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
2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid Teaser Video
January 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The next-generation Prius hybrid is scheduled to make its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January, however new images of the car, plus this latest teaser video, showing up-close details of the interior and exterior of the new hybrid from Toyota.
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X6 Hybrid Release Pushed Forward to Summer of 2009
January 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The X6 ActiveHybrid has since been spotted testing in prototype form on both sides of the Atlantic and the latest spy images reveal a near-production ready version of the upcoming model. Now new details have emerged on the release date, which appears to have been moved up to mid-2009.
The X6 ActiveHybrid’s release was originally slated for 2010, but a new report from Automobilwoche reveals that BMW is now planning to release the vehicle for sale in mid-2009. Pricing information is still unknown, but expect it to be more expensive than the standard X6, which starts at $66,200 for the V8-powered xDrive50i. Read more
Stop-Start Tata Nano is Very Cheap
January 4, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Tata is said to be working on a more eco-friendly version of the Nano microcar that will feature stop/start technology and is referring to the machine as a micro hybrid. Stretching the term ‘hybrid’ aside, the technology from Bosch is expected to reduce fuel consumption and improve emissions by up to to 10 percent for an extra few hundred dollars.
A few hundred may not sound like much but it will be a significant increase to the $2,500 price tag, and Tata is worried that the new micro hybrid drivetrain will add too much cost to the car. Tata is also expected to launch diesel and electric versions of the Nano.
Verdier’s Solar and Hybrid Powered Microbus
January 2, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
This is the Verdier Solar Power Microbus based on the classic VW Microbus of the 60’s and 70’s. Created by Alexander Verdier, this hybrid camper is outfitted with solar panels that provide electricity for the on-board accessories while the vehicle is stationary. Although the solar panel variant does come with hefty $50,000 price hike over it’s plug-in stablemate. Read more
$1.63 Billion in Grants for Electric Car Technology Proposed by US Senators
December 19, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
A gang of 12 US Senators, led by Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, are proposing $1.63 billion in federal grants through the US Department of Energy to increase production and drive down costs of hybrid and electric drive systems. Read more
Hybrid Rental Fleet Coming to Denver International Airport
December 7, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the US’s largest car rental company, is putting about 100 hybrid vehicles at its Denver International Airport branch, which will be designated as the company’s second “hybrid branch.”
It’s part of a major upgrade in the St. Louis-based company’s national rental fleet, adding nearly 5,000 vehicles that can run on electricity assisted by a gasoline engine. Customers will be able to reserve the hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry and Ford Escape, online or by phone. Read more
Production Ready: 2010 Honda Insight
December 3, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Honda’s new Prius-killer, the 2010 Honda Insight has been revealed in production form today with only a few differences like normal tires and the front fascia losing some of the high-cost chrome the Insight had in concept mode.
The Insight is expected to retail for around $18,500, massively undercutting the $22,000 Toyota Prius. Expect full details at January’s Detroit Auto Show even if Honda won’t be unveiling it at an actual press conference.
Fisker Karma Has A Starting Price Of $87,900
December 3, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Here is a low-resolution peek at the Fisker ahead of an official reveal at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Again we see the production car is almost identical to the concept car, except the grille is revised for a much sexier look. 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.
