Buy a hydrogen-powered car in 2015…at least in California

At the Consumers Electronics Show this week Toyota claimed that a production version of its four-door midsize FCV concept fuel cell sedan will hit showrooms some time in 2015. Toyota has been investing in fuel-cell technology for the past 20 years, and since 2002 it has been testing and developing prototypes primarily in North America. Toyota claims that it has reduced the cost of producing a fuel-cell powertrain, and has estimated a 95 percent cost reduction in the powertrain and fuel tanks for the 2015 production model versus the 2002 prototype.

Will Chrysler reload with another wagon?

Is Chrysler aiming to get some of its old swagger back by dusting off a recent gem with customizers? The Dodge Magnum wagon with its "gangsta" profile proved a sensation with tuners and urban dwellers when it arrived in showrooms in 2004. But it was quickly spiked when Chrysler hit the financial skids and restructured under bankruptcy a few years ago.

‘GEN Y 2012 – Express Yourself’ contest launched

Liberty Electric Cars has launched a competition for design students calling for ideas for a revolutionary ‘Car of the Year' 2020. The company, which specializes in electric vehicle (EV) drivetrain technologies for multiple vehicle platforms, has asked for students to create a revolutionary electric vehicle for its ‘GEN Y 2012 – Express Yourself' contest. The design must be targeted for Generation Y (between 18 and 29 years old), with the brief stating that the vehicle "should be iconic in shape and allow the user to express their own personality." The vehicle should also "become a fashion item, fun to drive and should use innovative technologies and materials that can be easily configured according to the driver's requirements." The contest is open for students enrolled in a college or university-level design program, either in transportation, product or fashion design, engineering or architecture.