1995-1999 Nissan Maxima Trunk Emblem on 2040-parts.com

GM continues work on fuel-saving engine technology

Sometime in the next decade, you might be able to enjoy some of the benefits of a diesel without driving one. A technology called HCCI improves fuel economy 15 percent and releases fewer emissions by using a combustion process similar to what is used in diesel powerplants. General Motors continues work on the project, which could be applied across a range of engine sizes and used with other advanced fuel-saving technologies to help the company comply with the proposed new mileage and emissions targets announced Tuesday by President Barack Obama.

Ford scores tumble, Toyota rebounds in Initial Quality survey

Buyer satisfaction with new cars and trucks from Ford Motor Co., a strength that has helped it increase sales and market share in recent years, has tumbled, and Toyota has rebounded from its abnormally poor year-ago showing, according to a study released Thursday. In a J.D. Power and Associates survey that tracks problems reported during the first 90 days of ownership, the Ford and Lincoln brands plunged below the industry average of 107 problems reported per 100 models studied.

Lexus LF-Ch Premium Compact revealed

Lexus has released this photo of the Lexus LF-Ch compact (click for bigger image) Update 7/09: We now have a front image of the LF-Ch, giving a better impression of the new Premium Compact from Lexus. Lexus has revealed one photo of their new premium hatch that is launching in a couple of weeks at Frankfurt. And what does it tell us?