Opel/Vauxhall ecoFlex Zafira MPV - 139 g/km CO2
March 12, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Using a new-to-range 1.7-litre advanced diesel engine emitting combined emissions of just 139g/km, Vauxhall’s latest addition to the Zafira line-up is also the first ecoFLEX model in the range. Read more
Ampera comes branded with Opel and Vauxhaull badges
March 3, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
These are many brands that will get a version of the plug-in Volt, Holden. Chevy. Opel. Vauxhall. to name the ones announced so far. Europeans will call it the Ampera, but under all those models will be the Voltec technology that gives the hybrid a 60-km (37-mile) electric-only range and a 500-km (310 mile) total range when the gas tank is filled up. Read more
Study Shows Biofuel is Sustainable and Cheaper than New Oil
February 11, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
A joint biofuels study by Sandia National Laboratories and GM’s R&D Center run over nine months in 2008 concluded that the large-scale production of advanced biofuels produced from plant and forestry waste and dedicated energy crops in huge volumes is achievable and sustainable by 2030. When I say huge I mean up to 90 billion gallons of ethanol, which is about one third of projected consumption by 2030. Read more
Chevy Spark to be Unveiled at Geneva Next Month
February 10, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
It’s now only a month until the Geneva Motor Show and the unveiling of the 2010 Chevy Spark. The Spark is the production version of the Beat concept that debuted at the 2007 New York Auto Show.
The Spark has grown two extra doors but otherwise looks very much like the original Beat concept. The Spark is following the lead of other mini-cars by using a more upright stance and pushing the wheels out to the corners to maximize interior room. Inside, the design of the instrument panel appears to be a simplified evolution of the twin cockpit look that has been appearing on other contemporary Chevrolets, including the Malibu, Traverse and Equinox. Read more
Bob Lutz to Retire at the End of the Year
February 9, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
For motoring journalists the world over, the loss of Bob Lutz is a very sad day indeed. One of the most recognizable and charasmatic figures in the automobile world, he could add spice and an interesting angle to even the dullest stories. The PR staff may be happier, but I am sure even they will lament the the loss of one of the most quotable GM executives there has ever been. Lutz has been Vice Chairman for Global Product Development at GM since 2001. Over his 45-year automotive career, Lutz has worked at Opel, BMW, Ford and Chrysler as well as a stint running Exide batteries. Read more
GM to Build it’s Own Mini in India
January 26, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The tiny 2007 Beat concept could start production by the end of this year in India as the GM Mini. According to Indian Autos Blog the car will be called the Mini, rather than the Spark when it comes to the U.S. in two years time.
GM’s initial plan had been to the build the Mini at it’s factory in Maharashtra from complete knock down kits brought in from either China or Korea. Instead, GM is tooling up for full Indian production. Read more
Gorgeous Electric Car Unveiled by Cadillac at Detroit Show
January 11, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The Voltec-equipped, extended range electric Cadillac Converj Concept has been unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.
Based on the Chevy Volt’s “Voltec” drivetrain, which used to be called E-Flex, the coupe is drop-dead gorgeous. Bob Lutz told the press conference that the car was designed to be aesthetically pleasing on its own, while being instantly recognizable as Cadillac. Lutz referred to the Converj as the “Cadillac of Electric Vehicles” well yes, and it could well bring Cadillac to the top of the luxury electric car heap. Read more
Hybrid Sales Drop 42.7% in December
January 6, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Reported sales of hybrids in the US dropped 42.7% in December 2008 year-on-year to 17,698 units—the lowest December figure since 2004, when there were only four hybrid models on the market. Overall light-duty vehicle sales in the US dropped 35.5% in the month. For the full year, total reported hybrid sales dropped 10% to 313,781 units, while total light duty vehicle sales were down 18%.
The hybrid percentage share of new vehicles sold dropped to just below 2% (1.97%) in December. For the year, hybrids held a 2.4% share of the new vehicle market. Read more
$4B in Bridge Loans Given to GM and Chrysler
January 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
GM and Chrysler have each received $4 billion in federal bridge loans.
GM received its first tranche of $4 billion from the Federal Government on 31 December. Chrysler received its $4 billion on 2 January. Read more
US Hybrid Sales Down 50 Percent in November
December 9, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
US sales of hybrids dropped 50% in November to 16,571 units from November 2007—a volume slightly above that of November 2005. Overall light duty vehicle sales in the US in November dropped 36.7%. (Earlier post.) For November, hybrids represented 2.22% of the new vehicle light duty market; year-to-date, hybrids hold a 2.4% share of new vehicle sales. November 2007 and 2008 had the same number of selling days. Read more
