Simpson 1030 Clear Shield-sidewinder Voyager, Voyager Evolution Helmet 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.

Infiniti LE electric concept car (2012) first pictures

Hot on the heels of the Emerg-e sports car concept showcased at the 2012 Geneva motor show, Infiniti has graced the New York event with a family man's EV: the LE Concept. It's a Nissan Leaf dolled up in Infiniti finery, and points to the production car coming in the next couple of years. I thought electric cars were all city runabouts.

Jaguar comes out top in the 2013 JD Power Dealer Satisfaction Survey

Jaguar has come out top in the 2013 J.D. Power dealer satisfaction survey There was a time, and not very long ago, that Jaguar and its dealers wallowed near the bottom of any satisfaction survey. But, my, how times have changed.