Tag: downsize

Report: Nissan won’t downsize the next Armada

Filed under: SUV, Nissan

2008 Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada is aptly named, because in relative automotive terms, it’s not just the size of a ship – it’s the size of a whole fleet. And that, according to reports, isn’t about to change.

While many of the larger SUVs on the market are gradually being phased out or replaced by smaller crossovers, Nissan apparently plans on keeping the Armada right where it is. And that means a large, truck-based, eight-passenger colossus, because there are buyers out there who expect no less and Nissan isn’t about to lose them to the likes of the Toyota Sequoia, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, or a General Motors lineup that includes the Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.

That doesn’t mean that the next Armada – which Edmunds expects will arrive in 2015 or 2016 – will be immune to constricting environmental regulations, so Nissan will have to get creative. A vehicle the size of the Armada has all the aerodynamic efficiency of the side of a barn, but Nissan is reportedly aiming to streamline that in order to boost efficiency, for starters.

Other measures under consideration include lighter-weight construction and more transmission speeds, but for our part we wouldn’t be surprised to see a hybrid version. One thing we’re told not to expect, however, is the Cummins diesel being developed for the next Titan, on which the next Armada will be based.

Nissan won’t downsize the next Armada originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Aug 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports: Most car buyers not looking to downsize

Filed under: Car Buying

simpsons canyonero

Back in 2008, gas prices soared past $4 per gallon and car buyers clamored for more efficient forms of transportation. But once fuel became affordable again, we’re guessing there were quite a few Honda Civic and Chevy Cobalt owners who longed for their old SUVs. The price of gas is skyrocketing yet again, but it appears that customers aren’t inclined to make that mistake again.

Consumer Reports recently polled 911 new car-buying adults to gauge the size of their next vehicle, and 56 percent responded that their next car or truck will be the same size as the one it replaces. The poll shows that a quarter of the respondents did plan to downsize, but another 19 percent were inclined to buy bigger the next time around. And if you’re 18-34, you’re more likely to up-size your next vehicle, in part because younger buyers will in many cases own a smaller vehicle because they are typically cheaper to purchase. This demographic also falls into the heart of family starting years, so children could be driving the growth.

Among those who wanted to downsize, 92 percent were looking for improved fuel efficiency, while 71 percent wanted less expensive repair costs and 67 percent were concerned about the environment. Improved reliability and a lower purchase price are also factors. Unsurprisingly, 80 percent of those who wanted a larger vehicle were looking for more space, while comfort came in second at 72 percent. Safety, reliability and lower maintenance and repair costs were also factors.

Hit the jump to read over the Consumer Reports press release, and let us know in the poll below whether you plan to up-size, downsize or retain the status quo when you buy your next vehicle.

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[Source: Consumer Reports]

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Consumer Reports: Most car buyers not looking to downsize originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volvo to downsize engines in 2013; ponders diesel for U.S.

Filed under: Technology, Volvo, Diesel

2010 Volvo C30

Engine downsizing is considered an effective method for reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency and that’s precisely why many automakers have developed smaller mills to replace older, larger motors. Kia, Volkswagen, Fiat, Audi and many others already announced their intentions to introduce downsized engines in upcoming models. We can now add Volvo to the ranks of automakers developing new low-displacement powerplants.

According to Autocar, Volvo plans to introduce downsized gas- and diesel-fueled engines across its model range beginning in 2013. The automaker is also eying the addition of clean diesels that displace less than two liters – including a 1.6-liter engine that puts out 113 horsepower – and is even discussing the possibility of importing oil burners here to the States. Volvo’s Chief Executive Officer, Stefan Jacoby, tells Autocar that the company is “taking a deep look at whether it will introduce the diesels to the U.S.,” though nothing has been decided yet.

What do you think – would bringing over a range of diesels help improve Volvo’s fortunes in the States?

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Volvo to downsize engines in 2013; ponders diesel for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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