High gas prices good for hybrids, bad for the US auto industry The mainstream embrace of hybrids and plug-in vehicles impossible for now? Earlier today, CNBC’s Phil Lebeau interviewed Toyota’s US VP Bob Carter. After covering supply issues – an interview during which Carter suggested Toyota will be able to maintain “adequate” supplies of the Toyota Prius – Lebeau then asked Carter what price of gas would be “detrimental” to the US auto industry, offering $4.50 as the critical number. Carter responded “maybe”. Later in the day, GM’s CEO Dan Akerson was also interviewed by Lebeau and asked the same gasoline price question. Akerson acknowledged that $4.50 gas would be “very detrimental” to the US auto industry. Yet, aren’t these “detrimental” numbers the only way the US moves towards a real embrace of fuel efficient technologies? Sadly, history has proven that unless gas prices move closer to $4.50, most consumers won’t buy hybrid cars , for instance, and the extra upfront costs of plug-in vehicles will probably take even higher gas prices. Of course, if higher gas prices squash automaker profitability, how can automakers afford to increase production on vehicles with slim profit margins, if even any? Crazy. Now I gotta run. Need to bury my head in the sandpit for a little while. Read more here:  Fuel economy conundrum: $4.50+ gas detrimental to US auto industry

In the latest issue of Car and Driver, the popular U.S. magazine had the opportunity to test drive the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe. To make the drive even more interesting, they decided to place the 1M against Audi’s TT RS and the Infiniti IPL G37. The chosen place? The famous Tail of the Dragon roadway in Great Smoky Mountains. The 1M ran 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and magazine declares the 1M as “the clear winner”. In straight-line though, the Audi TT RS reported an impressive number: 3.6 seconds to get to 60 mph. After the comprehensive review published in the magazine, Car and Driver returns now with the video review. Read more: Video: BMW 1M vs. Audi TT RS vs. Infiniti IPL G37

Volvo’s new owners Geely have stated their plans to increase Volvo’s reach around the world. This includes taking Volvo upmarket to a place it hasn’t really competed in. Volvo traditionally didn’t go head-to-head with manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The company would like to change that though, as with a higher status comes the ability to charge higher prices. Moving upmarket is also a must for the Chinese market, as it is a luxury offerings. For manufacturers looking to get in on the luxury game, a big luxury sedan is a must. Volvo is showing off its Concept Universe to preview what such a model could like. Curiously, it is taking place right near the Shanghai Motor Show, but is not a part of the show as it will not be making an appearance there. The Concept Universe ditches the swoopy design theme of the XC60 Crossover and S60 sedan for a more boxy look. It’s clear the aim is to recall the boxy look of past Volvos in order to create a defining design theme. We aren’t so sure how it works in practice. From some angles it looks pretty good, and others disjointed. The rear also doesn’t seem to quite integrate with the front design, as it appears similar to the Fisker Karma. Concepts tend to look better than their production counterparts, so this doesn’t bode too well for Volvo. The Concept Universe, as evidenced by its name, is clearly is a design study. It is meant to be uniquely Scandinavian in approach. In the future, Volvo says it aims to be the brand that “best interprets what buyers of modern luxury cars want.” Volvo designer Peter Horbury is responsible for the design of the car. Describing the car he say “(it is) just like fine luxury goods, this design feels handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time….we will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication.” It’s unclear how many elements from this car will be making it to production, but this car shows the way forward for Volvo. “The Concept Universe offers the world a sneak preview of what people can expect from our next top-of-the-line sedan,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and...

Last year, Chevy sold more Camaros than Ford did Mustangs. In some ways, that was easy to understand; after all, the Camaro had just returned to the market after an eight year absence. Ford did its best to compete by updating the V-6 and V-8 engine offerings in the Mustang, but it wasn’t enough to counter the demand for Chevy’s own… Here is the original post:  Chevy Camaro Outpaces Ford Mustang In Sales

Volvo has raised the curtain at the Shanghai Auto Show on a concept car enigmatically named Volvo Concept Universe, hinting at what the next-generation S80 flagship sedan might look like. And, well, it looks like a big luxury coupe. It’s got a long hood and a high tubby trunk, something like the Jaguar XJ-L . A long concave style line running fore and aft above the rocker panel provides a horizontal reference point and all the corners are rounded off. One of the most eye-catching points, at least from the exterior, is a new grille treatment, bright concentric circles—don’t say they look like a backyard barbecue—that light up like a neon sign. That op-art effect is repeated in what look like LED headlight surrounds. Another unusual feature that is likely for auto show pizzazz, rather than showrooms, is the front-opening “suicide” rear doors. The futuristic Swedish-austere interior has more of the sketchbook look of a never-to-be-built concept. The two (yes, just two) rear seats are molded plastic, seemingly un-upholstered. Switches and controls are concentrated on a touch-screen that moves itself toward the hand when the driver reaches for it. The broader implication here is that Volvo’s new owner, China’s Geely, is trying to raise Volvo’s status from premium to true luxury, making the brand a more credible direct competitor to BMW and Mercedes-Benz. While there’s a nod to things Chinese in the blue-and-white porcelain decoration on the shift lever, nearly all the design language says “European”–still the font of high-status cars. No details have been released on the engine, suspension, or other mechanical bits. If Volvo brings the Concept Universe to the New York auto show , we’ll be ferreting out more of the low-down. See the original post here:  Video: Volvo Concept Universe luxury sedan bows in China

As you know, the ActiveE, BMW’s first-ever full-electric road vehicle is making its North American debut at the New York Auto Show tomorrow. What makes this electric car unique? Is it right for me? How does it charge? How fast can it go? Lots of us have many unanswered questions, so BMW of North America gives us a chance to connect with their EV experts. Questions will be answered by live by the ActiveE experts on Facebook ( www.facebook.com/BMWUSA ) during the next BMW Conversations: BMW ActiveE, this Wednesday at 5:30 PM EST/2:30 PM PST. Please leave your questions in the comments form below. Original post:  BMW ActiveE Live Conversation – Submit your questions

If you were a 26.5 percent shareholder in a major corporation with a declining stock value, what would you do? Would you look to dump your shares, which you bought at $53 each, at a market price currently below $30? Would you hold onto them, in hopes that the shares would recover some additional value, minimizing your loss? That’s the… Read the original here:  U.S. Government Ponders GM Exit Strategy

Mercedes-Benz debuts the new Concept A-Class on stage at Auto Shanghai 2011 with David Banner, Estelle and Daley More here: Mercedes-Benz Takes the Stage at Auto Shanghai 2011

Buick’s recent success in the United States has startled many industry observers and has come as a promising development for General Motors. Out of the four remaining brands at the company, Buick has seen some of the biggest percentage sales increases. This off the back of three competitive models, the Enclave, LaCrosse and Regal. A small car dubbed Verano is on the way later this year. Over in China though, Buick has been successful for years. Buick owes its existence to China, which likely will become the world’s largest auto market. With the Shanghai Motor Show under way, Buick is previewing a new generation of crossovers with the Envision Concept. The concept was created as a joint effort between Shanghai GM and the company’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center. The Envision Concept takes Buick design cues and explores them in new and more dramatic ways. It shows off a more angular take on Buick’s waterfall grille and a more aggressive face than on production models. A unique element on this crossover is its greenhouse, which is uninterrupted by a pillar. The rear is dramatic, with a steeply raked window. Overall, we like the themes being explored. With these teams responsible for future Buicks (that will be coming to our shores), it is likely we will see similar elements make their way to production Buicks. The concept has a bit of a local flavor, but these themes will be making their way to future models. GM executives in China and the U.S said as much. Shi Hong, Director of Buick Marketing at Shanghai GM says “It introduces the development direction for Buick’s future SUV products for the market.” According to Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design, “The Envision has inherited Buick design DNA and taken the Buick global design language to a new height. It makes a significant statement for Buick styling and technology, and will influence upcoming models from the brand.” A good bet would be a strong influence from this concept on the next-generation Enclave or the new Encore small crossover. However, what the Envision Concept doesn’t do is serve as a wholesale preview of a future production model. Like early every concept these days, the Envision is powered by a plug-in hybrid setup. Two...

New Mercedes A-Class Concept boasts a new, turbocharged 210 hp four-cylinder petrol engine and a dual clutch transmission See original here: Mercedes Concept A-Class Debuts at Auto Shanghai 2011

Although motorcycle deaths declined in 2010 from the year before, the difference was slight, and unfortunately helmet use also dropped. The decrease in fatalities was early in 2010, and increased by about 3 percent by the end of the year when compared with that time period in 2009, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Across the country, fatalities declined from 4,465 in 2009 to 4,376 or less. The decline comes after a 16 percent drop in 2009, which followed 11 prior years of increases in motorcycle deaths. The data is preliminary, but most states have reasonably complete fatality counts for at least the first nine months of 2010, leading to a forecast that deaths will be at least 2 percent lower for the full year. Factors that could influence the number of fatalities from state to state can include a rise in motorcycle registration, or a longer riding season. Additionally, with the improving economy and spike in gas prices, motorcycle travel is expected to increase. Results vary from state to state. In Texas, motorcycle deaths are expected to be down 16 percent, while Oregon and Oklahoma are down 27 and 30 percent, respectively. In Oregon the drop is credited to a training program and a new law strengthening penalties for riders who do not have a motorcycle-specific license. Here are some ways states can continue to help decrease motorcycle fatalities. Increase helmet use: Thirty states still lack helmet laws for all riders, and helmet use dropped from 67 percent in 2009 to 54 percent in 2020. Reduce alcohol impairment: High visibility drunk driving enforcement, as well as training to help police identify drunken motorcyclists. Reduce speed: According to the most recent data, 35 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, and more than half of speed-related fatal motorcycle crashes did not involve another vehicle. Rider training: Provide enough course openings and times convenient for riders. Last year, we rated motorcycles and scooters for the first time in more than 25 years. See our buying advice , reviews and Ratings. Governors Highway Safety Association Go here to see the original: Motorcycle fatalities down in 2010

Just as the auto industry is descending upon the Big Apple for the New York International Auto Show that kicks off tomorrow, Infiniti released a sneak peak of a new three-row luxury crossover set be revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this August. Larger than the EX and FX , the JX draws styling inspiration from the Infiniti Essence concept car. While Infiniti did introduce the full-sized QX SUV this year, the real sales opportunity is likely with smaller, car-based vehicles that can provide much of the versatility, yet with better driving manners and fuel economy. Details are as sketchy as the official image, but it is easy to imagine such a model could be offered with a choice of 3.5-liter V6 and/or 5.0-liter V-8, as with the FX. We will learn more later this year when a near-production version debuts next fall at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The JX will go on sale next spring as a 2013 model. See the rest here: Sneak peek: 2013 Infiniti JX crossover

Can Honda increase hybrid production? Are hybrid buyers simply doomed this summer? To date, Toyota still doesn’t know exactly how bad the production crisis is in Japan. While 50 percent of production has been resumed and will continue through at least May, full production could still be many months away. And since hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius are only produced in Japan, 50 percent of US hybrid sales face very real uncertainties. As of this morning, Prius sales were down to just 9 days. So, will any other automaker be able to fill this hybrid void if it becomes reality? Certainly, there is the potential that less Japanese consumers will be buying cars in coming months enabling Toyota to focus on key markets like the US. One way or another, however, reduced Toyota hybrid supplies seem inevitable without a serious crash in gas prices. Unfortunately, during the 2008 gas spike, as Toyota hybrid car supplies dwindled and dealer markups increased, other automakers did little to offset demand. Or, maybe that should be rephrased. Other automakers did nothing. This time around, there are some new hybrids on the market, for instance, so overall hybrid supplies have increased since 2008. But can any other automaker increase their supplies significantly to fill any Toyota hybrid void? Almost certainly not. Ford, for instance, appears constrained by very defined battery supplies. GM, Hyundai and Nissan have no history of any serious hybrid production. Ultimately, the only automaker with any possible capability to fill some of the Toyota void is Honda, another Japanese company sure to face many of the same production problems as Toyota. Even if unaffected, based on 2008, even Honda would probably offer little relief. Nationwide gas prices will probably top $4.00 this summer, a number places like Los Angeles passed weeks ago. In fact, just the other day a gas station in my LA neighborhood was at $4.33 for regular unleaded. $4.33. Sadly, however, it appears hybrid cars will offer limited relief for consumers to fight these higher prices. As a result, today’s hybrid prices are probably as good as buyers will find through the summer. Originally posted here:  Will anyone be able to fill the Toyota hybrid void?

After pioneering the concept of antilock brakes (ABS) on motorcycles 23 years ago, BMW Motorrad USA announced today that it will be the first motorcycle manufacturer to offer ABS as standard equipment on its entire range of 2012 model year motorcycles. “Plain and simple, being able to stop a motorcycle faster and more predictably helps prevent a rider from becoming a statistic,” said Pieter de Waal, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. “It’s time for all of us in the motorcycle industry to embrace the benefits of ABS. Extensive testing by safety experts, law enforcement authorities and journalists around the world consistently demonstrates that ABS reduces overall crashes and saves lives.” “We commend BMW for taking the lead to improve motorcycle safety,” said David Strickland, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Motorcycle fatalities and injuries have been on an upward trend for the past ten years and ABS and other safety technologies can help reduce these tragedies.” An analysis of 2010 motorcycle crashes released today by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reveals that although motorcyclist fatalities are down for the past two years, they began to slightly increase in the third quarter of 2010. GHSA Executive Director Barbara Harsha noted, “We are concerned that motorcycle deaths may be on the rise again. ABS and other safety technologies and programs can help continue the progress that has been made in motorcycle safety.” A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed that motorcycles equipped with antilock brakes are 37 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than models without ABS. “I commend BMW for taking the lead in making ABS standard across the board,” said Adrian Lund, IIHS president. “Our research results show ABS on motorcycles saves lives, and riders are taking note, too. A recent survey found that a majority of riders said they would look for ABS on their next bikes.” According to IIHS, many factors contribute to motorcycle crashes, but improper braking was identified as a major pre-impact factor in a study of motorcycle crashes. When brakes are applied too gently, the rider risks colliding with the obstacle. If brakes are...

To further take advantage of its understanding of Asia’s growing influence on design,BMW Group’s subsidiary DesignworksUSA , the California-based strategic design consultancy with studios in Los Angeles, Munich, and Singapore, will open a new studio in Shanghai in the second half of 2011. Since 2006, DesignworksUSA is successfully operating a design studio in Singapore providing full-service design solutions to its clients across Asia and globally. DesignworksUSA acts as an inspirational think tank for the three BMW Group brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and as an innovation driver for renowned clients from the most diverse industries. From initial concept to realization, the DesignworksUSA team of creative talents uses cross-fertilization to compose a unique expression for successful products of tomorrow and beyond. Noteworthy projects demonstrating DesignworksUSA’s breadth and expertise include:  Siemens Inspiro Metro, Embraer Legacy Jet, NeilPryde Bikes, Sennheiser Earphones, Intermarine 55 Yacht, HP Z800 Workstation, Thermaltake Gaming Station, and Varian Medical Systems. “Our new studio in Shanghai will help contribute to China’s creative industry development”, says Laurenz Schaffer, BMW Group DesignworksUSA President. “Being deeply connected with this vibrant culture of Shanghai enables us to strengthen our global creative competency, while supporting China’s growing role in global design.” With more than fifty percent of the world’s population in Asia, the tremendous growth of Asian markets is expected to heavily influence future global markets. China is the largest present growth market and third largest single market worldwide for the BMW Group, the parent company of DesignworksUSA. The BMW Group has been building BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series models at its plant in Shenyang, China, with its joint venture partner Brilliance since 2003. A second production plant in Tiexi in the Shenyang region will be completed in 2012 where the BMW X1 will also be built in the future. Continued presence in this rapidly developing region will strengthen BMW Group’s engagement in China and bring China’s design prowess to the forefront.  “Creating presence in Shanghai is an important strategic step for both BMW Group Design and...