Build local
Honda says it will consider building its Insight gas-electric hybrid in North America (for now it will be built in Japan) if sales consistently top 100,000 units a year. The highly anticipated Insight is expected to be strong competition for the Toyota Prius.
Shock energy
Regenerative braking -- a system that recharges the batteries while braking -- is the norm for any hybrid vehicle. But two professors are working on regenerative shock absorbers -- using the natural motion of an automobile to generate energy. The system could boost a hybrid's fuel economy by 20-70 percent. UPS will test the system, created by Ronald Goldner and Peter Zerigian of Tufts University, later this year.
Electric van
Ford plans to debut its battery-powered commercial van, the Transit Connect, in North America in 2011 and in Europe next year. With a 100-mile range, it is expected to appeal to urban customers who travel predictable, short-range routes with lots of stop-and-go driving.
3 Comments
By john mack on March 29, 2009 4:50 PM
I wouldn't buy a Made in USA anything even if it were free.
By Steve Hulsizer on March 30, 2009 5:48 PM
John Mack, good luck in finding a car. Check the country of origin sticker and you'll likely find it assembled in the U.S., with all the profits going overseas.
Want something from China? Try Walmart's famous Walmart Fallapart line of goods. Save lots of money each time you buy a replacement.
By john mack on April 1, 2009 5:35 PM
Thanks Steve, but I imported my car directly from Germany.