Selasa, 27 April 2010
Toyota Wants Plug-in Prius in China
Toyota wants to start testing plug-in Prius in China as soon as possible (Source: Nikkei via GCC). And it's no wonder that Toyota would like to succeed in China, where it seems everyone is increasing the number of cars they are selling at incredible rates.
But hybrids are not selling well, so it's a wonder that Toyota is pushing for plug-in hybrids in China. Maybe it's more of a political move, or maybe they are taking a long term approach. After all, the Prius wasn't what you would call an overnight success story here in the states. It took a lot of time for it to really catch on.
And it may just be they don't want GM to get ahead of them with the Volt or Nissan with the Leaf. It doesn't seem like Toyota is getting close to a production ready plug-in. And the Volt is only months away.
But hybrids are not selling well, so it's a wonder that Toyota is pushing for plug-in hybrids in China. Maybe it's more of a political move, or maybe they are taking a long term approach. After all, the Prius wasn't what you would call an overnight success story here in the states. It took a lot of time for it to really catch on.
And it may just be they don't want GM to get ahead of them with the Volt or Nissan with the Leaf. It doesn't seem like Toyota is getting close to a production ready plug-in. And the Volt is only months away.
Initial Demand for Nissan Leaf is High
Nissan is pretty happy so far with the initial demand for their 100 mile range electric vehicle, the Leaf. According to reports, more than 6,000 pre-orders have been made in just the first three days.
There were 117,000 people who registered on the Nissan website to be informed when the Leaf was ready to be ordered. Within the first three hours of opening up reservations, 2,700 of those followed up with a small down payment to pre-order their Leaf.
Nissan has the capacity to build 50,000 Leafs in the first year. 3,700 people pre-ordered in Japan, making sure the supply will be going to both countries at first. That's going to keep the waiting list up if the reservation list keeps growing.
Part of the demand for the Leaf is coming from the price tag. Combined with the federal and state tax credit, you could be paying just over $20,000 for an all electric vehicle. Of course, you have to be living in the right state.
Nissan is hoping for 25,000 pre-orders by December.
There were 117,000 people who registered on the Nissan website to be informed when the Leaf was ready to be ordered. Within the first three hours of opening up reservations, 2,700 of those followed up with a small down payment to pre-order their Leaf.
Nissan has the capacity to build 50,000 Leafs in the first year. 3,700 people pre-ordered in Japan, making sure the supply will be going to both countries at first. That's going to keep the waiting list up if the reservation list keeps growing.
Part of the demand for the Leaf is coming from the price tag. Combined with the federal and state tax credit, you could be paying just over $20,000 for an all electric vehicle. Of course, you have to be living in the right state.
Nissan is hoping for 25,000 pre-orders by December.
Fisker Looks for More Millions to Upgrade Delaware Plant
Fisker is looking for more government money. After receiving almost $529 million from the federal loan program, they are looking for the state of Delaware to kick in another $9 million in a grant.
The grant money will be used to offset utility costs while it upgrades the GM facility in Newport using another $12.5 million from a convertible loan.
There's nothing really new about this sort of thing. The major automakers have relied on loans, grants, tax breaks and other money from the government for decades to build cars. The only difference here is the size of the automaker and the single type of car they are working on (plug-in).
The grant money will be used to offset utility costs while it upgrades the GM facility in Newport using another $12.5 million from a convertible loan.
There's nothing really new about this sort of thing. The major automakers have relied on loans, grants, tax breaks and other money from the government for decades to build cars. The only difference here is the size of the automaker and the single type of car they are working on (plug-in).
Senin, 26 April 2010
Fisker Gets $500 Million From the Government
Fisker has closed its loan with the federal government, giving it $528.7 million to help develop the Karma and NINA programs.
The NINA program is its new development, a family sedan to be built in the old Delaware GM plant.
"The story of Fisker is a story of ingenuity of an American company, a commitment to innovation by the U.S. government and the perseverance of the American auto industry," said Vice President Joe Biden. "The Boxwood Plant is opening again, employing workers in Delaware, and is serving as a roadmap for all we can accomplish if everyone works together. Thanks to real dedication by this administration, loans from the Department of Energy, the creativity of U.S. companies, and the tenacity of great state partners like Delaware—we're on our way to helping America's auto industry reclaim its top position in the global market."
Fisker says the NINA will cost consumers just under $40,000 after federal tax credits.
"Not only will the Fisker projects contribute to cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions, these plug-in hybrid cars will help put American ingenuity at the forefront of automotive design and production," said Secretary Chu. "And they will bring innovative cars to the market place while putting American workers back on the job," Secretary Chu added.
Fisker's plug-in hybrid products will be among the first to market and will help to accelerate the introduction of fuel-saving electrified vehicles in the United States. When full production is reached in 2015, Fisker estimates annual sales at up to 115,000 vehicles. Combining Fisker projected sales volume with the expected sales volume of the Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Model S, sales of electric and PHEVs funded with DOE ATVM loans could exceed 300,000 annually.
Initially, Fisker Automotive will use the proceeds of the loan for qualifying engineering integration costs as it works with primarily U.S. suppliers to incorporate components into the Karma's design. The engineering integration work will be conducted in Irvine, California, where engineers will design tools and equipment and develop manufacturing processes. The Karma is scheduled to appear in showrooms in late 2010. The second stage will involve the purchase and retooling of the former GM plant to manufacture the Project NINA line of PHEVs, which is expected to begin rolling off the assembly line in late 2012.
Fisker automobiles are driven by electric motors that get their power from a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, or, when that is depleted, by a generator driven by an efficient gas-powered engine. The Karma and Project NINA models will have an all-electric, tailpipe-emission-free range of 40 to 50 miles on a full charge, more than most Americans drive each day. The battery can be charged at home overnight. Using gas and electric power, Fisker plug-in hybrids are expected to have a cruising range of up to 300 miles.
The NINA program is its new development, a family sedan to be built in the old Delaware GM plant.
"The story of Fisker is a story of ingenuity of an American company, a commitment to innovation by the U.S. government and the perseverance of the American auto industry," said Vice President Joe Biden. "The Boxwood Plant is opening again, employing workers in Delaware, and is serving as a roadmap for all we can accomplish if everyone works together. Thanks to real dedication by this administration, loans from the Department of Energy, the creativity of U.S. companies, and the tenacity of great state partners like Delaware—we're on our way to helping America's auto industry reclaim its top position in the global market."
Fisker says the NINA will cost consumers just under $40,000 after federal tax credits.
"Not only will the Fisker projects contribute to cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions, these plug-in hybrid cars will help put American ingenuity at the forefront of automotive design and production," said Secretary Chu. "And they will bring innovative cars to the market place while putting American workers back on the job," Secretary Chu added.
Fisker's plug-in hybrid products will be among the first to market and will help to accelerate the introduction of fuel-saving electrified vehicles in the United States. When full production is reached in 2015, Fisker estimates annual sales at up to 115,000 vehicles. Combining Fisker projected sales volume with the expected sales volume of the Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Model S, sales of electric and PHEVs funded with DOE ATVM loans could exceed 300,000 annually.
Initially, Fisker Automotive will use the proceeds of the loan for qualifying engineering integration costs as it works with primarily U.S. suppliers to incorporate components into the Karma's design. The engineering integration work will be conducted in Irvine, California, where engineers will design tools and equipment and develop manufacturing processes. The Karma is scheduled to appear in showrooms in late 2010. The second stage will involve the purchase and retooling of the former GM plant to manufacture the Project NINA line of PHEVs, which is expected to begin rolling off the assembly line in late 2012.
Fisker automobiles are driven by electric motors that get their power from a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, or, when that is depleted, by a generator driven by an efficient gas-powered engine. The Karma and Project NINA models will have an all-electric, tailpipe-emission-free range of 40 to 50 miles on a full charge, more than most Americans drive each day. The battery can be charged at home overnight. Using gas and electric power, Fisker plug-in hybrids are expected to have a cruising range of up to 300 miles.
Fusion and Milan Recall Notice
The 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are included in a new recall by Ford. The recall affects the Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac, too.
The front seat manual recliners fail to comply with federal standards. The gear plate teeth may be out of dimension specification which could result in limited pawl to gear plate tooth engagement.
In a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the manual recliners for both power and manual seats free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 30, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
The front seat manual recliners fail to comply with federal standards. The gear plate teeth may be out of dimension specification which could result in limited pawl to gear plate tooth engagement.
In a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the manual recliners for both power and manual seats free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 30, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Selasa, 20 April 2010
Prius MPV - Toyota Minivan for Next Year
Nikkei is reporting a Toyota minivan is in the works. The new minivan may, if the reports are correct, will come with a Prius badge. The report also has the new Prius MPV may be available as early as next year.
And to top it off, it may come with a lithium-ion battery pack, which the Prius doesn't have.
The report goes on to say the new larger hybrid will likely have three rows of seating for five to seven passengers and sliding doors.
The new hybrid minivan will be 'competitively priced,' whatever that means. I'm guessing minivan owners will be excited to have the choice of a more fuel efficient ride.
And to top it off, it may come with a lithium-ion battery pack, which the Prius doesn't have.
The report goes on to say the new larger hybrid will likely have three rows of seating for five to seven passengers and sliding doors.
The new hybrid minivan will be 'competitively priced,' whatever that means. I'm guessing minivan owners will be excited to have the choice of a more fuel efficient ride.
Hybrids Need to Make Some Noise
David Strickland thinks hybrids may be too quiet for safety.
"A quieter fleet could potentially put pedestrians at risk, especially blind pedestrians," Strickland said at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress.
Which means hybrid owners may soon be looking at artificial noise makers installed onto their cars. Strickland, as head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will most likely back up any claims with requirements for all vehicles. Electric and hybrid cars, which run on electric power at low speeds, make little to no noise.
"NHTSA is currently conducting a research program on quieter cars and the safety of blind pedestrians. Our analysis of limited data from 12 states shows that hybrid electric vehicles do have a significantly higher incidence rate of pedestrian crashes than internal combustion engines for certain maneuvers -- like slowing or stopping, backing up, entering or leaving a parking space, and making a turn."
"I am challenging the auto industry and the cell phone industry to work collaboratively with us to keep the driver focused on their required task: driving."
It should be noted that not everyone thinks silent running is the problem, however. Amy Freeland, an investigator with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that most of the fatal encounters occurred when the hybrids were going faster than 35 mph.
"A quieter fleet could potentially put pedestrians at risk, especially blind pedestrians," Strickland said at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress.
Which means hybrid owners may soon be looking at artificial noise makers installed onto their cars. Strickland, as head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will most likely back up any claims with requirements for all vehicles. Electric and hybrid cars, which run on electric power at low speeds, make little to no noise.
"NHTSA is currently conducting a research program on quieter cars and the safety of blind pedestrians. Our analysis of limited data from 12 states shows that hybrid electric vehicles do have a significantly higher incidence rate of pedestrian crashes than internal combustion engines for certain maneuvers -- like slowing or stopping, backing up, entering or leaving a parking space, and making a turn."
"I am challenging the auto industry and the cell phone industry to work collaboratively with us to keep the driver focused on their required task: driving."
It should be noted that not everyone thinks silent running is the problem, however. Amy Freeland, an investigator with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that most of the fatal encounters occurred when the hybrids were going faster than 35 mph.
"There's a piece we don't know about this," says Amy. "And I think that may be market distribution." She suspects -- but can't yet prove -- that people who drive in crowded areas with high pedestrian traffic, like cities or beach towns, are more likely to drive hybrids. More pedestrians means more chances of a pedestrian accident.
Kamis, 15 April 2010
Alliance to Promote Natural Gas Hybrids
The American Public Gas Association (APGA), NGVAmerica, and Hybrid Kinetic Motors Corporation (HK Motors) formed an alliance to promote the mass production of natural gas powered hybrid cars. The alliance will promote the following ideals:
Hybrid Kinetic Motors will be building a new line of hybrids at their plant in Alabama starting in 2013. Natural gas hybrids will be similar to gas-electric hybrids except for that one small detail.
Which is why supporting more domestic supplies of natural gas and encouraging an infrastructure to support it is so important before 2013.
“The American public is becoming very familiar with hybrid technology, and this is the next evolution,” says Richard Kolodziej, president of NGVAmerica.
“This new collaboration intends to break through the ‘chicken or egg’ barriers that have limited natural gas from being recognized by the public for what it is: the most abundant, efficient, environmentally friendly and affordable domestic fuel for consumer vehicles,” said Bert Kalisch, president of APGA.
Natural gas offers significant greenhouse gas advantages. Compared to gasoline vehicles, NGVs produce 29 percent less greenhouse gases. When vehicle power-trains are designed specifically to use natural gas and combined with hybrid technologies, greenhouse gas levels can be reduced by half while providing fuel efficiency to meet or exceed the new federal standards.
- Promoting consumer interest in natural gas hybrids
- Encouraging federal and state governments to extend the current range of incentives to encourage consumers, businesses, and governments to choose natural gas hybrid vehicles and the infrastructure necessary to sustain them. This would include advocating the passage of “The NAT GAS Act of 2009” (HR 1435; S. 1408)”
- Promoting research and development efforts of natural gas vehicle/infrastructure technologies as well as related business models
- Working with natural gas distribution companies to install home fueling appliances and provide services for NGV purchasers
- Encouraging fleet owners of CNG fueling stations to expand their installations to include retail access to new NGV car owners
- Supporting access to more domestic supplies of natural gas.
Hybrid Kinetic Motors will be building a new line of hybrids at their plant in Alabama starting in 2013. Natural gas hybrids will be similar to gas-electric hybrids except for that one small detail.
Which is why supporting more domestic supplies of natural gas and encouraging an infrastructure to support it is so important before 2013.
“The American public is becoming very familiar with hybrid technology, and this is the next evolution,” says Richard Kolodziej, president of NGVAmerica.
“This new collaboration intends to break through the ‘chicken or egg’ barriers that have limited natural gas from being recognized by the public for what it is: the most abundant, efficient, environmentally friendly and affordable domestic fuel for consumer vehicles,” said Bert Kalisch, president of APGA.
Natural gas offers significant greenhouse gas advantages. Compared to gasoline vehicles, NGVs produce 29 percent less greenhouse gases. When vehicle power-trains are designed specifically to use natural gas and combined with hybrid technologies, greenhouse gas levels can be reduced by half while providing fuel efficiency to meet or exceed the new federal standards.
Rabu, 14 April 2010
Russian Hybrid in the Works
Russia is investing in hybrid technology to the tune of $204 million. In a joint venture, billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov and Russian truck maker Yarovit, will create three electric car prototypes in December (Source: Bloomberg).
Production will begin in January of 2011, and will 'break-even' by mid-2012.
That's quite a feat. Toyota, Honda and Ford took a lot longer to 'break even' on their initial investment into developing hybrid technology. Other automakers have yet to do so (it's hard to tell really. It's not like they come out and tell you).
The car will cost about 300,000 rubles ($10,300) to 450,000 rubles and will run on gas and methane.
Production will begin in January of 2011, and will 'break-even' by mid-2012.
That's quite a feat. Toyota, Honda and Ford took a lot longer to 'break even' on their initial investment into developing hybrid technology. Other automakers have yet to do so (it's hard to tell really. It's not like they come out and tell you).
The car will cost about 300,000 rubles ($10,300) to 450,000 rubles and will run on gas and methane.
Hourly Hybrids on Hawaii
Green Car Hawaii is ready to try something new. When you visit Hawaii, you may spend a lot of time in and around your hotel, which means you may not need a rental car for most of your stay. What if you had the option of renting a car by the hour? What if it was a hybrid?
That's the idea behind Green Car Hawaii (found via Pacific Business). Owners Warren Doi and Justin MacNaughton. And it's all at an amazing rate of $15 an hour!
In partnership with Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa, guests can rent one of four custom-made, family-friendly Ford Hybrid Escapes with all the latest technological frills, including an iPad, for an “all-inclusive” $15 per hour, Doi said.
The biggest difficulty I would see is getting to and from the hotel itself, but shuttles and buses can get you there and back to the airport. Now you don't have to worry about getting to the luau on the other side of the island.
Nice idea.
That's the idea behind Green Car Hawaii (found via Pacific Business). Owners Warren Doi and Justin MacNaughton. And it's all at an amazing rate of $15 an hour!
In partnership with Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa, guests can rent one of four custom-made, family-friendly Ford Hybrid Escapes with all the latest technological frills, including an iPad, for an “all-inclusive” $15 per hour, Doi said.
The biggest difficulty I would see is getting to and from the hotel itself, but shuttles and buses can get you there and back to the airport. Now you don't have to worry about getting to the luau on the other side of the island.
Nice idea.
Selasa, 13 April 2010
Toyota Plug-in Prius Just Like Every Other Car
According to Edmunds Senior Editor, John O'Dell:
They seem to do everyting Toyota has said it's PHEV will do, ncluding powering down the freeway at a steady 60 miles an hour in all-electric drive for a bitBut isn't that what you want from a car? No matter what's in the engine compartment, you still want it to drive like every other car.
But absent some heart-wrenching flaw that wasn't apparent in my limited time behind the wheel, the most I can say about Toyota's PHEV Prius is that driving it is pretty much just like driving a standard Prius, but with a bit less engine noise.
Minggu, 04 April 2010
First Drive: 2010 Audi TTS Coupe
Finally, Speed Matches Style
By Nate Martinez
In the decade or so it's been on the market, the Audi TT has become world renowned for its avant garde style, but it's never ranked high as a true sports car. That perception changed recently thanks in large part to quattro GmbH -- the performance division responsible for the mighty R8. The result is the new TTS, a potent blend of speed, flair, and livability. Watch out, Porsche.
With the "S" onboard, Audi's small 2+2 has evolved into a mechanical ensemble that delivers as many smiles on its drivers' mugs as stares from passersby. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder is fortified with a strengthened block, an aluminum-silicon alloy head, a bigger Garrett variable turbocharger, reinforced internals, and a remapped ECU. How does 265 horsepower sound?
Audi says a sprint to 60 mph in the TTS only takes 4.9 seconds. That's just a couple of ticks off the Porsche Cayman S PDK (4.4 seconds), putting the TTS squarely in the legitimate sports car neighborhood. Unfortunately, we weren't able to put the TTS through our usual barrage of instrumented testing, but there's no doubt this thing is fast. It's a point-and-shoot type of ride with boatloads of grip courtesy of an intelligent quattro all-wheel drive system and aluminum-bred suspension. And that's with the electronics set in "Normal."
Slide the S-tronic dual-clutch lever down into the more aggressive "S" mode, and the throttle's responsiveness noticeably steps up. Like in its R8 big brother, the TTS's magnetic variable-rate dampers can be stiffened at the press of a button for a considerably sturdier ride. We ran our Solar Orange tester on some rain-soaked serpentine byways of San Diego County, and it easily devoured pavement with a level of poise and eagerness not found on the standard model. Even with the hard mountain rain creating mini-skidpads ahead of us, the quattro all-wheel drive setup kept us out of the berms and pegged on the proper line.
The TTS is a capable all-arounder -- not just a straight line missile. In full-on sport mode (dampening and transmission in "S"), the dual-clutch 'box holds each of its six gears to high revs and shifts at the 6800-rpm max with a palatable "braap! braap!" from its quad pipes. Its 258 pound-feet. of torque is available between 2500 to 5000 rpm. Linger in this sweet spot, and heads will get sucked into their leather buckets with each seamless upshift.
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