Volvo's new line of electric cars, Chrysler's 8-speed automatic

(Volvo)

Volvo electric
Volvo is joining forces with Germany's Siemens AG toe develop of a new line of electric cars. Volvo, owned by China's Geely Holding Group, says Siemens will make the electric motors that will be fitted into Volvo C30 Electric vehicles (shown). Volvo is expected to deliver a test series of 200 cars to Siemens in early 2012.

(Chrysler)

8-Speed automatic
Chrysler is introducing an eight-speed automatic transmission this year -- the first from a domestic manufacturer. The new transmission (shown), which is more fuel-efficient than the five- and six-speed gearboxes that dominate the market today, will debut on the 2012 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger. It's expected to boost highway efficiency by 4 mpg.

--The Associated Press, New York Times News Service