The Japanese government is considering the introduction of noise-making devices to protect vision-impaired pedestrians from near-silent hybrid cars when running on electricity, before the engine kicks in. "Vision-impaired people feel that hybrid vehicles are dangerous", a transport ministry official told AFP.

Key representatives from the custom, tuning and motorsports industry met with organizers United Business Media in the Dubai Westin Mina Seyahi hotel on the 22nd of June to discuss Barbican Turbo and how it can best serve the industry. Barbican Turbo is the Middle East's custom, tuning and motorsports festival and will run from the 8th - 10th of October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi. Barbican Turbo provides companies with the opportunity to interact with current and...

The Detroit three automakers need to make major changes in their current corporate cultures if they want to reverse their fortunes, and that will likely require new leadership. According to a new study released by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, According to the report, "Fixing Detroit: How Far, How Fast, How Fuel Efficient?" successful turnarounds hinge on rapid cultural transformation, which requires replacement of management teams.

European motorists are being shown how to drive more economically in a unique project designed to help reduce fuel bills and lower CO2 emissions. The Nissan Intelligent Driver Project (NIDP), an eight-month study of drivers in the United Kingdom (UK) that begins this month, uses satellite navigation systems, mobile phone technology and advanced vehicle telematics to analyse driving habits and suggest ways of improving fuel economy. Reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 are the two main...

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today provided an update on its comprehensive environmental action plan, Nissan Green Program 2010 (NGP 2010), along with a preview of future actions. Among the new initiatives is the review of long-term CO2 emission reduction scenarios. Nissan also announced the introduction of an automatic transmission (AT) model with a clean-diesel engine in the Japanese market, planned for spring 2010. Nissan already has produced tangible results toward its goal of reducing CO2...

Baltimore today became one of the nation's first cities to feature an electric car share and rental program using advanced lithium ion battery technology developed by ExxonMobil. The Maryland Science Center with sponsors Electrovaya and ExxonMobil announced the program, called Altcar, which will raise awareness among Baltimore residents and visitors of the future of energy efficient transportation. The Maryland Science Center also opened a new energy efficiency exhibit, sponsored by...

BorgWarner (NYSE: BWA) was presented with two awards for quality and delivery performance by Honda of America Mfg., Inc. during Honda's annual supplier conference in Birmingham, Alabama. The awards recognize best-in-class performance in 2008. BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems in Seneca, South Carolina, was presented with a Honda Delivery Performance Award. This is the facility's ninth Honda Award since 2002. Previous awards honored engineering excellence, quality and delivery. Employees at...

Despite a sofetning of sales for SUV's across the Middle East region, Mercedes-Benz reported today that its iconic G-Class continues to be as popular as ever - in fact more so. The G-Class, which is 30 years old this year, celebrated with May deliveries up a massive 139% over the same period last year.

Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, will power new Gulf Air aircraft in an order worth $1.5bn at list prices. Trent 700EP (Enhanced Performance) engines will power 20 Airbus A330 aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2012. The contract includes a TotalCare long-term service agreement. In addition, Gulf Air also renewed TotalCare on Trent 700s that power 10 A330s already in service.

There's something your auto insurance company or agent isn't telling you that might save you money. And it could be one of these 8 things: 1. Older car? Drop collision: Have a car that's 7 or 8 years old or worth less than $2,500? Time to think about taking the risk and dropping comprehensive and collision from your auto insurance quote. Chances are your deductible is closing in on the value of your car and a major collision will send you to the dealership, anyway.

The top banks continue to recognize the value of Mitsubishi Pajero as the leading SUV in the U.A.E. Recently, the key players in the finance sector tied up with Al Habtoor Motors to support a special Mitsubishi Pajero promotion. Both Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) have agreed in this tighter economic time to fund customers who want to buy a new Mitsubishi Pajero and have salaries starting from AED 5,000. The banks will offer them the facilities of no down payment and very...

After an eight-year hiatus the legendary Chevrolet Camaro, with its combination of great looks, incredible performance and advanced technology, is now in the region. Around 50 motoring journalists from across the region were the first people to experience the rich heritage and modern design form of the rejuvenated 2010 Camaro along a scenic and engaging route between Dubai and Fujairah.

The automotive battery industry is growing at a rapid rate despite the economic crisis. The increased focus on hybrid and electric vehicles has led to battery innovation and market growth. With heavy investment in research and development, Germany is positioned to be a global leader in this market segment. Business opportunities in Germany resulting from this trend will be presented at the Advanced Automotive Battery & EC Capacitor Conference in Long Beach, California from June 8-12.

Hyundai Motor America has released survey data showing that as of May 29 at least 38 percent of potential new car buyers in the U.S. are aware of a pending fleet modernization ("cash for clunkers") program and 11 percent of car buyers are delaying their purchases until this legislation is passed or defeated. This represents as many as 100,000 lost industry sales each month due to uncertainty around this program at expected average sales volumes of 1 million units per month over the summer.

Porsche's production of its highly-anticipated Panamera four-door Gran Turismo is going full speed at the company's newest plant in Leipzig, Germany - a facility considered to be one of world's most modern automotive factories. Final assembly of the new Panamera - which will go on sale in the United States on October 17 - started in April of this year with initial production going to European markets. The cars are produced alongside the Cayenne sports utility vehicle using the most...