Fixing Cars

If you haven’t been noticing, domestic automobile manufacturers such as Ford, GM, and Chrysler have been starting to make a comeback.

One of the things I love about the Internet is that you can go back eight years and read about what the public perception of these companies were at that time. You can get an idea where their heads were at, and it’s pretty clear that the companies that were on the right track were building products that made sense.

…from a post on syty.net that started in 2002

GM isn’t paying attention, if they’re coming up with v8 blazer concepts. There isn’t any more of a market for sport trucks, it’s about FUEL ECONOMY. A smaller truck gets better mileage, at least in theory.

Look at the people who are beating the pants off GM - Honda and Toyota. Look what they build. Economical (gas-mileage-wise) vehicles that have fewer mechanical problems.So GM’s answer to that is to build an LS1 blazer?

(Note: not trying to start an American quality vs. Foreign quality bashing thread.)

I’m a car guy. An LS1 blazer sounds a heck of a lot more fun to me than a Toyota Sienna.
But, 2 things are true:

1) The Sienna will be cheaper to operate.
2) As a car guy, I’m a very small percentage of the population.

There are many, many more people that will buy the van. It’s simple economics.

There was a stat on the radio this am… 9 out of 13 vehicle manus worldwide have average gas mileage that’s less than it was 10 years ago. Shouldn’t we be getting better? Like, lots better?

The tragedy is that we *could* be doing better. (We=Big 3)
GM could build a line of small-engine turbo motors that were fun to drive, got great mileage, and were reliable. Then put them into small and mid-size cars.

Turbo diesel vans. Small turbo diesel sport trucks. IDI gas motors that would burn up to 100% ethanol, and would increase the boost accordingly with the increasing alky %.
If they have the technology to make a 6.1 liter motor get 25 mpg city, I’m all for that too.
(Not holding my breath for that one)

Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see more HP cars/trucks. But, the general population wants performance and economy and reliability, and 1 out of 3 won’t do.

My .02.

__________________
Dig
11.94@114- 100% stock motor, 20G, 9/11.
Built Motor, L35s, cam…. ?

Dig absolutely nailed it. Read his last sentence again. This is exactly where the Big 3 went wrong, they built what they wanted to build and not what they were supposed to build.

If a bunch of car enthusiasts in 2002 were getting it right, followed by more accurate predictions in 2006 than one must wonder what is actually happening in the leadership of these companies.

It’s quite clear that in 2006, many people were beginning to question GM and the vehicles that they were producing. And as soon as that begins to happen companies like GM will spend years trying to reverse the damage. Now in 2010, we’re seeing an improvement in the general direction but again it’s not fast enough.

I think what big corporations fail to understand is that the consumers decide what products you make, not the corporate executives and the marketing departments. In today’s world if you want to survive, and even thrive then take the time to understand that things have changed and if you can’t change others will faster.

I sincerely believe that lessons have been learned and better decisions are being made.

But one thing is for sure, its the fourth quarter and there’s 10 seconds on the clock, 4 years or 40 years from now won’t matter because it’s about right now. The perception right now is that things are headed in the right direction for the Big 3 and to fumble the ball right now would mean a questionable future for our country and our kids who deserve better.

This is quite the news today, and as soon as I saw this it was quite shocking to say the least.  The Cobalt Group in my eyes was always the 800lb gorilla and now with the acquisition it seems an even larger gorilla now is going to cause some serious waves in the Automotive marketing segment.

Over the past few weeks Cobalt has been the subject of many discussions and related to the ability for dealers to have access to the latest technology has been somewhat slow to adopt and integrate with the Cobalt Group.

This brings to question whether the same issues will exist underneath an even larger entity, but it seems it’s happening more and more that large corporations are acquiring other large corporations (Microsoft and Yahoo for example.)

I’ve yet to find a web services provider that is the size of a Cobalt or ADP that can be as agile with their technology as smaller startups can.  I also see that some manufacturers are requiring that dealers use a particular provider which causes a somewhat stale development cycle and old school processes still remain in practice.

I certainly hope that ADP has the flexibility in thinking outside the box when it comes to dealers representing and building their own individual and local brand through unique web experiences they can provide to their target market through innovative service providers aka startup tech companies.

It would best if ADP would encourage and help these smaller tech companies to build out their unique technology and license it and even adapt their own systems to support an open API for web companies to develop applications on ADP’s platform.

Interesting, it will be one to follow for sure.

As more things consume our time these days one thing that is almost always important is checking the effectiveness of what we do.

Analytics will give you data about your site and specifically where your site visitors are coming from and what they see.

If you see your mobile traffic increasing dramatically, specifically for those using an iPad then you’ll want to know how these visitors engage within your site.

If you have a difficult to navigate site, those issues will become magnified through a mobile device. In fact, if you’re getting people to your dealership website then you’ll want to see if any of those visitors are converting to leads.

People browsing on an iPhone or iPad are most likely not situated and probably on the go. If your site has a complicated form or the site just doesn’t render well on the devices, then consider making it simpler and perhaps larger in size.

In the mobile environment, time is a limited and you may only get 1 minute if you’re lucky to get the user to warm up to your site. If it’s frustrating or not extremely simple then you’ll likely be losing a lot of leads.

Two Cadillacs and a Chevrolet won three of The Detroit News Readers Choice Awards today, including the top honor of Best in Show for the Cadillac CTS Coupe.

Each year, the Detroit News takes 100 readers to the North American International Auto Show at Cobo and then asks them to pick their favorites in a variety of 11 categories along with Best in Show, according Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor of The Detroit News.

The CTS Coupe and the other award winners were announced today during a Detroit Economic Club luncheon.  The dramatic CTS Coupe is slated to arrive in Cadillac showrooms in the spring of 2010.

Cadillac also claimed the Best Future Fantasy Award for the Cadillac Platinum XTS Concept car. Finley said that each of the categories were close calls with the exception of the Future Fantasy/Concept award.  ”Our readers overwhelmingly voted for the Cadillac XTS as best Concept. They were really impressed by the vehicle,” he said.

The XTS Concept showcases Cadillac’s emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series, emphasizing new expressions of luxury and technological features, including a plug-in hybrid propulsion system.

The Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range capability claimed the newspaper contest’s Most Earth Friendly Award for being the greenest vehicle at the show. The Chevrolet Volt is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. The onboard range extender also allows you to take longer trips without plugging in. Volt production is scheduled to begin in late 2010.

“Volt represents a cornerstone in Chevrolet’s gas-friendly to gas-free approach,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager. “We are grateful that the Detroit News readers named Volt as the most earth friendly vehicle at the North American International Auto Show.”

[Source: GM]

• A new study re-imagining the luxury sedan, showcasing the progression of the Cadillac Art and Science philosophy
• Designed from the inside out, featuring a new concept for the interface between the driver and the auto electronics
• Plug-in hybrid system is matched with a 3.6L V-6 and all-wheel drive for dynamic and efficient performance

DETROIT – Cadillac unveiled the XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, suggesting a new paradigm for the luxury sedan of the future. The concept showcases Cadillac’s emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, emphasizing new expressions of luxury and technological features, including a plug-in hybrid propulsion system.

The XTS Platinum Concept was designed from the inside out, re-imagining the luxury sedan as a personal headquarters, built for efficiency, luxury and connectivity. The concept introduces a new approach to in-car electronics that improves the form and function of the car’s entertainment, navigation and information systems.

“The XTS Platinum concept is the next expression of Cadillac’s Art and Science execution philosophy, reflecting our drive to deliver the latest innovations in the most artful manner,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “We envisioned this concept as an automotive personal headquarters, using advanced technology to enable new levels of connectivity and luxury.”

The XTS Platinum Concept uses Cadillac’s 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gas engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The plug-in technology enables the battery to fully charge from a standard electrical outlet, enabling pure electric propulsion in many driving situations, especially urban commutes in which fuel efficiency may double that of a conventional hybrid.

Traditional luxury sedans were defined by elegant interiors and Cadillac’s XTS Platinum Concept propels that formula into the future. It delivers new approaches to luxury within a design that combines fine craftsmanship with customer-driven innovation. Like the current Platinum Edition products, such as Escalade Platinum and the STS and DTS Platinum sedans, the interior is based on hand cut-and-sewn materials. The XTS Platinum Concept injects more contemporary forms and themes into the interior design, including the use of Organic Light-Emitting Diode (O-LED) displays in place of traditional gauges and screens.

The concept previews a new integration philosophy guiding the development of future models with respect to in-car electronics. The intent is to progress Cadillac’s intuitive in-car electronics systems, typified by the deployable touch-screen navigation system that has been highly acclaimed in the brand’s CTS and SRX product lines. The XTS Platinum Concept previews this strategy via the minimization of traditional buttons and switches. Designers blended the display screens into a flowing instrument panel. They call it a “dead front” design, because the panels appear black until the car is turned on and the screens illuminate. The instrument panel itself reflects the XTS Platinum’s other focus – uncompromising luxury and attention to detail on the interior.

“The Platinum distinction in Cadillac means the fullest extent of luxury and technology and we’ve tried to reach even further with this concept,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac design director. “Just as the technology pushes the boundaries of what a Cadillac can offer, so do the details that make the XTS Platinum Concept an uncompromising experience.”

The interior takes inspiration from nature, specifically the intricate layers of petals that combine to form an orchid. Cadillac designers translated that into a layered and detailed interior. Light cream is the cabin’s primary color and is contrasted with darker elements, such as the steering wheel and an overhead console motif that runs the length of interior’s roof. The console is made of a richly finished wood and houses lighting features.

Premium leather seats include a new style of automotive suede, with a laser-etched pattern. The patterned material adorns the center sections of the seats and accents the door trim. Thoughtfully detailed stitching is used throughout the interior, including the seats, instrument panel and door panels. Passengers in the spacious rear compartment of the XTS Platinum Concept also have access to the car’s connectivity feature, along with a range of infotainment choices.

“We never lost sight of the fact that a large luxury sedan needs to be spacious and accommodating,” said Dean. “Passengers will find generous headroom, legroom and knee space, along with the technology elements that make the drive more productive.”

A new proportion

The XTS Platinum Concept has a distinctive proportion that transcends the traditional aesthetic of luxury sedans and carries the brand’s Art and Science design in a more progressive manner. The unique proportion supports the “inside out” design priority, while creating a sleek profile that complements the car’s advanced technology elements and necessary aerodynamics.

“The XTS Platinum Concept design artfully conveys its focus on functionality through technology,” said Dean. “It is the antithesis of the conventional three-box sedan, suggesting the active evolution of Cadillac’s design language.”

A sweeping profile culminates in a short, high deck lid that meets the XTS Platinum Concept’s aerodynamic needs – including a rear spoiler mounted on the deck lid, incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp. A high, sloping beltline gestures the vehicle forward, suggesting motion, while the fenders flare outward wrapping tightly around 20-inch wheels and tires. The wheel-to-body proportion was carefully tailored to visually communicate the car’s all-wheel-drive chassis.

Like the interior, the exterior elements are precisely tailored and elegantly detailed. Brushed billet aluminum trim is used selectively and the 20-inch, 11-spoke wheels feature a brushed aluminum face accented with bright inserts within the spokes. The wheels are wrapped with special Bridgestone tires that were created specifically for the XTS Platinum Concept.

Signature elements essential to Cadillac’s Art and Science design language include vertical headlamp and taillamps, with integrated light pipes and richly detailed lighting components. The headlamps feature light-emitting diode technology for bright illumination that requires less energy, as well as Cadillac’s Adaptive Forward Lighting technology, which turns the headlamps with the direction of the front wheels for greater visibility in turns.

Purposeful and efficient performance

The XTS Platinum concept’s plug-in hybrid electric propulsion system (PHEV) builds on the experience Cadillac has gained with the Escalade Hybrid and Escalade Platinum Hybrid flagship models. The plug-in capability boosts the car’s electric-only driving capability, offering additional battery energy capacity and enabling it to recharge from a standard external electrical outlet. The key benefit of external plug-in recharging is that in many situations – such as overnight parking – the battery can fully recharge in roughly five hours while the car is not in use. The plug-in system operates at maximum efficiency when operating on power the battery has drawn from the electric grid. In some conditions, such as urban commutes, drivers can experience efficiency that doubles that of conventional hybrids.

At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine power and electric power or engine power only, propels the vehicle. The combination of the Direct Injection V-6 engine and the PHEV system featuring fully electric variable drive provides a spirited driving experience. The system provides an estimated 350 horsepower (260 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) enables the XTS Platinum Concept to deliver superior road-holding performance while maintaining luxury car composure in “regular” driving conditions. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.

MRC uses electronic sensors at all four wheels to literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions.

An advanced, specially calibrated all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction in wet and slippery conditions, and helps deliver maximum traction while cornering. Four-wheel disc brakes, with four-channel ABS, StabiliTrak stability control and full-function traction control complete the drivetrain details.

“The XTS Platinum Concept was designed to deliver an engaging driving experience without compromising the functional features, space and comfort customers seek in a luxury car,” said Nesbitt. “It is a new vision of luxury that uses advanced technology to deliver functionality efficiently and rewardingly.”

[Source: Cadillac]

Ed Whitacre - GM's CEO - Source Detroit Free Press

Watching the big announcement from GM about the first battery for the Volt being complete was much more exciting than I originally thought, the leaders of Detroit were digging it and a sense that something big was about to happen started to fill the hopes of a city that has been running on fumes.

Whitacre’s first impression on me wasn’t so good, but I was quick to judge.

I admit that when I heard Ed Whitacre mispronounce Hamtramck it bothered me, first because I grew up in Detroit but more because I thought to myself, did he even prepare this speech or was it handed to him in some type of “wag the dog” fashion.

It felt like I was watching an old man who’s got no clue of where he’s at, what he’s being trusted to do, and to top it off isn’t a car guy - turns out I couldn’t be farther from the truth, more on that later.

First - What’s The Deal With Mulally?

Everything Alan is doing for Ford makes you wonder how in the hell he can get so much right.  So how does he do it?

1.  Mulally drives a new car every night.

2.  Ford is releasing the SYNC SDK in 2010.

What’s an SDK?  Software Development Kit.  You may have heard about the success of Apple’s iPhone application marketplace, it’s due to having an OPEN SDK meaning anyone can develop applications on top of Apple’s technology.

First apps to leverage the Ford SDK - Pandora and Twitter.

Now these tools become part of the driving experience, you’re life becomes more efficient and productive.

Mulally’s realization that people consume a staggering amount of data, what better way to allow and respond to that with tools that let you do so while driving.  Brilliant move, Ford.

Back to Whitacre - So how are you going to bring GM to profitability before the end of 2010?

So I’m up at like 5:00am reading about Whitacre in all the articles written by the Detroit Free Press.  And in a matter of about 30 mins, that same sense that Mulally is doing for Ford, Whitacre is going to be doing for GM.

Whitacre rides all the elevators, he’s amongst the workers, but most importantly of all he’s stated already what he intends to do - link at bottom of this post.

As I read a bit more, Whitacre wants the Volt available ASAP.  He’s saying a price more around $32,000 not the $40,000 everyone has been thinking.  This is good, he’s fully behind the Volt and realizes the risks involved but is confident it will turn around GM.  He’s not necessarily a car guy, but just bought a CTS-V so that’s a good sign in my book.

What’s interesting about Whitacre is that he is fully aware of the big picture, the fact that the Volt addresses the climate crisis and wants to get behind that.

Whitacre is getting up to speed quickly.  GM is in good hands, though I have to say Mulally is hard to beat.

More On GM’s New CEO Ed Whitacre

If you want to know who’s behind the wheel at GM you’ll be happy to read these great articles from the Detroit Free Press:

Whitacre Reels In A New Career Rebuilding GM

GM CEO Takes Bold Steps

CEO Pushes Early Volt Launch

A Look At Ed Whitacre

Texan Seen As Sharp, Decisive With Wry Humor

Read my response to these articles in a post about Whitacre and Mulally.

OPENBEAK, PANDORA AND STITCHER ARE FIRST TO USE FORD SYNC API, BRINGING TWITTER, INTERNET RADIO CONTROL INTO VEHICLES

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2010 – Ford Motor Company today announced Pandora, Stitcher and Orangatame’s OpenBeak (formerly TwitterBerry) are the first partners to enable their apps to be controlled in the car by SYNC using the new application programming interface (API) in the SYNC software development kit.

“SYNC’s open platform approach is unique in the industry and allows us to capitalize on the ever-improving capabilities of mobile devices,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization. “Smartphone mobile apps are experiencing explosive growth, and consumers are becoming dependent on them for news, entertainment and information, so we’re excited to be working with some of the most popular apps on the market, OpenBeak, Pandora and Stitcher, to showcase the potential of the SYNC API.”

The SYNC API is being created in conjunction with a related software development kit (SDK) and associated hardware that will include a Ford radio head and related SYNC components configured to operate outside of the vehicle. The entire package is planned for broader rollout later this year and will allow developers to modify existing mobile applications and create all-new apps that can interface with Ford’s popular SYNC voice-activated in-car communications system.

By enabling developers to integrate the SYNC API into their apps, Ford is providing customers with the capability to access the applications they use most while in the car. Leveraging SYNC’s safer voice commands and steering wheel controls, drivers are able to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Using an open API model allows Ford to leverage the mobile device as an operating system and processor, while using SYNC to access the vehicle controls.

“To use OpenBeak, Pandora or Stitcher in the car right now, drivers have to take their eyes off the road and manually control the device,” explained VanDagens. “Recent research shows that activity that draws drivers’ eyes off the road substantially increases the risk of accidents. By allowing drivers to control the app through SYNC’s voice commands and steering wheel buttons, we can hopefully reduce distraction for millions of drivers wanting to enjoy these apps during their commutes.”

Ford is joining millions of customers in embracing the app marketplace. Studies show what was a nonexistent niche just three years ago is expected to blossom into a $4 billion industry by 2012. The App Store, run by Apple, is one of dozens of application marketplaces and already boasts more than 100,000 mobile apps and more than 2 billion downloads.

Similar sites serving other mobile operating systems, such as Android and BlackBerry®, have experienced the same explosive growth. Analysts predict the mobile device will become the No. 1 source for Internet access by 2020, surpassing the home computer. Ford and SYNC will answer the consumer demand by offering the only platform available for drivers to safely manage their mobile applications.

Customers will be able to download SYNC-enabled mobile apps through the same app store interfaces consumers currently use. As SYNC-enabled versions of existing apps are released into the app stores, users will be prompted to download the latest version upon connection. Also, as developers grasp the notion that the vehicle interior has opened to them, a new dimension of apps designed from the outset to maximize the unique in-car environment will follow.

OpenBeak
OpenBeak is a mobile client for posting updates and reading messages on Twitter. It works over the data network, so users don’t need to use Short Message Service from their mobile phones. OpenBeak is the evolution of the original Twitter app for BlackBerry smartphones, TwitterBerry, which was launched in 2007. OpenBeak reflects the app’s expansion beyond its original functionality.

The SYNC application will take the Twitter experience to a whole new level, with safety while interacting in the vehicle as the main goal. Timelines, direct messages and friends can be read out loud. While listening to a particular tweet, the display indicates the user and elapsed time since the tweet was written. Also planned is the capability to retweet a post, be notified when new messages are received or tweets appear in a user’s timeline and, upon startup, present the total number of new tweets. Steering wheel controls will skip to the next tweet or go back to the previous item in the timeline.

Pandora
With more than 40 million users, Pandora is the most popular Internet radio service in the world. Users simply enter a favorite song or artist into Pandora and the app quickly creates personalized radio stations, based on that musical style. The use of Pandora’s thumb up/thumb down feature allows listeners to further curate their stations and enjoy a stream of great music, perfectly suited to their taste – new and old, well known and obscure.

Pandora’s mobile audience, 17 million strong and growing rapidly, is ripe for the SYNC application, which will allow them to further extend their listening into the car. With the SYNC-enabled Pandora app, listeners can use vehicle controls to pause and skip songs, and use voice commands to thumb up or down songs, switch between Pandora stations, or create a new station from a currently playing artist or song.

Stitcher
Focusing on the mobile market, Stitcher allows listeners to create personalized, on-demand Internet radio stations with news, talk and entertainment programming. Within the Stitcher app, users choose the programs they want “stitched” together, and the app then streams that content to the user’s mobile device. Stitcher also will recommend new programs that come online if they match with the types of programs the user already has chosen.

Since its release in 2008, Stitcher has received numerous awards including a People’s Choice Webby award for mobile news, a Best of ’09 award from San Francisco magazine and a PC Mag Top 10 App of 2009.

Additional apps to come
Working with new partners, Ford is completing beta-testing on the SDK. Once the kits are out of the beta-testing stage, a broader release of the development tools is planned for late 2010. Initial reports have been positive, with one of Ford’s development partners creating a SYNC-enabled version of its app just three days after receiving the development tools.

“We’re really encouraged by the rapid development time and positive feedback we’ve seen from our first partners,” said VanDagens. “Getting app functionality inside the vehicle, controllable through vehicle interfaces, will be huge for customer convenience and for helping drivers complete their tasks while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

# # #

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

UniAir/MultiAir: Schaeffler Group manufactures the world’s first fully variable hydraulic valve control system

A Groundbreaking Component for Future-Generation Engines

DETROIT, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ — The market launch of the world’s first fully variable hydraulic valve control system once again substantiates the Schaeffler Group’s reputation as an innovation leader and problem solver for highly demanding technical challenges.

Developed in collaboration between Fiat Powertrain and the Schaeffler Group and manufactured by Schaeffler, the UniAir valve control system will make its debut in the Alfa MiTo 1.4 MultiAir. This compact Alfa Romeo is the first vehicle within the Fiat Group to be equipped with the new innovative technology. Combined with the downsizing options, the fully variable valve control system enables reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 25 percent. The improvements in starting, part load and acceleration behavior are especially conspicuous. During the warm-up phase, for instance, hydrocarbon emissions (HC) are up to 40 percent lower and nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) even drop by up to 60 percent. And at the same time, UniAir also provides a higher level of driving pleasure - through more power, higher torques and optimized engine response.

The fully variable valve control system is an appropriate response to the ever more stringent regulations concerning emission reduction and lower fuel consumption. The system offers an attractive option for making existing engine series fit for the future and it is excellently suited for implementing downsizing solutions. Here Fiat is a trend setter: The fully variable valve train system is used both in the four-cylinder FIRE engine family and in the small-volume two-cylinder engines of the future. In addition to gasoline engines, it will also be available for diesel engine applications.

Developed for series production by the Schaeffler Group, the innovative UniAir-System is called MultiAir by Fiat. This name follows the style of the MultiJet CommonRail direct diesel injection system, which was also initiated by Fiat. UniAir/MultiAir is also based on an invention by the Centro Ricerche Fiat (CRF). With the Schaeffler Group, Fiat has found just the right development partner for this sophisticated and highly efficient valve control system. The takeover of the license in 2001 marked the start of a successful development through to series production maturity and market launch. In 2003, the first functioning prototype left our development center in Herzogenaurach Germany. Further prototype vehicles were manufactured two years later. The “design freeze”, in other words the specification of the final series design, took place in 2007 and the construction of manufacturing facilities for series production at the Schaeffler Group locations commenced in 2008. Since May 2009, the MultiAir system has been developed in series for Fiat / Alfa Romeo. “The development of the fully variable valve control system to production standard has involved complex efforts in the fields of mechanics, hydraulics and valve control software,” explains Michael Haas, Director Advanced Engineering and Business Development within Schaeffler Group Automotive’s Engine Systems unit. These tasks were tackled by a development team consisting of about 45 specialists.

UniAir is a cam-actuated, electro-hydraulic valve train system. The fully variable valve control can be used both in gasoline and in diesel engines and is supplied via the existing engine oil circulation system. UniAir allows throttle-free, continuously variable, software-based load control across the entire engine map to be implemented with gasoline engines. With diesel engines, regulation of the combustion chamber temperature is feasible thanks to the precise control of exhaust gas recirculation rates. At the same time, the effective compression ratio in the cylinder can be varied and a homogenous combustion ensured.

In addition, for the first time UniAir/MultiAir allows not only variations in the valve stroke, but also the opening and closing of valves several times during one cycle, at different points in time. Thus UniAir significantly expands the potential of former variable valve train mechanisms. “The UniAir system is the beginning of a new era in valve trains and thus in technology producing engines that are eco-friendly and dynamic at the same time,” says Dr. Peter Pleus, President of Schaeffler Group Automotive.

The Schaeffler Group

The Schaeffler Group is among the innovation leaders in Germany with around 1,250 patent applications annually. With its brands INA, LuK and FAG, it is a renowned supplier to the automotive industry as well as a leading manufacturer of rolling bearings worldwide. Around 66,000 employees generated sales of approximately 8.9 billion euros in 2008. Our main customer is the automotive industry with around 60 percent of our sales. The Schaeffler Group is a renowned development partner to the industry with system expertise for the entire drive train. Precision products for engines, transmissions and chassis applications ensure reduced energy consumption and lower emissions as well as increased driving comfort and safety. Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket supplies distributors and independent workshops with replacement parts and services.

SOURCE: Schaeffler Group

Connect with Ford during the NAIAS - Detroit MI

Connect with Ford

Find out what some of Ford’s Team is saying right now:

Ford’s Head of Social Media - http://twitter.com/ScottMonty
Ford’s Small Car Brand Manager Sam De La Garza on Twitter - http://twitter.com/SamDeLag

DETROIT, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ –

• Ford will introduce nine new or upgraded engines and six new transmissions in North America this year as part of a five-year effort to overhaul its entire global powertrain portfolio, which totals 60 new powertrains
• Ford’s all-new normally aspirated 2.0-liter direct injection engine will power the 2012 Focus in North America
• Ford will bring state-of-the-art fuel-saving technology, including twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), direct injection, six-speed and dual clutch transmissions to its smallest and most affordable cars
• Ford improved fleet-wide fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions more than any other automaker in the last five years

Ford Motor Company will introduce nine new or upgraded engines and six new transmissions in North America in 2010 as part of a five-year effort to overhaul its entire global powertrain portfolio.

The push began in 2008 and continues through 2013 and includes 60 new or significantly upgraded engines, transmissions and transaxles globally over the five year period.

One of the advanced and fuel-efficient North American powertrains is the 2012 Ford Focus’ all-new normally aspirated 2.0-liter direct fuel injection engine, the first of its kind in a Ford vehicle in North America.

“Ford is delivering on our commitment to lower emissions, improve fuel economy and deliver the highest quality powertrains in the industry,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president, Powertrain Engineering. “We are making this happen with one of the most ambitious powertrain upgrades ever undertaken by Ford. By the end of 2010, nearly all of Ford’s North American engines will have been upgraded or replaced since 2008.”

North American launches

In 2010, Ford will launch new engines and transmissions in Fiesta, Mustang, Super Duty and F-150. These new powertrains are expected to propel each vehicle to best-in-segment in fuel economy.

Fiesta’s Ti-VCT 1.6-liter engine and PowerShift dual clutch transmission will deliver an estimated 40 mpg on the highway, topping both Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.

Mustang’s new Ti-VCT 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 delivers the class-leading performance and fuel economy Mustang buyers expect. The 2011 Mustang V-6 with six-speed automatic will deliver at least 30 mpg on the highway. No other V-6 powered sports coupe in the world delivers this level of performance and fuel economy, regardless of price.

Mustang GT gets a new 5.0-liter V-8 that cranks out a 412 total horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque yet delivers at least 25 mpg on the highway - better than any competitor.

Both versions of the Mustang get all new fuel-saving manual and automatic six-speed transmissions.

Spring also marks the arrival of an all-new Ford-designed-and-built Super Duty diesel truck engine. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel powerhouse is expected to lead the class in fuel economy towing, hauling, horsepower and torque.

With its advanced emissions systems, the new 6.7-liter diesel engine also will run cleaner than the outgoing model. The 2011 Super Duty also gets a new 6.2-liter gasoline engine.

Even as they concentrate on improving powertrain performance, Ford engineers continue to reduce engine and transmission weight. For example, the new Super Duty diesel and transmission together are 185 pounds lighter than the outgoing powertrain.

With its novel features such as a “live drive” Power Take Off (PTO) and rugged TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission, Super Duty will remain the most capable workhorse in the segment.

Ford: Driving powertrain innovations into the market

Other new Ford powertrains coming in 2010 include an EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 for the F-150. The EcoBoost 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine delivers the thrust and performance feel of a V-8, with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. Current EcoBoost-equipped models are delivering up to a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions versus larger-displacement engines.

By 2013, Ford plans to offer EcoBoost engines on 90 percent of its product lineup with annual volume of vehicles with EcoBoost at 1.3 million globally.

Toward the end of the year, a new 2.0-liter Ti-VCT four-cylinder for the next-generation Focus will mark the first introduction of a normally aspirated direct injection engine to the powertrain lineup. The all new engine will launch on the 2012 Focus in North America.

Ford: America’s fuel economy leader

No automaker has posted a larger fleet-wide gain in fuel economy in the past five years. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Ford’s combined car and truck fuel economy has improved nearly 20 percent since 2004 - almost double the next closest competitor.

Additionally, Ford’s tailpipe CO2 emissions are declining. Ford’s 2009 fleet-wide average is down approximately 9 percent from 2008.

“We are focused on sustainable technology solutions that can be used not for hundreds or thousands of cars, but for millions of cars, because that’s how Ford will truly make a difference,” said Samardzich.

    Scheduled for 2010 are:

    Engines                           Transmissions
    -------                           -------------
    1.6-liter Fiesta I-4              6-speed automatic FWD
    2.0-liter Focus DI I-4            6-speed PowerShift Fiesta
    2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4            6-speed PowerShift Focus
    3.5-liter F-150 EcoBoost V-6      6-speed manual Mustang
    3.7-liter Mustang V-6             6-speed automatic Mustang
    5.0-liter Mustang V-8             6-speed automatic TorqShift Super Duty
    5.4-liter Shelby GT 500 V-8
    6.2-liter Super Duty (gas)
    6.7-liter Super Duty Power Stroke

About Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE: Ford Motor Company

Web site: http://www.ford.com/

DETROIT, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ –

• The Ford display at the 2010 North American International Auto Show is more than 54,000 square feet, 48 percent bigger than last year, making it the largest Ford stand ever
• Additional space will be used to showcase 24 interactive displays, engaging consumers in experiential and educational exercises that demonstrate Ford’s technologies and innovations
• Ford will conduct live driving demonstrations of its Active Park Assist (APA) technology inside Cobo Center using hybrid vehicles
• During the show, Ford executives around the world will participate in NAIAS’s first-ever social media press conference, with 12 hours of live Twitter Q&As, Live Stream Interviews, Facebook Wall chats and blogger interviews
• In 2009, Ford auto shows alone generated a record 125,000 leads, 22,000 test drives and more than 2,000 sales

Ford Motor Company’s stand at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) promises to be the biggest and most engaging in history, with more than 54,000 square feet of new vehicle displays, 24 all-new interactive displays and a variety of high-tech presentations including live driving demonstrations inside Cobo Center.

The auto shows held throughout the year - beginning with NAIAS in Detroit - are an important way for Ford to communicate with consumers about new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products and technologies. Last year’s Ford display generated more than 125,000 consumer leads, 22,000 actual test drives and 2,020 vehicle sales to date.

“Allowing consumers to interact with our products in an engaging and experiential way is a very effective way to demonstrate the strength of our products,” said Jim Farley, group vice president of Global Marketing and Canada, Mexico and South America operations. “There’s no better venue than an auto show to demonstrate our advanced technology and products at a critical point in the buying process for many attendees.”

One of the highlights of this year’s Ford show stand - which is 48 percent larger than last year’s - will be live driving demonstrations of Ford’s new Active Park Assist (APA) technology, which helps drivers parallel park a vehicle with the touch of a button and without ever laying a hand on the steering wheel.

“Ford will offer auto show visitors the opportunity to participate in an actual driving experience,” said John Felice, general manager, Ford, Lincoln-Mercury marketing. “Our advanced hybrid technology allows us to demonstrate these vehicles in battery only mode which eliminates all vehicle emissions. This gives us yet another opportunity to provide an experience that is more engaging than a static display.”

Also for the first time ever at NAIAS, Ford executives from around the world will host a social media press conference on Jan. 11, which will include 12 hours of continuous live social media activities on Twitter Q&As, Live Stream Interviews, Facebook Wall chats and blogger interviews.

More new vehicles, interactive displays

At NAIAS, Ford Motor Company will display 60 new Ford cars and trucks and 21 new Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. A new powertrain display includes two assembly-line robots from the Cleveland Engine Plant, named Eco and Boost, where the company’s new EcoBoost engines are built.

Ford’s entire new car portfolio will be on display inside the floor’s Blue Oval - everything from the new Ford Fiesta to the company’s flagship sedan, the Ford Taurus.

Visitors to the Fiesta area can take a break and play Foosball on one of the world’s largest Foosball tables, Twitter their reactions to Fiesta, and learn about the 15 class-leading exclusive features that put Fiesta head and shoulders above competitors in the B segment. A Taurus SHO in-car theater will take visitors for a ride through both the tame and wild sides of Taurus SHO.

Taking center stage in the Ford display will be the next-generation Ford Focus, where visitors can learn about the agility and precision of Focus’s driving dynamics by playing the Control Blade Challenge, which is like a Wii game. Touch-screen digital displays explain Focus technologies and allow visitors to integrate their pictures into a virtual world and e-mail it to themselves. There also will be special zones for Ford crossovers and trucks and specially built areas for the Ford Mustang, Taurus, Fiesta, Fusion, Transit Connect and Super Duty.

The latest entry in the Lincoln lineup - the 2011 MKX - will launch at NAIAS, too. Lincoln will present an attention-getting cutaway of the vehicle to demonstrate the class-leading technology, safety and luxury features, including the industry exclusive MyLincoln Touch™.

To demonstrate this advanced feature, a one-of-a-kind 16 x 3-foot interactive table will take visitors on a journey through Lincoln’s thoughtful, purposeful technology; with the new MyLincoln Touch seamlessly integrated into the experience.

“The Ford auto show display is proof that Ford is launching more product than any other manufacturer,” said Farley. “In 2010, Ford globally will deliver five times more new or freshened product than even 2009, bringing to market an unprecedented volume of new products people want - with class-leading fuel economy, quality, safety and technology.”

About Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE: Ford Motor Company

Web site: http://www.ford.com/

CHICAGO, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ — With the North American International Auto Show starting in Detroit next week, the editors at Cars.com took a look at 10 current or planned new car introductions they believe can help turn the Big Three around in 2010 and beyond.

“Despite the poor shape of the domestic auto industry, we do see some signs of hope from the Big Three,” said Cars.com Editor in Chief Patrick Olsen. “A string of model introductions and redesigns could bring them back to solvency and beyond if done well — or mean disaster if they don’t win over consumers.”

Here’s a look, automaker by automaker, at the cars to watch from the Big Three.

Ford Motor Co.

Ford Fiesta: A feisty import from Europe could erase memories of the last U.S. version of the Fiesta. If you’re old enough to remember it, you might recall an econobox with a festive name, but poor reliability. Ford’s new version claims to get around 40 mpg, and the Euro version that we drove has a great interior to boot. Its price starts just north of $13,000, which sure helps in the current economy; it could build a new generation of Ford fans from teens and 20-somethings.

Ford Taurus: While the Fiesta could make a big splash with its quality and high mileage, in reality, Ford needs a car like this to appeal to Baby Boomers looking to downgrade from expensive luxury makers and still generate profits. The Fiesta’s dirt cheap price likely means a narrower profit margin. The Taurus, though, has a name with equity and enough extra features that could make it a big moneymaker for Ford. Despite its sharp looks, the Taurus’ cramped cockpit may put off some family shoppers, although Ford’s ridiculously powerful EcoBoost engine could make dads overlook the tight fit. Boomers will appreciate the huge trunk that can store more golf bags than the car can carry passengers. Could the Taurus be the once and maybe future king of sedans? Ford sure hopes so.

Ford Explorer: Speaking of nameplate equity, the Explorer practically invented and owned the SUV segment during the 1990s. It’s moving to a unibody platform, which should help it drive more like a car and get more carlike mileage. Although the SUV category has slumped, a new Explorer could help cement Ford in the family car business, where it has seen modest success with the Flex and the Edge. It’ll go head-to-head with Jeep’s revamped Grand Cherokee.

What’s Missing: Ford hasn’t given the Escape compact SUV a full redesign since it debuted in 2000, and it doesn’t hold up well to new entries like the Hyundai Tucson and Chevy Equinox. Yet it’s one of the best-selling vehicles in the country. Ford better not drop the ball on this like it did with the Taurus two generations ago.

Chrysler

Jeep Grand Cherokee: Chrysler is wise to kick off its rebirth with a unibody family hauler that has an advanced off-road system to satisfy the broadest swath of consumers. But given its recent history, the Cherokee’s mileage is likely to lag its competitors despite an estimated 11 percent gain in mileage — and Chrysler desperately needs to solve the reliability problem that has dogged the Grand Cherokee for years. Still, the Cherokee is one of only two new models for Chrysler next year. It needs to sell well to help get Chrysler to the rest of its recovery plan. However, even well-executed redesigns or new models like the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge have not been huge successes.

Fiat 500: Chrysler today doesn’t have a single model that gets better than 31 mpg; will this small car, already popular in Europe, give the company enough cache to get young buyers into the shop? Once there, will those shoppers even look at anything else on the showroom floor? The company plans to start selling the 500 in January 2011 at “salons” in select urban dealerships. While it could become as successful as the Mini Cooper, that level of sales volume won’t be enough to help Chrysler pay off its government debt, much less reach profitability.

Chrysler 300: Whereas the Fiat 500 might not pave the road to cash flow, the 300 may. This style-centric rear-wheel-drive sedan helped revive Chrysler in the early 2000s, and it’s getting a redesign for the 2011 model year. Like the Taurus for Ford, the 300 could provide plenty of profit margin, along with a huge cabin. Mileage could be a concern, but with an improved interior expected and lots of space, the 300 could win back fans of flashy looks while the masses focus on value.

What’s Missing: The Fiat 500 may make a splash in the subcompact market, but Chrysler needs a successful compact car that the Dodge Caliber never was. The company also can’t figure out the vital compact SUV market with various entries that are either too small - Jeep Patriot - or too big — Dodge Nitro.

General Motors

Chevy Equinox/Traverse: These are two cars masquerading as one entry on our list, but these models are already in production, have sold well and made the brand a true innovative player in the family car market. The Traverse is now the top large crossover, beating out Toyota’s Highlander and Honda’s Pilot for a few months now. The Equinox has a top-class cabin and class-leading gas mileage.

Chevy Cruze: Like Ford with the Fiesta, the Cruze is GM’s effort to get a 40-mpg small car on the market. Although the Cruze is more a competitor for Toyota’s Corolla or the Honda Civic, where the Fiesta goes up against the subcompact Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit, among others. For GM, there’s a PR move behind this car as well. Now owned in part by U.S. taxpayers, GM sees the Cruze as a shot at making its case that they can build a desirable, fuel-efficient car, proving that the federal bailout was worth the money and effort. The company’s current compact, the Cobalt, has the best fuel mileage in the class and has not been a success.

Chevy Volt: A lot rests on the Volt. Could the electric-gas hybrid be GM’s opening shot in the electric-car wars, or will it be outmoded the moment it arrives? It’s reasonable to ask why consumers would pay upward of $40,000 for a car that gets great mileage when they can buy another car that gets great mileage for closer to $20,000, say the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight. Of course, there’s a halo effect that GM will expect from having the Volt in its lineup, and federal tax credits should chop a hefty $7,500 off the Volt’s MSRP. The next question for GM: How long till your plug-ins make it to market?

What’s Missing: There are plans for a new Chevy Aveo subcompact, but the current generation shouldn’t even be in the consideration set of shoppers who can pick up a new Toyota Yaris or Nissan Versa. Chevy needs to get a new Aveo on the market quickly or lose domestic shoppers to Ford’s Fiesta.

About Cars.com

Cars.com is the leading destination for online car shoppers, offering credible, easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. With comprehensive pricing information, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and a large selection of new- and used-car inventory, Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions.

Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE: BLC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

SOURCE: Cars.com

Web site: http://www.cars.com/