US diesel sales rose 27.4-percent in 2011 while hybrid sales dropped 2.2-percent, numbers that reflect a changing automotive climate in America and fly in the face of conventional stereotypes about diesel cars.

But thanks to offerings from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and the Volkswagen Group, diesel-powered passenger vehicle sales are on the rise in America. The 2.2-percent decrease in hybrid sales is, however, a little bit misleading, due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the floods in Thailand. Both those natural disasters affected the production and availability of America’s most popular hybrids, including Toyota‘s Prius.

Nonetheless, expectations are high for diesel sales with Baum and Associates stating that sales could more than double from 3-percent of the market today to 6- to 6.5-percent by 2015. J.D. Power & Associates believes the US diesel market share could increase to 7.4-percent by 2017.

To aid in the projections, American and Japanese automakers are also expected to introduce diesel variants of their models in North America including GM’s new Cadillac ATS, as well as the Chevrolet Cruze, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mazda CX-5.

The head of Toyota‘s Prius program thinks that Toyota will be able to sell as many as 1 million hybrids anually by 2015. Satoshi Ogiso, who was responsible for developing the original Prius, said that hybrids could sell as many as 2 million units by 2020.

Toyota Hybrid sales topped out at 690,000 in 2010, and many felt that if it weren’t for March’s earthquake and tsunami, the pace of sales would have accelerated even further. Prius sales (including the Prius c, Prius V and other variants) will account for half of hybrid sales.

Ogiso said that model line-up expansion would be kept under control for the Prius, but some expansion may occur. A sports car model was also hinted at, but appears to be some ways off.

[Source: Automotive News]

Expected to arrive some time next year, the successor to the Ferrari Enzo could make use of hybrid technology admits company CEO Amedeo Felisa.

Speaking at the launch of the new 458 Spider, Felisa admitted as much and even confirmed that Ferrari is currently testing prototype hybrids. While still a stretch at this point, Ferrari has used Enzo and its predecessors like the F50 and F40 to launch new technologies, with the F50 being the first to utilize a carbon fiber chassis.

The ‘F70′ will continue to use a carbon fiber base, confirms Felisa, as well as a mid-engined V12 for motivation.

That V12 could be joined with a Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS), a technology that Ferrari developed for use in its F1 cars. This would also continue Ferrari’s long-standing tradition of using the pinnacle of motorsports to develop technologies for its road cars.

As for the rest of the Ferrari lineup Felisa commented that carbon fiber tubs or monocoques will not be used, maintaining that the cost and risks are simply too big to justify for standard production models.

[Source: InsideLine]

Ford and Toyota shocked the automotive world with the announcement that the two companies will join forces to create a new hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs.

The companies signed a memorandum of understanding, and will do further research and studies regarding the project. The new system is said to be rear-drive based, and uses different technology than both Ford and Toyota’s current hybrid systems.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s head of global product development, stated that the two companies would not be sharing platforms, but rather sharing costs developing hybrid and telematics systems, which would be implemented into brand-specific vehicles. Takeshi Uchiyamada, Executive Vice President of Toyota, also stressed the importance of developing new telematics technology, though Ford’s own SYNC system, developed with Microsoft, has been criticized for being too complex and unreliable.

Get back into traffic with the rest of us, electric vehicles… your time is up. If you’re in California and drive a hybrid, today is the day your six-year privilege to the HOV lane expires.

About 85,000 hybrid vehicle owners have to share the regular highway lanes, as the yellow sticker that gave them access to the dedicated HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes expires today (July 1, 2011). They’ve had a great six-year run of leaving other non-electric vehicles behind, but all good things must come to an end.

When these yellow stickers were being issued, only three hybrid vehicles qualified – the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid. If you get caught driving by yourself in the HOV lanes tomorrow, prepare to pay some big fines – and don’t expect all those people who you’ve been passing for the past six years to feel sorry for you.

With Ford planning to blitz the auto-market in the first quarter of 2012 with its eight new models, the American automaker hopes the Fusion will make a major impact with its next-gen sophisticated hybrid system.

According to a source inside Ford the Blue Oval is targeting a 47-48-mpg rating for the car in the city, with an even higher rating for the highway. Currently the Fusion gets a 41-mpg rating in the city, making for a significant increase.

Closing in on the 50-mpg mark, the Fusion Hybrid would then be encroaching on the 50-mpg average Toyota Prius.

[Source: FordInsideNews]

Almost a year ago General Motors first showed off the Volt MPV5 (above), hinting that it would build a Voltec-powered extended range electric car designed for families. Now comes word that GM has filed for trademark protection on the name ‘Crossvolt’ indicating that this is a name being considered for the new model that is likely to ride on a modified version of the Chevy Orlando’s platform.

Previous reports have indicated Chevy will introduce a whole lineup of Volt-style models in the future, with other names being trademarked recently including ‘Amp’ and ‘Strobe’.

GALLERY: Chevy Volt MPV5

[Source: Car & Driver]

Despite being written off as a failure in both critical acclaim and unit sales, the Honda Insight has seen sales explode as higher gas prices, a promotional blitz and a general upward trend in sales resulted in a 62.2 percent improvement in year-over-year sales numbers for Honda’s hybrid hatchback.

The Insight was regarded by almost everyone as a colossal flop, and its direct competitor, the Toyota Prius still outsells the Insight exponentially ( with 42,779 sold versus 6,058 Insights), but customers appear to be trickling back to the Insight, which can deliver 40 mpg in town and 43 mpg on the highway.

While Honda initially predicted 90,000, but in its peak year, Honda sold just under 21,000 Insights.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Japanese auto makers have been scrambling to assess the impact of the recent natural disasters on their supply chains, as North American production facilities face potential harm, as Japanese factories have begun suspending production in the face of a series of catastrophic events.

Toyota has suspended overtime production at their North American facilities, while Subaru announced that some 30 percent of their parts suppliers were affected. Automakers have closed their factories as part of a campaign to ease stress on the nation’s power grid. While many of the Japanese car companies built a significant portion of their vehicles in North America, the Toyota Prius and Honda’s entire hybrid lineup are built in Japan, and these vehicles will be critical for dealers if they wish to have a hedge against rising gas prices. Similarly, Ford procures much of their battery technology from Japan, and supplies could be compromised.

[Source: Automotive News]

TrueCar.com released their rankings of the Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient vehicles in both the hybrid and non-hybrid category, an important distinction according to TrueCar, because “Hybrids offer great fuel economy but most don’t provide the value consumers are seeking.”

The hybrid list is predictably topped by the Toyota Prius, followed by the Lexus CT200h and Honda Insight. The non-hybrid category is led by the Hyundai Elantra, the Chevrolet Cruze Eco and the Toyota Yaris. The much lauded diesels sold by Volkswagen and Audi took 6th through 8th spots respectively.

Hit the jump to read the official press release

[Source: TrueCar]

Year
Make
Model
MSRP
Average Price Paid
EPA Combined MPG
Gallons Used Annually*
Cost Per Year **
2011
Toyota
Prius
$23,810
$22,235
49.6
302
$1,064
2011
Lexus
CT 200h
$29,995
$30,013
41.6
361
$1,269
2011
Honda
Insight
$18,950
$17,851
41.3
363
$1,279
2011
Honda
Civic Hybrid
$24,700
$23,290
41.3
363
$1,279
2011
Ford
Fusion Hybrid
$29,100
$28,535
38.6
389
$1,368
2011
Lincoln
MKZ Hybrid
$35,455
$33,478
38.6
389
$1,368
2011
Hyundai
Sonata Hybrid
$26,545
$25,031
37.1
404
$1,424
2011
Chevrolet
Volt
$41,000
$40,893
37.1
404
$1,424
2011
Honda
CR-Z
$20,745
$20,368
36.7
409
$1,439
2011
Nissan
Altima Hybrid
$27,560
$21,845
33.0
455
$1,600

TrueCar.com’s top 10 most fuel-efficient non-hybrids are:

Year
Make
Model
MSRP
Average Price Paid
EPA Combined MPG
Gallons Used Annually*
Cost Per Year **
2011
Hyundai
Elantra
$15,550
$15,052
33.1
453
$1,595
2011
Chevrolet
Cruze Eco
$18,895
$18,596
32.9
455
$1,603
2011
Toyota
Yaris
$13,715
$12,689
31.8
472
$1,661
2011
Ford
Fiesta
$13,995
$13,168
31.4
477
$1,679
2011
Mazda
MAZDA2
$14,975
$14,696
31.4
477
$1,680
2011
Volkswagen
Jetta Sedan TDI***
$23,765
$22,437
34.4
436
$1,704
2011
Volkswagen
Golf TDI ***
$23,995
$23,263
34.4
436
$1,704
2011
Audi
A3 TDI***
$31,125
$29,866
34.4
436
$1,704
2011
Toyota
Corolla
$16,360
$15,167
30.8
488
$1,716
2011
MINI
Cooper Hardtop ****
$20,100
$19,497
32.1
467
$1,774

While GM’s announcement of a new car based on the Camaro platform being shown at the Chicago Auto Show stole the spotlight in the automotive press, the Buick Regal eAssist represents a product far more relevant to the average consumer, even if it’s less glamorous.

With an eAssist hybrid system from the Buick Lacrosse, the Regal delivers excellent mileage for a mid-size sedan, returning 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. A 15 horsepower electric motor helps to assist during acceleration and also allows for regenerative braking, and a start/stop system.

On the aesthetic front, lightweight 17″ wheels, a 7-inch screen for keeping track of fuel economy and other data, as well as an eco model for the air conditioning all make an appearance only on the eAssist. While the Lacrosse eAssist will be positioned as an entry level trim within the range, the Regal variant will simply complement the other versions, including the Regal Turbo and Regal GS.

Gallery: Buick Regal eAssist

2012 Regal to Offer New eAssist™ Fuel-Saving Technology

* eAssist “light electrification” system improves fuel economy 25 percent
* Estimated 26 mpg city / 37 mpg highway (pending EPA certification)
* On sale this fall

CHICAGO – Buick announced the 2012 Regal with eAssist™ fuel-saving technology, which improves overall fuel economy by 25 percent over the 2011 four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain. Estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg city and 37 mpg on the highway (pending EPA certification).

Regal with eAssist joins the 2012 LaCrosse as the second Buick to feature the efficiency-enhancing technology. The system uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system, electric induction motor-generator and regenerative braking capability to improve fuel economy. Its fuel economy tops competitors such as the Acura TSX, rated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Regal’s estimated 37 mpg on the highway is 20 percent greater and the TSX doesn’t offer a six-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on the Buick.

“Buick’s eAssist technology means customers don’t have to trade a premium driving experience for efficiency,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing. “We believe Regal and LaCrosse with eAssist provide more logical and affordable choices, compared to other hybrid midsize and full-size luxury sedans.”

Regal with eAssist goes on sale this fall. It joins an expanding lineup that also includes 2.4L and 2.0L Turbo (with manual transmission) models, as well as the upcoming Regal GS. Regal with eAssist offers the range of luxury and convenience packages offered in the other models, along with unique features that include:

* Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and tires with lower rolling resistance
* A driver-selectable, fuel economy-optimizing mode for the air conditioning system, which enables more frequent and longer-duration engine stop periods
* An ECO gauge on the instrument panel that continuously responds to driving behavior, enabling the driver to drive with greater efficiency
* A powerflow readout in the 7-inch infotainment screen, which shows the flow of energy through the electric assist system, such as battery charging from regeneration and electric power directed to the engine.

eAssist details

Mated to Regal’s 2.4L Ecotec direct injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kW induction motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through:

* Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery
* Providing up to 11 kW (15 hp) of electric power assistance during acceleration
* Automatic engine shut-off when the vehicle is stopped
* Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero vehicle speed, enabled by the torque smoothing provided by the induction motor-generator unit
* Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.

“The capability to deliver electric boost to the powertrain system during heavy acceleration and grade driving enables the engine and transmission to operate more efficiently,” said Steve Poulos, global chief engineer of the eAssist system. “Full fuel shutoff at stops and during deceleration complements electric boost and regenerative braking with additional fuel savings.”

Regal with eAssist technology also features improved underbody aerodynamics and tires optimized for performance and fuel economy. It also features a hill-assist system that captures brake pressure to help the driver more comfortably accelerate from a stop on a moderate or steep grade. It does this by greatly reducing the tendency of the vehicle to roll backward with the engine in shut-down mode.

The eAssist system’s 115V air-cooled lithium-ion battery bolsters the 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine with approximately 11 kW (15 hp) of electric power assist during heavy acceleration and 15 kW of regenerative braking power. The system also enables the Ecotec engine to shut down fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions, which saves additional fuel. While in fuel shut-off mode, the induction motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. Then, as the vehicle comes to a stop, the induction motor-generator unit spins the engine, bringing it to a smooth stop – properly positioned for a smooth restart.

“The battery system is designed to provide power assistance to the internal combustion engine, rather than store energy for all-electric propulsion,” said Poulos. “It’s really an extension of the conventional internal combustion engine, not a replacement for it.”

The eAssist power pack contains the lithium-ion battery pack, the integrated power inverter and 12V power supply. It is located in a compartment between the rear seat and trunk; and it is surprisingly compact and lightweight, weighing only about 65 pounds (29 kg). Trunk space is slightly reduced when compared with 2011 models with the four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain, but still offers 11.1 cubic feet (314 liters) of storage. A quiet electric fan cools the power pack, drawing air from a vent located in the package tray, behind the rear seat.

The eAssist system’s electric induction motor-generator is mounted to the engine in place of the alternator to provide both motor assist and electric-generating functions through a unique engine belt-drive system. The induction motor-generator is a high-performance, compact induction motor that is liquid-cooled for increased performance and efficiency.

Next-generation six-speed

The eAssist system works with Regal’s direct injected 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder and next-generation six-speed automatic powertrain combination. In the Regal with eAssist, the engine is rated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) and the next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T40 takes transmission technology to the next level with features designed to enhance powertrain efficiency.

Significant internal transmission changes to clutch controls and hardware provide reduced spin losses while improving shift response and time. The added electric power provided by the eAssist system allows for higher gearing to improve steady state efficiency without impacting acceleration performance or driveability. The system’s ability to provide some electric assistance at cruising speeds allows the driver to accelerate lightly or ascend mild grades without the transmission downshifting.

An auxiliary, electric-driven transmission oil pump is added to the 6T40, which keeps the transmission primed and the fluid flowing when the engine shuts down at a stop. That keeps the transmission ready to perform when the driver accelerates, for a seamless, uncompromised driving experience.

General Motors will reportedly unveil a Buick Regal Hybrid at the Chicago Auto Show that uses similar eAssist technology seen on the its Lacrosse stablemate.

With the Lacrosse capable of returning 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, a 25 percent boost in fuel economy. eAssist also provides an extra 15 horsepower and 79 lb-ft of torque to GM’s 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft 2.4L 4-cylinder. While the Lacrosse has eAssist as standard, the Regal’s Hybrid model will likely be a flagship, along with the upcoming Regal GS for customers who want something a bit spicier.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

For more information on the Buick Regal, such as specifications, news, prices, safety information and more, please see http://www.regalforums.com/.