Breaking: Ford To Move Production Of Kuga SUV To USA, We Finally Get It As Well

Being that the stronger Euro to the dollar makes it less profitable to produce the Kuga in Europe, Ford decided to move the production Stateside.  The report stated that Ford will shift production from its factory in Saarlouis, Germany to Luisville, Kentucky in October 2011.

As many as 80,000 examples of the stylish SUV will be exported to Europe.  The proper challenger to the Kuga is VW's Tiguan, and stateside it will compete with the likes of Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV.  Expect additional powerplants to compete with these vehicles.

Honda unveils U3-X personal mobility device

PRESS RELEASE

Honda Develops Revolutionary New Personal Mobility Device to Work in Harmony with People 

World's first driving system capable of 360 degree movement 

Pursuing the concept of "harmony with people" Honda has developed a new personal mobility technology and unveiled U3-X, a compact experimental device to provide free movement in all directions just like human walking - forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. Honda will continue research and development of the device including experiments in the real-world environment to verify the practicality of the device.

This new personal mobility device makes it possible to adjust speed, move, turn and stop in all directions when the rider leans their upper body to shift their body weight. This was achieved through application of advanced technologies including Honda's balance control technology, which was developed through ASIMO (Honda's bipedal humanoid robot) robotics research, and the world's first* omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System), which enables movement in all directions, not only forward and backward, but also directly to the right and left and diagonally. In addition, the compact, one-wheel-drive personal mobility device was designed to be user friendly and unimposing to people around it. This is achieved by making it easy for the rider to reach the ground from the footrest and by seating the rider at roughly the same eye level as a person standing.

Honda is planning to showcase the U3-X at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 (sponsored by JAMA) which will begin on 24th October 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

Honda has been conducting robotics research since 1986 at the Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Fundamental Technology Research Center in Wako, Saitama, Japan, striving to develop the next-generation mobility products that bring joy to our customers. These research projects includes ASIMO, walking assist devices and U3-X.

Source: Honda Worldwide : Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.

Williams to use Cosworth engines in 2010

Article By Jonathan Noble

Williams will switch to Cosworth engines next season, AUTOSPORT has learned, after believing its prospects for success in 2010 are best served with the independent engine maker.

Although the Grove-based outfit came close to a deal with Renault, high level sources at the French car manufacturer have revealed that Williams has now informed the company that it is no longer interested in a tie-up for next year.

With Toyota already having confirmed that it is ending its customer supply deal at the end of this year, it means that Williams has now settled on a switch to Cosworth.

Williams is refusing to confirm  engine plans until after the end of the season, but its engineering director Patrick Head praised Cosworth's efforts in preparing for its return to Formula 1.

"They are certainly very committed to it and working hard," he said. "They have been one of the options but we are not stating where we cast our final hook in terms of what is available to us until after the final race of the season. But I think our design office know what they are designing for."

Sources claim that one of the key attractions for Cosworth is the fact that the engine supplier will be able to re-tune its power unit until early next year - something no other manufacturer is able to do because of F1's engine freeze.

The tweaks could help ensure Cosworth's engine is competitive throughout 2010, which is why Red Bull Racing is also considering a switch to the power unit if it is unsuccessful in its bid to secure Mercedes-Benz power.

Head said that his team had chosen to finish its partnership with Toyota because it fancied a change of direction.

"We had a very good relationship with Toyota," he said. "We made a decision about two months ago that we wanted to go in a different direction and I think the reasons are not for public consumption.

"We haven't had any falling out so it's an amicable parting. There were a number of factors that caused us to make the decision but I don't think that the combination of the reasons we decided to make a change are not ones that we are prepared to share. But it was nothing that caused any shouting and screaming, we chose to change direction.

"Ross Brawn and the team showed that you can make an engine change on Christmas Eve and still produce a pretty competitive car but I don't think our design office would thank us for doing that and they will have a little longer than that to design the car around the engine."

[Sources: Autosport and F1-Live]

Production Honda CR-Z Due Fall 2010

Its been decades since the original CR-X roamed freely  Stateside, and now the spiritual replacement will be imported here next year.  Honda's concept lines from the 2007 car has been largely carried over intact, all except a taller roof and more conventional upright windshield.

  This model will be geared with performance in mind and have great fuel economy.   Displacement will increase to 1.5l and in addition, receive a six-speed manual transmission.  The CR-Z will go on sale in the Spring of 10' in Japan and then arrive in the U.S. some time in the Fall.

Honda SkyDeck Hybrid Concept

The future of sockermom mobiles?   What a market to corner and Honda already has snatched the best selling vehicle in class away from the Chrysler minivan.   The SkyDeck Hybrid follows Honda's design language previewed by the CR-Z but the difference is, this is a design buck.  A six-seat MPV form study with a futuristic interior that is all.

Cantilever style seats mounted on center tunnel, with slide forward rear seats that glide under the front when folded.   Unique, swing up front doors similar to Lambo and sliding rear doors that drop down dangerously low to the curb.  Over all, a design that stays true to Honda's ever advancing and cohesive  design language.

Ford of Europe Debut Mondeo Econetic Titanium Individual

Ford has tapped into the specialty vehicle arena  in Europe by adding limited spec models similar to  what has been done with the Mustang.  The new "Individual Line" introduced the Fiesta Titanium Individual earlier this year followed now by the Mondeo Titanium  Individual 2.0 115Ps TDCi.

The 113bhp 2.0 TDci used in the base model is replaced by the higher spec engine with a fuel economy of 54.3 mpg. All the features of the regular Titanium Mondeo, difference is 16 inch with optional 17s.   Other features to help efficiency are aerodynamically optimized sports suspension with air deflectors, rear spoiler (five door model) optimal gearchange indicator that helps with efficiency.   The next generation Modeo will underpin future Ford Fusion models, thus continuing Ford's international design focus.

Source: Ford UK

Infiniti Planning Electric BMW 1-Series/ Audi A3 Rival

Infiniti is planning to release a new entry level model as a direct competitor to  BMW 1-Series  Lexus 2009 LF-Ch Concept and the  Audi A3.  What will make the Infiniti unique and stand apart will be its own design feature: an all electric powertrain.

This type of vehicle will be important to help establish Infiniti as brand lead in Europe where compact variants like the Audi A3 flourish. The model is still in the  development stage, so information is limited, but it is believed the Infiniti will share powertrain with all-electric Nissan Leaf due to market next year.   Infiniti believes this is the road to travel, other electric vehicles and hybrids are on the horizon as well.

Souce: AutoExpress