Germany Aiming for 1M EVs and PHEVs by 2020
November 29, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
The German government wants a million electric and hybrid vehicles on their roads within the next ten years, with the stated goal of putting one million electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles onto Germany’s roads by 2020. Cue gratuitous picture of the Audi rZero EV concept. Germany currently has about 46.1 million vehicles, according to figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’s Association (ACEA), with a total vehicle fleet of around 49.7 million as of 2006.
The plan was announced during a German national strategy conference on electric mobility held in Berlin earlier this week, and was drafted jointly by the departments of Economics, Transport, Environment, and Education & Research. It will be finalized and put into legislation early next year. Read more
European Commission Proposes €5 Billion Green Cars Initiative
November 27, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
The European Commission presented a €200 billion (US$257 billion) Recovery Plan—equivalent to 1.5% of European GDP—to pull Europe’s economy out of its current crisis. One of the elements of the plan is a €5 billion (US$6.4 billion) “European green cars initiative”.
The plan will use a wide range of policies and instruments. The co-ordinated fiscal stimulus of around €200 billion comprises around €170 billion (1.2% of GDP) from Member States, and around €30 billion (0.3% of GDP) as EU level action within the EU budget and from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The stimulus will stay within the Stability and Growth Pact, while making use of the full flexibility offered by the Pact. Read more
Twin Drive Technology for Sixth-Gen Golf
November 27, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Up until now, all of the Twin Drive models had been based on the previous fifth-generation Golf, but that has just changed as the German automaker has updated its concept with the latest chassis and body style.
Twenty Golf Twin Drive cars currently exist and are undergoing testing. Independent tests of the Twin Drive indicate that it can achieve over 90 miles per gallon (US). Three electric motors are used, one up front with the 1.5L diesel engine and one for each rear wheel, making this an all-wheel drive car. Despite its excellent efficiency, there is a high monetary cost to pay for this much technology, so don’t expect a production version any time soon.
Ford Plant Will Start Making Small Cars in 2010
November 27, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
The Michigan Truck Plant, long the birthplace of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, produced their last truck style vehicle today. The plant will now be shut down and retooled to build small, fuel-efficient C-Cars like the Ford Focus starting in 2010. The retooling will cost around $75 million.
Since opening over 50 years ago, the plant has built the iconic F-Series trucks and the Ford Bronco. The smaller cars coming in two years aren’t as iconic, but should improve the bottom line considerably. Ford will still make large vehicles at its Kentucky plant.
Two cars teach, nag and score how green you've become - Los Angeles Times
November 27, 2008 by Adam Birdhy · Comments Off
Two cars teach, nag and score how green you've become Los Angeles Times, CA - Two car companies, Ford and Honda, have their own solutions. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (and its upscale Mercury Milan Hybrid sibling) has the so-called ... |
Hyundai urges China to cut tax on hybrid car - HULIQ
November 27, 2008 by Adam Birdhy · Comments Off
Hyundai urges China to cut tax on hybrid car HULIQ, NC - Hyundai Motor has suggested the Chinese government to introduce substantial tax concessions to encourage purchases of low-emission vehicles such as hybrids, ... |
Detroit: Coming In On A Wing and A Prayer - Forbes
November 27, 2008 by Adam Birdhy · Comments Off
 CTV.ca | Detroit: Coming In On A Wing and A Prayer Forbes, NY - That ambitious list includes the new Fiesta small car, the improved Focus, the hybrid Fusion and fuel-efficient twin turbo engines for several Ford models. ... We have stake in bailout of Big 3 Consumers a reluctant bunch at LA Auto Show Undeserving automakers |
GM Car of the Year … in Europe? - Seattle Post Intelligencer
November 26, 2008 by Adam Birdhy · Comments Off
 Vancouver Sun | GM Car of the Year ... in Europe? Seattle Post Intelligencer - They are not those golden goofs who used to insist you really don't want cars that are hybrid or otherwise fuel efficient, or save lives with seat belts, ... Detroit: Coming In On A Wing and A Prayer Editorial: A hybrid bankruptcy for Detroit? Economic reality to take some pizzazz out of auto show |
A modest proposal for the Big 3 - Seattle Post Intelligencer
November 26, 2008 by Adam Birdhy · Comments Off
A modest proposal for the Big 3 Seattle Post Intelligencer - Let's just suppose all three of these big American car companies have a tiny little secret experimental hybrid car hidden away in the corporate basement. ... Editorial: A hybrid bankruptcy for Detroit? Economic reality to take some pizzazz out of auto show Who destroyed Detroit carmakers? Me. (Sorry.) |
Mini E to Start Testing in Berlin
November 26, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
It seems like Berlin is getting all the alternative fuel vehicle action at the moment. As well as the big Opel Hydrogen test, Berlin is going to get 50 MINI E vehicles for testing. MINI has partnered with Swedish energy company Vattenfall so that the electricity powering these cars will be “certified green,” that is, produced from renewable sources of energy.
The test is set to start in April after the infrastructure has been put in place. The funding for the project is coming from the Technical University of Chemnitz, TU Berlin with scientific support from the Technical University of Ilmenau. The program also includes a look at how how the electricity demands of these cars is distributed, which allows Vattenfall Europe to manage the electric network to divert its “clean energy” that is obtained from wind turbines.
