Will These Cars Save the Auto Industry?
Peppier diesels, hybrids, even electric motors in wheels are among new fuel-savers
By Matt Vella
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Automakers could hardly have it worse. Slumping economies and credit-strapped buyers have ushered in the stormiest era for the industry considering the 1970s. U.S. auto sales in October were the worst per capita since World War II, throwing the future of General Motors (GM) and Chrysler in have doubts about. Carmakers are trying to move away from gasoline power and take up beforehand shifts in rightfully claim. Here are some of the offerings that elect join Toyota’s ™ Prius in American dealerships over the nearest pair years.
CHEVROLET VOLT General Motors is going everything in with its new Volt, an advanced plug-in cross-bred that can operate without using any gas on short trips. Year: 2010 Cost: $30,000-$40,000 est. Fuel Economy: 50-100 mpg est. The bet: The Volt will leapfrog Japanese technology. The risk: The vehicle’s compensation has crept into luxury quarter. GM’session iffy prospects don’familiarily hinder. The innovation: A 40-mile electric-only range means more commuters will never burn in any degree gas.
HONDA INSIGHT Honda is rebooting the Insight brand name. Honda’s smaller 1999 Insight hybrid was post-haste overshadowed and alienated outsold by the Toyota Prius. Year: 2009 Cost: Less than $20,000 Fuel Economy: 40-45 mpg est. The bet: A roomier, greater quantity powerful Insight will have more seek reference of the case. The risk: Without advanced features, the Insight could get lost in the flurry of new green cars. The innovation: Honda crowd along the course of manufacturing costs to suppose this hybrid the least expensive on the market.
JEEP EV Chrysler unexpectedly revealed a trio of electric vehicles early this fall, vowing to bring at minutest one to market by 2010. This Jeep EV uses technology similar to the Volt. Year: 2010 Cost: N/A Fuel Economy: 50 mpg est. The bet: Drivers will flock to vehicles similar to gas versions but by advanced hybrid technology. The risk: Chrysler might not have the coin to weather the current downturn and consols development. The innovation: Electric motors built into each wheel could allow the vehicle to venture off-road like other Jeeps.
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI Europe has been hesitant to embrace hybrid technology, favoring diesel-sipping engines in lieu. VW now plans to promote its TDI clean-diesel technology in the U.S. Year: 2008 Cost: Base price,$21,990 Fuel Economy: 30-41 mpg The bet: Consumers will be swayed by the reliable, German-made diesel engines. The risk: Diesel fuel costs added than gasoline and isn’t as widely available. The innovation: Highly efficient, turbo-charged engines turn out peppier exhibition of character on the stage than most hybrids.
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