100pcs Set Wj Grand Cherokee Laredo Limited Tail Door Panel Clips Retainer on 2040-parts.com

For new CAFE rules, automakers place high-stakes tech bets

Game-changing 2015 fuel economy rules are forcing vehicle development teams to make high-stakes bets on expensive technologies--bets that will separate the winners from the also-rans. Not only do federal rules target a 2015 fleet average of 35.5 mpg, up from the current 27.5 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for light trucks; they force automakers to bet on different technology packages for each vehicle segment. Companies that do best at mixing technologies while keeping down costs will have an advantage when buyers wince at higher stickers.

New Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport tops Kuga range

The New Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport (pictured) is the new top of the range Kuga Ford’s latest Kuga crossover/SUV is turning in to something of a success story for Ford, with Kuga production increased earlier this year to keep up with demand. Not only that, but it seems some 87 per cent of all Kugas are being ordered in range-topping Titanium and Titanium X trim levels, which leaves Ford just one option – come up with a name for a trim level even higher than Titanium X to bring in more high-priced sales. Our suggestion earlier in the year was to do exactly that, perhaps with a Titanium XX, Titanium Ultimate  or Titanium Black, but Ford has decided on Kuga Titanium X Sport for their new range topping, more expensive, better equipped Kuga.

Kia Ex_Cee'd Cabrio Concept (2007): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 23 February 2007 09:40 Kia Ex_Cee'd Cabrio Concept: the lowdown The Koreans' ambitious growth plans show no signs of slowing down; last week, Kia unveiled the Cee'd estate production car - today, it slides the covers off a soft-top version of the same model. Dubbed, somewhat cornily, the Ex_Cee'd Cabrio, the convertible will be shown officially at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. And don't laugh at the back - it was designed by Peter Schreyer, formerly head of Audi design and now boss of the Koreans' studio.