Industry News

BMW X1, BMWs first compact Sports Activity Vehicle

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:07:34 GMT

Henrik Fisker distances his company from Tesla, GM

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:47:00 GMT

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Considering the two fledgling automaker's past history, it's not terribly surprising that Henrik Fisker would want to distance his company from Tesla Motors. Recall that Fisker had originally been tasked with penning the design for the Tesla S electric sedan but later unveiled the Karma after being dismissed by the Silicon Valley automaker. There was a lawsuit, which was ruled in Fisker's favor by an arbitration court.

Speaking at a meeting of the Western Automotive Journalists Assoction, Fisker said, "The full-electric car [like the Tesla Roadster] is a niche market. Plug-in hybrids have a much bigger market." Of course, not everyone agrees that PHEVs are the way to go. Fisker goes on to say that his company's latest business plan will lead to profits at just 5,000 annual sales, though the goal remains 15,000 sales per year.

What about the Chevy Volt, which uses a similar range-extended electric architecture as the Fisker Karma? Somewhat disparingly, Fisker suggests that GM's future EV won't really be competition for the Fisker, saying only, "It's a Chevy." He's got a point, though, as the Volt is likely to cost about half what Fisker plans to ask for the Karma and surely won't fit into the same luxury category as Fisker's green machine.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Hybrid Cars]

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid

Henrik Fisker distances his company from Tesla, GM originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Driving pleasure at your fingertips: the BMW X1

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For the first time the features and qualities so typical of a BMW X model are also available in a premium vehicle in the compact segment. Indeed, the BMW X1 is entering the market with the assignment to offer the Sheer Driving Pleasure so characteristic of BMW with a new standard of quality also in this segment of the market. The latest member in the family of BMW X models therefore stands for versatile, sporting performance and supreme agility in an urban environment and beyond.

Clean Diesel Is Coming! Clean Diesel Is Coming!

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:17:00 GMT

Businesses finally get chance to go ?lean and green?

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:30:03 GMT

Britain?s business van operators finally have access to official fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures for light commercial vehicles.

Europe celebrates the Fiat 500's birthday

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:26:18 GMT

BMW building more MINI Es for European testing

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:36:00 GMT

MINI E - click above for high-res image gallery

The popularity of BMW's MINI E test program in the United States has evidently prompted the company to expand production beyond the original 500 cars and add a smaller test fleet in Europe. The original plan, as announced last fall, was for 500 of the battery-powered MINIs to be made available in the U.S. and split between Southern California and the New York/New Jersey area. According to MINI USA spokeswoman Nathalie Bauters, there will be 450 of the cars in the U.S. with an additional 105 cars in Europe. Of the European fleet, 50 will go to the German capitol of Berlin, 40 to the British capitol in London and the last 15 will be used in and around Münich, hometown to BMW. That makes a total of 555 electric MINIs in a year-long (and controversial) field test. In all likelihood we will be hearing something about the next phase of BMW's electrification plans within the next 12 months, possibly at the LA Auto Show this fall where we first saw the MINI E last year.

Gallery: MINI E

[Source: BMW, Bigblogg.Motoring]

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BMW, MINI

BMW building more MINI Es for European testing originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot launches new restyled 207 with even greater appeal

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With three body shapes, hatchback, SW and CC, and twelve different power-plant options, the new 207 will further strengthen the 207s position as Europes top selling small car, a position it has held for the last two consecutive years, 2007 and 2008.

Spaceship-sleek Solar Hybrid Yacht

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:27:00 GMT

UK economy contracts by 2.4%

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:30:03 GMT

The UK economy contracted by 2.4% in the first quarter of 2009, its biggest decline in more than 50 years, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Latest 370Z puts other coupes in the shade

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:17:33 GMT

REPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit sound

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:50:00 GMT

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that hybrid cars have taken the top sales spots in Japan for the last few months, that country's Transport Ministry is reportedly launching an investigation to determine if it's wise to require hybrid automobiles to emit an artificial sound when operating with the internal combustion switched off. The thinking is that hybrids may be more dangerous to the blind due to their quiet operation under electric power.

According to an unnamed official, the government's 13-member panel - consisting of a diverse group of scholars, vision-impaired groups, consumers, police and automobile industry officials - "decided to consider introducing a sound-making function" on all hybrids at its first meeting on Thursday, July 2. The panel hasn't yet decided what sound hybrids should make. We'll cast our unofficial vote in the direction of cowbells.

The issue is well-known in America, where the government has launched Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Acts in each of the last two years to study the supposed problem. Naturally, there is some opposition to artificial noise generators on hybrids. "On the other hand, we should pay attention to residents (along roads) as hybrids are excellent in reducing noise," added the Transport Ministry official.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: AFP via Google]

Filed under: Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, Japan

REPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit sound originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beautiful, Young, Intelligent. The New C3 by Citroën

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Coming out in November 2009, the new Citroën C3 has a strong ambition: to replace a bestseller that has sold more than 2 million units. The winning formula: take the best of the C3 and make it even better.

Cyber Bullying Affects One in 10 Students

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:35:00 GMT

Congestion charge unfair says Volvo

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:30:03 GMT

Volvo has launched a campaign to change the basis of charging for the London Congestion Charging zone.

Porsche at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:14:39 GMT

Yokohama dB Super E-spec orange oil-infused tires now on sale

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:08:00 GMT

Yokohama debuted its new ADVAN ENV-R1 orange oil-infused racing tire at the Porsche GT3 Challenge at Sebring a few months back. At the time, the company promised to have new tires using the eco-friendly technology on the market for consumer use in short order. Apparently, that time is now. According to Dan King, Yokohama vice president of sales:

The eco-focused dB Super E-spec mixes sustainable orange oil and natural rubber to drastically cut the use of petroleum, without compromising performance. It also helps consumers save money at the gas pump by improving fuel efficiency via a 20-percent reduction in rolling resistance. With these innovations, the dB Super E-spec could very well be the most technologically-advanced tire ever produced.

At launch time, the new green orange tires will be available in four sizes. Not coincidentally, those sizes will fit popular hybrids like the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid/Civic GX NGV, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid. Click past the break for the official press release.

[Source: Yokohama]

Continue reading Yokohama dB Super E-spec orange oil-infused tires now on sale

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc.

Yokohama dB Super E-spec orange oil-infused tires now on sale originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Innovative Commuter Concept Car; 'Cygnet' by Aston Martin

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Aston Martin has developed a new luxury commuter concept; the Cygnet which will offer customers a distinctive, intelligent and exclusive solution for urban travel in style and luxury.

Oil: The Return of Hype—and High Prices

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:59:00 GMT

MoT stations urged to sign up to service and repair code

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:30:03 GMT

The Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is urging MoT stations to sign up to the Motor Codes code of practice for service and repair.

Audi A4 and Q5: five stars even in stricter Euro NCAP crash test

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:30:17 GMT

UK funds Low-Carbon Buses with £30 million

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:26:00 GMT

The British Department of Transport has announced a new £30 million fund to help bus operators purchase low-carbon vehicles, like the new GM-Allison Two-mode hybrid system (pictured). A Low Carbon Emission Bus (LCEB) is defined as one that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent compared to a current Euro 3 diesel bus of the same total passenger capacity. These buses should also deliver at least Euro V emission standards. The fund also welcomes EV buses, but thus far, few options are available. The fund will be distributed on a very granular scale by giving operators 6 pence for each kilometer operated with such vehicles. Getting more LCEBs on the road is important because, despite improvements in fuel efficiency in bus technology, the Department of Transport found that CO₂ emissions from buses have increased significantly over the last 10 years.

Gallery: London two-mode hybrid buses

Gallery: Optare Solo EV bus

[Source: Department of Transport]

Filed under: Transportation Alternatives, Legislation and Policy, UK

UK funds Low-Carbon Buses with £30 million originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The new Audi A5 Sportback - As elegant as a coupe, as practical as an Avant

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The brand with the four rings leads the pack with a new vehicle concept: The Audi A5 Sportback combines the best of different automotive worlds. It is as emotional and elegant as a coupe, as comfortable as a sedan, and as practical as an Avant. The Sportback joins the Coupé and Cabriolet as the third member of the A5 model family and at the same time creates a new segment.

Best Affordable Suburbs 2009

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:02:00 GMT

Lifelong learning key to reducing road casualties

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:30:03 GMT

Creating a culture of lifelong learning is the route to reducing road casualties, according to a keynote speech made in Solihull by the head of the Driving Standards Agency.