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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.

Aston Martin ‘Power Beauty Soul’ European Tour

Aston Martin are taking the Vanquish, V12 Zagato and V12 Vantage Roadster on a PR tour of European Aston Martin dealers. For a car company with limited technical resources, one platform and two engines, Aston Martin are making a pretty good fist of launching new models. We’ve recently had the launch of the Aston Martin Vanquish – successor to the DBS – with a harder edge and a bigger price tag, the V12 Vantage Roadster with the glorious V12 where it should be – in the front of an open-topped car for aural joy – and the V12 Zagat0, a limited run collaboration with Zagato at three times the price of the donor car.

Maserati sales up 4-fold in UK & Europe this year

The Maserati Ghibli (pictured) helped Maserati to strong sales in UK & Europe Maserati are on a mission to revive sales for the marque after years of being just an afterthought for car buyers fancying something interesting and Italian. And it seems to be working. The new Maserati Ghibli (and the Quattroporte) are starting to appeal to car buyers in the UK and Europe so much that sales so far in 2014 are up by 420 per cent on 2013, and although the actual numbers aren’t massive, the progress certainly is.