Vehicles

Fuel-cell vehicles from Hyundai coming soon 1000 Tucson ix35 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are to take to the road by 2015, says the Korean carmaker. Read full story

Ricardo assists EPA with MY2025 CAFE rulemaking The U.S. federal CAFE mandate to improve the fuel consumption of today's light-duty vehicle fleet by approximately 50% in MY2025 will require an assortment of technologies, lightweight materials, and engineering ingenuity. Read full story

2013 Honda Fit EV applies ‘lessons learned’ from fuel-cell Clarity The electrified powertrain, a newly developed regenerative braking system, and Bio-Fabric seating material in Honda's new Fit EV all stem from developments in the FCX Clarity fuel-cell car and other EV forebears. Read full story

JCB’s expanding range of mini excavators The new 8026 features short pitch tracks and auto kick-down, with 11% increase in travel speed; a new valve block with 17% longer spool stroke; and an easy-clean undercarriage. Read full story

Mercedes designer answers call for daring A-Class When Mark Fetherston, as Team Leader External Design Compact Cars, was given the chance to take on a key role in the creation of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class range, he was delighted. But the task had an added frisson: the Management Board did not want evolution, it wanted revolution. Read full story

Bobcat launches loaders with improved hydraulics, efficiencies Bobcat's seven models began limited production in September, with full availability at dealerships in January. Read full story

Alternative powertrains must survive the 'hype cycle' SEMA VP Waraniak explains the five-step “hype cycle” for such emerging technologies as plug-in electric vehicles. Chrysler VP Gradu sees diesel as the most cost-effective choice for car performance. In the background is “Goodwin Assist,” a prototype concept to provide electric-drive assist in large vehicles, but at obviously higher cost. Read full story

Golf closes the gasoline/diesel gap, loses mass, and gains 'premiumness' Although longer and wider than its predecessor, the all-new car uses VW Group’s MQB modular transverse matrix platform to be lighter by up to 100 kg (220 lb) and is up to 23% more fuel-efficient. Read full story

Uncle Sam wants innovative solutions from suppliers A retired military officer who was the development manager for the U.S. Department of Defense's $3 trillion, six-year Future Year Defense Plan wants suppliers to know that the military wants innovative product solutions. Read full story