Design News for Mechanical and Design Engineers

Two Chinese Auto Makers Ready Plans to Invade U.S. market
At the Detroit Auto Show this week, two Chinese manufacturers announced plans to introduce entry-level SUVs, pickups, sedans and minivans by the end of the year. Full Story

Saab Rolls Out Cross-Wheel Drive
Saab introduced Cross Wheel Drive at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Full Story

GM Says Volt Is Still on Schedule
General Motors (GM) engineers said Monday that they are still on track to produce the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid by 2010, but that unforeseen problems with the battery or powertrain could push the introduction back to a later date. Full Story

OnStar To Add Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
GM’s OnStar unit will add a Stolen Vehicle Slowdown technology to selected vehicles in 2009. Full Story

Smart, Daimler Show Off “Micro Hybrid”
Daimler showed off integrated starter-generator technology at the North American International Auto Show yesterday by rolling on stage in a Smart "fortwo" vehicle. Full Story

Smart Examines Future of EVs in Pilot Program
Daimler’s Smart brand, discussed at the NAIAS yesterday, has launched a 100-vehicle pilot EV program in the U.K. that calls for customers to drive 750-kg battery-powered cars for several years under everyday conditions. Full Story

Turbo-Charged Family Boosts Ford’s Engine Performance
The EcoBoost engine family will enable Ford to replace V8 engines with a V6. Full Story

Cattle Celebrate Dodge Truck Launch
Dodge brought in 120 head of cattle to celebrate the launch of a crew-cab version of the Dodge Ram truck. Full Story

Cars, Cattle Arrive at Detroit Auto Show
Forty-five automakers will introduce 50 new vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Full Story

Honda’s Futuristic Clarity and CR-Z Top Day One at Detroit Auto Show
Honda's CR-Z hybrid concept car and FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel car were the most innovative vehicles shown on the first day of the Detroit Auto Show. Full Story

Detroit Auto Show Day One: Luxurious Mercedes, Audi versus Practical Honda, Subaru, Kia
The Detroit Auto Show is showcasing fuel efficiency and practicality in the new Pilot and Borrego, but luxury still arrives in the form of Mercedes' GLK SUV, among others. Full Story

NEW! Visit our video landing page for DN Editor-in-Chief John Dodge's own footage from the Detroit Auto Show floor.


Browse through the galleries of DN Editor-in-Chief John Dodge's photos from the Detroit Auto Show below for an up-close look at the most innovative autos.

The Future of the Auto Industry at 2008 NAIAS


Chinese Autos at the Detroit Auto Show


Innovative Autos on the Show Floor