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JD Power 2012 APEAL highlights ongoing downsizing trend for new car buyers in US; increasing satisfaction with smaller vehicles

Green Car Congress

The 2012 APEAL Study finds that 27% of new-vehicle buyers who replaced a vehicle downsized—i.e., The downsizing trend also has an impact on owner satisfaction with the fuel economy of their new vehicle. purchased a new vehicle in a smaller segment than the vehicle they replaced. Power and Associates.

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Hitachi Automotive Systems supplying 5 kW/kg high power density prismatic Li-ion cells for MY 2016 Malibu Hybrid

Green Car Congress

will supply 5,000 W/kg high power density prismatic lithium-ion battery cells for the new MY 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid ( earlier post ). Featuring a new full-hybrid powertrain which leverages technology from the Chevrolet Volt, the 2016 Malibu Hybrid will offer an estimated combined fuel economy rating exceeding 45 mpg (5.22

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GM to double models with 40 mpg highway or better by 2017; ongoing manufacturing efficiency improvements

Green Car Congress

GM’s electrified vehicles today include the extended-range electric Chevrolet Volt, Spark EV and Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Chevrolet Malibu and Impala with eAssist. On the 40 mpg+ highway side, in addition to the Volt and Spark EV (with the Cadillac ELR coming), GM also currently has the Sonic and the Cruze Eco and Cruze Diesel.

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Independent testing shows 21.2% reduction in fuel consumption with XL Hybrids retrofit system

Green Car Congress

The testing process compares fuel economy performance from the vehicle in its original condition with the performance using XL Hybrids’ charge-sustaining hybrid system. The test was completed using a Chevrolet 2500 Express cargo van fitted with the original equipment manufacturer’s 4.8L engine and 6-speed transmission.

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Industry survey finds aluminum use in autos at all-time high; average per vehicle use expected to more than double from 2012 by 2025

Green Car Congress

As the Obama Administration considers stricter fuel economy regulations, automakers are expected to lower the overall weight of vehicles by approximately 400 pounds (181 kg) per vehicle, and as aluminum use increases, the mix percent is expected to double. Honda leads aluminum content as a percent of curb weight at 10.7%

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Ford introduces new Fusion midsize sedan with new hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid versions

Green Car Congress

liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter This powertrain is anticipated to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 47 mpg (5.0L/100km) Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter liter unit while maintaining performance standards.

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2018 VW Tiguan and new 2.0 TSI B-cycle engine gives VW a strong offering in compact SUV segment

Green Car Congress

3 B-Cycle gasoline engine is the first example of Volkswagen’s “Rightsizing” strategy—an engine development strategy that looks to for the optimal balance of displacement, output, torque and efficiency based on vehicle class and real-world operating conditions, rather than just seeking to downsize. Fuel economy city/hwy/comb.

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