Volts & Voltage: How will Hybrids Change?
This past month, the Chevrolet Volt has grabbed the headlines from not only the business pages, but the the headlines of all the automotive publications. Some say this is a “feel good” story of a company on the mend, but it is actually the next chapter of the “electrification” of the automobile that started with the introduction of the EV1 in 1996 and the Prius in 2002.
ATA Offers Free Training on Hybrids, CNG and Biodiesel Technology
The Automotive Training Authority (ATA) is offering free “green” aftermarket training courses on hybrid, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and biodiesel/clean diesel technology. The courses, geared toward automotive repair shop owners, technicians and fleet maintenance managers, are made possible through a federal alternative fuel training grant.
Servicing Hybrids: 10 Must Read Articles for Servicing Hybrid Vehicles from Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda and Nissan
Currently, there are about 1.2 million hybrid vehicles on the road. Within five years, hybrids are expected to account for 20 to 25% of all new car and light-truck sales. So sooner or later, you’ll be working on these vehicles at your shop. These vehicles have the same service opportunities like brake pads, filters and suspension parts that need replacement. Also, battery packs, electric motors and computers will need service soon. Below are the top ten hybrid articles so you can cash in.
Power Assist: Servicing Saturn VUE Hybrids
The hybrid version of the Saturn VUE was initially referred to as the “Green Line” model because of its improved fuel economy: 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway versus 22/27 for the regular version of the VUE. The Green Line moniker has since been dropped for the 2009 model year.
Midtronics to Supply Essential Programming Tool for GM Hybrids
Midtronics recently announced an agreement with General Motors Inc. to supply a new essential tool for 2-Mode Hybrid vehicle programming support. SPS Programming Support Tool EL-49642, based on the Midtronics PSC-550S Power Supply Charger, is shipping as an essential tool to all ….
Tech Feature: Hybrid Service will Increase as Hybrids Move Out of Warranty and into the Independent Service Bays
By now it’s no secret that the price of one gallon of regular-grade gasoline has topped the $4 mark and will undoubtedly be even higher one year from now. In light of rising fuel costs, consumers are once again returning to basic transportation by trading in their old gas-guzzling SUVs for more economical vehicles, especially those powered by hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology. On the one hand, the current popularity of hybrid technology seems to offer an ….
Tech Tip: Heavier Hybrids Require Attention when Customizing
Sales of hybrid vehicles have been increasing every month, especially now that you can get a hybrid system in many of today’s popular body styles instead of just the early models that screamed, "I’m a plastic-baggy-recycling tree-hugger!" Now just a subtle badge is about the only visible difference. With fuel costs continuing to soar, what does this mean for ….
Hybrid Service: Tools to Service Hybrids
As the price of gasoline goes up, so does the demand for fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles. Currently, there are about 1.1 million hybrid vehicles on the road. Within five years, hybrids are expected to account for 20 to 25% of all new car and light-truck sales. So sooner or later, you’ll be tooling up to work
Hybrids: Service & Diagnostics
What do you do when a customer with a Toyota Prius hybrid says his Check Engine light is on and wants you to diagnose his problem? Can you do it? Or, would you send your customer back to the Toyota dealer? To help alleviate anxiety over the complexity and reliability of its hybrid systems, Toyota
Toyota Hits Milestone: One Million Hybrids Sold
Toyota recently announced it hit a milestone – selling its one-millionth hybrid vehicle. Of the one million hybrid sales worldwide, more than half have been sold in the United States – 541,210 units from 2000 through April 2007.