Nissan North America took aim at another Detroit 3-dominated vehicle segment today when it began producing commercial vans at its plant in Canton, Miss.
Nissan's new 2012 NV will go on sale in late February, squaring off against the Ford E series and General Motors' GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express cargo vans, as well as the Freightliner Sprinter, which had been sold by Dodge but is now sold by Freightliner dealers.
Joe Castelli, Nissan North America's vice president for light commercial vehicles and fleet, acknowledged that the van faces a tough crowd for the Detroit-dominated product segment.
“We're going up against two formidable competitors who have 95 percent of the segment,” Castelli said of Ford and GM. “We're the new kids on the job site.”
But he called his new van a “segment buster.”
He said Nissan plans to reach commercial van customers -- such as home builders, plumbers, house painters, florists and shuttle operators -- by offering a more modern vehicle. The NV boasts pickup-style front seats. It offers a tall-roof option that lets users walk around in the cargo area. And it provides pre-drilled cargo mounts in the vehicle body -- an innovation that will make it easier and less expensive for van up-fitters to install racks and shelves.
North American entry
Carlos Tavares, chairman for Nissan Americas, said the innovations will help establish Nissan in the segment.
“The NV brings innovation into a segment that hasn't seen much in decades,” Tavares told workers at the Canton plant this afternoon.
Globally, Nissan Motor Co. markets a large portfolio of commercial vehicles, including moving vans, specialty trucks and taxis. The production launch in Mississippi represents the first salvo in Nissan's entry into the commercial business in North America.
Other commercial vehicles will follow the NV, including a compact cargo van that will go against the small Ford Transit Connect. Nissan also will sell an electric version of that van.
Dealership changes
The NV will retail for $25,570, including dealer delivery. Castelli said about 250 of Nissan's 1,100 U.S. retailers have opted to sell the commercial van. To add the line, Nissan dealers had to agree to make dealership changes, including installation of more heavy-duty vehicle lifts, a designated service lane, larger service shop doors in some cases, and sales and technical training to handle commercial customers.
“As the economic recovery is just beginning to take hold,” Castelli told workers, “we're in a prime position to capture that tremendous pent-up demand for long overdue replacement vehicles.
“This is just the starting point for Nissan commercial vehicles in the United States,” he said. “We plan on becoming a major player.”
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Chevy Venture noise from the engine
I have a 2001 Chevy Venture with 140K miles on it and over the past two months, I've noticed a medium pitch "turbine" type noise from the engine. This only occurs after I've been driving the car for about 10 miles. The pitch of the noise changes with the engine rpms, not the vehicle's speed. So if i take my foot off the gas, the noise goes away. But as I rev the engine higher, the pitch gets higher though the pitch is never very high. The noise does seem to be getting louder over time.
I bought this car used about 4 years ago and since I bought it, i've had the head gasket replaced because of a coolant leak and the AC system replaced, the bearings replaced and the brakes replaced.
Recently, I noticed that the car overheats at idle and there wasn't any obvious leak but the radiator was low while the resevoir was full. I changed the radiator cap and that seemed to fix that problem.
I was hoping that would fix the noise but it did not. I was thinking that maybe the water pump was making the noise since the pump is connected to the engine via the serpentine belt and engine rpms would affect the pump. I dont see any leaks at the pump and it seems to be spinning fine and when its at idle i can't localise the noise.
Anyone have any ideas?
Response:
It may be that your power steering pump resivior is low on fluid. Would be the first thing I would check. If all your fluids are good, then I would remove the belt to make certain the noise wasn't internal in the engine.
It is possible for it to be the water pump, but not as likely as it would be the power steering or the alternater going out. In my shop I use a stethescope(sp) type devise to listen in close for noises, the old timers used to use a long screw driver and touch it to part of the engine and the other to their ear..... some use a piece of garden hose.... you an try those at your own risk....
I bought this car used about 4 years ago and since I bought it, i've had the head gasket replaced because of a coolant leak and the AC system replaced, the bearings replaced and the brakes replaced.
Recently, I noticed that the car overheats at idle and there wasn't any obvious leak but the radiator was low while the resevoir was full. I changed the radiator cap and that seemed to fix that problem.
I was hoping that would fix the noise but it did not. I was thinking that maybe the water pump was making the noise since the pump is connected to the engine via the serpentine belt and engine rpms would affect the pump. I dont see any leaks at the pump and it seems to be spinning fine and when its at idle i can't localise the noise.
Anyone have any ideas?
Response:
It may be that your power steering pump resivior is low on fluid. Would be the first thing I would check. If all your fluids are good, then I would remove the belt to make certain the noise wasn't internal in the engine.
It is possible for it to be the water pump, but not as likely as it would be the power steering or the alternater going out. In my shop I use a stethescope(sp) type devise to listen in close for noises, the old timers used to use a long screw driver and touch it to part of the engine and the other to their ear..... some use a piece of garden hose.... you an try those at your own risk....
Friday, January 14, 2011
Free Serpentine Belt Routing Diagrams
FreeAutoMechanic.com is proud to have the ability to make vehicle specific belt routing diagrams available for free.
If you find yourself with that annoying squealing noise coming form the engine compartment, odds are it is the serpentine belt that is trying to tell you it is time to replace it. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of being broke down along side the road.
Why not replace the belt yourself. You can find the belt routing information on a decal located under the hood of most vehicles and for those cases that you can not find it there, you can get the belt routing diagrams free at FreeAutoMechanic.com
If you find yourself with that annoying squealing noise coming form the engine compartment, odds are it is the serpentine belt that is trying to tell you it is time to replace it. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of being broke down along side the road.
Why not replace the belt yourself. You can find the belt routing information on a decal located under the hood of most vehicles and for those cases that you can not find it there, you can get the belt routing diagrams free at FreeAutoMechanic.com
Thursday, January 13, 2011
What is that squealing noise?
Driving a 96 Nissan Quest minivan.
In the last week a new problem has cropped up. I leave for work around 6:30 in the morning so most of my neighbors are still asleep. I hate to make a lot of noise, but my car isn't cooperating.
I pull out of the driveway and as I turn onto the street there comes a horrendously loud squealing noise from under the hood. I've heard other cars that do this and just shook my head. Now it is happening to me.
I don't know much about cars, so I really don't know what is causing it to make this super loud, high pitched noise. It only lasts about 15 seconds, thank God. But that sure seems like about 15 seconds too long when I'm in the car at 6:30 in the morning.
I'm thinking it could be something to do with the power steering. Or maybe it is a v-belt squealing. All I know for sure is I need to fix it asap, or my neighbors will probably lynch me.
Any ideas what it could be?
Response:
it is most likely your belt for a temporary fix you can spray lubricate on your belt but sooner or later The Belt will need to be replaced. i had a van that did the same thing and this is what i did.
In the last week a new problem has cropped up. I leave for work around 6:30 in the morning so most of my neighbors are still asleep. I hate to make a lot of noise, but my car isn't cooperating.
I pull out of the driveway and as I turn onto the street there comes a horrendously loud squealing noise from under the hood. I've heard other cars that do this and just shook my head. Now it is happening to me.
I don't know much about cars, so I really don't know what is causing it to make this super loud, high pitched noise. It only lasts about 15 seconds, thank God. But that sure seems like about 15 seconds too long when I'm in the car at 6:30 in the morning.
I'm thinking it could be something to do with the power steering. Or maybe it is a v-belt squealing. All I know for sure is I need to fix it asap, or my neighbors will probably lynch me.
Any ideas what it could be?
Response:
it is most likely your belt for a temporary fix you can spray lubricate on your belt but sooner or later The Belt will need to be replaced. i had a van that did the same thing and this is what i did.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Ford says hybrids, EVs could be a quarter of sales by 2020
In 10 years, one-quarter of Ford Motor Co.'s global sales could be electrified vehicles and hybrids, Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development, said today at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Kuzak, CEO Alan Mulally, and other Ford executives discussed the automaker's electrification goals and plans this afternoon at the show.
By 2015, Ford plans for hybrid-electric, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to account for 2 to 5 percent of its global sales volume, Kuzak said. By 2020, that will rise to 10 to 25 percent, he said. Hybrids are projected to make up most of those sales.
In 2010, hybrid-electric vehicles made up about 1 percent of Ford's global unit sales.
Ford has electrified vehicles in the works on compact and mid-sized platforms. More electrified vehicles could be built on other platforms, Kuzak said during an earlier media briefing. Ford aims to offer consumers more vehicle choices as the automaker complies with lower carbon dioxide emission requirements, Kuzak said.
Affordable volume
“The real step that needs to be taken on electrification is to make electrified vehicles affordable. One way to make them affordable is to drive volume. That's really the whole basis of our strategy,” Kuzak said. “Our next generation of hybrids will be at an even lower cost.”
Kuzak said Ford set such a wide range -- 10 to 25 percent -- for its 2020 electrified vehicles target because those vehicles still require government subsidies, and the level of future subsidies is unclear. Ford also will watch the impact in China of that country's new energy vehicle policy.
In the short term, Ford will offer five electrified vehicles in the United States by 2012. One of those will be the Focus Electric, which Mulally showed today.
All of Ford's hybrid-electric, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles due by 2012 will be on compact or mid-sized platforms, Kuzak said. He said a quarter of vehicles sold worldwide are those sizes.
Kuzak said Ford's electrified vehicle business model assumes U.S. gasoline prices of $3.50 to $4 per gallon.
Kuzak, CEO Alan Mulally, and other Ford executives discussed the automaker's electrification goals and plans this afternoon at the show.
By 2015, Ford plans for hybrid-electric, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to account for 2 to 5 percent of its global sales volume, Kuzak said. By 2020, that will rise to 10 to 25 percent, he said. Hybrids are projected to make up most of those sales.
In 2010, hybrid-electric vehicles made up about 1 percent of Ford's global unit sales.
Ford has electrified vehicles in the works on compact and mid-sized platforms. More electrified vehicles could be built on other platforms, Kuzak said during an earlier media briefing. Ford aims to offer consumers more vehicle choices as the automaker complies with lower carbon dioxide emission requirements, Kuzak said.
Affordable volume
“The real step that needs to be taken on electrification is to make electrified vehicles affordable. One way to make them affordable is to drive volume. That's really the whole basis of our strategy,” Kuzak said. “Our next generation of hybrids will be at an even lower cost.”
Kuzak said Ford set such a wide range -- 10 to 25 percent -- for its 2020 electrified vehicles target because those vehicles still require government subsidies, and the level of future subsidies is unclear. Ford also will watch the impact in China of that country's new energy vehicle policy.
In the short term, Ford will offer five electrified vehicles in the United States by 2012. One of those will be the Focus Electric, which Mulally showed today.
All of Ford's hybrid-electric, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles due by 2012 will be on compact or mid-sized platforms, Kuzak said. He said a quarter of vehicles sold worldwide are those sizes.
Kuzak said Ford's electrified vehicle business model assumes U.S. gasoline prices of $3.50 to $4 per gallon.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Getting to 35.5: The ABCs of mpg
When gasoline prices blew past $3 a gallon last week, the highest level in 26 months, it was tough news for consumers but a marketing boost for automakers trying to sell pricey new technology needed to meet tougher fuel economy rules that took effect Jan. 1.
The new era will raise fleet fuel economy standards, in annual steps, to 35.5 mpg for 2016 models, a 30 percent rise from the 27.3 mpg of the 2011 model year.
The first step is a total fleet average of 30.1 mpg for 2012 models, which officially can go on sale this week. Automakers already are accelerating their use of costly lightweight materials and advanced powertrains on the way to 2016.
The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2010 model year show that some companies -- including Toyota, Honda, Hyundai-Kia and Mazda -- are at or above the 2012 standard and are well positioned with their product mix.
For others below the 2012 standard -- such as Chrysler, BMW, Daimler and Porsche -- the requirements will mean an acceleration of steps to slash weight, shuffle products and shrink powertrains.
Those changes don't come cheap. And when gasoline prices are low, the pricey technology is a tough sell.
Transitioning to the new standards is "a tough task, but we're facing it as grown-ups," said Rick Spina, who leads development of full-sized trucks for General Motors Co.
Spina said GM plans to trim 500 pounds from its light trucks by 2016, and by the early 2020s, might need to cut as much as 1,000 pounds per truck.
"We're going to do everything we can to keep the customer from realizing we've had to make changes in a fundamental way," Spina said.
The industry will meet the CAFE challenge with some sophisticated technology: eight-speed automatic transmissions, variable valve timing, electric power steering, stop-start systems, turbochargers, direct injection, hybrid systems and diesels, primarily in light trucks. The technologies are migrating into smaller segments, and smaller engines are moving into larger vehicles.
For 2016 models, the standard for cars rises to 39.5 mpg. But the light-trucks standard for 2016 models -- 29.8 mpg -- will be the greatest challenge. Automakers are scrambling to strip hundreds of pounds from future pickups without sacrificing strength or towing capability.
Ford, like GM, has only one design cycle to make significant changes to its pickup line. And Ford is working quickly to revamp its engine and model offerings.
Next month, Ford will launch a turbocharged engine in the F-150 alongside the recently introduced, naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6. 5.0- and 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engines. Ford says the F-150's turbo, based on the 3.5-liter, V-6 direct injection turbo engine in the Ford Taurus SHO sedan, will still meet truck durability requirements.
Overall, Ford says, fuel economy will improve 20 percent across the F-150 range.
Ford says it will offer EcoBoost turbocharged engines with direct injection on 90 percent of its North American cars and trucks within a couple of years.
Ford will offer four-cylinder EcoBoost engines on smaller vehicles such as the Focus ST, due in 2012. In addition, the 2011 Explorer initially has two engines available, a normally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 and the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine. Each of the engines is expected to provide a 30 percent boost in fuel economy over the outgoing body-on-frame Explorers.
Here are other ways automakers are improving fuel efficiency to get to the 2012-model requirements of 25.7 mpg for light trucks, 33.8 mpg for cars and 30.1 mpg for fleets. NHTSA's fuel-economy figures for the 2010 model year indicate how far they have to go.
Chrysler: Help from Fiat
(2010: Trucks, 24.1; Cars, 28.0)
Under the management of Fiat and helped by its technical know-how, Chrysler Group promises a fleet of more fuel-efficient cars. But most of them will not hit the market until 2012.
Chrysler's goal, outlined in its Nov. 4, 2009 business presentation, is to improve fleet fuel economy 25 percent by the end of 2014.
The Pentastar V-6, which first appeared last year in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, is replacing seven V-6 engine families over a two-year period. The Pentastar alone will improve Chrysler Group's overall fuel economy by 2 mpg, according to company spokesman Vince Muniga. The Pentastar will account for about 40 percent of all Chrysler Group engines by 2014.
Beyond that, the company has announced plans to use a Fiat-designed six-speed dual clutch transmission and an eight-speed automatic for larger vehicles designed by supplier ZF Friedrichshafen.
Starting with the 2012 Fiat 500 minicar, Chrysler will begin using Fiat's MultiAir technology, which improves performance and fuel economy by regulating the intake valves. Fiat says the system improves fuel economy by 10 percent and torque by 15 percent compared with the same 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine without the system.
BMW: 8-speeds, smaller lineup
(2010: Trucks, 23.6; Cars, 28.7)
BMW has spent nearly $1.6 billion this year on fuel-saving technology. And it's about to get a complete makeover with multispeed transmissions, smaller crossovers and downsized engines.
Edmunds.com reports that BMW will have seven models with eight-speed transmissions in the 2011 model year, up from two in the 2010 model year. It also will increase the number of turbochargers from six in the 2009 to 15 this year.
BMW also is adding smaller products and engines. It will bring a new front-wheel-drive family of cars in a class known as UKL, a German abbreviation for lower-compact-class cars.
"It will be a relatively big segment because we have several body styles," Ian Robertson, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing, told Automotive News last fall.
The vehicles will be launched in the next few years, and will come to the United States with four-cylinder engines.
And BMW will concentrate on small crossovers in the next 18 months with a redesigned X3 and the new X1.
Both are based on the redesigned 3-series sedan, which will arrive in 2012 with a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder gasoline engine which it has used in other markets besides North America.
In 2013, a new sub brand of electric and hybrid vehicles being developed by BMW's Project i group will debut.
EVERY YEAR, A LITTLE TOUGHER
Federal fleet-average mpg standards, by model year
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Cars 33.8 34.7 36 37.7 39.5
Light trucks 25.7 26.4 27.3 28.5 29.8
Fleet 30.1 31.1 32.2 33.8 35.5
Daimler: 4 cylinders and small cars
(2010: Trucks, 21.5; Cars: 26.9)
Daimler AG nearly doubled its spending on fuel efficiency on its Mercedes-Benz vehicles in 2010, to $1.3 billion.
In Europe, Mercedes is rolling out an S-class sedan with a four-cylinder engine, a first in the model's 60-year history, and may add the vehicle for North America, dealers say.
Mercedes will ship three compact front-wheel-drive vehicles to the United States starting in 2012, including one with an alternative drivetrain.
Either a compact SUV or a coupe derived from the B-class platform will go on sale first. Neither will wear a B-class badge.
Mercedes will add an electric compact van. It's considering a fuel-cell model or an electric with a range-extending gasoline engine. Details aren't final.
Like BMW, Mercedes will also increase the use of multispeed transmissions. According to press reports, it is developing a nine-speed automatic (dubbed 9G-Tronic) that will debut in the 2012 S Class sedan.
Reuters contributed to this report
2010 MODEL YEAR CAFE RANKINGS
Domestic passenger cars
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Tesla 346.8
2. Toyota 36.4
3. Nissan 34.8
4. Honda 34.7
5. Ford 32.3
6. Mazda 31.4
7. GM 30.6
8. Chrysler 28.0
Imported passenger cars
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Toyota 44.4
2. Honda 40.9
3. Kia 36.6
4. Hyundai 36.0
5. Mazda 34.5
Light trucks
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Hyundai 30.0
2. Subaru 29.9
3. Mitsubishi 28.3
4. Honda 26.9
5. Mazda 26.6
9. GM 25.4
12. Chrysler 24.1
13. Ford 24.0
The EPA calculates CAFE based on gas mileage estimates for each car in an automaker's lineup and the number of those cars produced that year.
The lineups are split into three groups: Domestic passenger cars, which includes cars built using mostly domestically sourced parts, for either an American or foreign nameplate; imported passenger cars, built mostly with parts from abroad; and light trucks, which includes everything from pickups and minivans to crossover SUVs, no matter where their parts come from.
Source: NHTSA, EPA
The new era will raise fleet fuel economy standards, in annual steps, to 35.5 mpg for 2016 models, a 30 percent rise from the 27.3 mpg of the 2011 model year.
The first step is a total fleet average of 30.1 mpg for 2012 models, which officially can go on sale this week. Automakers already are accelerating their use of costly lightweight materials and advanced powertrains on the way to 2016.
The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2010 model year show that some companies -- including Toyota, Honda, Hyundai-Kia and Mazda -- are at or above the 2012 standard and are well positioned with their product mix.
For others below the 2012 standard -- such as Chrysler, BMW, Daimler and Porsche -- the requirements will mean an acceleration of steps to slash weight, shuffle products and shrink powertrains.
Those changes don't come cheap. And when gasoline prices are low, the pricey technology is a tough sell.
Transitioning to the new standards is "a tough task, but we're facing it as grown-ups," said Rick Spina, who leads development of full-sized trucks for General Motors Co.
Spina said GM plans to trim 500 pounds from its light trucks by 2016, and by the early 2020s, might need to cut as much as 1,000 pounds per truck.
"We're going to do everything we can to keep the customer from realizing we've had to make changes in a fundamental way," Spina said.
The industry will meet the CAFE challenge with some sophisticated technology: eight-speed automatic transmissions, variable valve timing, electric power steering, stop-start systems, turbochargers, direct injection, hybrid systems and diesels, primarily in light trucks. The technologies are migrating into smaller segments, and smaller engines are moving into larger vehicles.
For 2016 models, the standard for cars rises to 39.5 mpg. But the light-trucks standard for 2016 models -- 29.8 mpg -- will be the greatest challenge. Automakers are scrambling to strip hundreds of pounds from future pickups without sacrificing strength or towing capability.
Ford, like GM, has only one design cycle to make significant changes to its pickup line. And Ford is working quickly to revamp its engine and model offerings.
Next month, Ford will launch a turbocharged engine in the F-150 alongside the recently introduced, naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6. 5.0- and 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engines. Ford says the F-150's turbo, based on the 3.5-liter, V-6 direct injection turbo engine in the Ford Taurus SHO sedan, will still meet truck durability requirements.
Overall, Ford says, fuel economy will improve 20 percent across the F-150 range.
Ford says it will offer EcoBoost turbocharged engines with direct injection on 90 percent of its North American cars and trucks within a couple of years.
Ford will offer four-cylinder EcoBoost engines on smaller vehicles such as the Focus ST, due in 2012. In addition, the 2011 Explorer initially has two engines available, a normally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 and the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine. Each of the engines is expected to provide a 30 percent boost in fuel economy over the outgoing body-on-frame Explorers.
Here are other ways automakers are improving fuel efficiency to get to the 2012-model requirements of 25.7 mpg for light trucks, 33.8 mpg for cars and 30.1 mpg for fleets. NHTSA's fuel-economy figures for the 2010 model year indicate how far they have to go.
Chrysler: Help from Fiat
(2010: Trucks, 24.1; Cars, 28.0)
Under the management of Fiat and helped by its technical know-how, Chrysler Group promises a fleet of more fuel-efficient cars. But most of them will not hit the market until 2012.
Chrysler's goal, outlined in its Nov. 4, 2009 business presentation, is to improve fleet fuel economy 25 percent by the end of 2014.
The Pentastar V-6, which first appeared last year in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, is replacing seven V-6 engine families over a two-year period. The Pentastar alone will improve Chrysler Group's overall fuel economy by 2 mpg, according to company spokesman Vince Muniga. The Pentastar will account for about 40 percent of all Chrysler Group engines by 2014.
Beyond that, the company has announced plans to use a Fiat-designed six-speed dual clutch transmission and an eight-speed automatic for larger vehicles designed by supplier ZF Friedrichshafen.
Starting with the 2012 Fiat 500 minicar, Chrysler will begin using Fiat's MultiAir technology, which improves performance and fuel economy by regulating the intake valves. Fiat says the system improves fuel economy by 10 percent and torque by 15 percent compared with the same 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine without the system.
BMW: 8-speeds, smaller lineup
(2010: Trucks, 23.6; Cars, 28.7)
BMW has spent nearly $1.6 billion this year on fuel-saving technology. And it's about to get a complete makeover with multispeed transmissions, smaller crossovers and downsized engines.
Edmunds.com reports that BMW will have seven models with eight-speed transmissions in the 2011 model year, up from two in the 2010 model year. It also will increase the number of turbochargers from six in the 2009 to 15 this year.
BMW also is adding smaller products and engines. It will bring a new front-wheel-drive family of cars in a class known as UKL, a German abbreviation for lower-compact-class cars.
"It will be a relatively big segment because we have several body styles," Ian Robertson, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing, told Automotive News last fall.
The vehicles will be launched in the next few years, and will come to the United States with four-cylinder engines.
And BMW will concentrate on small crossovers in the next 18 months with a redesigned X3 and the new X1.
Both are based on the redesigned 3-series sedan, which will arrive in 2012 with a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder gasoline engine which it has used in other markets besides North America.
In 2013, a new sub brand of electric and hybrid vehicles being developed by BMW's Project i group will debut.
EVERY YEAR, A LITTLE TOUGHER
Federal fleet-average mpg standards, by model year
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Cars 33.8 34.7 36 37.7 39.5
Light trucks 25.7 26.4 27.3 28.5 29.8
Fleet 30.1 31.1 32.2 33.8 35.5
Daimler: 4 cylinders and small cars
(2010: Trucks, 21.5; Cars: 26.9)
Daimler AG nearly doubled its spending on fuel efficiency on its Mercedes-Benz vehicles in 2010, to $1.3 billion.
In Europe, Mercedes is rolling out an S-class sedan with a four-cylinder engine, a first in the model's 60-year history, and may add the vehicle for North America, dealers say.
Mercedes will ship three compact front-wheel-drive vehicles to the United States starting in 2012, including one with an alternative drivetrain.
Either a compact SUV or a coupe derived from the B-class platform will go on sale first. Neither will wear a B-class badge.
Mercedes will add an electric compact van. It's considering a fuel-cell model or an electric with a range-extending gasoline engine. Details aren't final.
Like BMW, Mercedes will also increase the use of multispeed transmissions. According to press reports, it is developing a nine-speed automatic (dubbed 9G-Tronic) that will debut in the 2012 S Class sedan.
Reuters contributed to this report
2010 MODEL YEAR CAFE RANKINGS
Domestic passenger cars
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Tesla 346.8
2. Toyota 36.4
3. Nissan 34.8
4. Honda 34.7
5. Ford 32.3
6. Mazda 31.4
7. GM 30.6
8. Chrysler 28.0
Imported passenger cars
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Toyota 44.4
2. Honda 40.9
3. Kia 36.6
4. Hyundai 36.0
5. Mazda 34.5
Light trucks
Rank/manufacturer mpg
1. Hyundai 30.0
2. Subaru 29.9
3. Mitsubishi 28.3
4. Honda 26.9
5. Mazda 26.6
9. GM 25.4
12. Chrysler 24.1
13. Ford 24.0
The EPA calculates CAFE based on gas mileage estimates for each car in an automaker's lineup and the number of those cars produced that year.
The lineups are split into three groups: Domestic passenger cars, which includes cars built using mostly domestically sourced parts, for either an American or foreign nameplate; imported passenger cars, built mostly with parts from abroad; and light trucks, which includes everything from pickups and minivans to crossover SUVs, no matter where their parts come from.
Source: NHTSA, EPA
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Baffled on 08 Chevy harmonic balancer noise!
I have a problem with a '08 chevy Silverado pickup,80,000 miles,with a 5.3L Vortec V-8 engine. It has a chirping noise coming from the front end of the engine that continues even after removing both drive belts. It is coming from the harmonic balancer OR possibly something else behind it,toward the engine block.
I closely inspected the balancer for rubber ring cracks/breakage as well as for any movement/slack. I didn't see any rubber deterioration or detect ANY side to side/up or down movement.
The harmonic balancer center bolt was also very tight and it has no apparent wobble, it appears to be physically correct.
I would appreciate any info. or knowledge of this engine harmonic balancer. I did an online TSB search and there is none pertaining to the engine harmonic balancer.
I am baffled at this point as to how the balancer could be causing this chirping noise w/o drive belts???
Response:
1) Sounds like a bad bearing to me. I have worked as a machine builder in the past and have seen bearing do this. Sometimes it is caused by poor lubrication and sometimes the bearing just go bad due to defects in the bearing itself or improper installation of the bearing. If it is the bearing it will only get worse.
I closely inspected the balancer for rubber ring cracks/breakage as well as for any movement/slack. I didn't see any rubber deterioration or detect ANY side to side/up or down movement.
The harmonic balancer center bolt was also very tight and it has no apparent wobble, it appears to be physically correct.
I would appreciate any info. or knowledge of this engine harmonic balancer. I did an online TSB search and there is none pertaining to the engine harmonic balancer.
I am baffled at this point as to how the balancer could be causing this chirping noise w/o drive belts???
Response:
1) Sounds like a bad bearing to me. I have worked as a machine builder in the past and have seen bearing do this. Sometimes it is caused by poor lubrication and sometimes the bearing just go bad due to defects in the bearing itself or improper installation of the bearing. If it is the bearing it will only get worse.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Ford recalls F-series pickups, Edge, Lincoln MKX
DETROIT (Reuters) – Ford Motor Co is recalling about 20,000 new vehicles in North America, mainly its heavy duty pickup trucks, due to the chance that an electrical short could cause a fire, Ford and U.S. federal regulators said on Thursday.
Ford will inform owners of its F-series pickups and small sports utility vehicles Edge and Lincoln MKX of the potential problem by January 10, according to a filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
About 15,000 of the affected vehicles were sold in the United States, and most of the rest in Canada, said Wes Sherwood, Ford spokesman.
Sherwood said the automaker is not aware of any injuries, crashes or fires resulting from the issue.
Body control modules made by Lear Corp at a plant in Mexico produced over a six-day period may cause an electrical short, Ford told NHTSA in a filing.
The same filing said that Lear "found that a newly hired operator failed to properly clean a soldering machine during four production shifts" over six days in late October.
Sherwood said the suspect vehicles were assembled at Ford plants between late October and mid-November.
"If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur" and result in a vehicle fire, the NHTSA filing said.
Ford discovered the problem when two F-150 pickups had fires in mid-November and early December at a Dearborn, Michigan assembly plant before being shipped, it told NHTSA.
"Ford is not aware of any reports for related fires on vehicles in service," the automaker told NHTSA.
Of the nearly 20,000 vehicles affected, 13,200 are Super Duty F-Series trucks, which are the F-250, the F-350 and the F-450 models.
Some 476 F-150 pickup trucks were affected. That model is the biggest selling vehicle in North America.
About 6,200 Edge and MKX models are affected, Sherwood said.
Edge and MKX are also known as crossover vehicles because they are built on a car platform rather than a truck platform as are larger SUVs.
Ford dealers are to inspect recalled vehicles and if necessary replace body control modules at no consumer cost. Sherwood said the repair time is relatively short, but he did not specify how long each repair will take or how much repairs will cost the automaker
Ford will inform owners of its F-series pickups and small sports utility vehicles Edge and Lincoln MKX of the potential problem by January 10, according to a filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
About 15,000 of the affected vehicles were sold in the United States, and most of the rest in Canada, said Wes Sherwood, Ford spokesman.
Sherwood said the automaker is not aware of any injuries, crashes or fires resulting from the issue.
Body control modules made by Lear Corp at a plant in Mexico produced over a six-day period may cause an electrical short, Ford told NHTSA in a filing.
The same filing said that Lear "found that a newly hired operator failed to properly clean a soldering machine during four production shifts" over six days in late October.
Sherwood said the suspect vehicles were assembled at Ford plants between late October and mid-November.
"If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur" and result in a vehicle fire, the NHTSA filing said.
Ford discovered the problem when two F-150 pickups had fires in mid-November and early December at a Dearborn, Michigan assembly plant before being shipped, it told NHTSA.
"Ford is not aware of any reports for related fires on vehicles in service," the automaker told NHTSA.
Of the nearly 20,000 vehicles affected, 13,200 are Super Duty F-Series trucks, which are the F-250, the F-350 and the F-450 models.
Some 476 F-150 pickup trucks were affected. That model is the biggest selling vehicle in North America.
About 6,200 Edge and MKX models are affected, Sherwood said.
Edge and MKX are also known as crossover vehicles because they are built on a car platform rather than a truck platform as are larger SUVs.
Ford dealers are to inspect recalled vehicles and if necessary replace body control modules at no consumer cost. Sherwood said the repair time is relatively short, but he did not specify how long each repair will take or how much repairs will cost the automaker
Saturday, December 25, 2010
1998 buick lesabre anti freeze smell
hi just got a 98 lesabre and it has a strong anti freeze smell coming fro under the hood. theres no leaks anywhere that i can find. even took the engine cover of.
Response:
The best way to find a coolant leak is to pressure test it. This can be done with the use of a pressure tester or have your local shop do this for you.
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sta12270.html
The most common placed to look on the 3.8L engine is the plastic 90 degree tube located toward the top front of the engine. look for orange looking coolant laying around this area.
Response:
The best way to find a coolant leak is to pressure test it. This can be done with the use of a pressure tester or have your local shop do this for you.
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sta12270.html
The most common placed to look on the 3.8L engine is the plastic 90 degree tube located toward the top front of the engine. look for orange looking coolant laying around this area.
Friday, December 24, 2010
My digital gas gage reads full all the time I have to go by my miles and sometimes that don't work and I run out of gas..how do I fix my problem
This is a common problem and to correct this problem will require the replacement of the fuel sending unit. The fuel sending unit is inside the fuel tank and has the fuel pump mounted in it. This requires the removal of the gas tank and then the fuel sending unit can be removed from the tank.
1.Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2.Relieve fuel system pressure.
3.Remove fuel filler cap to release fuel tank vapors. Leave cap off until repairs are completed. Gasoline fuel vapors are extremely flammable. Ensure that fuel is stored in a container that can be properly sealed. Never store fuel in an open container. Store container in a safe place away from heat.
4.Remove fuel tank by performing the following:
1.Step 1: Drain fuel from the tank into an approved container for storage.
2.Step 2: Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3.Step 3: Remove rear stabilizer bar at links, pivot bar downward.
4.Step 4: Remove hoses and pipes from tank unit.
5.Step 5: Remove hoses at tank from filler and vent pipe.
6.Step 6: Disconnect tank unit harness from rear body harness.
7.Step 7: Support fuel tank and disconnect 2 fuel tank retaining straps.
8.Step 8: Remove tank from vehicle.
5.Remove sending unit, gasket and pump assembly by turning cam lock ring counterclockwise. Lift assembly from fuel tank and remove fuel pump from fuel tank sending unit.
6.Pull fuel pump up into attaching hose while pulling outward away from bottom support. Take care to prevent damage to rubber insulator and strainer during removal. After pump assembly is clear of bottom support, pull pump assembly out of rubber connector for removal. To install:
7.Push fuel pump assembly into attaching hose.
8.Install fuel tank sending unit and pump assembly into tank assembly. Use new O-ring seal during reassembly.
9.Install cam lock over assembly and lock by turning clockwise.
10.Support tank and position in vehicle. Install tank straps and secure with retaining bolts. Tighten to 25 ft. lbs. (33 Nm).
11.Connect tank unit harness to body harness.
12.Connect hoses to filler and vent pipes. Tighten clamps.
13.Connect hoses and pipes to tank unit.
14.Connect rear stabilizer bar to links. Tighten bolts to 42 ft. lbs. (58 Nm).
15.Lower vehicle.
16.Refill tank and install filler cap.
17.Connect negative battery cable.
18.Start engine and check for leaks
1.Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2.Relieve fuel system pressure.
3.Remove fuel filler cap to release fuel tank vapors. Leave cap off until repairs are completed. Gasoline fuel vapors are extremely flammable. Ensure that fuel is stored in a container that can be properly sealed. Never store fuel in an open container. Store container in a safe place away from heat.
4.Remove fuel tank by performing the following:
1.Step 1: Drain fuel from the tank into an approved container for storage.
2.Step 2: Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3.Step 3: Remove rear stabilizer bar at links, pivot bar downward.
4.Step 4: Remove hoses and pipes from tank unit.
5.Step 5: Remove hoses at tank from filler and vent pipe.
6.Step 6: Disconnect tank unit harness from rear body harness.
7.Step 7: Support fuel tank and disconnect 2 fuel tank retaining straps.
8.Step 8: Remove tank from vehicle.
5.Remove sending unit, gasket and pump assembly by turning cam lock ring counterclockwise. Lift assembly from fuel tank and remove fuel pump from fuel tank sending unit.
6.Pull fuel pump up into attaching hose while pulling outward away from bottom support. Take care to prevent damage to rubber insulator and strainer during removal. After pump assembly is clear of bottom support, pull pump assembly out of rubber connector for removal. To install:
7.Push fuel pump assembly into attaching hose.
8.Install fuel tank sending unit and pump assembly into tank assembly. Use new O-ring seal during reassembly.
9.Install cam lock over assembly and lock by turning clockwise.
10.Support tank and position in vehicle. Install tank straps and secure with retaining bolts. Tighten to 25 ft. lbs. (33 Nm).
11.Connect tank unit harness to body harness.
12.Connect hoses to filler and vent pipes. Tighten clamps.
13.Connect hoses and pipes to tank unit.
14.Connect rear stabilizer bar to links. Tighten bolts to 42 ft. lbs. (58 Nm).
15.Lower vehicle.
16.Refill tank and install filler cap.
17.Connect negative battery cable.
18.Start engine and check for leaks
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