Posts Tagged ‘automotive history’
Why Ford Wants to Sell Volvo?
Things have not gone well with Volvo since Ford bought it in 1999. At that time, Volvo Cars Corporation did not exist and was the only ubiquitous AB Volvo, the Swedish corporation that included Volvo Trucks (trucks), Penta (marine engines), Aero (aero engines), Bus (obviously) and Cars. The latter division is not walking well, and Ford thought it would be good business to buy. So FoMoCo (yes, Ford Motor Company) paid U.S. $ 6.400 million and apparently all won: AB Volvo, would shed its white elephant and Ford had a good business opportunity at hand.
Ten years later, things are totally different. Despite the large initial cash injection, which first bore fruit with the S60 (not counting the S80 that came out this year, it was the result of work of AB Volvo) and then the rest of the current range of models, the response of public was not what was expected and sales of the (former) Swedish brand were declining progressively, first silently and now shouting, his October sales report shows a drop in sales of 52% compared to last year United States, which is for the vast majority of your target market makes larger.
This, coupled with the financial crisis affecting the U.S. Big Three automakers (General Motors and Chrysler as well as Ford) had little by little Ford got rid of their businesses overseas. That’s how he got rid of the marks that comprise the PAG (Prestige Automotive Group): Lincoln, Aston Martin, Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo, which was the last one left. After intense speculation about its possible sale, denied at every turn by Ford, the inevitable finally happened: The U.S. giant announced that it “will reassess its strategic options for Volvo.” In Castilian, will sell the brand.
Porsche Panamera Hybrid S: The Lower Consumption
The Geneva Motor Show will showcase that will exhibit the new hybrid version of the Porsche Panamera, Porsche Panamera S called Hybrid. Will the car with the lowest in the history of the brand. This vehicle seeks to revolutionize the high end. Be presented in bright blue.
Aesthetically stands compared to normal Panamera in typography “S Panamera Hybrid” gate, and the four exhaust outlets tubular. Optionally you can mount tires Michelin low rolling resistance. Fitted as standard rear wiper, Servotronic steering and adaptive suspension PASM.
This car is a pure hybrid, because it works with the gasoline engine off. A contained speeds (up to 85 km / h, and on the highway to 165 km / h) and under certain conditions, it is feasible to conduct 100% power for about two miles. The combined power of their engines is 380 hp. On one side is the heat engine 3.0 V6 TSFI-developed by Audi, with its 333 hp, and on the other hand we have the power of 47 hp engine.
The authorized consumption is 6.8 L/100 km of petrol (with special tires, since without them it would be of 7.1 L/100 km), equivalent to 159 g / km of CO2. Responsible for regulating the work of each block is a Tiptronic S automatic transmission, eight-speed.
In addition, the electric drive acts as a generator, getting energy during deceleration and adding to the recovered during braking, to accumulate in a nickel metal hydride (NiMH). It also has adaptive suspension (air / buffer) with PASM, Servotronic steering and rear wiper.
The performance of the Porsche Panamera Hybrid S are not far behind. It accelerates from 0 to 100 in 6 seconds and top speed is 270 km / h. This promising hybrid will go on sale from June at a price of 106,185 euros including taxes, in Germany of course.