Green Cars, Hybrid Cars, Electric Cars and Clean Diesel News

Frost&Sulllivan Predicts CNG/LPG Boom by 2018

Thu, 24 May 2012 04:00:00 -0500

The low cost of conversion and prospect of significant emission reduction will increase the penetration of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Europe and North America.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Executive Analysis of the European and North American LPG and CNG Original Equipment Market, finds that the alternate fuel vehicle market is set for close to 900,000 in unit sales in the European market and nearly 250,000 in unit sales in the North American market by 2018.

In North America, initially at least, conversion will suit fleet owners since running costs are a major factor and fleet owners stand to benefit from up to 50 percent in savings, along with an improvement of over 25 percent in terms of emission. However, legislative supports remains to be extended, even as related infrastructure lags behind.

"The demand for low-cost emission reduction technologies has given a significant boost to the alternate fuel market," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Priyank Aggarwal. "A noticeable trend among upcoming OEMs models is that of chassis architectures and engines being designed to ensure alternate fuel compatibility. This will support easy transition, even as alternate fuel infrastructure improves across Europe and North America."

The European market has already witnessed a boom in the alternate fuel vehicle industry with Italy and France trading over 300,000 vehicles, annually. Alternate fuels also offer an opportunity for OEMs struggling to meet ACEA targets. Liquefied petroleum gas is still expected to lead for the next four to five years, while the compressed natural gas network straggles behind in Europe and North America.

The overall market will be driven by OEMs seeking to reduce their fleet emissions and running costs, which are close to half of gasoline prices. However, engine development and the increased cost of conversion will have a direct impact on OEM and customer preference.

"Insufficient infrastructure, high cost of development and ease of adoption of alternate fuel vehicles represent the main obstacles to market development," explains Aggarwal. "Competitive pressure from other alternate powertrain technologies also poses a major threat to the alternate fuel industry."

Promoted as a medium to save costs and reduce emissions, CNG and LPG are linked with certain safety issues in the minds of potential users, making it imperative to increase consumer awareness about safety-related issues. Convincing governments to offer a standardised incentive scheme to ease competitive pressure on alternate fuels, irrespective of the technology, for at least five to ten years, will also support market advancement.

In North America, the alternate fuel market is at a nascent stage. For alternate fuel technology to become popular, OEM interest and product lines will have to increase. The government has to realise the demand for emission reduction and offer long-term incentives. At present, only one product is available in the passenger vehicle segment, once other OEMs decide to introduce their products in this field, consumers may have a wider perspective of the technology.

Hertz Adds Jetta TDI to Rental Fleet

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:13:00 -0500

Hertz announces the introduction of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel car into its Green Traveler Collection, becoming the first rental car company to make clean diesel vehicles available for rent in the US.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel gets 42 MPG on the highway and has a range of 600 miles per tank.

Available in select off-airport locations, the Jetta TDI's Clean Diesel engine is a fuel-efficient powerhouse, generating 236 lbs/ft of torque for a responsive driving experience without compromising efficiency. The TDI Clean Diesel engine produces 90% less air pollution than diesels of old and the car's high efficiency, comparable to or higher than many hybrids, allows it to deliver a lower fuel cost per mile than many conventional vehicles.

"Hertz has one of the largest, most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry with 68% of our cars getting 30 MPGs or better," commented Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "With the addition of the Jetta TDI Clean Diesel, Hertz's Green Traveler Collection has an average fuel efficiency of 58 MPGs, providing travelers with a variety of cars that are fuel-efficient and that use clean, low-emission technology. Smart mobility rental choices are an integral part of Hertz's sustainability strategy to reduce the environmental impacts of driving, without compromising convenience or customer needs."

Recently voted Best Green Options in the Zagat 2012/13 U.S. Car Rental Survey, Hertz's Green Traveler Collection taps into the increasing demand by consumers to live more eco-conscious lifestyles. To help differentiate and define the category, all cars in the collection are EPA SmartWay-approved and the collection is comprised of hybrids, including the Toyota Prius and Camry and the Nissan Altima; electric vehicles, including the smart fortwo Electric Drive, Nissan LEAF, and Chevy Volt; compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, including the Honda Civic Natural Gas and the GMC Yukon; and, now, clean diesel vehicles. Hertz was the first car rental company to introduce electric vehicles into its fleet in December 2010.

Daimler Launches Sale of New Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid Truck in Japan

Thu, 24 May 2012 03:05:00 -0500

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), Daimler’s Japanese commercial vehicle subsidiary, has launched the sale of its innovative Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid truck in Japan.

Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid truck, which celebrated its world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show – Japan’s largest automotive exhibition – in November 2011, will also be introduced by Fuso in Europe and other international markets in the third quarter of this year.

The predecessor model of today’s Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid was already launched back in 2006. The right-hand drive hybrid vehicle has been sold more than 1,200 times in markets like Japan, Australia, Ireland, and Hong Kong. The positive response it received on the markets led to the decision to offer the second-generation model in both a right- and left-hand drive version.

The Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid is also the world’s first commercial vehicle that combines a DUONIC dual-clutch transmission with a hybrid engine. As a result, the vehicle boasts high fuel efficiency, while also combining the comfort of an automatic transmission with the economy of a stick-shift.

“The new Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid is an innovative hybrid truck that will enable us to further extend our leading position with regard to fuel efficiency and overall economy. The Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid is one of the cleanest vehicles in its class,” said Albert Kirchmann, President of MFTBC.

The new hybrid truck’s nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions are 30 percent lower than the limits set by Japan’s current emission standard (JP09), which has been in effect since 2010. When compared to the current Fuso Canter with a conventional diesel engine, moreover, the hybrid version uses more than 25 percent less fuel during a Japanese driving cycle.

Fuso is already one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles in terms of alternative drive systems. The hybrid variant of the Fuso Canter volume truck also proved itself during a three-year fleet test in London from 2008 to 2011. The results of these trials have contributed significantly to the further development of the Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid.

The highly efficient and economical hybrid truck is the latest innovation to come out of the Global Hybrid Center (GHC) in Kawasaki, Japan. The GHC, which serves as Daimler Trucks’ global center of competence for the development of hybrid vehicles, manages and synchronizes the hybrid related activities of all truck brands within the Daimler Group.

Strategy FUSO 2015 – Leader in the Field of Green Innovation
The new Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid represents an important milestone on the way to implementing the FUSO 2015 growth strategy, which was launched in October 2011. The goal of becoming the leader in the field of green innovation is one of the strategy’s five main pillars. The focus here is on achieving a 7.5 percent reduction in CO2 emissions between now and 2015 by making Fuso’s products, plants, infrastructure, and supply chain even more environmentally friendly.

Ford Fiesta is Once Again Europe’s Best Selling Small Car

Thu, 24 May 2012 01:54:00 -0500

The Ford Fiesta again was Europe's best-selling car in April and for the first four months of 2012, according to the latest figures from the world's leading provider of automotive data and intelligence, JATO Dynamics.

Ford Fiesta sales totaled 25,900 units in Europe last month and 117,100 year-to-date, more than 5,000 units ahead of its nearest small car rival.

Including all cars, Fiesta was the No. 2 best-selling car in Europe in April and April year-to-date, and was Ford’s best-selling vehicle in April and year-to-date.

“Three years after launch and the Ford Fiesta is still winning new customers,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “It’s proven to be an exceptional little car. The striking design has stood the test of time, it’s great fun to drive, and the quality and fuel economy are top notch.”

In news releases dated May 22 and May 16, respectively, both JATO Dynamics and ACEA confirmed Ford as Europe's No. 2 best-selling brand in April and the first four months 2012.

Jaguar C-X16 Clay Model On Display at Clerkenwell Design Week

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:48:00 -0500

Jaguar has chosen Clerkenwell Design Week in London to showcase the one-off C-X16 concept car, but not as you may expect.

Skilled clay modellers will be working on a full size model to reveal the artistry involved in sculpting the cars of the future.

Julian Thomson, Advanced Design Director, Jaguar Cars, said: 'Jaguar is one of the most technologically advanced companies in the field of product development but we still believe in the sense of artistry. Emotional connections are at the heart of our vehicles and the traditional process of working with clay with some of the best sculptors in the world allows us to refine them into the purest surfaces.'

Joining the C-X16 clay model at the London event are three bespoke sculptures that show the past, present and future of Jaguar. Commissioned by Julian Thomson and painted by two designers from the Jaguar design team the artwork is based on the bonnets of an E-type, C-X16 and C-X75.

Just as the specially created creations span Jaguar’s ages, so too do the vehicles on display. The XJ13, created in 1966 and the only one in the world, is joined by an XFR and XKR-S. Designed, engineered and built in the UK, both modern cars demonstrate the very best in British creativity and industry-leading engineering.

The C-X16 Concept was revealed at Frankfurt Motor Show last September. Under the muscular clamshell bonnet is a next-generation supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 380 PS (280kW) and 332 lb ft (450 Nm) of torque. Already boasting a high specific power output of 126 PS-per-liter, the performance of the C-X16 is further supplemented by a Formula 1-inspired hybrid boost system with a steering-wheel mounted button for on-demand acceleration.

Integrated into the eight-speed gearbox is a motor generator which draws power from a 1.6kWh battery pack mounted behind the seats for ideal 50:50 weight distribution. Charged through a brake energy regeneration system, the batteries allow the motor to provide an additional 95 PS (70 kW) and173 lb ft (235 Nm).

Mounted in an aluminum chassis structure, the result is 0-62 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds, a top speed of 186 mph and acceleration from 50-75 mph of 2.1 seconds.

The C-X16 is also able to travel at speeds of up to 50 mph under electric power alone and has CO2 emissions of 165 g/km.

The C-X16 measures 4,445 mm in length, 2,048 mm in width and 1,297 mm in height and has a wheelbase measuring 2,622 mm. In terms of overall length, the C-X16 is the smallest Jaguar created since 1954 and the XK120.

Nissan to Build e-NV200 Electric Van in Barcelona

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:00:00 -0500

Nissan said today that a 100% electric compact van, the e-NV200, will go into production at its Barcelona plant in the 2013 Financial Year.

The e-NV200 new model will be based on the existing award-winning NV200 currently produced at the plant and will be an important and innovative addition to Nissan's global range of light commercial vehicles (LCV's).

e-NV200 will become Nissan's second all-electric vehicle following the launch of the Nissan LEAF in 2010, underlining Nissan's long-term commitment to zero emission mobility.

The new model, which represents EUR100 million investment by Nissan in Spain, is expected to create around 700 new jobs at the plant and throughout its local supplier base.

As the sole producer of e-NV200, Barcelona will supply world markets highlighting the growing competitiveness of Nissan's Spanish industrial operations. Last week a new medium duty truck was allocated to Nissan's Avila Plant in central Spain.

e-NV200 will provide both businesses and families with functional and roomy interior space and will retain the host of innovative and practical features of the current NV200 line up combined with the most advanced powertrain components of the Nissan LEAF.

The Nissan e-NV200 electric van was introduced as e-NV200 concept at the Detroit Motor Show in January. The e-NV200 shares its major drivetrain components with the Nissan LEAF. Silent, zero emission power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

This will deliver a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF on a single charge and similar performance, together with best in class running and maintenance costs.

e-NV200 will also make a significant contribution to Nissan's aim of becoming the world's largest LCV manufacturer by 2016 as a key pillar of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan.

Last year Nissan achieved an historic milestone of selling more than one million LCV's worldwide in a single year.

The current NV200 line up has already sold around 100,000 units. Its popularity led it to be chosen as the next generation New York City 'Taxi of Tomorrow' following a rigorous selection process.

Currently, intensive evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are being carried out in Europe. Trials will continue in coming months in order to provide real-world feedback from the most demanding usage. Feedback will help Nissan to fulfill exact customer requirements ahead of the start of production expected in FY13.

Mazda and Fiat to Co-develop Roadster Based on Next MX-5

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:39:00 -0500

Mazda Motor Corp. and Fiat Group plan to develop and make a new roadster based on the Japanese company's next generation MX-5.

Fiat will launch its version of the roadster in global markets starting in 2015. It will be sold as the Alfa Spider in the United States and will mark the brand's hotly awaited return to the world's biggest market for two-seater sports cars.

"The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand," two companies said in a statement.
Both cars will be manufactured at Mazda’s Hiroshima, Japan, plant. Mazda has not confirmed a production date, but it is expected to be 2014, while Alfa has said it envisages starting production in 2015.

“Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda’s corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as Alfa Romeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognized as the best-selling roadster of all time.” said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO.

“This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognized leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship.” said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.

The Final Agreement is expected be signed in the second-half of 2012.

Fiat and Mazda have also agreed to discuss further opportunities for co-operation in Europe.

Honda to Build Fit Hybrid in Thailand

Wed, 23 May 2012 01:44:00 -0500

Honda plans to begin building the hybrid version of its Fit subcompact in Thailand.

With the Fit hybrid being Honda’s best selling hybrid model, with 86,000 cars sold last year all around the world, Honda is hoping to limit the negative effect of the strengthening yen.

The Fit hybrid has so far been built exclusively in Japan.

According to a report in Japanese business daily The Nikkei, knock-down production will take place at Ayutthaya Province with key components to be shipped across from Japan.

It will also be released locally as the Honda Jazz Hybrid as early as this summer.

Tesla Model S Deliveries to Start June 22

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:17:00 -0500

Tesla Motors will begin delivering Model S electric sedan, to customers on June 22nd, 2012.

Several customers will receive their cars that day at an invitation-only event at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, California.

"In 2006 our plan was to build an electric sports car followed by an affordable electric sedan, and reduce our dependence on oil," said Elon Musk, Tesla Motors CEO and Chief Product Architect. "Delivering Model S is a key part of that plan and represents Tesla's transition to a mass-production automaker and the most compelling car company of the 21st century."

Tesla will be publishing regular updates about the event on June 22nd, as described in this company blog post. Model S test-drive events will begin rolling out to select North American cities in July. Tesla will be ramping up production throughout 2012 and plans to deliver 5,000 vehicles by year end.

Reservations for the premium electric sedan currently exceed 10,000. Customers can reserve a Model S at one of Tesla's retail stores or online.

The Model S base model will be priced at about $57,000, before a $7,500 U.S. federal tax credit, for a car that can travel 160 miles (258 kilometers) on a full charge.

Model S is the first premium sedan designed from the ground up to take full advantage of electric vehicle architecture. A revolutionary powertrain sits under the floorboard of Model S, creating an ultra-low center of gravity. Paired with an aluminum body engineered for superior handling, Tesla has created a vehicle that will raise the bar for vehicle handling and efficiency while meeting the highest standards for safety.

Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Model S has more cargo space than any other sedan and includes a second trunk under the hood. Model S seats five adults and two children in optional rear facing seats and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 4.4 seconds. The interior features a 17" in-dash touchscreen with internet capabilities, allowing for streaming radio, web browsing and navigation. With the most energy-dense battery pack in the industry and best-in-class aerodynamics, Model S has the longest range of any electric car in the world. Model S comes with three battery pack options to fit the unique needs of different drivers.

Survey: People Driving Less, Looking For Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:45:00 -0500

Gas prices are on the mind of people looking for new cars.

A new survey by Consumer Reports shows people are driving less and looking for a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

The survey found that 37 percent said their leading consideration when shopping for their next car will be fuel economy. A distant second was quality (17 percent) followed by safety (16 percent), value (14 percent) and performance (6 percent).

Some two-thirds of owners surveyed said they expected their next vehicle to get better fuel mileage than the one they're driving now.

While gasoline costs (90 percent) were the number one reason cited for wanting a more fuel-efficient vehicle, more than half of respondents also had other reasons, including a desire to be more environmentally friendly (62 percent) and concern about dependence on foreign oil (56 percent).

"These results make it clear that high fuel prices are continuing to impact driver behavior and influencing future purchase considerations," said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports deputy auto editor. "While quality, safety and value are still important, this may be foreshadowing a market shift by folks seeking relief at the pump."Women disproportionately said they were motivated by the environmental benefit of better fuel economy (65 percent vs. 58 percent of men), more concerned about dependence on foreign oil (63 percent vs. 49 percent of men), and impacted by changes on the home front (38 percent vs. 31 percent).

The survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, found that car owners were open to different ways of saving at the pump, from downsizing to looking at hybrids, electric cars, or models with diesel engines. In all, nearly three quarters (73 percent) of participants said they would consider some type of alternatively fueled vehicle, with flex-fuel (which can run on E85 ethanol) and hybrid models leading the way. Younger buyers were more likely to consider an alternatively-fuel or purely electric vehicle than drivers over the age of 55.

Of those who said they plan to move to a different type, owners of large SUVs were the most open to downsizing, frequently planning to move to a smaller SUV. Small cars were the leading category targeted by survey respondents for their next vehicle, followed by larger sedans and midsized SUVs. Further illuminating a future market shift, larger sedans (18 percent) and minivans (7 percent) are on fewer participants' radar relative to their current model.

With the federal government expected to finalize new fuel efficiency standards later this year that would require manufacturer's average fuel economy to reach 54.5 miles-per-gallon by 2025, some 90 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statements "Auto manufacturers should offer a greater variety of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles in the near future." Almost 80 percent felt the same about the statements "Fuel economy standards should require auto manufacturers to increase the overall fleet average to at least 55 miles per gallon," (79%) and "I am willing to pay extra for a more fuel efficient vehicle if I can recover the additional cost through lower fuel costs" (81%).