Ford's global electrification plan depends on optimizing its lithium-ion batteries. It is doing so by testing them in the lab and in a test fleet which it monitors and reprograms via a secure wireless network.
The heavy-duty pickup market has heated up again with work truck sales and major improvements by Ford, GM and Dodge. PickupTrucks.com compared 3/4- and 1-ton models in rigorous tests and recommends the 2011 Ford F250 with gasoline engine, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD with diesel engine, and GMC Sierra Denali 3500HD with diesel engine.
Used vehicle sales are expected to have gone up about 5 percent in August over August 2009, says CNW Research, and mainly among independent dealers. Franchise stores could see a decrease of around 1.2 percent.
NHTSA has been testing Toyota event data recorders for vehicles involved in alleged unintended acceleration claims. Toyota has been reluctant to reveal the contents of the crash data recorders, which some have used in lawsuits against the company.
Large truck fleets like FedEx are committed to reducing emissions and operating costs. Electric vehicles are seen as a means to do both as well as meeting toughening regulations in the EU and US when battery costs lower in the next few years.