This year�s Detroit Auto Show did not have much to display in terms of green and eco-friendly vehicles. There were a few green-inspired ideas and designs but no real physical representation of any of the automobile companies �going green.�
The typical new automobile fare was presented: Ford released their 2015 F-150 pickup truck and the 2015 Ford Mustang, both designed to be familiar to buyers and building upon their predecessor�s popularity in the United States� automobile market. It is thought that Chrysler-Fiatwill also unveil a few new vehicles for the 2015 car season, but none have been named as of yet. Other automobile manufacturers displayed a variety of luxury cars as well as sports cars and higher-performing vehicles, each designed for a specific niche in the consumer repertoire of the automobile market.
All of these cars, while not necessarily going green full throttle, do generally conform to a higher fuel-efficiency rating because of new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) rules. These regulations are in place until the year 2025 and basically insure that new car models attain better fuel efficiency than older cars.
It is common that a few European car manufacturers (like Audi, Volkswagen and Volvo) will reveal cars with electric plug-in capabilities; essentially versions of their other cars and not a complete redesign creating something completely green and eco-friendly. Currently the Volkswagen Bluemotion is the most economical diesel vehicle in Europe and its new 2015 concept design merges the fuel economy of a Passatwith the layout and engine of a Jetta Hybrid.
One of the few surprise releases in Detroit was Honda�s reveal of the 2015 Honda Fit which will be sold in the U.S. It is already being sold in Japan along with a hybrid version of the Fit which Honda is not planning on selling in the United States (the Fit goes under the name Vezelin Japan). The Honda Fit is similar to the Ford Fiesta, the Kia Rio, the Nissan Versa, the Chevrolet Sonic and the Toyota Yaris. The 2015 version of the Honda Fit comes in a four-door sedan model as well as a subcompact crossover automobile.
Also in the crossover category resides a Fit-inspired vehicle that was shown at last year�s Tokyo Motor Show which may make its way to the U.S. in design, but not in name. This small crossover will be in a similar category as the MINI Cooper Countryman, the Nissan Juke, and a smaller car from Jeep that all feature four-wheel drive capabilities.
Tesla, far from unveiling any real clues as to what 2015 holds for them, is expected to begin production on their Model X automobile which has been eagerly awaited by enthusiasts around the world. The Model X is supposed to be a crossover utility vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive and falcon wing style doors.
No comments:
Post a Comment