China could overtake Germany and Italy to become the biggest market for Daimler’s minicar brand Smart in a few years, Smart CEO Annette Winkler said.
FuelCell Energy hits 3 billion kWh mark from its DFC plants since 2003
FuelCell Energy, Inc., a provider of direct fuel cell power plants, has generated a cumulative three billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity from its Direct FuelCell (DFC) power plants since the first commercial installation in 2003.
Takata tightens screws on suppliers as air bag crisis mounts
By Antoni Slodkowski
Takata Corp. has begun enforcing tighter quality controls on a group of parts suppliers as the auto safety equipment maker boosts production to replace millions of air bags recalled for a potentially deadly defect, according to people involved.
UK BMW dealer puts Future Retail program to the test
If it were not for all the new cars, Elms BMW Cambridge’s state-of-the art showroom in Cambourne, England, would look more like a chic clothing store than a dealership. There are other noticeable differences once one steps inside. Salesmen do not approach customers as they enter, instead they are greeted by a so-called Product Genius. Using a tablet computer, these young, tech-savvy employees provide prospective buyers with a no-pressure explanation of the features available in BMW’s vehicles. The service is similar to that offered at Apple’s Genius Bars.
BMW’s new 218i Coupe to offer new 3-cylinder petrol engine
With the market launch of the new BMW 218i Coupe, BMW will offer a new a three-cylinder petrol engine from the BMW Group’s latest engine family for the first time in the compact model. With a displacement of 1.5 liters, the newly developed power unit delivers a maximum output of 100 kW/136 hp and a maximum torque of 220 N·m (162 lb-ft) available at 1,250 rpm.
