SPEEDO-METER

• THIS is an idea that may be used in the GCC region in the future. Ford Motor Co. has displayed a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that uses solar panels in the roof to recharge itself. The C-Max Solar Energi was shown at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that begins Jan. 7. The vehicle can travel about 21 miles (34 km) using only electric charge and has a total range of about 620 miles. It has 300 watts to 350 watts of SunPower Corp. solar cells in the roof and may portend a future of mass-produced rechargeable cars that don’t need to be plugged in, said Mike Tinskey, director of vehicle electrification and infrastructure. “We are starting to see a convergence that can make these things possible.” The concept includes a canopy-like parking structure that uses Fresnel lenses to focus sunlight on the car and boost efficiency of the solar cells. It was developed with the Georgia Institute of Technology and shifts the car’s position throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.
• PRAISE of Mary Barra, the GM CEO, came recently from an unlikely source. Bob Lutz, who occupied the same spot 10 years ago, said Barra’s style of management is “calm, poised, polite and smooth.” He also praised her achievement in her previous appointment as global product-development director, a $15 billion enterprise that involves supervising 29,000 employees worldwide. Lutz said “Mary was the key implementer of the global manufacturing strategy” and added: “That was a major achievement and saved a lot of money.” In contrast to Barra’s smooth style, Lutz was a fighter pilot and used to fly his helicopter to his office every morning.
• SERGIO Marchionne is now in full charge of both Fiat and Chrysler after his successful purchase of 41.46 percentof Chrysler shares from the UAW VEBA Trust in a $4.35 billion deal. He is reported to have closed the deal on a Florida beach, carrying with him six mobile phones and documents. He traveled to Vero Beach, Florida, for the decisive meeting with a UAW trust. The agreement gives Fiat full control of the third largest US carmaker, allowing both companies to compete more efficiently with giants like GM and VW. Fiat shares jumped 16 percent on the news.
• THE Duster SUV, by French manufacturer Renault, has become one of the most successful 4X4’s in Saudi Arabia. Renault vehicles have improved their visibility in Saudi roads over the last two years. Duster in particular has done especially well as a sports utility vehicle that proved to be an excellent choice for a notable ride on Saudi roads and a comfortable experience in off-road and cross-country adventures. The 2014 Duster SUV comes in PE 4X2, 4-speed Automatic Transmission and SE 4X4, 6-speed Manual Transmission. Both are powered by 2.0 16V (135 HP) engine specifications. The SUV is equipped with driver and passengers’ side airbags, radio, CD, MP3, USB and jack plug with Bluetooth which is also equipped with an audio streaming capability.
• INFINITI revealed the first image of its new Q50 Eau Rouge concept, a high-performance vehicle which would be premiered at the 2014 North American International Motor Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on Monday. Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge highlights include deep and detailed carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser and side sill skirts; carbon fiber roof and door mirror casings; 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels and a dual-exit exhaust sports system below a large integrated rear spoiler.