SUV Credit Crunch Rolls Over Ford

Partnership prompted by airport-terminal chat

(NEWSER) - A trans-Pacific partnership between Ford and Toyota is set to bring us a new generation of hybrid vehicles. The two companies will join together in creating a gas-electric hybrid system suited to light trucks and SUVs, the Wall Street Journal reports. The two firms already have hybrid systems that power front-wheel drive cars; now, they’ll aim to make rear-wheel drive vehicles more efficient within the next decade. More»

New model doesn't seem much like an SUV

(NEWSER) - The Ford Explorer, the poster child of the ‘90s gas-guzzling SUV boom, has changed its ways. Ford unveiled a very different 2011 Explorer today, one based not on a truck frame, but the humble Taurus platform, the Detroit Free Press reports. Instead of sheer brawn, the new Explorer sports a 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that has the power of a 6-cylinder engine, fuel economy expected to rival a Toyota Camry, and creature comforts like in-car electronics and optional inflatable seatbelts. More»

Forbes compiles autos that changed the world

(NEWSER) - Cars can create or symbolize profound change—in lifestyle, financial status, and even forms of government. Forbes looks at 10 that changed the world:

1. Toyota Prius. The flagship model for all hybrids, the Prius opened people's minds to the ugly environmental impact of driving. It remains the world's best-selling hybrid vehicle.
2. Dodge Caravan. The success of the family-friendly Caravan, and competitors' imitations, kicked the minivan craze into gear.

(NEWSER) - AT&T pledged to spend $565 million to replace its current vehicle fleet with models that run on alternative fuels, the Detroit Free Press reports. The firm will buy over 15,000 hybrid and natural-gas-powered cars, mainly from Ford. AT&T billed the move as not only environmentally responsible but also as an act of economic stimulus—it estimates the move will save or create 1,000 jobs the next 5 years. More»

Ford, Chrysler vehicles face off against three foreign competitors

(NEWSER) - Three Detroit-made vehicles are among six finalists for the 2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards, the Detroit News reports. The Ford Flex will compete with the Hyundai Genesis and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI for the year's best car, while the redesigned Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram pickups are up against the Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC SUV for best truck. The competitors were picked by a panel of US and Canadian automotive journalists. More»