Vehicles

Caterpillar hybridizes the excavator using hydraulics technology The hybrid technology used in the 336E H was developed by Caterpillar in-house and is used to move the machine's upper structure. Read full story

Terex launches crane for Asian market Terex says its new Powerlift 1000 draws on more than 100 years of experience and was a collaborative effort of global Terex engineers. Read full story

Honeywell, DuPont defend R-1234yf; Ford backs refrigerant studies Daimler's decision to halt use of the new refrigerant on safety concerns leads to a product defense by joint-venture suppliers Honeywell and DuPont, citing SAE studies and their own tests. Although GM is the only U.S. maker with R-1234yf cars, Ford also backs the refrigerant's use. Read full story

2014 Ford Transit features five-cylinder diesel option in North America As the eventual replacement to Ford's E-Series vehicles, the all-new Transit means more configuration choices and the only five-cylinder diesel engine option in North America's commercial van segment. Read full story

Top Peugeot designer talks aerodynamics, design trends Aerodynamic considerations plainly play an important part in car design, but are they a challenge or an opportunity for a designer? “A bit of both,” says Peugeot's Gilles Vidal. “You know that you won’t achieve the best possible aerodynamic score because if we do so it will most likely be an ugly car.” Read full story

Chevy offers two MyLink systems A low-cost system on the 2013 Spark and Sonic introduces Apple's Siri and $50 BringGo navigation. The 2014 Impala has upscale Cadillac CUE-derived MyLink with embedded navigation and a screen resembling a smartphone. Read full story

DAF to launch first Euro-VI model in spring 2013 DAF Trucks unveiled its first Euro-VI compliant vehicle, the DAF XF heavy truck, at the recent IAA Hanover Show and has now revealed further details. Read full story

2014 Mazda6 will offer low-compression diesel New model range begins with a 2.5-L Skyactiv gasoline engine but adds a 2.2-L Skyactiv diesel with 14.0:1 compression ratio after mid-2013. The car also features a Mazda U.S. first, regenerative braking with capacitor energy capture. Read full story

Acura RLX shows advanced rear-steer, engine technology The luxury sedan has rear steering with a separate motor at each wheel, and its new engine features I-VTEC valvetrain integrated electronically with re-engineered control of a cylinder deactivation system and computer-controlled engine mounts. Read full story