EnviroHop - A Greener Commuting News and Information Portal.

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Green cars made by BYD Auto, Jianghuai Auto, Changan Ford Mazda and Beijing Hyundai are listed among the 71 models approved for the green-car subsidies, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

China wants to have 500,000 green vehicles including hybrids and electric cars on its streets by 2011. The government also announced it would offer subsidies up to 60,000 Yuan for plug-in hybrid and electric car producers on June 1.

It is estimated that those subsidies would spur vehicle sales by more than 4 million units by 2012.

Chinese government will choose more models to qualify for the subsidies in the future, Gasgoo reported.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} "This new step results from continuing discussions between the companies to expand their existing current collaboration on electric vehicles," the two automakers said. 

This new step results from continuing discussions between the companies to expand their
existing current collaboration on electric vehicles.

Last year, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi signed a deal to develop electric vehicles for both Peugeot and Citroen based on i-MiEV. Peugeot introduced the iOn at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, while Citroen unveiled its version -- the C-ZERO electric car, earlier this week.

Mitsubishi plans to start production of a jointly-developed European model for PSA this October. Sales of the Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-Zero, will commence at the end of this year.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} The agreement sets into play the first two projects that are intended to lead to a broader long-term relationship to develop renewable energy in the western U.S. utilizing Raser's resource portfolio and HHI's renewable energy equipment manufacturing capabilities.

The agreement also sets forth the first phase of commercial production of electric vehicles utilizing HHI's high tech engineering and manufacturing capability and Raser's powertrain technology.

The "Well-to-Wheels" demonstration projects, identified in this initial MOU, consist of a 5 megawatt solar power generation project, and the production of the first 3 extended range electric trucks (E-REV) for U.S. fleet customers.

The MOU launches the first phase of commercial production of E-REVs to begin filling standing orders from US government and commercial fleets. The first E-REV trucks will be introduced by the nation’s largest electric utility, Pacific Gas & Electric in California.

At the 2009 SAE World Congress, Raser unveiled a HUMMER H3 E-REV propelled entirely on electricity by Raser’s Symetron 200kW advanced AC induction motor connected to a 4WD automatic transmission. A 100 kW Rase Symetron generator, driven by a GM Ecotec 2.0L SIDI turbocharged engine provides electrical power. A liquid-cooled, 41 kWh lithium-ion battery pack operates at 700V and provides the energy storage. Road test drive of the HUMMER H3 E-REV showed over 50 miles of all-electric range.

The proposed solar power project will be built at Raser's Thermo site in southern Utah, using photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and transmission equipment manufactured by HHI. The solar power plant will be co-located with Raser's geothermal power plant to enable the demonstration of a unique new zero emissions blended renewable (ZEBRA) development by Raser.

In subsequent phases of the project, solar and wind power will be blended with Raser’s base-load geothermal energy enabling better availability and reliability preferred by utilities.

Upon the successful demonstration of these two initial projects, the two companies plan to explore a broader business relationship relating to the development of ZEBRA (blended) renewable energy and electric vehicle production.

Both projects are anticipated to be completed over the next several months

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Tesla shares closed at $23.89, an advance of $6.89, or 40.5%, meaning that company's 13.3 million publicly traded shares are worth around $317.7 million, up from $226 million yesterday morning.

Tesla on Monday boosted the share offering by 20% to 13.3 million shares due to strong demand.

It was the first IPO by an American automaker since Ford Motor Co.'s debut in 1956.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} The Tesla Motors IPO will be the first by an American car company since Ford Motor Co. went public in 1956.

Tesla on Monday raised the number of shares it plans to sell to 13.3 million from 11.1 million, a sign that investors are feeling upbeat about its prospects, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Tesla, which will trade on Nasdaq under the symbol "TSLA," priced its shares late Monday at $17 each, above the target range of $14 to $16. That allowed Tesla to raise more than $226 million in the IPO.

While the automaker has burned through $230.5 million in cash and posted losses in every quarter since it was founded in July 2003, Tesla attracted Daimler AG and Toyota Motor Corp.

The Obama administration made a $465 million bet on the startup through the ATVM program, while California has approved an approximately $28.8 million tax break for the company through the state’s Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority.

Immediately after the IPO, Tesla plans to sell $50 million in shares to Toyota. The electric-car maker last month agreed to buy Toyota's Fremont, Calif., manufacturing facility for $42 million to build the Tesla Model S. Tesla's goal is to build 20,000 Model S sedans a year, which are expected to cost about $50,000 after federal tax credits.

Tesla introduced its first electric car, the $109,000 Roadster, in 2008. The automaker has delivered about 1,100 Tesla Roadsters to customers in 22 countries.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} Toyota-Europe plans to produce 30,000 Auris Hybrids annually, with sales of the vehicle beginning on July 1.  Plans call for the vehicle to be sold in 32 European countries.

The Toyota Auris Hybrid is built on the same production line as petrol and diesel Auris models and the Avensis, while the hybrid synergy drive system’s 1.8-litre petrol engine is made at a separate Toyota facility in Deeside, North Wales.

The system’s 1.8-liter VVT-i petrol engine and electric motor generate a maximum 134bhp, giving 0 to 62mph acceleration in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 112mph, performance that matches any conventional 2.0-liter petrol or diesel hatchback.

When fitted with 15-inch wheels, combined cycle fuel economy is 3.8 L/100km (74.3 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions are 89 g/km; with the 17-inch wheel option the figures remain exceptional at 4 L/100km (70.6 mpg UK) and 93 g/km.

The Toyota Auris Hybrid will be priced at £18.950 on-the-road when it goes on sale in the UK on Thursday 1 July.

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The tiny T25 represents a major breakthrough in city car design in the areas of weight, footprint, safety, usability and efficiency.

Whilst applying a holistic and fit for purpose approach to the design and development of the T25, Gordon Murray Design have taken the opportunity to incorporate solutions to a multiple of urban mobility problems into the T25 design. 

The T25 city car is 8ft (240 cm) long and just 4ft (120cm) wide and will cost around £6,000. It will be followed shortly by an electric version called the T27. That will have a range of 80 to 100 miles and will be priced at around £12,000.

The T25’s short length opens an opportunity to park end on to the curb and the door opening allows 3 cars to be parked in one parallel parking space. It has a turning circle of six meters.

The Murray T25 has independent suspension front and rear and will be powered by a rear-mounted 51bhp 660cc, three-cylinder engine with 42lb ft of torque, linked to a five-speed clutchless transmission.

Among the performance target, the car is designed with a top speed of 90 mph. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph should be accomplished in about 16 seconds. CC2 emissions are rated at 86g/km, while fuel economy is 74mpg (3.8 l/100km).

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T25 USP’s and Key Features

- The T.25 represents a major breakthrough in City Car design and is a vehicle that has been optimised through design for strength, performance, weight, cost, safety, usability, tooling, quality, energy efficiency, recyclable and ease of assembly.

- The T.25 external dimensions create the opportunity to:

     - park at 90 degrees to the curb, offering real consumer benefits,

     - park up to 3 cars in one parallel parking space - giving rise to lower parking charges.

     - increase traffic flow,

     - explore the possibility of 2 vehicles travelling and overtaking in one conventional lane. Combining this with the car length has the potential to triple lane usage at peak times.

     - reduce the environmental impact of vehicle manufacture (ie: lower material content etc) and day-to-day operation.

 

- The central driving position generates:

     - A unique, ‘cool’ and fun driving experience,

     - promotes safety and ease of parking as a result of excellent all-round visibility and road awareness,

     - the opportunity to offer a single-seater option with retrofit bolt-in rear seats,

     - class-leading rear passenger leg room (better than most ‘B-Segment’ cars).

- By virtue of the unique door opening system, the T.25 can:

     - be parked in very close proximity to other objects and still allow occupants to enter and exit the vehicle. This gives rise to,

     - park 2 in one domestic garage,

     - allow occupants access from both sides of the vehicle,

     - allow easy access to the driver’s seat and easy access to the rear child seats.

- The ultra lightweight by design (approximately 550kg) means that:
     - component life is increased

     - reduced energy is required to power vehicle, giving rise to higher fuel efficiency (mpg/electric battery range).

     - a competitive power to weight ratio is achieved

- A world-leading 6 meter turning circle will enhance urban maneuvering and parking.

- Body panels in the lower periphery of the car are all mechanically affixed and have split lines which are sympathetic to accident damage replacement, leading to rapid assembly times and low cost accident repair.

- First car in class to feature lightweight, low cost independent rear suspension.

- Wing mirrors are within the overall width of the body, thereby minimizing accidental damage and subsequent mirror replacement.

- Design for purpose means that the vehicle has excellent pedestrian impact qualities.

- The inclusion of Formula 1 derived materials philosophy and technology coupled with chassis frame design (‘Direct Load Path’) gives an immensely strong structure (‘safety cell’) both in ‘end’ and ‘side’ impact scenarios. This is also designed to meet the cost targets of high volume production.

- Flat under-floor improves aerodynamic efficiency.

- Class-leading vehicle dynamics

- High level turn indicators for good visibility.

- Positioning of the fuel filler permits refueling from either side of the vehicle.

- Centralised driving instrumentation and controls are designed to maximize drive control.

- Six internal layout options with rear seat adjustment (adjustable within 20 seconds) sets new standards in small vehicle packaging – a long way in front of the Smart For 2 and the Toyota iQ.

- Occupant capacity of between 1 and 3 persons. Luggage capacity of between 160 liters and 720 liters.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} The four new Mitsubishi i-MiEVs, part funded by the Government's Low Carbon Procurement Partnership (LCVPP), are the first step to achieving the 1,000 electric vehicles that the Mayor aims to bring into the city's fleet over the next few years.

The new electric vehicles, with specially designed livery to distinguish them from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, will be used by TfL to ensure that roadworks comply with its permit scheme to keep traffic moving.

By the end of this year, TfL will have up to 10 electric vehicles in its fleet.

Increasing the number of fleet vehicles is one element of the Mayor's plans to boost electric vehicle numbers to 100,000 as soon as possible.

Over the coming year, 1,600 charge points will be installed across the Capital with numbers rising to 7,500 by 2013 and 25,000 points will be in place by 2015.

By then, with 2,500 charge points installed in publicly accessible areas, on average no Londoner will be further than a mile from any charge point.

The number of electric vehicles in mainstream use is forecast to significantly increase in the coming years as many of the leading car manufacturers are planning to launch new electric vehicle models in the UK.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} As part of its annual compliance testing program, the NHTSA recently conducted a test of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h.  The test involved striking the vehicle with a deformable barrier from the rear at approximately 50 mph.

The vehicle is struck by a moving deformable barrier with a 70 percent overlap.  As part of the test, the vehicle was then rotated on its longitudinal axis incrementally to each successive increment of 90 degrees. During the rotation, the vehicle exhibited fuel spillage that exceeded the requirement in the standard.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in a recall filing Friday, said that the defect "could result in a fire."

In a statement, Toyota said the Lexus HS 250h had passed rear-impact tests without a problem. It said it was investigating to find out why the test conducted by federal officials had a different result.

The recall of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid is the latest in a string of safety and quality problems that have confronted Toyota since September, when it announced a massive recall to deal with sudden acceleration.

Earlier this year, the HS 250h was recalled, along with the newest Toyota Prius, for brake problems associated with the antilock braking system. That recall involved 14,500 vehicles.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} Of the funds, $15.4 million comes from state coffers, $49.6 million is federal money and $49.3 million comes from private sources.

A $8 million grant with Electric Transportation Engineering Corp. (ETEC), in conjunction with Nissan, will establish up to 1,000 residential chargers, 1,300 commercial chargers, and 60 Level 3 fast chargers for electric vehicles in San Diego County.

Nissan will deploy 1,000 of its new Leaf electric cars; once the infrastructure and vehicles are in place, ETEC, the local utility, and other technical partners will collect data on the effectiveness of the technology and the impact of electric vehicles on the local grid.

The commission awarded a $3.4-million grant to a project by Coulomb Technologies of Campbell, Calif., to build 1,667 charging stations in the San Francisco, Sacramento and Los Angeles areas, adding almost $3.4 million more in federal stimulus funds. Coulomb, already involved in a project to set up 4,600 stations for free around the country, and its partners will put up $508,000.

A third grant of $ 4 million will help to make the low-carbon, domestically-produced, ethanol-based fuel E-85 available to more Californians. To build 75 publicly accessible E-85 dispensers throughout the state, California's Department of General Services, the nation's largest fleet of state-owned vehicles, is joining with Propel Fuels, Inc., an alternative fuel supplier on the West Coast; the East Bay Clean Cities Coalition, a "grassroots" volunteer organization promoting petroleum reduction projects; CALSTART, a member-supported organization advocating high-tech, clean transportation alternatives; and the Local Conservation Corps of California. The Energy Commission is supplying $4,000,000 in AB 118 funds for the E-85 project, while the Department of Energy is providing $6,917,000 in stimulus funding. The project's participants will supply an additional match of $16,260,371.

[source: California Energy Commission]

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} A Ford team hit the track at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee seeing how far they go on a single tank of gas in a 2011 Ford Mustang. Answer: 776.5 miles before it ran dry.

The Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge was designed to demonstrate that a stock production Mustang V-6 could run 1,000 laps and 533 miles on a single of tank of fuel.

With the aid of fuel efficient driving techniques by Ford engineers, the Mustang far surpassed its goal of 1,000 laps. Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} The Challenge team, which included NASCAR star David Ragan and four Ford Mustang engineers, completed the challenge in 17 hours and 40 minutes, showing off the 2011 Mustang V-6’s class-leading fuel economy by averaging 48.5 mpg over the course of the 776.5 miles logged during the Challenge. That distance is more than the two complete NASCAR Sprint Cup events that take place in Bristol every year.
“To see a Mustang post average fuel economy of 48.5 mpg while running at Bristol is impressive,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer.  “The new V-6 engine along with the advanced six-speed transmission in the car is a key element in delivering both fuel economy and performance for Mustang.”

The 2011 Ford Mustang is the first car with more than 300 horsepower to get over 30 mpg on the highway.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} Studying how to make Taichung City more EV-ready is part of the city's ongoing commitment to build a sustainable infrastructure that would include supporting a high speed railway and encouraging the use of electric bicycles and motorcycles.

The city is planning to promote the popular use of electric vehicles while developing supporting policies and structures, which will include using electric vehicles as official vehicles, creating an EV promotional team, educating the public about electric vehicles, creating purchase incentives, building charging stations.

Separately, Nissan has joined Renault’s partnership with German electric utility RWE Efficiency GmbH to promote electric mobility in Germany.

RWE plans to set up an extensive charging network in Germany with about 1,000 stations to be set up across Germany by the end of 2010 focused mainly on the Berlin and Ruhr areas. Together with other partners, RWE plans to extend the charging infrastructure to other major cities and regions in Germany shortly thereafter.

Under Nissan's agreement with RWE, Nissan will supply electric vehicles to Germany in autumn 2011, starting with the Nissan LEAF compact family car. Renault has already said it will supply electric vehicles to Germany in the second half of 2011 starting with the Fluence Z.E. sedan and Kangoo Z.E. light commercial vehicle.

Renault and Nissan customers will be offered an affordable RWE e-mobility package, which will include a safe solution for charging vehicles at home and easy access to the public charging infrastructure.

The Alliance has formed partnerships with more than 60 governments, cities and other organizations around the world, including Japan, U.S.A., Europe, Asia and Australia, to advance the deployment of EVs worldwide.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} Against all odds and a sea of skepticism from the off-road community Hessgen Hydrogen powered #88 lined up to do battle with the best in the business. It was a testament of complete commitment, will and strength that got the team through 500 miles of the meanest, roughest and worst roads on the planet.

The Baja race course proved to be nastier than expected, by race mile 5 Hess had flipped the truck over and the entire plan lay on its back in a ditch. With enormous help from the Mexican people watching the race and a quick “hotwire of a forklift” by Hess, trophy truck #88 was back in business and back on course in less than 90 minutes.
The hydrogen system located on the top rear section of the truck had survived the crash and was still working flawlessly! This alone proved that the Hessgen System is safe in an impact-rollover crash and tough enough to meet the demands of everyday over the road driving.

Fast forward 500 brutal miles, just over 21 hours and 40 minutes later without rest, the relentless Hess in his Hydrogen powered truck finished the journey. Trophy truck #88 had finished the race burning considerably less fuel and registered tremendously reduced carbon emissions exceeding all expectations. Taunted and labeled as crazy, this rookie driver had achieved his goals on all levels. The Race would be a milestone in the history of the treacherous Baja 500 and more importantly for the Global Eco Structure, christening this new Bi-fuel HYDROGEN POWER in a 700 HP off road truck.

[source: Hessgen]

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} With a range of 100 miles per charge, the eStar electric truck is ideal for many urban applications. When it returns to its home base at the end of the day, customers can plug it in for a full recharge within approximately six to eight hours.

With zero tailpipe emissions, each eStar truck can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 10 tons annually, says Navistar.

Navistar also announced its first eStar dealer for the California market—Riverview International Trucks, Inc., of West Sacramento. With the eStar truck making its debut in Sacramento today, Navistar is fully capable to support its customers through select dealers networked in its initial launch regions.

Full production of the eStar began in May at the company’s Wakarusa, Ind., facility. Navistar’s initial customer—FedEx—has four of the trucks in use in the Los Angeles area. Navistar plans to deliver 400 units to additional customers by the end of 2010.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} The facility will begin building the next-generation Ford Focus in 2012 for Thailand and other markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The highly flexible plant will be capable of building a diverse range of vehicles in the future.

With an initial capacity of 150,000 units per year, the new plant will be equipped with state-of-the-art automation and utilize Ford’s global manufacturing processes and systems. Up to 85 percent of the plant’s production will be for markets outside Thailand.

Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} The new facility has the potential to support up to 11,000 new jobs – including up to
2,200 direct jobs with Ford, and 8,800 indirect jobs through its supplier and dealer networks.
The next-generation Focus will be built on the company’s new global C-car platform, which will eventually underpin up to two million Ford vehicles per year sold in markets around the world.  The C-car segment is currently the world’s largest vehicle segment, and is projected to account for nearly 28 percent of global passenger car sales by 2013.

The new 750,000-square-meter assembly plant in Thailand will be fully integrated to support body assembly, paint, trim and final assembly. It also will follow Ford’s global model of sustainability initiatives and environmentally-responsible processes and systems.

The new plant’s paint shop will utilize Ford’s environmentally friendly 3-Wet technology paint process, which improves paint quality, depth and durability, while significantly reducing Volatile Organic Compounds, CO2 emissions and waste. The plant also will feature an on-site wastewater treatment facility, energy-efficient lighting and use of day-lighting, natural ventilation, and use of local and recycled materials.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} The bio-based polyurethane foam will be one of the new, eco-friendly features in the 2011 Ford Explorer which goes in to production later this year.

The addition of soy foam in the Explorer expands Ford’s commitment to using more sustainable materials in all its vehicles. By year’s end, nearly 100 percent of Ford’s North American vehicle lineup will feature the eco-friendly material.

Ford was the first automaker to demonstrate soy-based foams could be formulated to pass stringent requirements for automotive applications, pioneering its use in seats for the 2008 Ford Mustang and in headliners for the 2010 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.

Ford has more models with seats that use bio foam than any other automaker.  The 2011 Explorer will become the 23rd model to feature soy foam. To date, Ford Taurus, Mustang, F-150, Focus, Flex, Crown Victoria, Escape, Edge, Expedition and Econoline, as well as Mercury Mariner and Grand Marquis, Lincoln MKS, MKX, MKT and Navigator use the sustainable material. In addition to Explorer, the Fusion, Fiesta, F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ will get soy foam by the end of 2010.

Soy foam has helped Ford reduce its annual petroleum oil usage by more than 3 million pounds, and is up to 24 percent more renewable than petroleum-based foam. The use of soy foam also has helped Ford reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 11 million pounds as the biomaterial provides a 67 percent reduction in volatile organic compounds emissions.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} The first complete Vauxhall Ampera prototype completed a 170-mile drive between Vauxhall's plants at Luton, Bedfordshire, and Ellesmere Port, south of Liverpool.

Every mile covered by the Ampera E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) was electrically driven, yet on reaching Ellesmere, its range extender meant that it could travel still further. In full production guise, the Ampera would have made it back to Luton.
The Vauxhall Ampera, which is based on the US-made Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle, has a battery range of around 40 miles. It also has a 1.4 liter gasoline engine, driving a generator, which produces power for the battery once the car has exceeded its battery-only range.
When the battery’s energy is depleted to a minimum state, a small petrol/E85-fuelled engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the electric drive unit, boosting range by a further 310 miles.

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} The production will be company's first overseas manufacturing base for automotive propulsion motors which are currently produced in Mie Prefecture, Japan. The decision follows the awarding of a major contract to supply drive motors for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles for Ford Motor Company.

Toshiba will begin construction for the expanded capacity in January 2011 in Houston, Texas, on the site of Toshiba International Corporation. Production of the automotive motors would begin in 2012.

As the automotive industry moves toward a new generation of environmentally friendly vehicles including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, Toshiba is promoting advances in essential automotive technologies, from dedicated on-board control systems to batteries and Intelligent Traffic Systems. The company's development of key components for hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles, including inverters and drive motors, is an essential part of Toshiba's strategy in growing this promising business.

Electrified vehicles are attracting increased attention and growing levels of investment from the automotive industry. Toshiba estimates that the global market for motors for such vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles will grow from 50 billion yen in fiscal year 2009 to 1 trillion yen in fiscal year 2020.

The Houston location will allow Toshiba to increase its marketing of automotive systems and components in the United States, establish closer contact and collaboration with automobile manufacturers, and allow auto companies to increase local procurement of key components.

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Developed as a stylish, driver-focused vehicle with an emphasis on efficient performance, the all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z introduces a sleek two-passenger coupe design with quick, sporty handling to the gasoline-electric hybrid segment. A 1.5-liter i‑VTEC 4-cylinder engine works with Honda’s unique, compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to supply both power and efficiency to the CR-Z.

A sport-focused, six-speed manual transmission is a first for any mass-produced hybrid. An automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available and includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual-like gear-ratio control.

A new, exclusive 3-mode drive system allows the driver to configure the vehicle’s responsiveness for Sport, Normal or Econ (Economy) driving modes. Driver efficiency tools include Eco Assist™ and Eco Scoring, which together can help drivers find improvements to efficient driving styles, while also comparing economy achievements to previous trips as well as the life of the vehicle.

The CR-Z is available in two equipment grades – the well-equipped CR-Z (base) and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. Standard features on the CR-Z include an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.

The CR-Z EX adds a 360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with seven speakers – including a subwoofer – Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, leather-wrapped steering wheel and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition2.

The CR-Z demonstrates the Honda commitment to safety in the vehicle’s design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is designed to help protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®); standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags; active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

 

 

 

EPA3 MPG

Model

Transmission

MSRP

City/Hwy/Combined

CR-Z

6-Speed Manual

$19,200

31/37/34

CR-Z

CVT

$19,850

35/39/37

CR-Z EX

6-Speed Manual

$20,760

31/37/34

CR-Z EX

CVT

$21,410

35/39/37

CR-Z EX with Navi

6-Speed Manual

$22,560

31/37/34

CR-Z EX with Navi

CVT

$23,210

35/39/37

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Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} Lotus Engineering, the automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars Limited,  and Fagor Ederlan, part of the Mondragon Corporation Cooperativa, the biggest co-operative group in the world, have completed a joint technical and market study analysing the best route to production for the Lotus Range Extender Engine.

The study has culminated with an agreement for Lotus Engineering to develop the engine for series production and sale by Fagor Ederlan for the global automotive market.
The Lotus Range Extender engine features
an innovative architecture comprising an
aluminum monoblock construction, integrating
the cylinder block, cylinder head and exhaust
manifold in one casting. This results in reduced
engine mass, assembly costs, package size
and improved emissions and engine durability.





The three-cylinder 1.2 liter Range Extender engine is optimized between two power generation points, giving 15 kW of electrical power at 1,500 rpm and 35 kW at 3,500 rpm via the integrated electrical generator. Its low mass of 56 kg makes it ideal for the series hybrid drivetrain configurations for which it is designed.

The high efficiency, low mass design will enable low emissions vehicles to be produced cost effectively across a wide range of hybrid vehicle applications, as already demonstrated in both the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid and the PROTON Emas concepts, which were shown at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show this year.

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