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Fiat takes Tipo name out of mothballs for new sedan

Fiat has announced that it is bringing the Tipo name back. The nameplate, which was last used two decades ago, is set to be applied this time to a new four-door sedan. It will be available across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East – but looks unlikely to be offered alongside the 500 family here in America. Unlike many European sedans in its class, the Tipo has been designed from the get-go with a three-box shape, rather than as a hatchback adapted to carry a trunk. The result, Fiat says, is a more harmonious form than some of its targeted competitors. It will be offered with a choice of four engines – two burning gasoline and two diesel – producing between 95 and 120 horsepower, driving through either an automatic or manual transmission. The design was previewed in concept form as the Aegea Project at the Istanbul Motor Show this past May. We knew at the time that it would likely adopt a different name for production, and now that name has been confirmed. It will not only be assembled in Turkey – where Fiat carries out much of its manufacturing – but also had the bulk of its development work carried out there as well. The last time the Tipo name was used was between 1988 and 1995 for a small, boxy hatchback designed by Ercole Spada. That Tipo was eventually succeeded by the Bravo and Brava, which were ultimately replaced by the Stilo – only to be replaced by another Bravo hatchback in 2007. And now, of course, it's a Tipo again – progress. Related Video: Great anticipation for Fiat's new Compact Sedan: TIPO is its name Expectation for the name of Fiat's new Compact Sedan was high and the wait is now over. A name steeped in history for the new three-box sedan which was revealed in May at the Istanbul Motor Show as the first chapter of the 'Fiat AEgea' Project. Sales of the car will start in Italy in December and be gradually extended to the other EMEA region countries. TIPO: this will be the name sported on the livery of the new Compact Sedan in all EMEA region countries except for Turkey, where the project name turned out to be so successful that it was decided to keep it for the car as well. The symbolic name has been used by Fiat since its earliest days and is now making a comeback on a global model designed to tackle the challenges of the future.

Ram boss says not to expect midsize pickup in America

Remember that mysterious midsize four-door pickup FCA was spotted testing recently? It may be sold as a Fiat in markets overseas, but don't expect it to join the Ram lineup in North America. At least not according to the latest word from the truck brand's new boss. Speaking with Automotive News at the New York Auto Show, Ram CEO Bob Hegbloom outlined four criteria for a successful midsize pickup, particularly in the North American marketplace: they have less capability than a fullsize truck, but return with a more compact form, lower price and considerably higher fuel economy. "I've been able to develop a strategy to come up with three of the four," said Hegbloom, but "I haven't seen anyone who can deliver on all four." Smaller and less capable are easy, but getting both the price and the fuel consumption down at the same time is where it gets tricky. As it is, a Ram 1500 with the diesel engine and rear-wheel drive delivers 29 miles per gallon on the highway, which is already more than the 27-mpg rating on the midsize Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. But Hegbloom figures that in order to justify a midsize pickup, American buyers would expect at least 35 mpg on the highway, and in order to do so, FCA would have to employ some trick tech, which would in turn raise the price beyond an attractive level. The last time Chrysler offered a midsize truck in America was with the Dakota that was discontinued in 2011. Ford similarly ceased offering the Ranger in North America in 2012, leaving the new Colorado and Canyon to take on the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier in the compact/midsize pickup market in the US. With the prospect of a Ram version apparently off the table, then, Fiat's midsize four-door pickup is likely take on the likes of the Volkswagen Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota Hilux in markets like Europe and South America. But like those trucks, it will likely never see the inside of an American showroom.

Recharge Wrap-up: Nissan Murano Hybrid in China, FCA hearts E15

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has approved the use of E15 in its 2016 model year vehicles. The Renewable Fuels Association is pleased with the automaker's choice to cover the higher ethanol blend in its warranty statements, describing it as a positive signal for the future growth of E15. "FCA's decision to join GM and Ford provides clear evidence that the tide on E15 has turned," says RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. "The automaker's decision not to embrace E15 had been a major point of concern and tension for the last three years." Read more from the RFA. Skoda's head of purchasing, Dieter Seemann, discusses sourcing EV components in a new interview. He says the biggest challenge is seeking out future suppliers for electric motor and connected vehicle components. "We have to really understand what happens in this business to identify the right partners to have in five to eight years from now," says Seemann. "Many of these are suppliers completely new to us." He says Skoda purchases 50 to 55 percent of its parts directly, while chassis and powertrain parts are shared among other Volkswagen Group brands. Read the full interview at Automotive News Europe. Nissan is helping the European Commission develop a pedestrian alert system for electric vehicles. Called Electric Vehicle Alert for Detection and Emergency Response (eVADER), the project aims to develop technology that provides audible cues to alert pedestrians to oncoming vehicles without contributing to noise pollution. Nissan created a system for the Leaf that uses a camera to recognize pedestrians and cyclists and direct a sound in their direction. This work will help the EU shape its laws moving forward. Read more at Electric Cars Report. The Nissan Murano Hybrid has gone on sale in China. The Murano Hybrid is powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor with lithium-ion battery. The hybrid uses Nissan's All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel-drive system, and is equipped with a host of safety technology. The new Murano helps Nissan cater to China's growing demand for SUVs, and is also part of the "Young Nissan" strategy. Read more at Green Car Congress, or in the press release below. Nissan introduces the all-new Murano to China SHANGHAI, China(August 8, 2015) – Nissan today announced that the all-new Murano, including the hybrid version, is officially available for sale from its joint venture in China, Dongfeng Nissan Passenger vehicle company (DFL-PV).