BMW's 1996 Line-Up is All New 01/96 The BMW product line for 1996 is all new. At the top of that line are BMW's new roadster the Z3, and their new 5-Series sedan. Every new BMW model carries an engine with increased displacement and low-end torque. Surprisingly, these features are coupled with better fuel economy. The Z3 is priced at 28,750 and offers driving pleasure, active and passive safety, and emotional appeal. Pricing on the 5-Series starts at $37,900 for the 528i and ranges to $49,900 for the 540i. The 6-cylinder 528i's price tag registers at 5% less than in 1995. Side impact airbags will come standard on the 540i and will be optional on the 528i. Summarized by Paul Dever Source: 1996 North American International Auto Show Press Release ##--##--##news00032 Mercedez-Benz E-Class Named Robb Report Car of the Year 01/96 Robb Report magazine named the new Mercedez-Benz E-Class (E320) as its 1996 Car of the Year. The Mercedez-Benz E-Class was chosen for its styling, safety, and performance. Qualification for the Robb Report award is based on availability for the current model year, a minimum production run of 50 vehicles, a suggested retail price of over $32,500. The other finalists for Robb Report's award the Acura 3.2TL, Chrysler Town & Country LXi, Jaguar Vanden Plas/V-12, Lincoln Continental and Range Rover 4.6 HSE. Each of these vehicles will receive Robb Report's Exceptional Merit Award. Robb Report will feature its 1996 Car of the Year Award in their February issue, which hits the newsstands by January 15. Summarized by Paul Dever Source: 1996 North American International Auto Show Press Release ##--##--##news00033 Mercedez' New AAV Reorganizes the Sport Utility Vehicle Concept. 01/96 Mercedez' new AAV is a sports utility vehicle which, unlike most others, has not been designed as a derivative of a truck platform. Pushing to meet consumer demand for greater safety, comfort, performance, and on-road handling, Mercedez went back to the drawing board and designed their AAV starting with important elements from their automobiles. They also incorporated the capabilities of an off-road vehicle. The Mercedez All Activity Vehicle will be available for sale to American consumers in 1997 for around $35,000. The new vehicles will be produced in a dedicated plant in Alabama at a rate of 65,000 per year. Mercedez expects to sell half of those in the U.S., and the rest in Europe and other international markets. Summarized by Paul Dever Source: 1996 North American International Auto Show Press Release ##--##--##news00034 Michigan Natural Gas Vehicle Association Shows Three Vehicles 01/96 The Michigan Natural Gas Vehicle Association (MNGVA) made an appearance at the this years North American International Automobile show in Detroit. The association brought three dedicated natural gas vehicles with them: a Dodge minivan, a Dodge Ram pickup and a Ford Crown Victoria. They also showed off fueling station equipment and an updated map illustrating the state's growing natural gas transportation fuel infrastructure According to the American Gas Association, natural gas vehicles emit 90 percent less carbon monoxide than their gasoline powered counterparts. Additionally, Natural gas vehicles also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent, and reactive hydrocarbons by 85 percent when compared to gasoline burning vehicles. Natural gas burners satisfy all federal Clean Air Act requirements for emissions. According to 1992 federal Energy Policy Act (EPACT) guidelines, federal and state governments must acquire or convert 75 percent of their new light duty vehicle fleets to alternative fuels such as natural gas by the end of the decade. EPACT requires private and municipal fleets will to acquire or convert 70 percent of new light duty vehicles by 2006. Summarized by Paul Dever Source: 1996 North American International Auto Show Press Release ##--##--##news00035 Nissan FEV-II Concept Electric Vehicle Debut 01/96 Nissan's new electric vehicle made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this month. The Future Electric Vehicle-II is the product of Nissan's efforts to develop an affordable electric vehicle that consumers will like. Features include a new lightweight, high-performance lithium ion battery, a compact and high-speed powertrain and an easy-to-operate charging system. Limited range compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, relatively high costs, and the lack of adequate vehicle charging stations mean that the vehicle still cannot be successfully marketed in the United States--but those are challenges that Nissan will try to overcome. The new lithium ion battery offers about three times more energy density than lead-acid batteries and up to two times more than nickel batteries. The battery's high energy density and low weight, combined with the relatively lightweight conventional vehicle body, give the FEV-II a per-charge driving range exceeding 120 miles -- more than enough for typical city commuting. The overall design of the FEV-II integrates clean lines and smooth surfaces. he cars interior combines high technology with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Summarized by Paul Dever Source: 1996 North American International Auto Show Press Release ##--##--##news00036 AutoWeek names NAIAS Winners 01/96 AutoWeek named the four best vehicles of the North American Auto Show this month. The categories used for awarding prizes were Best in Show, Most Significant, Best Concept, and Most Fun. The awards were given out as follows: Most Fun: BMWZ3. The BMWZ3 was awarded the prize for most fun, but if you don't have one already, you won't be able to get one--the South Carolina- built Z3 is sold out for 1996. Best Concept: Ford Indigo. The Indigo was called a dream car, and a street-legal V-12 sits under its hood. It's an Indy car with 2 seats designed by Indy car chassis builder Reynard. Most Significant: Oldsmobile Intrigue. The Intrigue is a new sedan from GM. Best in Show: The Mercedez AAV. This car is Mercedez-Benz's "All Activity" vehicle. It won top honors at a show that featured more than a fair share of sport utility vehicles. The Mercedez AAV will sell for about $35,000 and will be built in Alabama. It's a luxury SUV. Summarized by Paul Dever Source: 1996 North American International Auto Show Press Release ##--##--##news00037