Car Blog

$300 million investment to create 1,600 jobs in plant and 1,100 local supplier-based jobs

Daimler Trucks North America sets new benchmarks for Daimler Trucks production plants worldwide

New plant fulfills highest environmental standards

Yesterday marked the opening of the new manufacturing plant of Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) in Saltillo, Coahuila, in northern Mexico. The President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, was on hand for the opening ceremony. The facility, which was built with an investment of $300 million, is expected to create 1,400 direct jobs and 200 indirect ones. In addition, it will generate 1,100 jobs within the local supplier industry. After breaking ground in January 2007, the facility was completed on time and within the planned budget. The plant in Saltillo covers 1.3 million square feet of space and includes a production facility, a logistics center, administration building, and a training center.

“With the new Daimler Trucks North America production plant in Saltillo, Mexico, Daimler Trucks is improving its competitive position on the North American continent over the long term,” said Andreas Renschler, member of the Daimler AG Board of Management and Head of Daimler Trucks, today during the grand opening ceremony in Saltillo.

The plant was sited in Saltillo on account of the good experiences Daimler Trucks has had in Mexico. The decision in favor of northern Mexico was also influenced by the site’s significant logistical advantages, including proximity to raw material sources, suppliers, and customers, as well as good connections with the road and rail network. The plant will produce Freightliner’s new flagship, the Cascadia heavy-duty Class 8 truck. The plant in Saltillo can produce up to 30,000 Cascadia trucks annually for sale in the US, Canadian, and Mexican markets. The Cascadia will be introduced on the domestic market in Mexico in late 2009.

The Saltillo plant is the second Daimler Trucks North America manufacturing facility to be located in Mexico, joining the Santiago Tianguistenco plant, which produces Freightliner-branded heavy and medium-duty trucks for domestic Mexico sales, as well as for export to Latin America, the United States, and Canada.

“We are confident that with the Cascadia from Saltillo we will be able to fulfill our customers’ high expectations regarding product quality, operating costs, and reliability,” continued Andreas Renschler.

“Saltillo offers both the manufacturing flexibility and the space for future expansion that will enable Daimler Trucks North America to respond to a rebound in the truck market.”

Highly efficient production processes and high environmental standards at the new production plant in Saltillo

Saltillo will set new benchmarks for efficient production processes for Daimler Trucks manufacturing facilities worldwide. The lean operations at Saltillo will also comply with high standards of quality.

The efficiency and quality standards at the Saltillo production plant are based on the Truck Operating System (TOS) of Daimler Trucks. This management system, which was introduced in all plants worldwide as part of the Global Excellence program, aims to create an extraordinarily lean plant organization. The new plant in Saltillo utilizes the most advanced lean manufacturing processes in the truck building industry today, with the goal of achieving perfect first-time quality and the highest degree of efficiency in all processes.

The highly skilled employees working at the Saltillo plant have been specially trained for their jobs in the new facility. The management team was already completely staffed two years before the construction of the facility was completed. Production personnel were selected, trained, and qualified four months before the start of production.

The Saltillo facility of course complies with the exemplary high environmental standards of Daimler Trucks North America. More than 90 percent of all residual materials and waste from the production process is recycled. Only electrically operated tugger trains are used for transportation within the plant, and energy-saving solar windows as well as an on-site water treatment center underline the high priority assigned to environmental protection at the new plant.

Source: Daimler AG

The “2009 North American Car of the Year” Hyundai Genesis sedan bolstered its resume with a “TOP SAFETY PICK” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Hyundai’s all-new flagship earned a “good” overall evaluation in side impact, frontal offset and rear crash tests, the highest ranking awarded by the Institute.

Maintaining Hyundai’s emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Genesis boasts world-class active and passive safety features to help both prevent accidents and maximize the wellbeing of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving safety technology, and includes standard features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints.

“Hyundai is committed to standardizing the most effective life-saving technologies and Genesis sedan is no exception,” said Michael Deitz, product planning manager for the Hyundai Genesis sedan. “From the debut of Hyundai’s first electronic active head restraint system which helps prevent whiplash, to standard Electronic Stability Control, the most effective new safety technology since the seatbelt, Genesis was designed with safety in mind.”

To qualify for a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of “good” in the Institute’s front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with ESC. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of ESC, which is standard on the Genesis. TOP SAFETY PICK status is applicable for all 2009 Genesis models built after November 2008.

“Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results,” says Institute president Adrian Lund.

According to IIHS, 51 percent of driver deaths in recent model cars occurred in side impacts so the Institute’s side impact test is severe. The Genesis performed well in side-impact tests and earned a “good” overall evaluation. The report notes that both driver’s and passengers’ head and neck are protected against “being hit by any hard structures,” reducing the chance of serious injury.

In the Institute’s 40 mph offset test, 40 percent of the total width of each vehicle strikes a barrier on the driver’s side, mirroring the forces involved in a frontal offset crash between two vehicles. Genesis again scored “good” in the overall evaluation. The report notes that, “Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.”

All new Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, the Hyundai Assurance Program is now offered on all new Hyundais leased or purchased at a participating Hyundai dealership. Hyundai Assurance allows consumers to walk away from a financing obligation when certain adverse life events occur, providing protection from financial shortfalls that arise from vehicle depreciation (negative equity) up to $7,500. For a limited time, Hyundai is also offering Hyundai Assurance Plus, adding 90 days of payment relief to the existing protection plan. Hyundai Assurance Plus is part of Hyundai’s Spring Sales Event, which runs until April 30, 2009. Hyundai Assurance and Hyundai Assurance Plus are complimentary for the first 12 months of the financing or lease date for vehicles financed through any lender or financing source. The programs supplement all existing consumer incentives, and are available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment history or financed amount of the vehicle. Visit www.HyundaiUSA.com for details.

Source: Hyundai Motor America

Houston-based HYPERFUELS to provide fuel for the 2009 Jetta TDI Cup season

After first introducing its clean diesel technology on the race track in 2008, Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced it will use B5 biodiesel to power its race cars, transport vehicles and generators during the 2009 Jetta TDI Cup season. Houston-based HYPERFUELS will supply B5 biodiesel for the series, which is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing.

“We are extremely pleased to have HYPERFUELS as a partner for the 2009 Jetta TDI Cup series. SynDiesel(R) B5 biodiesel has been fully approved for use in all Volkswagen TDI powered vehicles that are available at local Volkswagen dealerships today,” said Clark Campbell, Motorsport Manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The addition of SynDiesel B5 biodiesel in the Jetta TDI Cup race cars further demonstrates the feasibility of biodiesel as an alternative fuel source for American consumers and supports the clean and green racing of the Jetta TDI Cup series,” added Campbell.

Performance testing has proven that diesel powered vehicles offer more low-end torque than traditional gasoline engines, providing quicker off-the-line acceleration that’s well suited for the race track. In addition, the Jetta TDI engine’s use of a “common rail” direct injection system improves fuel economy over gasoline engines and reduces sooty emissions by 95 percent, even under demanding race conditions. During the 2009 season, the Jetta TDI Cup cars will consume approximately two tanks of B5 biodiesel during race conditions and overall carbon emissions produced by the series will be reduced by 2,583 pounds as a result of the new fuel. These environmentally-friendly characteristics classify all Volkswagen TDI models as Advanced Lean Technology Vehicles, qualifying consumers for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit.

“HYPERFUELS is excited that the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup and SCCA Pro Racing acknowledge that the addition of biodiesel creates a clean performance racing fuel,” said Jess Hewitt, President, Gulf Hydrocarbon, the parent company of HYPERFUELS. “If we can help take biodiesel awareness and performance to the next level, then everyone wins. It’s cleaner burning, yields a faster burn, produces less emissions and is easily accessible. I can’t imagine a better fuel or better cars to showcase the performance and benefits of biodiesel,” added Hewitt.

The SynDiesel B5 biodiesel that HYPERFUELS is supplying is a synthetically made diesel fuel, with a 63 cetane rating, storage life of up to 10 years and 20 percent more BTU’s than conventional diesel. The same fuel used in the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup racing series is available for purchase on www.hyperfuels.com

Beginning with the season-opening race on April 25 at VIRginia International Raceway, drivers will compete in ten events on eight road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared and maintained Jetta TDI’s powered by B5 biodiesel. The series champion will win $100,000. In addition, each driver who competes in the series will earn a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with race suspension and brakes.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Schedule
Round 1 & 2
April 24 – 26 – VIRginia International Raceway – Alton, VA (with Grand-Am)
Round 3
May 15 – 17 – Miller Motorsports Park – Salt Lake City, UT (with ALMS)
Round 4
June 19 – 21 – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course- Lexington, OH (with Grand-Am)
Round 5
July 24 – 26 – Autobahn Country Club – Joliet, IL (with Speed World
Challenge/Atlantics)
Round 6
Aug. 14 – 16 – Road America – Elkhart Lake, WI (with ALMS)
Round 7
Aug. 28 – 30 – Mosport International Raceway – Mosport, ON (Canada) (with
ALMS)
Round 8 & 9
Sept. 11 – 13 – New Jersey Motorsports Park – Millville, NJ (with ARCA)
Round 10
Sept. 25 – 27 – Road Atlanta – Braselton, GA (with ALMS)

Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

“Reserve Your cube(R)” Pre-launch Program Goes Live Today on NissanUSA.com –

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) announced complete pricing on the 2009 Nissan cube(R), which goes on sale in early May at Nissan dealers nationwide. In conjunction with the pricing announcement, a new “Reserve Your cube(R)” program, which allows customers to research and reserve the cube(R) of their choice, launches today at www.NissanUSA.com/cube.

The dramatically styled Nissan cube(R) has a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $13,990 for the cube(R) 1.8 equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. Three other models are also offered: cube(R) 1.8 S, priced at $14,690 with the 6-speed manual and $15,690 with the Xtronic CVT(R) (Continuously Variable Transmission); cube(R) 1.8 SL, priced at $16,790; and the cube(R) 1.8 Krom specialty vehicle, priced at $19,370. Both the cube(R) 1.8 SL and cube(R) 1.8 Krom come with standard Xtronic CVT(R).

Available cube(R) technology includes the Nissan Intelligent Key(TM) with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six upgraded speakers, XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately) and Interface System for iPod(R).

In addition, cube will be available with more than 40 individual accessories, ranging from a unique 20-color interior illumination kit and “shag dash topper” to aerodynamic body kits and custom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – allowing cube(R) owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and personalities.

“Cube has generated tremendous buzz for Nissan – it’s fun, functional and it’s an ideal extension of cube owners’ lifestyle,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, NNA. “Cube offers features that you just can’t put a price on – clever design, inviting interior, ease of driving and outstanding quality. No other car in its segment comes close to cube.”

“Reserve Your cube(R)”

To help consumers navigate the expected strong demand for the new cube(R) at launch, Nissan is making cube(R) inventory information available online as part of a “Reserve Your cube(R)” program. Accessed through NissanUSA.com/cube, buyers can view pricing, colors, trim and equipment available in their local areas, then contact a dealer to reserve a specific vehicle.

“The ‘Reserve Your cube(R)” program will help facilitate conversations between customers and dealers, helping match cube(R) and owner in a timely manner,” said Castignetti. “We’re excited about the cube(R) launch and want to make the buying process as hassle-free as owning one.”

2009 Nissan cube(R)

The 2009 Nissan cube(R) is designed to meet the practical needs of today’s active, environmentally aware drivers, providing a small footprint with a large interior space. The front-wheel drive cube(R) is built on Nissan’s proven B-platform and is available with a standard 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissan’s advanced, smooth shifting Xtronic CVT(R) (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission.

Cube(R)’s long list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), seat-mounted driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection. Cube(R) also offers standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Along with the long list of standard features on the cube(R) 1.8, the cube(R) 1.8 S adds body-colored outside mirrors, premium grade fabric, cruise control, cargo area cover and more. The cube(R) 1.8 SL adds standard CVT, 16- inch aluminum-alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, Automatic Temperature Control, Interface System for iPod(R), six speakers and more. The uniquely equipped cube(R) 1.8 Krom includes an exclusive integrated body design, Krom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, sporty interior treatment, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Xtronic CVT(R) and much more.

Source: Nissan North America, Inc.

Will Be Optional Feature In Models Sold Outside U.S.

Amerigon Incorporated, a leader in developing and marketing products based on advanced thermoelectric (TE) technologies, today announced that that its proprietary Climate Control Seat(TM) (CCS(TM)) system will be offered for the front seats in the new 2010 Jaguar XK-Series sport coupe and convertible, which is expected to be in U.S. showrooms this summer.

The new heated and cooled seat feature is standard on all XK Portfolio derivatives worldwide. The XK Portfolio is a new derivative in the XK range, introduced at 2010MY, featuring very high levels of equipment and a 5.0 naturally aspirated engine.

The feature is optional on other derivatives, although some markets have chosen to offer it as standard equipment. An example is the U.S. where the heated and cooled seat feature is standard on all 2010MY XKs.

The Jaguar XK-Series features all-new V8 engines delivering more power and performance with greater efficiency, even more dramatic looks, interior enhancements like CCS, advanced lightweight aluminum body structure and a wider range of models.

CCS, the premier actively heated and cooled seat system in the global automotive seat market, delivers year-round comfort to automotive seat occupants by providing both active heating and cooling. The system is completely independent of the automobile’s heating and air conditioning system and does not reduce power available to the engine. It also emits no CFCs or other gases and is completely friendly to the environment.

“Jaguar is an important and prestigious brand admired all over the world and has always stood for luxury, styling and performance,” Amerigon President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel R. Coker said. “The Jaguar designers and engineers have produced a sports car that utilizes advanced technologies at a higher level than ever before, and we are proud that CCS has been chosen to be a part of this. We consider the selection of CCS for the XK Series to be another important milestone in our relationship with Jaguar.”

Other vehicles from Jaguar that offer CCS are the Jaguar XJ and Jaguar XF.

Source: Amerigon Incorporated

The Cayenne S Hybrid will deliver the power of a V8 and the efficiency of a four-cylinder

Porsche AG, the Stuttgart, Germany-based high-performance car and SUV manufacturer, shared more information about its Cayenne S Hybrid, which will debut next year. Using a parallel full hybrid design with the electric motor between the combustion engine and the transmission, Porsche engineers have been able to drive at speeds up to 86 mph without at all using the combustion engine.

This engineering achievement allows the Cayenne S Hybrid to roll freely – or ‘coast’ — at highway speeds without the combustion engine on, greatly minimizing engine emissions and fossil fuel consumption. This differs from current hybrid concepts that deliver benefits mainly in city traffic. Porsche, in cooperation with Volkswagen, opted for the parallel full hybrid design as it also significantly improves acceleration, a concept that matches the company’s philosophy of offering outstanding performance and efficiency. It also fits in the current Cayenne design with minimal alterations and without affecting interior space or luggage capacity.

When it comes to market in 2010, the Cayenne S Hybrid is expected to emit some 20 percent less C02 than comparable combustion engine vehicles with similar power output. Covering a 0-to-100 km/h sprint in just 6.8 seconds, it earns its ‘S’ designation by delivering V8 performance and four-cylinder efficiency, all while complying with the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEVII) emission standards.

The Cayenne S Hybrid uses a supercharged Audi 3.0-liter V6 engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), 333 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm. It is mated with 52-horsepower three-phase synchronous electric motor that produces up to 221 lb-ft of torque and also acts as an alternator, and the combined power units are joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also on board is a 154-lb. no-maintenance 38 kW nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. Measuring 13.7″ x 24.9″ x 11.5″, it fits in the spare tire well, thus not compromising luggage capacity.

The Hybrid Manager is the Cayenne S Hybrid’s “Heart”

The heart of these technologies is the powerful Hybrid Manager, which requires some 20,000 data parameters to operate (compared to a conventional engine control unit that operates on less than one-third of the data). Since a parallel full hybrid operates in three classic hybrid modes – power generated by the combustion engine and electric motor, power generated by the combustion engine only, and power generated by the electric motor only – the Hybrid Manager’s main function is to seamlessly coordinate these modes to deliver optimal performance and efficiency.

With a clutch being the key connection between the combustion engine and the electric motor, the Hybrid Manager has the tough job of providing smooth but quick switching among the three hybrid modes without delay or a noticeable transition felt by the driver and passengers. For example, the Cayenne S Hybrid can motor along solely on electric power for up to 1.2 miles with the combustion engine off, and the Hybrid Manager will fire up the engine as soon as the driver presses the accelerator, increase engine speed appropriately and engage the clutch to transfer power to the transmission without the driver or passengers noticing what is happening. And, it does this within just 300 milliseconds.

When driving with just the combustion engine, the Hybrid Manager also will ensure the engine is operating as efficiently as possible in reference to its load. It switches the electric motor to an alternator mode, so the fuel consumed by the combustion engine not only efficiently powers the Cayenne but also generates electricity that can be ‘parked’ in the NiMH battery. Finally, when the driver presses the brake pedal, the Hybrid Manager feeds as much energy as possible from the electric motor (again running as an alternator) to the battery.

The Cayenne S Hybrid also has electrically driven ancillary components such as the air conditioning compressor and the power steering pump.

Unlike conventional Cayenne SUVs, the Cayenne S Hybrid uses an eight-speed automatic unit. Porsche engineers added to the conventional transmission oil pump a new electrical drive pump to shift gears smoothly and efficiently also in electric mode. Top speed comes in sixth gear, and the two higher gears serve to further reduce engine speed to enhance fuel economy. Eighth gear, for example, enables the driver to ‘coast’ along without the combustion engine at speeds up to 86 mph.

Porsche expects the Cayenne S Hybrid to consume less than nine liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in the New European Driving Cycle. EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available.

A similar hybrid system will find its way into the new Porsche Panamera(R) four-door gran turismo sometime following Porsche’s fourth model line debut in late summer 2009.

Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.