DUBLIN, Ireland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Global Market Review of Automotive Electric Motors - Forecasts to 2014″ report to their offering.

While electric DC motors have long since raised the comfort levels for front seat passengers, there are signs that such motors are appearing in the rear seats too. Imtiyaz Syed, vice president, engineering, Intier Automotive Seating, told us: “Power is definitely coming to the rear seats as well. For example, rear seat heating systems are fairly common in premium cars. There are also powered stow systems in the third row whereby just pressing a button, the whole articulation takes places so that the seat folds and stows into the floor automatically. We have also developed the ability to power removable seats. With our design, the seat is automatically connected and powered when installed in the vehicle and disconnected when removed without the consumer having to [physically] disconnect the seat before removing it.” (more…)

Toyota logo. (PRNewsFoto/Toyota Media Relations)

TORRANCE, CA UNITED STATES

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ — In an effort to attract new buyers to the hybrid market, Toyota today launched the all-new Toyota Certified Used Hybrid (TCUH) program, an extension of the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) brand which provides added inspection and warranty coverage on certified used Toyota hybrids.

“The program is a great way to increase awareness of certified used hybrid vehicles,” said TCUV Marketing Manager, Steve Gallagher. “As more hybrids enter the used vehicle marketplace, Toyota Certified Hybrids offer high-quality options to customers interested in purchasing these fuel-efficient vehicles.” (more…)

DETROIT, MI–(Marketwire - January 15, 2009) - An estimated 14 million electric and hybrid cars may be sold in 2020 in the world’s four largest automotive markets — Western Europe, North America, Japan, and China — up from some 400,000 in 2008, according to a report by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) published today. But despite growing pressure on the automotive industry to produce cars with lower carbon dioxide emissions, the world’s automotive markets will remain dominated by cars powered by the next generations of traditional internal-combustion engines (ICEs) unless governments intervene with incentives for car manufacturers, power companies, and consumers. (more…)

DETROIT, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen’s technologically advanced 2.0 Liter turbodiesel was recognized as a 2009 10 Best Engine by Ward’s Automotive Group. The all-new 2.0L clean diesel TDI engine features common rail injection and is the first of a new generation of dynamic and efficient diesel engines from Volkswagen.

“We’re pleased that Ward’s has recognized our advanced 2.0-liter clean diesel engine as one of their 2009 10 Best Engines,” said Stefan Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The all-new 2.0L turbodiesel engine is not only the first of its kind to be emissions-compliant in all 50 states, but perhaps the most technically refined powerplant of its kind in the world.” (more…)