15 won't have a negative effect on any vehicles,” said Mike Stanton, president of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers.
Automakers seek court relief
He also expressed concern that, even with labels at the gas pump, consumers might accidentally fuel cars that haven't been approved for E-15 fuel.
Last month, U.S. carmakers and engine manufacturers asked a federal appeals court to require the EPA to reconsider its earlier ethanol decision on cars made since 2007.
Stanton said the lawsuit would probably be expanded to include vehicles covered by today's EPA decision.
There are more than 150 million vehicles made since 2001 on U.S. roads, and they account for 74 percent of vehicle gasoline consumption, EPA spokesman Cathy Milbourn said in an interview.
By 2014, there will likely be 187 million cars and light trucks made since 2001, and they will account for 85 percent of gasoline consumption, she said.
The decision today was hailed by a group of ethanol makers called Growth Energy.
“Increased use of ethanol will strengthen our energy security, create U.S. jobs and improve the environment,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy.
The EPA did not grant approval today for E-15 gasoline use in motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles or non-road engines because testing has not yet determined it is safe, the agency said in a statement.
WASHINGTON – Gasoline can be sold with as much as 15 percent ethanol – up from the current 10 percent limit - in vehicles made between 2001 and 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said today.
The Obama administration's announcement dealt another defeat on ethanol concentration to automakers, who said they would probably contest the decision in court.
Last October, the EPA approved use of so-called E-15 gasoline for cars, SUVs and light pickup trucks made during the 2007 model year and later.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said today that use of E-15 gasoline would “allow more home-grown fuels in America's vehicles” without harm to emissions control equipment in cars and light trucks made since 2001.
Jackson said there had been “thorough testing” of the fuel by the U.S. Department of Energy.
EPA also said it will ensure that E-15 gasoline is properly labeled at the gas pump to prevent it from being pumped into vehicles that might be harmed.
An international automaker group said the government hasn't done enough testing to ensure that vehicles fueled with E-15 gasoline would be safe.
“All the data is not in to prove that E-15 won't have a negative effect on any vehicles,” said Mike Stanton, president of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers.
Automakers seek court relief
He also expressed concern that, even with labels at the gas pump, consumers might accidentally fuel cars that haven't been approved for E-15 fuel.
Last month, U.S. carmakers and engine manufacturers asked a federal appeals court to require the EPA to reconsider its earlier ethanol decision on cars made since 2007.
Stanton said the lawsuit would probably be expanded to include vehicles covered by today's EPA decision.
There are more than 150 million vehicles made since 2001 on U.S. roads, and they account for 74 percent of vehicle gasoline consumption, EPA spokesman Cathy Milbourn said in an interview.
By 2014, there will likely be 187 million cars and light trucks made since 2001, and they will account for 85 percent of gasoline consumption, she said.
The decision today was hailed by a group of ethanol makers called Growth Energy.
“Increased use of ethanol will strengthen our energy security, create U.S. jobs and improve the environment,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy.
The EPA did not grant approval today for E-15 gasoline use in motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles or non-road engines because testing has not yet determined it is safe, the agency said in a statement.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Nissan makes a play for Detroit's vans
Nissan North America took aim at another Detroit 3-dominated vehicle segment today when it began producing commercial vans at its plant in Canton, Miss.
Nissan's new 2012 NV will go on sale in late February, squaring off against the Ford E series and General Motors' GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express cargo vans, as well as the Freightliner Sprinter, which had been sold by Dodge but is now sold by Freightliner dealers.
Joe Castelli, Nissan North America's vice president for light commercial vehicles and fleet, acknowledged that the van faces a tough crowd for the Detroit-dominated product segment.
“We're going up against two formidable competitors who have 95 percent of the segment,” Castelli said of Ford and GM. “We're the new kids on the job site.”
But he called his new van a “segment buster.”
He said Nissan plans to reach commercial van customers -- such as home builders, plumbers, house painters, florists and shuttle operators -- by offering a more modern vehicle. The NV boasts pickup-style front seats. It offers a tall-roof option that lets users walk around in the cargo area. And it provides pre-drilled cargo mounts in the vehicle body -- an innovation that will make it easier and less expensive for van up-fitters to install racks and shelves.
North American entry
Carlos Tavares, chairman for Nissan Americas, said the innovations will help establish Nissan in the segment.
“The NV brings innovation into a segment that hasn't seen much in decades,” Tavares told workers at the Canton plant this afternoon.
Globally, Nissan Motor Co. markets a large portfolio of commercial vehicles, including moving vans, specialty trucks and taxis. The production launch in Mississippi represents the first salvo in Nissan's entry into the commercial business in North America.
Other commercial vehicles will follow the NV, including a compact cargo van that will go against the small Ford Transit Connect. Nissan also will sell an electric version of that van.
Dealership changes
The NV will retail for $25,570, including dealer delivery. Castelli said about 250 of Nissan's 1,100 U.S. retailers have opted to sell the commercial van. To add the line, Nissan dealers had to agree to make dealership changes, including installation of more heavy-duty vehicle lifts, a designated service lane, larger service shop doors in some cases, and sales and technical training to handle commercial customers.
“As the economic recovery is just beginning to take hold,” Castelli told workers, “we're in a prime position to capture that tremendous pent-up demand for long overdue replacement vehicles.
“This is just the starting point for Nissan commercial vehicles in the United States,” he said. “We plan on becoming a major player.”
Nissan's new 2012 NV will go on sale in late February, squaring off against the Ford E series and General Motors' GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express cargo vans, as well as the Freightliner Sprinter, which had been sold by Dodge but is now sold by Freightliner dealers.
Joe Castelli, Nissan North America's vice president for light commercial vehicles and fleet, acknowledged that the van faces a tough crowd for the Detroit-dominated product segment.
“We're going up against two formidable competitors who have 95 percent of the segment,” Castelli said of Ford and GM. “We're the new kids on the job site.”
But he called his new van a “segment buster.”
He said Nissan plans to reach commercial van customers -- such as home builders, plumbers, house painters, florists and shuttle operators -- by offering a more modern vehicle. The NV boasts pickup-style front seats. It offers a tall-roof option that lets users walk around in the cargo area. And it provides pre-drilled cargo mounts in the vehicle body -- an innovation that will make it easier and less expensive for van up-fitters to install racks and shelves.
North American entry
Carlos Tavares, chairman for Nissan Americas, said the innovations will help establish Nissan in the segment.
“The NV brings innovation into a segment that hasn't seen much in decades,” Tavares told workers at the Canton plant this afternoon.
Globally, Nissan Motor Co. markets a large portfolio of commercial vehicles, including moving vans, specialty trucks and taxis. The production launch in Mississippi represents the first salvo in Nissan's entry into the commercial business in North America.
Other commercial vehicles will follow the NV, including a compact cargo van that will go against the small Ford Transit Connect. Nissan also will sell an electric version of that van.
Dealership changes
The NV will retail for $25,570, including dealer delivery. Castelli said about 250 of Nissan's 1,100 U.S. retailers have opted to sell the commercial van. To add the line, Nissan dealers had to agree to make dealership changes, including installation of more heavy-duty vehicle lifts, a designated service lane, larger service shop doors in some cases, and sales and technical training to handle commercial customers.
“As the economic recovery is just beginning to take hold,” Castelli told workers, “we're in a prime position to capture that tremendous pent-up demand for long overdue replacement vehicles.
“This is just the starting point for Nissan commercial vehicles in the United States,” he said. “We plan on becoming a major player.”
Monday, January 17, 2011
Chevy Venture noise from the engine
I have a 2001 Chevy Venture with 140K miles on it and over the past two months, I've noticed a medium pitch "turbine" type noise from the engine. This only occurs after I've been driving the car for about 10 miles. The pitch of the noise changes with the engine rpms, not the vehicle's speed. So if i take my foot off the gas, the noise goes away. But as I rev the engine higher, the pitch gets higher though the pitch is never very high. The noise does seem to be getting louder over time.
I bought this car used about 4 years ago and since I bought it, i've had the head gasket replaced because of a coolant leak and the AC system replaced, the bearings replaced and the brakes replaced.
Recently, I noticed that the car overheats at idle and there wasn't any obvious leak but the radiator was low while the resevoir was full. I changed the radiator cap and that seemed to fix that problem.
I was hoping that would fix the noise but it did not. I was thinking that maybe the water pump was making the noise since the pump is connected to the engine via the serpentine belt and engine rpms would affect the pump. I dont see any leaks at the pump and it seems to be spinning fine and when its at idle i can't localise the noise.
Anyone have any ideas?
Response:
It may be that your power steering pump resivior is low on fluid. Would be the first thing I would check. If all your fluids are good, then I would remove the belt to make certain the noise wasn't internal in the engine.
It is possible for it to be the water pump, but not as likely as it would be the power steering or the alternater going out. In my shop I use a stethescope(sp) type devise to listen in close for noises, the old timers used to use a long screw driver and touch it to part of the engine and the other to their ear..... some use a piece of garden hose.... you an try those at your own risk....
I bought this car used about 4 years ago and since I bought it, i've had the head gasket replaced because of a coolant leak and the AC system replaced, the bearings replaced and the brakes replaced.
Recently, I noticed that the car overheats at idle and there wasn't any obvious leak but the radiator was low while the resevoir was full. I changed the radiator cap and that seemed to fix that problem.
I was hoping that would fix the noise but it did not. I was thinking that maybe the water pump was making the noise since the pump is connected to the engine via the serpentine belt and engine rpms would affect the pump. I dont see any leaks at the pump and it seems to be spinning fine and when its at idle i can't localise the noise.
Anyone have any ideas?
Response:
It may be that your power steering pump resivior is low on fluid. Would be the first thing I would check. If all your fluids are good, then I would remove the belt to make certain the noise wasn't internal in the engine.
It is possible for it to be the water pump, but not as likely as it would be the power steering or the alternater going out. In my shop I use a stethescope(sp) type devise to listen in close for noises, the old timers used to use a long screw driver and touch it to part of the engine and the other to their ear..... some use a piece of garden hose.... you an try those at your own risk....
Friday, January 14, 2011
Free Serpentine Belt Routing Diagrams
FreeAutoMechanic.com is proud to have the ability to make vehicle specific belt routing diagrams available for free.
If you find yourself with that annoying squealing noise coming form the engine compartment, odds are it is the serpentine belt that is trying to tell you it is time to replace it. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of being broke down along side the road.
Why not replace the belt yourself. You can find the belt routing information on a decal located under the hood of most vehicles and for those cases that you can not find it there, you can get the belt routing diagrams free at FreeAutoMechanic.com
If you find yourself with that annoying squealing noise coming form the engine compartment, odds are it is the serpentine belt that is trying to tell you it is time to replace it. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of being broke down along side the road.
Why not replace the belt yourself. You can find the belt routing information on a decal located under the hood of most vehicles and for those cases that you can not find it there, you can get the belt routing diagrams free at FreeAutoMechanic.com
Thursday, January 13, 2011
What is that squealing noise?
Driving a 96 Nissan Quest minivan.
In the last week a new problem has cropped up. I leave for work around 6:30 in the morning so most of my neighbors are still asleep. I hate to make a lot of noise, but my car isn't cooperating.
I pull out of the driveway and as I turn onto the street there comes a horrendously loud squealing noise from under the hood. I've heard other cars that do this and just shook my head. Now it is happening to me.
I don't know much about cars, so I really don't know what is causing it to make this super loud, high pitched noise. It only lasts about 15 seconds, thank God. But that sure seems like about 15 seconds too long when I'm in the car at 6:30 in the morning.
I'm thinking it could be something to do with the power steering. Or maybe it is a v-belt squealing. All I know for sure is I need to fix it asap, or my neighbors will probably lynch me.
Any ideas what it could be?
Response:
it is most likely your belt for a temporary fix you can spray lubricate on your belt but sooner or later The Belt will need to be replaced. i had a van that did the same thing and this is what i did.
In the last week a new problem has cropped up. I leave for work around 6:30 in the morning so most of my neighbors are still asleep. I hate to make a lot of noise, but my car isn't cooperating.
I pull out of the driveway and as I turn onto the street there comes a horrendously loud squealing noise from under the hood. I've heard other cars that do this and just shook my head. Now it is happening to me.
I don't know much about cars, so I really don't know what is causing it to make this super loud, high pitched noise. It only lasts about 15 seconds, thank God. But that sure seems like about 15 seconds too long when I'm in the car at 6:30 in the morning.
I'm thinking it could be something to do with the power steering. Or maybe it is a v-belt squealing. All I know for sure is I need to fix it asap, or my neighbors will probably lynch me.
Any ideas what it could be?
Response:
it is most likely your belt for a temporary fix you can spray lubricate on your belt but sooner or later The Belt will need to be replaced. i had a van that did the same thing and this is what i did.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Ford says hybrids, EVs could be a quarter of sales by 2020
In 10 years, one-quarter of Ford Motor Co.'s global sales could be electrified vehicles and hybrids, Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development, said today at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Kuzak, CEO Alan Mulally, and other Ford executives discussed the automaker's electrification goals and plans this afternoon at the show.
By 2015, Ford plans for hybrid-electric, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to account for 2 to 5 percent of its global sales volume, Kuzak said. By 2020, that will rise to 10 to 25 percent, he said. Hybrids are projected to make up most of those sales.
In 2010, hybrid-electric vehicles made up about 1 percent of Ford's global unit sales.
Ford has electrified vehicles in the works on compact and mid-sized platforms. More electrified vehicles could be built on other platforms, Kuzak said during an earlier media briefing. Ford aims to offer consumers more vehicle choices as the automaker complies with lower carbon dioxide emission requirements, Kuzak said.
Affordable volume
“The real step that needs to be taken on electrification is to make electrified vehicles affordable. One way to make them affordable is to drive volume. That's really the whole basis of our strategy,” Kuzak said. “Our next generation of hybrids will be at an even lower cost.”
Kuzak said Ford set such a wide range -- 10 to 25 percent -- for its 2020 electrified vehicles target because those vehicles still require government subsidies, and the level of future subsidies is unclear. Ford also will watch the impact in China of that country's new energy vehicle policy.
In the short term, Ford will offer five electrified vehicles in the United States by 2012. One of those will be the Focus Electric, which Mulally showed today.
All of Ford's hybrid-electric, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles due by 2012 will be on compact or mid-sized platforms, Kuzak said. He said a quarter of vehicles sold worldwide are those sizes.
Kuzak said Ford's electrified vehicle business model assumes U.S. gasoline prices of $3.50 to $4 per gallon.
Kuzak, CEO Alan Mulally, and other Ford executives discussed the automaker's electrification goals and plans this afternoon at the show.
By 2015, Ford plans for hybrid-electric, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to account for 2 to 5 percent of its global sales volume, Kuzak said. By 2020, that will rise to 10 to 25 percent, he said. Hybrids are projected to make up most of those sales.
In 2010, hybrid-electric vehicles made up about 1 percent of Ford's global unit sales.
Ford has electrified vehicles in the works on compact and mid-sized platforms. More electrified vehicles could be built on other platforms, Kuzak said during an earlier media briefing. Ford aims to offer consumers more vehicle choices as the automaker complies with lower carbon dioxide emission requirements, Kuzak said.
Affordable volume
“The real step that needs to be taken on electrification is to make electrified vehicles affordable. One way to make them affordable is to drive volume. That's really the whole basis of our strategy,” Kuzak said. “Our next generation of hybrids will be at an even lower cost.”
Kuzak said Ford set such a wide range -- 10 to 25 percent -- for its 2020 electrified vehicles target because those vehicles still require government subsidies, and the level of future subsidies is unclear. Ford also will watch the impact in China of that country's new energy vehicle policy.
In the short term, Ford will offer five electrified vehicles in the United States by 2012. One of those will be the Focus Electric, which Mulally showed today.
All of Ford's hybrid-electric, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles due by 2012 will be on compact or mid-sized platforms, Kuzak said. He said a quarter of vehicles sold worldwide are those sizes.
Kuzak said Ford's electrified vehicle business model assumes U.S. gasoline prices of $3.50 to $4 per gallon.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Getting to 35.5: The ABCs of mpg
When gasoline prices blew past $3 a gallon last week, the highest level in 26 months, it was tough news for consumers but a marketing boost for automakers trying to sell pricey new technology needed to meet tougher fuel economy rules that took effect Jan. 1.
The new era will raise fleet fuel economy standards, in annual steps, to 35.5 mpg for 2016 models, a 30 percent rise from the 27.3 mpg of the 2011 model year.
The first step is a total fleet average of 30.1 mpg for 2012 models, which officially can go on sale this week. Automakers already are accelerating their use of costly lightweight materials and advanced powertrains on the way to 2016.
The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2010 model year show that some companies -- including Toyota, Honda, Hyundai-Kia and Mazda -- are at or above the 2012 standard and are well positioned with their product mix.
For others below the 2012 standard -- such as Chrysler, BMW, Daimler and Porsche -- the requirements will mean an acceleration of steps to slash weight, shuffle products and shrink powertrains.
Those changes don't come cheap. And when gasoline prices are low, the pricey technology is a tough sell.
Transitioning to the new standards is "a tough task, but we're facing it as grown-ups," said Rick Spina, who leads development of full-sized trucks for General Motors Co.
Spina said GM plans to trim 500 pounds from its light trucks by 2016, and by the early 2020s, might need to cut as much as 1,000 pounds per truck.
"We're going to do everything we can to keep the customer from realizing we've had to make changes in a fundamental way," Spina said.
The industry will meet the CAFE challenge with some sophisticated technology: eight-speed automatic transmissions, variable valve timing, electric power steering, stop-start systems, turbochargers, direct injection, hybrid systems and diesels, primarily in light trucks. The technologies are migrating into smaller segments, and smaller engines are moving into larger vehicles.
For 2016 models, the standard for cars rises to 39.5 mpg. But the light-trucks standard for 2016 models -- 29.8 mpg -- will be the greatest challenge. Automakers are scrambling to strip hundreds of pounds from future pickups without sacrificing strength or towing capability.
Ford, like GM, has only one design cycle to make significant changes to its pickup line. And Ford is working quickly to revamp its engine and model offerings.
Next month, Ford will launch a turbocharged engine in the F-150 alongside the recently introduced, naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6. 5.0- and 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engines. Ford says the F-150's turbo, based on the 3.5-liter, V-6 direct injection turbo engine in the Ford Taurus SHO sedan, will still meet truck durability requirements.
Overall, Ford says, fuel economy will improve 20 percent across the F-150 range.
Ford says it will offer EcoBoost turbocharged engines with direct injection on 90 percent of its North American cars and trucks within a couple of years.
Ford will offer four-cylinder EcoBoost engines on smaller vehicles such as the Focus ST, due in 2012. In addition, the 2011 Explorer initially has two engines available, a normally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 and the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine. Each of the engines is expected to provide a 30 percent boost in fuel economy over the outgoing body-on-frame Explorers.
Here are other ways automakers are improving fuel efficiency to get to the 2012-model requirements of 25.7 mpg for light trucks, 33.8 mpg for cars and 30.1 mpg for fleets. NHTSA's fuel-economy figures for the 2010 model year indicate how far they have to go.
Chrysler: Help from Fiat
(2010: Trucks, 24.1; Cars, 28.0)
Under the management of Fiat and helped by its technical know-how, Chrysler Group promises a fleet of more fuel-efficient cars. But most of them will not hit the market until 2012.
Chrysler's goal, outlined in its Nov. 4, 2009 business presentation, is to improve fleet fuel economy 25 percent by the end of 2014.
The Pentastar V-6, which first appeared last year in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, is replacing seven V-6 engine families over a two-year period. The Pentastar alone will improve Chrysler Group's overall fuel economy by 2 mpg, according to company spokesman Vince Muniga. The Pentastar will account for about 40 percent of all Chrysler Group engines by 2014.
Beyond that, the company has announced plans to use a Fiat-designed six-speed dual clutch transmission and an eight-speed automatic for larger vehicles designed by supplier ZF Friedrichshafen.
Starting with the 2012 Fiat 500 minicar, Chrysler will begin using Fiat's MultiAir technology, which improves performance and fuel economy by regulating the intake valves. Fiat says the system improves fuel economy by 10 percent and torque by 15 percent compared with the same 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine without the system.
BMW: 8-speeds, smaller lineup
(2010: Trucks, 23.6; Cars, 28.7)
BMW has spent nearly $1.6 billion this year on fuel-saving technology. And it's about to get a complete makeover with multispeed transmissions, smaller crossovers and downsized engines.
Edmunds.com reports that BMW will have seven models with eight-speed transmissions in the 2011 model year, up from two in the 2010 model year. It also will increase the number of turbochargers from six in the 2009 to 15 this year.
BMW also is adding smaller products and engines. It will bring a new front-wheel-drive family of cars in a class known as UKL, a German abbreviation for lower-compact-class cars.
"It will be a relatively big segment because we have several body styles," Ian Robertson, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing, told Automotive News last fall.
The vehicles will be launched in the next few years, and will come to the United States with four-cylinder engines.
And BMW will concentrate on small crossovers in the next 18 months with a redesigned X3 and the new X1.
Both are based on the redesigned 3-series sedan, which will arrive in 2012 with a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder gasoline engine which it has used in other markets besides North America.
In 2013, a new sub brand of electric and hybrid vehicles being developed by BMW's Project i group will debut.
EVERY YEAR, A LITTLE TOUGHER
Federal fleet-average mpg standards, by model year
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Cars 33.8 34.7 36 37.7 39.5
Light trucks 25.7 26.4 27.3 28.5 29.8
Fleet 30.1 31.1 32.2 33.8 35.5
Daimler: 4 cylinders and small cars
(2010: Trucks, 21.5; Cars: 26.9)
Daimler AG nearly doubled its spending on fuel efficiency on its Mercedes-Benz vehicles in 2010, to $1.3 billion.
In Europe, Mercedes is rolling out an S-class sedan with a four-cylinder engine, a first in the model's 60-year history, and may add the vehicle for North America, dealers say.
Mercedes will ship three compact front-wheel-drive vehicles to the United States starting in 2012, including one with an alternative drivetrain.
Either a compact SUV or a coupe derived from the B-class platform will go on sale first. Neither will wear a B-class badge.
Mercedes will add an electric compact van. It's considering a fuel-cell model or an electric with a range-extending gasoline engine. Details aren't final.
Like BMW, Mercedes will also increase the use of multispeed transmissions. According to press reports, it is developing a nine-speed automatic (dubbed 9G-Tronic) that will debut in the 2012 S Class sedan.
Reuters contributed to this report
2010 MODEL YEAR CAFE RANKINGS
Domestic passenger cars
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Tesla 346.8
2. Toyota 36.4
3. Nissan 34.8
4. Honda 34.7
5. Ford 32.3
6. Mazda 31.4
7. GM 30.6
8. Chrysler 28.0
Imported passenger cars
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Toyota 44.4
2. Honda 40.9
3. Kia 36.6
4. Hyundai 36.0
5. Mazda 34.5
Light trucks
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Hyundai 30.0
2. Subaru 29.9
3. Mitsubishi 28.3
4. Honda 26.9
5. Mazda 26.6
9. GM 25.4
12. Chrysler 24.1
13. Ford 24.0
The EPA calculates CAFE based on gas mileage estimates for each car in an automaker's lineup and the number of those cars produced that year.
The lineups are split into three groups: Domestic passenger cars, which includes cars built using mostly domestically sourced parts, for either an American or foreign nameplate; imported passenger cars, built mostly with parts from abroad; and light trucks, which includes everything from pickups and minivans to crossover SUVs, no matter where their parts come from.
Source: NHTSA, EPA
The new era will raise fleet fuel economy standards, in annual steps, to 35.5 mpg for 2016 models, a 30 percent rise from the 27.3 mpg of the 2011 model year.
The first step is a total fleet average of 30.1 mpg for 2012 models, which officially can go on sale this week. Automakers already are accelerating their use of costly lightweight materials and advanced powertrains on the way to 2016.
The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2010 model year show that some companies -- including Toyota, Honda, Hyundai-Kia and Mazda -- are at or above the 2012 standard and are well positioned with their product mix.
For others below the 2012 standard -- such as Chrysler, BMW, Daimler and Porsche -- the requirements will mean an acceleration of steps to slash weight, shuffle products and shrink powertrains.
Those changes don't come cheap. And when gasoline prices are low, the pricey technology is a tough sell.
Transitioning to the new standards is "a tough task, but we're facing it as grown-ups," said Rick Spina, who leads development of full-sized trucks for General Motors Co.
Spina said GM plans to trim 500 pounds from its light trucks by 2016, and by the early 2020s, might need to cut as much as 1,000 pounds per truck.
"We're going to do everything we can to keep the customer from realizing we've had to make changes in a fundamental way," Spina said.
The industry will meet the CAFE challenge with some sophisticated technology: eight-speed automatic transmissions, variable valve timing, electric power steering, stop-start systems, turbochargers, direct injection, hybrid systems and diesels, primarily in light trucks. The technologies are migrating into smaller segments, and smaller engines are moving into larger vehicles.
For 2016 models, the standard for cars rises to 39.5 mpg. But the light-trucks standard for 2016 models -- 29.8 mpg -- will be the greatest challenge. Automakers are scrambling to strip hundreds of pounds from future pickups without sacrificing strength or towing capability.
Ford, like GM, has only one design cycle to make significant changes to its pickup line. And Ford is working quickly to revamp its engine and model offerings.
Next month, Ford will launch a turbocharged engine in the F-150 alongside the recently introduced, naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6. 5.0- and 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engines. Ford says the F-150's turbo, based on the 3.5-liter, V-6 direct injection turbo engine in the Ford Taurus SHO sedan, will still meet truck durability requirements.
Overall, Ford says, fuel economy will improve 20 percent across the F-150 range.
Ford says it will offer EcoBoost turbocharged engines with direct injection on 90 percent of its North American cars and trucks within a couple of years.
Ford will offer four-cylinder EcoBoost engines on smaller vehicles such as the Focus ST, due in 2012. In addition, the 2011 Explorer initially has two engines available, a normally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 and the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine. Each of the engines is expected to provide a 30 percent boost in fuel economy over the outgoing body-on-frame Explorers.
Here are other ways automakers are improving fuel efficiency to get to the 2012-model requirements of 25.7 mpg for light trucks, 33.8 mpg for cars and 30.1 mpg for fleets. NHTSA's fuel-economy figures for the 2010 model year indicate how far they have to go.
Chrysler: Help from Fiat
(2010: Trucks, 24.1; Cars, 28.0)
Under the management of Fiat and helped by its technical know-how, Chrysler Group promises a fleet of more fuel-efficient cars. But most of them will not hit the market until 2012.
Chrysler's goal, outlined in its Nov. 4, 2009 business presentation, is to improve fleet fuel economy 25 percent by the end of 2014.
The Pentastar V-6, which first appeared last year in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, is replacing seven V-6 engine families over a two-year period. The Pentastar alone will improve Chrysler Group's overall fuel economy by 2 mpg, according to company spokesman Vince Muniga. The Pentastar will account for about 40 percent of all Chrysler Group engines by 2014.
Beyond that, the company has announced plans to use a Fiat-designed six-speed dual clutch transmission and an eight-speed automatic for larger vehicles designed by supplier ZF Friedrichshafen.
Starting with the 2012 Fiat 500 minicar, Chrysler will begin using Fiat's MultiAir technology, which improves performance and fuel economy by regulating the intake valves. Fiat says the system improves fuel economy by 10 percent and torque by 15 percent compared with the same 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine without the system.
BMW: 8-speeds, smaller lineup
(2010: Trucks, 23.6; Cars, 28.7)
BMW has spent nearly $1.6 billion this year on fuel-saving technology. And it's about to get a complete makeover with multispeed transmissions, smaller crossovers and downsized engines.
Edmunds.com reports that BMW will have seven models with eight-speed transmissions in the 2011 model year, up from two in the 2010 model year. It also will increase the number of turbochargers from six in the 2009 to 15 this year.
BMW also is adding smaller products and engines. It will bring a new front-wheel-drive family of cars in a class known as UKL, a German abbreviation for lower-compact-class cars.
"It will be a relatively big segment because we have several body styles," Ian Robertson, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing, told Automotive News last fall.
The vehicles will be launched in the next few years, and will come to the United States with four-cylinder engines.
And BMW will concentrate on small crossovers in the next 18 months with a redesigned X3 and the new X1.
Both are based on the redesigned 3-series sedan, which will arrive in 2012 with a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder gasoline engine which it has used in other markets besides North America.
In 2013, a new sub brand of electric and hybrid vehicles being developed by BMW's Project i group will debut.
EVERY YEAR, A LITTLE TOUGHER
Federal fleet-average mpg standards, by model year
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Cars 33.8 34.7 36 37.7 39.5
Light trucks 25.7 26.4 27.3 28.5 29.8
Fleet 30.1 31.1 32.2 33.8 35.5
Daimler: 4 cylinders and small cars
(2010: Trucks, 21.5; Cars: 26.9)
Daimler AG nearly doubled its spending on fuel efficiency on its Mercedes-Benz vehicles in 2010, to $1.3 billion.
In Europe, Mercedes is rolling out an S-class sedan with a four-cylinder engine, a first in the model's 60-year history, and may add the vehicle for North America, dealers say.
Mercedes will ship three compact front-wheel-drive vehicles to the United States starting in 2012, including one with an alternative drivetrain.
Either a compact SUV or a coupe derived from the B-class platform will go on sale first. Neither will wear a B-class badge.
Mercedes will add an electric compact van. It's considering a fuel-cell model or an electric with a range-extending gasoline engine. Details aren't final.
Like BMW, Mercedes will also increase the use of multispeed transmissions. According to press reports, it is developing a nine-speed automatic (dubbed 9G-Tronic) that will debut in the 2012 S Class sedan.
Reuters contributed to this report
2010 MODEL YEAR CAFE RANKINGS
Domestic passenger cars
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Tesla 346.8
2. Toyota 36.4
3. Nissan 34.8
4. Honda 34.7
5. Ford 32.3
6. Mazda 31.4
7. GM 30.6
8. Chrysler 28.0
Imported passenger cars
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Toyota 44.4
2. Honda 40.9
3. Kia 36.6
4. Hyundai 36.0
5. Mazda 34.5
Light trucks
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Hyundai 30.0
2. Subaru 29.9
3. Mitsubishi 28.3
4. Honda 26.9
5. Mazda 26.6
9. GM 25.4
12. Chrysler 24.1
13. Ford 24.0
The EPA calculates CAFE based on gas mileage estimates for each car in an automaker's lineup and the number of those cars produced that year.
The lineups are split into three groups: Domestic passenger cars, which includes cars built using mostly domestically sourced parts, for either an American or foreign nameplate; imported passenger cars, built mostly with parts from abroad; and light trucks, which includes everything from pickups and minivans to crossover SUVs, no matter where their parts come from.
Source: NHTSA, EPA
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Baffled on 08 Chevy harmonic balancer noise!
I have a problem with a '08 chevy Silverado pickup,80,000 miles,with a 5.3L Vortec V-8 engine. It has a chirping noise coming from the front end of the engine that continues even after removing both drive belts. It is coming from the harmonic balancer OR possibly something else behind it,toward the engine block.
I closely inspected the balancer for rubber ring cracks/breakage as well as for any movement/slack. I didn't see any rubber deterioration or detect ANY side to side/up or down movement.
The harmonic balancer center bolt was also very tight and it has no apparent wobble, it appears to be physically correct.
I would appreciate any info. or knowledge of this engine harmonic balancer. I did an online TSB search and there is none pertaining to the engine harmonic balancer.
I am baffled at this point as to how the balancer could be causing this chirping noise w/o drive belts???
Response:
1) Sounds like a bad bearing to me. I have worked as a machine builder in the past and have seen bearing do this. Sometimes it is caused by poor lubrication and sometimes the bearing just go bad due to defects in the bearing itself or improper installation of the bearing. If it is the bearing it will only get worse.
I closely inspected the balancer for rubber ring cracks/breakage as well as for any movement/slack. I didn't see any rubber deterioration or detect ANY side to side/up or down movement.
The harmonic balancer center bolt was also very tight and it has no apparent wobble, it appears to be physically correct.
I would appreciate any info. or knowledge of this engine harmonic balancer. I did an online TSB search and there is none pertaining to the engine harmonic balancer.
I am baffled at this point as to how the balancer could be causing this chirping noise w/o drive belts???
Response:
1) Sounds like a bad bearing to me. I have worked as a machine builder in the past and have seen bearing do this. Sometimes it is caused by poor lubrication and sometimes the bearing just go bad due to defects in the bearing itself or improper installation of the bearing. If it is the bearing it will only get worse.
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