Researchers Find Cheaper Promising Sign for Fuel Cell Vehicles
The high cost of platinum has been the primary reason why the price of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has remained high and won't even come down to about $50,000 per car until 2015. Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a platinum-free catalyst using carbon, iron, and cobalt instead of platinum, and the implications could be huge for vehicle manufacturers.
NHTSA Cracking Down on Odometer Fraud
The Office of Odometer Fraud Investigations unit at NHTSA recently worked with local and federal agents to bust a crime ring involving 75 vehicles in the Seattle, WA, area. Experts have advice for consumers to help warn them if tampering has occurred on a vehicle.
Diesel Making Run at U.S. Buyers
European carmakers are at last gaining traction in their decades-long campaign to persuade American car buyers to switch from petrol to diesel. Volkswagen boosted sales of diesel models 46.2 percent last month compared with a year earlier, more than double the increase in its overall U.S. sales. Diesel-powered models make up only about 2 percent of cars and light trucks on U.S. roads, compared with more than 50 percent in Europe.
GE Capital Fleet Study: Fleet Maintenance Costs Flat in 2010
A study by GE Capital Fleet Services revealed overall fleet maintenance service costs remained relatively flat in 2010. This was mostly due to increase in vehicle replacement, higher quality vehicles and decreased tire expenses.
Connect Your Car to Your Home
Telematics continue to grow with companies like QNX selling 8M units in 2011 after selling 20M units in the last ten years. Manufacturers can update vehicle software remotely, saving on service calls. Telematics are connecting the home to the auto with soon-to-be-seen features like television access to electric auto information.
