4x4Wire

For 2009, 18 General Motors Models Achieve 30 mpg or More on the Highway GM is poised to lead the industry again; also leads in subcompact and midsize non-hybrid car segments

DETROIT – For 2009, General Motors offers 18 models in the U.S. that get 30 miles per gallon on the highway, more than is expected of any other automaker. They include cars, crossovers and SUVs from GM’s Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn brands.

Chevrolet, GM’s largest brand, leads with eight, along with five each from Pontiac and Saturn. Four-cylinder, six-speed models of the Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura lead among non-hybrid midsize sedans with 33 mpg highway, along with the Pontiac G6. The Chevy Cobalt XFE and Pontiac G5 XFE win among non-hybrid, gasoline-fueled subcompacts at 37 mpg highway.

Here are the models, along with their EPA-estimated highway fuel economy:

Chevrolet: Aveo sedan, Aveo5 (34 mpg with automatic or manual); Cobalt coupe and sedan (30 mpg for SS Turbocharged; 33 mpg for 2.2L automatic); Cobalt XFE (37); Malibu 2.4L (30 mpg with four-speed automatic; 33 mpg with six-speed); Malibu Hybrid (34), HHR (30 mpg with 2.2L and automatic or manual) and HHR Panel (30 mpg with 2.2L and automatic or manual).

Segment-Defining Vehicle on Target for Late 2009 Launch

Pontiac G8 ST at a Glance

• Sports car with truck-like cargo and towing capabilities
• V8 engine with Active Fuel Management linked to six-speed automatic
• 74-inch cargo bed and 3,500 lb towing capacity
• Estimated fuel economy near top of vehicles with comparable cargo/towing capacity
• Available in late 2009 as a 2010 model

Detroit - After sifting through more than 18,000 possibilities, Pontiac has chosen to keep it simple, naming the recently revealed G8 sport truck the "G8 ST."

Thousands of fans submitted suggestions during a "Tame the Name" promotion, which delayed a final announcement until each possibility was considered and cleared for possible trademark use.

"Frankly, we were blown away by both the volume and quality of the names that were submitted," said Craig Bierley, BPG product marketing director for cars and crossovers. "'G8 ST' was one of the most popular suggestions, plus we noticed a far broader trend toward simple, easy-to-remember names."

Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug 22, 2008  -  Chrysler LLC’s Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) began rolling off the assembly line this week at its Newark (Delaware) Assembly Plant. Chrysler is offering the two-mode hybrid powertrain on both vehicles built at the plant, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen.

Production of vehicles with the hybrid powertrain differs in several ways from production of those with conventional powertrains. New processes were implemented to accommodate HEV production, including a unique powertrain assembly process, and ergonomic-assist systems to aid in new functions, such as HEV battery installation.

There are several unique components associated with HEV production that are installed at the plant, including:

• 300-volt battery
• Two-mode transmission
• Torque power inverter module (TPIM)
• Electric air conditioning 
• Auxiliary power module
• High-voltage cables (AC and DC)
• Hydro-electric power steering pump
• Hybrid gate way module
• Cooling module

Dodge Durango was the leader in its segment for initial quality, according to J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study^SM. With the advent of HEV production, a new series of error-proofing processes was put in place to ensure continued quality excellence.

Hella performance lighting and tire pressure monitoring system have been added to complete the Hella product line currently available.

Clifton, NJ (PRWEB) August 25, 2008 -- BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com recently announced that it has officially added additional Hella products to its already extensive inventory. The new additions will increase the variety of safety and efficiency products the e-tailer is able to offer its clients.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer our customers access to more of Hella's incredible product line," said Bob Moore, marketing manager for BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com. "Hella performance lighting products are tops in the industry for their power, appearance and durability."

While the performance lighting products are a welcomed addition to the site's inventory, they are not the only Hella products now offered. "We're also delighted to have added the Hella tire pressure monitoring system to our inventory," Moore said. "With the spotlight on fuel efficiency at the moment, this has been a huge hit with our customers."

Chrysler LLC Completes Program to Eliminate Use of Lead Wheel Weights, Meeting Commitment to U.S. EPA Three Years Early

• Environmentally friendly steel and zinc weights used on all new Chrysler vehicles worldwide 
• EPA to announce voluntary phase-out program today in Detroit; Chrysler already in compliance 
• Program reduces environmental risk if weights dislodged from wheels on rough roads

Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug 29, 2008  -  Chrysler LLC this week completed its program to eliminate the use of lead wheel weights from its vehicles, switching to more eco-friendly substitutes in its products sold worldwide.

The move puts Chrysler in full compliance with a voluntary program to be announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Detroit August 29. The National Lead-Free Wheel Weight Initiative calls for elimination of lead wheel weights in vehicles by the end of 2011.

“This is the culmination of a two-year effort to move to environmentally friendly alternatives in the production of our vehicles,” said Reg Modlin, Director – Environmental Affairs, Chrysler LLC.

“We are very supportive of EPA’s efforts and have pledged to work with suppliers and others such as tire stores and service departments to encourage the use of alternatives to lead weights throughout the lifetime of our vehicles.”

Wheel weights, which are used to balance the wheels of a vehicle to improve ride and handling, can sometimes be dislodged on rough roads. Wheel weights made of lead, while very effective and low cost, have raised concerns about lead entering the environment.

A 2006 U.S. Geological Survey report estimated that 2,000 tons of lead from wheel weights ends up on the nation’s roads each year, though there are no studies to document environmental damage.

Chrysler now uses wheel weights made of steel and zinc.