#Lithium-ion

The Chinese are running at redline to develop, improve and promote their domestic automotive industry. Brands like FAW, Chang’an Motors and SAIC may be totally obscure to the typical American car buyer, but they may become household names in just a few years. One company that’s pushing hard is the GAC group.

Nissan previewed its crossovers today at the L.A. Auto Show with the Hi-Cross concept – a bold take on where its utility vehicles will go in the near future.

Compared to its German rivals the Lexus product portfolio doesn’t have much depth and lacks any vehicles with true sex appeal, though that’s about to change says marketing boss Brian Bolain.

A new study suggests that lithium ion batteries used in cars could be cheap enough to compete with internal combustion engines in the next 20 years.

Industry giants Toyota and BMW held a press conference in Munich today to discuss plans for its partnership initially announced last December, unveiling plans for a co-developed sports car.

From in-car technology to turbocharging, there is perhaps no other trend that’s fundamentally changing new cars more than the move to dramatically reduce the weight of modern vehicles.

Battery manufacturer A123 Systems introduced a new technology today it calls Nanophosphate EXT, which could be a game changer in the hybrid and electric vehicle segments.

In order to begin seeing the cost benefits of fuel frugality, an ownership period may be as long as 6 years before money saved at the tank can make the initial premium of the hybrid technology seem worth it. Because of the long payback period, hybrids seem less appealing, reflected by the small market share of hybrid vehicles in North America at a mere 2.2 percent.

Electric powered vehicles have long faced challenges in battery cell packaging and the difficulties of maximizing range optimizing weight and placement.

On June 26, an electric Nissan Leaf will compete in the 89th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb driven by Nissan off-road truck racing champion Chad Hord. The Leaf will compete in the Production Class for electric vehicles in factory shape. Other than a roll cage, racing seats and safety harnesses the car will be entirely stock.