Goodyear launches Assurance Fuel Max in India

Goodyear India announced the launch of its latest tyre from its award-winning Assurance line, the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max with Fuel Saving technology that provides 4% more fuel efficiency and 15% longer mileage than conventional tyre technology. With safety at the heart of all Goodyear tyres, the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max is reinforced with the same DuPont™ Kevlar® overlay - a material that is five times stronger than steel - that made its predecessor so successful.

Designed for family cars in the mid and premium markets, consumers who are looking for value for money and safety can now achieve maximum fuel efficiency and maximum protection with this new tyre.

"In the current environment where the rising fuel costs are a huge concern, Fuel Max technology is designed to improve fuel consumption without compromising on mileage or performance," said Rajeev Anand, Chairman & Managing Director, Goodyear India Limited.

"India is a unique country with a very different terrain, which requires maximum safety while maneuvering the vehicle on the road. Assurance Fuel Max offers critical safety features such as a strong grip, puncture resistance, blow out resistance, shorter braking distance and anti-skid, making it the perfect choice for everyday city driving as well as the long distance weekend road trips.", Mr. Anand added.

Moving forward towards commitment for safer and environment friendly driving, Goodyear collaborated with NGO Grow-Tress to plant more than 3,000 trees coinciding with the launch of Assurance Fuel Max in India. These were planted on behalf of retailers and media participating in the activity and also end users endorsing Assurance Fuel Max tyres.

More Fuel Efficiency and Longer Tread Life

One of the ways to reduce fuel consumption is to decrease some of the frictions while it drives. Rolling resistance or rolling friction, is the resistance that occurs when a tyre rolls on a flat surface. The greater the resistance, the greater the energy required to keep the tyre rolling. Up to 20 per cent of a car's fuel consumption is due to the tyres. Therefore a decrease in tyre rolling friction leads to a reduction in fuel consumption.

The new Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max features an advanced full silica compound which reduces the friction between the tyre's rubber molecules and provides high resistance to abrasion, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and a longer tread life.

Additionally, the tyre is built with a hard base under the tread, which reduces deformation in the crown area and heat build-up, contributing to higher fuel efficiency. The tyre also features even pressure distribution which helps reduce frictional energy caused by abrasion and heat at the tread surface, reducing the rate of wear.

In tests evaluated by TÜV SÜD Automotive GmbH as a technical witness partner, results showed that Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max is 4% more fuel efficient than the company's previous generation of tyre technology where the tread compound is carbon based. This test was conducted in Mireval, France using Citroen C4 1.6l on size 195/65 R15 versus Goodyear Ducaro GA (test report number 76243002-1, May 2010).

In addition, based on internal tests conducted by Goodyear Innovation Center* Luxembourg, Assurance Fuel Max has 15% longer tread life versus the previous technology (Goodyear Ducaro GA). Actual fuel savings and tread life may vary according to other factors including environment, road, vehicle conditions, vehicle model, and driving habits, etc.

Fuel Saving Example

New Assurance Fuel Max's fuel efficiency improvement can lead to 160L of fuel savings. For example: If a 1.6L car has an average fuel consumption rate of 10L/100km, is fitted with Assurance Fuel Max on size 195/65R15 91V and travels a distance of 40,000 km, the potential fuel savings can be calculated as follows:

40,000 km (distance traveled) x 10L/100 km (fuel consumption rate) x 4% (fuel saving rate) =160 L (potential fuel savings)

Maximum Protection against Road Hazards

A layer DuPont™ Kevlar®, a lightweight material which is five times stronger than steel, reinforces Assurance Fuel Max for added durability and protection against road hazards like potholes. This material is the same cutting-edge technology used in protective applications like bulletproof vests, industrial gloves and hoses.

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max is also built with two plies in the sidewalls of the tyre for increased durability and protection against dangerous road hazards.

A Comfortable and Quiet Ride

The tyre is designed with a four pitch sequence and high centerline block angles that helps to facilitate a smooth and quiet contact with the road.

Shorter Braking and Grip on Wet and Dry Roads

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max is constructed with unique three dimensional waffle blades in the tread to enable improved lateral interlocking power while providing maximized circumferential decoupling. This technology delivers better braking and grip on both wet and dry surfaces.

For maximum wet-traction, the tread has also been designed with four uninterrupted circumferential grooves, which provide room in the footprint for the tyre to absorb and repel water, ensuring better aquaplaning resistance on wet roads.

General Motors recently unveiled the production version of the much anticipated new Chevrolet Camaro that is due to go on sale in North America next year.

In Melbourne, the Australian-based designers and engineers involved in the new heritage-inspired coupe held their own reveal event at GM Holden's headquarters in Port Melbourne, giving a first glimpse of the iconic sports car that underwent much of its development and testing on Australian roads.

The new Camaro exemplifies GM's global development process with the design concept originating in the United States; engineering directed by GM's global rear-wheel-drive team in Australia; validation conducted on roads around the world; and assembly to take place in Canada.



Joining onlookers at the reveal was reigning V8 Supercar Champion and Camaro enthusiast, Garth Tander, who brought his own 1969 Camaro SS to Port Melbourne to meet the newest member of the Chevrolet family. Members of the Melbourne-based Camaro Car Club also joined the celebration by bringing their historical vehicles to the display.

With GM's global rear-wheel drive team based in Australia, much of the design and engineering work for the new Camaro was undertaken in Victoria, giving this vehicle an important place in Australia's automotive history.



The new Chevrolet Camaro combines great looks and performance; advanced technology and surprising efficiency.

Ed Peper, GM North America Vice President for Chevrolet, said the Camaro delivered all of the things that make Chevrolet such a revered, global brand.

"It competes with the world's best sports cars and does so with styling, fuel economy and value our competitors simply can't match.

"The new Chevrolet Camaro delivers a thoroughly modern, advanced package of performance, comfort and technology.

"It's a sports car for a new generation of enthusiasts that doesn't forget the heritage that helped make the original a cultural icon. That is no small feat and it took a worldwide commitment to achieve it," Peper said.



Australian, Peter Hughes, Camaro Exterior Design Manager, said they made sure there were many elements and cues that remained distinctly Camaro to make the new model instantly recognisable.

"We're incredibly proud of how faithful the production version is to the original concept. This is a 21st century sports car that acknowledges its iconic heritage, while at the same time is smoothly integrated into a very contemporary exterior," Hughes said.

Details such as frameless door windows contribute to the overall feeling of quality, substance and technical prowess.

A well-executed balance of heritage, modern design and attention to detail also characterises the Camaro's interior. A pair of deeply recessed instrument binnacles that feature round gauges in square housings gives a nod to classic Camaros.

Large, chrome-trimmed controls, low-gloss surfaces and premium fabric or acrylic appliqués convey a richness that is unprecedented in previous Camaro models – and challenge its contemporary competitors.

Advanced powertrain technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, give the vehicle a balance of exhilarating performance and good fuel economy.



Gene Stefanyshyn, GM's Global Vehicle Line Executive, who led the Australian-based engineering team on this project, said they had four key objectives when creating the new Chevrolet Camaro.

"The first was to create a bold and beautifully styled vehicle – inside and out. The second was to ensure it had the ride, handling and performance dynamics of a true sports car. The third was to create a vehicle which boasts pristine quality. Finally, we wanted to back all this with outstanding value," Stefanyshyn said.

"This vehicle exhibits the depth and capability of our Design and Engineering teams here in Australia and I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved to help make this vehicle a reality."

Under the bonnet of the new Camaro is an advanced, efficient 3.6L direct-injected V6 with variable valve timing which is standard on LS and LT models. Direct injection technology helps the engine deliver more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering hydrocarbon emissions.

The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard, manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, which uses high-flow cylinder heads based on the Corvette Z06's LS7 engine enabling great low-end torque and high-rpm power.



A new, L99 V8 engine is used on automatic transmission-equipped SS models. This is based on the LS3 and carries all of its high-performance design features, but also includes GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature. This enables the engine to run on only four cylinders during light-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising, to improve fuel economy.



Sales begin in North America in the first quarter of 2009.

Saab 9-X BioHybrid "Air" official photos, details released in advance of Paris

In the wake of our first glance at it earlier this week, the folks over at Saab have released the first official details and photos of their 9-X "Air" BioHybrid concept that will hit the stage at next month's Paris motor show. Labeled as a peek into the future of automotive convertible design, the 9-X "Air" utilizes an open-top canopy that creates a wraparound greenhouse bolstered by almost invisible structural pillars.



The four seater's styling draws much from the Saab's other new hybrid, the 9-X BioHybrid, as it was designed with the same sporty and environmentally friendly premise in mind. With the top open, the car is said by Saab to provide the freshest open-air motoring, while with its canopy closed it assumes the stance of a purpose-built sport coupe.



The 9-X "Air" employs an identical 1.4L Saab BioPower powertrain as its hardtop sibling, which utilizes highly efficient turbocharging to boost power and E85 bioethanol fuel efficiency. Mated to the engine is Saab's advanced hybrid electric motor of which little is currently known.



Check back with MT Online for more Saab 9-X "Air" BioHybrid information and images as the Paris show gets underway.

TOYOTA CAMRY REMAINS AMERICA'S BEST-SELLING MIDSIZE CAR

Below is the official press release from Toyota for the 2009 Toyota Camry.

The Toyota Camry remains America's best-selling midsize car, in a segment that has been steadily gaining competitors. Camry is available in four-cylinder and V6 models, and as the Camry Hybrid, equipped with Toyota's industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive.

For 2009 the CE grade is replaced by the Camry grade. The Camry is now available in Camry, LE, SE, and XLE grades.



Performance and Efficiency
In tune with the needs of mid-size car buyers, Camry provides excellent fuel economy. Four-cylinder manual and automatic Camry models have city/highway fuel economy ratings of 21/31 MPG, and V6 models have 19/28 MPG EPA-estimated ratings. The Camry Hybrid, which combines a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric drive motor, returns an EPA-estimated 33 MPG city/34 MPG highway.

The Camry's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, standard on Camry grade, LE, SE and XLE, puts out 158 SAE horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 161 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,000 rpm and can be mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an electronically controlled five-speed automatic. (The PZEV-certified version offers 155 hp and 158 lb.-ft.)

The DOHC 3.5-liter V6, available in the LE, SE and XLE grades, delivers a substantial performance boost with 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The chain-driven camshafts employ Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) which controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds. The V6 Camry models come equipped exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential mode for manual shifting when desired. Intelligent control adapts shifting strategy in response to driver input, with very fast kick-down and noticeable response.

The Camry Hybrid model owes its outstanding efficiency to Hybrid Synergy Drive, which produces a combined 187 horsepower and varies power between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed. The first part of Hybrid Synergy Drive consists of a 147-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine coupled with an electronically controlled planetary-gear continuously variable transmission.

The second part combines a small, high-torque 40-hp electric motor, an ultra-small inverter with a specially designed compact battery, and a transaxle to seamlessly combine power from the electric motor and gasoline engine. Because there are situations in which the gas engine in a Toyota hybrid completely shuts off, air conditioning and power steering systems are driven electrically.

In addition, an "ECO" button limits energy consumption by the climate control system, and under certain conditions can help improve fuel economy. Special attention paid to vehicle underbody aerodynamics, including the use of wheel spats and underbelly pans, helps yield a coefficient of drag of just 0.27, which can benefit fuel economy. The 2009 Camry Hybrid is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), just one of a handful of cars that meets this strict standard. It produces over 70 percent less smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

Handling and Ride
The 2009 Camry offers responsive handling while providing the smooth, quiet ride that sets a benchmark for the segment. Four-wheel independent suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear configuration. Camry, LE, XLE and Hybrid models ride on standard 16-inch wheels of either steel (Camry and LE) or aluminum (XLE and Hybrid), with the sporty SE model featuring standard aluminum six-spoke, 17-inch wheels.

All Camry models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. Toyota designed the Camry SE model to spice up the daily commute. Chassis modifications specific to the SE include springs, shock absorbers and bushings with firmer, sportier values than those used in other grades. The Camry SE sits 0.4-inches lower than other Camry models.

Underbody stabilizing braces and a V-shaped brace between the trunk and cabin help to increase the SE's torsional rigidity. Tuning the SE chassis resulted in optimized underbody aerodynamics. Making the underbody as flat as possible helps to smooth and speed the airflow under the car, and engineers also specially tuned the balance between front and rear downforce.

Safety and Security
The Camry's body structure is designed to absorb collision-impact forces and help minimize impact deformation to the passenger cabin. High-strength steel is used for B-pillar and rocker panel reinforcements to help manage overall body deformation in the event of certain side collisions. Inside the cabin, the seat frames also are designed to help absorb side collision loads. Dual-stage advanced SRS front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag are standard on all Camry models. The front seats use Toyota's Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat design.



All 2009 Camry models come equipped with a standard anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The Brake Assist feature is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the anti-lock brake system (ABS), BA supplements the applied braking power until the driver releases pedal pressure. As an available option, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC) regulates engine output and brake application on individual wheels to help control loss of traction in turns. Camry Hybrid is equipped with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system that helps manage vehicle traction and stability through throttle control, brake application on individual wheels, and even minor steering correction if circumstances require.

Comfort and Convenience
Camry offers many storage spaces around the front-passenger area, including console side pockets. Storage options also include a large front console box equipped with an accessory power socket and auxiliary audio jack; this box is big enough to store nine CD jewel cases. Other storage areas include an accessory box behind the shift lever containing another power socket, a rear-console box with a card holder and a movable tray, and two large cupholders adjacent to the shift lever.

The four-cylinder Camry XLE model is exclusively equipped with special seat fabric designed to be gentle on the skin. The fabric is treated by the Fraichir(tm) process, in which it is coated with a naturally occurring component called Sericin that has been extracted and refined from silkworm cocoons. This substance contains a natural moisturizing component.

The Camry's standard equipment includes air conditioning with micro dust and pollen filter; power windows and door locks; color-keyed power side mirrors; cruise control; halogen headlamps with automatic on/off feature; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; vehicle immobilizer, and a six speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio jack. All Camry audio systems can play CDs with MP3 files. The Camry LE adds an in-key remote keyless entry and eight-way-adjustable power driver's seat.

The Camry XLE's list of standard features includes an upgraded dual-zone automatic climate control system with steering-wheel controls, plus Plasmacluster(tm) ionizer technology to help reduce airborne mold spores, microbes, fungi, odors, germs and bacteria inside the passenger cabin. Other XLE features include a premium 440-watt JBL audio system with Bluetooth(r) technology that allows hands-free calling with compatible phones; wood-style trim; power glass moonroof; reclining rear seats; fog lamps; and aluminum wheels. The V6 Camry XLE is equipped with standard leather-trimmed seats. In the XLE grade, the rear seatbacks can recline eight degrees from their standard position to enhance passenger comfort. Rear-seat passengers also get dedicated personal reading lamps on moonroof-equipped Camry models.

The Camry Hybrid offers a standard equipment level similar to the XLE grade, but adds a standard Smart Entry and Smart Start system. Push-button start allows drivers to lock, unlock, or start the car just by carrying the Smart Key.

Options
Options for select Camry grades include a power tilt/slide moonroof; heated front seats; voice-command DVD navigation system; leather-trimmed seating; rear spoiler, and the Smart Entry and Smart Start system. When the available voice-activated DVD navigation system is added to the Camry (SE, XLE, Hybrid), it is integrated with the premium JBL audio unit and includes a four-disc in-dash CD changer.



Exterior Design
A distinctive, athletic exterior design sets Camry apart in a competitive segment. Camry is built on a 109.3 inch wheelbase to provide outstanding interior room: 101.4 cubic feet of passenger space, with 38.3 inches of rear legroom. The LE grade also features a new wheel finish for 2009.

The Camry SE has a distinctive look with a standard full body kit plus 17-inch aluminum wheels, distinct black, honeycomb-style grille and smoked tint halogen headlamps. Inside, the Camry SE is distinguished by a unique sport-trimmed interior in dark charcoal or ash gray with a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel and blue-colored Optitron gauges.



Interior Design
The Camry's roomy interior shows the attention to detail that has helped this model set such high standards for sedan comfort. Controls on the two-level dash and console are easy to see and use. Large instrument panel gauges are easy to see at a glance, and the odometer and trip meters are illuminated at all times to improve visibility. A standard multi-information display provides the outside temperature, estimated range, average speed, average fuel consumption and a trip odometer.

With the 60/40 fold-down rear seats, Camry offers 15 cubic feet of luggage space (14.5 cu. ft. with the reclining rear seat in XLE or fixed rear seat in SE, and 10.6 cu. ft. in the Camry Hybrid). The trunk is equipped with a grocery hook, utility box and luggage net (on XLE) for added convenience.

Fuel Saving Tips

• Ensure that Tyre pressures are maintained as per manufacturer specifications. Over or under inflated tyres would mean better mileage or better handling respectively but will drastically reduce the Tyre life.
• Adjust Tyre pressure when the Tyre is hot, i.e when the vehicle has run for 15 to 20 km. Hot air expands if Tyre pressure is regulated, when cold you will mostly have excess air in the tyres.
  
• Try to fill fuel in the mornings, as specific gravity of fuel is high in the morning.
  
• Try to keep the fuel tank above the half mark in city driving conditions so that a proper pressure is maintained. Also this will ensure that the fuel lines are always clean and are not clogged by the gum like residue of slow flowing fuel. The Fuel tank too will not catch rust.
• Get the vehicle serviced at regular intervals from authorized service centers to ensure that the vehicle is in proper tune at all times.
  
• Use recommended fuel additives to keep the fuel system clean. (Please note these additives have recommended instructions and applications.)
• Higher octane fuels as X-tra Premium (91 octane), Speed 93 and Power 93 (both 93 octane) are recommended for cars with engines having higher compression ratios, viz., C segment and above. This results in improved mileage as well as enhanced performance. No additives need be used with these fuels.
  
• Drive your vehicle smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration or braking. Anticipate stops to avoid harsh braking.
• Try shifting to higher gears at lower speeds, especially in city driving to get the maximum mileage out of your car. Ideally, one should be in 5th gear or the highest possible gear at speeds above 50-60 km/h.
• Switch off your vehicle if you need to stop for more than three minutes.
  
• Avoid clutch riding i.e. make sure that your foot is not resting on the clutch pedal while driving. Clutch driving will reduce clutch life and mileage.
  
• While cruising at high speeds, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal just enough to maintain the speed while not keeping the accelerator pedal on the floor. This will ensure that excess fuel is not being burnt unnecessarily.

New cars too cause ecological damage

NEW CARS are not necessarily more fuel- efficient or eco-friendly than the older ones. A recent analysis of data on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has found that at a time when oil price hike has put Indian economy at risk, CO2 emission —which depends directly on the amount of fuel burnt — from newer cars on Indian roads, is on the rise.

The trend emerged when the Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) analysed the emission data compiled by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) from vehicles produced in different time periods —1991- 96, 1996- 2000, post- 2000 and post- 2005.

In Delhi, the total CO2 load from vehicles has shown significant increase. Experts say this is due to the unbridled growth in cars and two- wheelers and an increase in travelling distances. They warn that the impact of this trend on the energy sector can be severe. “Older cars can emit more CO2 due to poor maintenance and deterioration. But newer

cars, even those produced after 2000 and 2005, showing higher levels of CO2 emissions than the older vintages is unexpected and disturbing,” said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, in charge of CSEs Right to Clean Air campaign.

The CSE made efforts to obtain official fuel economy data for car models that are recorded at the time of certification of new vehicles. “We were appalled to discover that this information is not available even under the Right to Information Act. At atime when the country is going bankrupt due to crippling crude oil prices, fuel economy data of cars is held as trade secret,” said Roy Chowdhury. She said the Auto Fuel Policy requires “mandatory disclosures” of fuel economy data by auto companies, but the government has failed to implement it.

Cars and two- wheelers are responsible for 60 per cent of the total CO2 emission in Delhi. Between 2002 and 2007, the CO2 emission load from cars has increased by 73 per cent and from two- wheelers by 61 per cent. Buses contribute much less —20 per cent. Since they carry several times more people, the fuel consumption per head is significantly low. CSEs estimate for BRT corridor shows per capita energy consumption can be 8times higher in cars than buses.