The battery plant is being built on a 30,450-square meter plot of land belonging to the Renault CACIA gearbox assembly plant following an investment of 156 million euros. The facility will start operations in December 2012 and will have a total capacity of 50,000 units a year. About 200 jobs are expected to be created by the new plant.

“The Cacia plant will be one of three facilities in Europe supplying batteries to electric vehicles produced by the Alliance, starting with the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. Together, the three plants will enable the Alliance to rollout electric vehicles in Europe on an unprecedented scale, bringing the world one step closer to a zero-emission future,” said Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Last April, Nissan began construction of a battery plant in Sunderland, United Kingdom, which will start operations in early 2012 with an annual capacity of 60,000 units. Renault’s battery plant in Flins, France will have a total production capacity of 100,000 units a year.

Philippe Klein, Renault’s Executive Vice-President of Corporate Planning, Product Planning and Programs, said: “The inauguration of the Cacia battery plant is another concrete step in the electric mobility revolution spearheaded by the Alliance. The plant will supply batteries for one of the four electric vehicles in the Renault Z.E. range, Fluence Z.E., which will be launched in autumn 2011.”

Renault’s gearbox plant in Cacia, 244 km north of Lisbon, was chosen as the site for the new battery facility thanks to its easy access to road, rail, sea and air transportation. The project also benefitted from support from the Portuguese government who shares the Alliance’s vision for zero-emission mobility.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance aims to be a global leader in zero-emission mobility. By 2015, the Alliance will have the capacity to produce 500,000 electric vehicles and batteries at its plants around the world, making it the only automotive group in the world to build electric vehicles and batteries on this scale.

The Alliance is taking a comprehensive approach towards the mass-marketing of electric vehicles which encompasses both the product and the infrastructure. To date, Renault and Nissan have entered into more than 90 partnerships with governments, municipal authorities and companies around the world to put in place the necessary incentives and infrastructure for the successful adoption of such vehicles.

In 2008, Portugal became the first country in Europe to partner with the Alliance for zero-emission mobility. The country is building an extensive network of charging stations and this summer expects to have installed 1,350 units across the nation, including 50 quick chargers　

Nissan delivered nine Nissan LEAFs to the Portuguese electric mobility consortium MOBI.E and one to the Portuguese government in December ahead of the car’s official launch to individual customers in Europe shortly.

Ralph Perpetuini, CEO of Icom North America, said his company was given the green light by the EPA to convert applicable Ford 6.8 liter gasoline engines for E-250, E-350 and E-450 platforms covering model years 2010 and 2011 for propane and gasoline (or bi-fuel) use. Most end users of this technology will be commercial fleets of ambulances, shuttle buses, flatbeds, cutaways and cargo vehicles.

“This is the first time the EPA has certified a bi-fuel engine system using liquid propane injection,” Perpetuini noted. “We believe propane is the most energy-efficient and practical alternative fuel currently available.”

“Coupled with gasoline in a bi-fuel engine, propane gives fleet owners the option of refueling with either fuel, providing extended range,” he said. “This is ideal for the fleet user who has numerous delivery vehicles, including those with small fleets at many locations.”

Since 2004, Icom North America has been supplying its patented JTG liquid-injection propane mono-fuel systems to leading bus, truck and commercial vehicle manufacturers in the U.S.

Perpetuini said Icom will add 8-10 new positions later this year at its manufacturing facility in New Hudson, Mich., where the company already has begun production of the EPA-certified bi-fuel conversion system for existing customers.

Albert Venezio, chairman of Icom North America noted: “The patented Icom JTG approach is revolutionary. It injects liquid propane (not vapor) through an actual injector in the vehicle’s manifold. The vehicle’s OEM powertrain control module (or ‘brain’) directly controls our system, eliminating the need for additional computer mapping. Installation is fast and simple,” he said.

Currently, propane fuel is used primarily on commercial vehicles. But Icom’s proprietary vehicle-conversion systems can be used on any gasoline fuel-injected car or truck, including taxis, police vehicles, or passenger cars. Icom’s patented JTG liquid-propane injection application is a fully-integrated, mono-fuel or bi-fuel engine system designed in harmony with OEM gasoline engines.

“When utilizing the Icom JTG system, drivability, performance and torque are equal to or better than gasoline,” Venezio said.

Mike Stone, Icom’s vehicle technical manager noted: “Our emission results were excellent and the Icom JTG system required no powertrain control module calibrations. We are the first system certified to do so.”

As gasoline increases in price, propane continues to have a cost advantage, with more than 90 percent of the nation’s propane coming from U.S. and Canadian sources, further reducing dependence on foreign oil. In certain U.S. states, fleet owners benefit from tax credits or rebates as well.

More than 120,000 vehicles worldwide have utilized the Icom JTG Propane System since 2004.

EPA certifications for the E-series Ford engines paves the way for additional commercial fleet users to consider bi-fuel applications as an ideal way to power vehicles used for long distances.

Icom is expecting additional EPA certifications for popular fleet vehicles in 2011.

About Icom North America, LLC
Icom North America, LLC, founded in 2004, is a U.S.-based company which designs, develops, manufactures, certifies and integrates the patented Icom JTG Liquid Injection Propane system and additional Icom products. They include the patented Icom toroidal and cylindrical propane tank for commercial and passenger OEM as well as aftermarket vehicles in North America and selected other markets. All products utilize a high U.S. content. North American headquarters are in New Hudson, Michigan. Further information is available at: www.icomnorthamerica.com.

During the event, credentialed journalists will experience the performance of synthetic RenDiesel fuel in Green Car Journal’s 2010 Green Car of the Year®, an honor awarded to the Audi A3 TDI at last year’s LA Auto Show. Last month, two Audi A3 TDIs performed “flawlessly,” according to Audi and Green Car Journal editors, during the first-ever extended drive using synthetic RenDiesel fuel.

The four-day, 1000 mile endurance drive, part of the ‘2010 Green Car of the Year Tour’TM, demonstrated that synthetic drop-in RenDiesel fuel and diesel vehicles such as the Audi A3 TDI provide viable solutions to improving the environment and can contribute to a decreased reliance on imported oil.

During the drive, the Audi A3 TDI averaged 43 mpg on RenDiesel fuel, which is greater than the EPA average highway fuel economy rating for that car. The RenDiesel fuel used on the drive was produced from natural gas and can also be made from biomass. The renewable RenDiesel fuel to be produced from biomass using Rentech-SilvaGas gasification technology at Rentech’s Rialto Renewable Energy Center is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis by as much as 97% over conventional diesel fuel and by a comparable amount over electric vehicles. A vehicle using RenDiesel fuel is also expected to be as much as two times more fuel efficient than one running on ethanol. RenDiesel fuel contains approximately 60% more energy per gallon than ethanol and diesel engines typically achieve 20-40% more miles per gallon than gasoline engines. RenDiesel fuel also produces fewer volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions than ethanol or traditional diesel and has lower tailpipe emissions compared to traditional diesel.

Rentech’s Rialto Renewable Energy Center, which is anticipated to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction and operations phases, is designed to produce approximately 640 barrels per day of renewable synthetic fuels, primarily RenDiesel® fuel, and approximately 35 MW of renewable electric power (RenPowerTM) from urban green waste diverted from landfills. Both of these products will have low carbon footprints and help California reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, consistent with the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and Renewable Portfolio Standard.

About Rentech, Inc.

Rentech, Inc. (www.rentechinc.com), incorporated in 1981, provides clean energy solutions. The Company’s Rentech-SilvaGas biomass gasification process can convert multiple biomass feedstocks into synthesis gas (syngas) for production of renewable fuels and power. Combining the gasification process with Rentech’s unique application of syngas conditioning and clean-up technology and the patented Rentech Process based on Fischer-Tropsch chemistry, Rentech offers an integrated solution for production of synthetic fuels from biomass. The Rentech Process can also convert syngas from fossil resources into ultra-clean synthetic jet and diesel fuels, specialty waxes, and chemicals. Final product upgrading and acid gas removal technologies are provided under an alliance with UOP, a Honeywell company. Rentech develops projects and licenses these technologies for application in synthetic fuels and power facilities worldwide. Rentech Energy Midwest Corporation, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, manufactures and sells nitrogen fertilizer products including ammonia, urea ammonia nitrate, urea granule, and urea solution in the corn-belt region of the central United States. Rentech has been recognized by Biofuels Digest as one of the “50 Hottest Companies in Bio-energy” and has been named as one of the “Biofuels Digest Companies of the Year” for its recent innovations and achievements, particularly in aviation biofuels.

About The Green Cars LA Auto Show Ride & Drive The Green Cars LA Auto Show Ride & Drive takes place today, Thursday, November 18, 2010, from 9:40 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hosted annually by Green Car Journal, the event enables journalists to experience back-to-back comparison drives of exciting, new, and experimental models that offer high fuel efficiency, low environmental impact, or run on a variety of alternative fuels. Manufacturers provide a rare opportunity for journalists to perform real-world testing of debut vehicles on LA city streets. Credentialed journalists may reserve vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis at the registration area in the South Hall Lobby beginning at 9:40 am. at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Tata Motors from India which has bought Jaguar and Land Rover has news for Europe. An Indian news site Hindu businessline has given news of tata launching 2 of its EV in Europe this ficial year. Among the recently launching cars, the Tata EVs can prove to be the least expensive of all. The 2 EVs being launched is Tata Ace pickup and a hatchback Indica Vista EV.

The Tata Indica Vista EV was displayed at the Geneva Motor show which was held in 2009 and the Ace Pickup truck was displayed at the Zaragosa in 2008. Tata Motors finds EV potential in the Europe in addition to the Government promoting EVs under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure program.

Mr Ravi Kant, Vice-Chairman, told Business Line that the company would begin retailing electric vehicles in the UK and Scandinavian nations. Indications are that the Indica Vista is likely to be launched in the UK this September-October. Along with the Tata Indica Vista EV was the Tata Nano EV at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. But there is no plans of Tata bringing it here soon, but indicated a possibility in the next 3 years.

When asked why not these EVs in India, Pisharody said that the introduction of such vehicles would require infrastructure support, adding that, “primarily the network of charging stations, is practically absent in India. We cannot have electric vehicles without Government support, especially for setting up stations.”

Tata will be focusing its EVs mainly on the UK and the Scandinavian countries. The Tata Indica will be spacious, stylish, economical and very easy on the wallet.

Source: Hindu businessline

Way back in early 2007, a beast had entered the European market! The Honda Civic Type R could be called nothing less than a beast as it provided the performance that people enjoyed and had satisfied those bhp thirsty drivers. They say, everything that is good, comes to an end. Sadly, the sales of the Civic Type R will stop after the month of December.

The Honda Civic Type R’s high revving 2.0L engine that produces a whopping 201 bhp will be discontinued because it is unable to comply with the Euro V emission norms that will come into play early next year. Fortunately, the car is only not sold to those areas where Euro V emission standards are followed.

The Type R will continue to be produced at Hondas Swindon facility in the UK and will be exported to markets like South Africa and Australia. The Type R will also continue to be sold in Japan.

This hot Honda hatch was unveiled first at the 2006 Geneva Auto show and went on for sale early 2007. The Type R was critically acclaimed and was loved by car enthusiasts. It was the right size, stylish, sporty, had great interiors, provided great performance and what not.

Honda has arranged a get together for the Type R owners at the Silverstone race tracks on the 22nd of August. However, a more greener engine could have been developed for the Type R instead of just discontinuing it. That will be question in every one of those owners heads.

Honda has announced massive discounts to sell the Honda Civic Type R faster. With a discount of around 2,230 Euros, the Civic Type R seems to be an itch to throw your money and get one, but only if you dont want our pollution levels to go down.

The domination of petrol variants will soon come to an end. A new era of highly efficient and less emission diesel engines are developed which will soon help the diesel variants dominate. The BlueMotion technology from Volkswagen is one of those technologies that have helped reduce emissions.

Volkswagen new MPV, the VW Touran has hit British shores and it looks promising. The Touran was first unveiled at the Leipzig Motor show in April. The Touran comes with a range of petrol and innovative diesel engines. It also comes in the BlueMotion technology form.

The Touran is priced between 17,585 – 25,535 Euros. The new Touran is bigger, better and has a lot of new features. The Touran derives the design from the new Polo, Golf and Touareg. The new Touran gets alloy wheels and touches of chrome everywhere.

The VW Touran comes with a range of new engines. The Petrol variants are the 1.2L TSI giving 105 bhp and the 1.4L TSI giving 140bhp or a greater 170 bhp. The diesel variants are the 1.6L TDI that produces 90bhp and 105bhp and a 2.0L TDI engine that produces 140bhp or 170bhp.

Only the 1.6L TDI and the 1.2L TSI engine is capable in BlueMotion Trim. The 1.2L is capable of returning 47.9 mpg while emitting 139 g/km of CO2. The 1.6L TDI is capable of returning 58.8 mpg while emitting only 121 g/km of CO2.

The Volkswagen Touran have been selling really well in the Europe. With the introduction of the new one, it will hope to sell more and perform better while harming the enviromnent less. This is exactly what Volkswagen wants the Touran to do. Only time will tell us if it does live up to its expectations.

The funding will help accelerate Bright’s production of the IDEA, a revolutionary plug-in hybrid commercial vehicle.

“This relationship is an important step forward for Bright, and a strong endorsement of our highly experienced automotive team and our incredible vehicle,” said Reuben Munger, Bright Automotive Chairman and CEO. “With this deal, Bright gets financial support that puts us on the fast track toward mass production of the IDEA. And perhaps just as importantly, we gain a strategic partner that is a world leader in electrification.”

The companies signed a memorandum of understanding in July. GM Ventures provided funding to Bright this week, and the two companies intend to complete the formal agreements later this year. Upon completion of the agreements and other terms, General Motors Ventures would have a minority stake in Bright Automotive and Bright would have access to GM technologies, and advanced engine and transmission systems, for its vehicle.

“Funding early-stage start-up companies is a new way of doing business at GM to accelerate the introduction of innovative technology to support our core automotive business and give us a competitive advantage,” said Jon Lauckner, president of GM Ventures. “In this case, our funding of Bright Automotive will accelerate the introduction of advanced propulsion and light-weight technologies in the commercial vehicle market.”

“We talked with several leading automakers, but GM clearly had the right vision, the most capable technology, and the closest alignment with our business approach,” said Michael Brylawski, Bright Automotive executive vice president. “We are thrilled to work with GM to create American jobs, stimulate technology development, and build an innovative American vehicle that will help reduce oil dependence and cut costs for businesses.”

In developing the IDEA, Bright started with a clean sheet of paper, listened to customers, and took a novel approach to product development that focused on light-weighting, aerodynamics and a highly efficient drivetrain. The result is a multipurpose vehicle for business fleets — the first designed to be highly efficient and provide a clear economic benefit.

The IDEA delivers a positive total cost of ownership to fleet customers by providing significantly greater fuel efficiency than current fleet vehicles in its class. The IDEA operates in electric mode for 40 miles before switching to an estimated 36-mpg hybrid mode for 100+ mpg potential based on daily driving behavior.

Funding through GM Ventures will allow Bright to begin ramping up the development of the production program for the IDEA in the third quarter of 2010. Bright continues to seek a low-interest loan through the Department of Energy’s ATVM program. Financial terms were not disclosed.

About General Motors – General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 205,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 157 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FAW, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

General Motors Ventures, LLC, was funded with an initial investment of $100 million, and is currently exploring equity investments in a number of auto-related technologies and business models.

About Bright Automotive

Bright Automotive launched from Colorado-based Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) in January, 2008 with the world’s most experienced EV/PHEV team and the goal of building on the work of a consortium of organizations, including Alcoa, Google.org, Johnson Controls and the Turner Foundation. Since then, Bright Automotive has developed the IDEA, the world’s first multi-purpose, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle aimed at commercial and government fleets. It has also launched Bright eSolutions, which delivers expertise to automotive customers worldwide to accelerate vehicle electrification, lightweighting, and overall platform efficiency. More information about Bright Automotive can be found at www.brightautomotive.com.

As the pre-production versions of the Chevrolet Volt come together, check out how the body shop molds the body of the car together and how the vehicle gets primed in the paint lab.

“Energy independence and fuel efficiency are at the forefront of public debate, and with the launch of the Q7 TDI clean diesel, Audi is introducing a viable solution into that national discussion,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “Several solutions for reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil have been introduced, but few are as convenient, accessible, and fun as simply switching from regular gasoline to clean diesel.”

Not only do the statistics on clean diesel show a dramatic change from the smoky, noisy, and dirty diesel image of the past, but these truths prove that diesel is a viable, ready-to-go solution for reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil.

TDI Clean Diesel: The Truths

* A U.S. EPA analysis found that if one-third of Americans fueled their cars, pick-ups and SUVs with clean diesel instead of gasoline, the United States could send back 1.5 million barrels of foreign oil per day.
* One drop of diesel fuel has 12% more power than one drop of gasoline.
* TDI clean diesel engines reduce carbon emissions by 20% over gasoline engines.
* If one-third of Americans switched from gasoline to clean diesel, it would be the equivalent of planting 2.2 billion trees.

“Many Americans still don’t understand the benefits clean diesel provides,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. “That’s why Audi developed an intensive campaign to spread the truth about TDI technology. Central to our message is this point: With far lower carbon emissions and far better fuel efficiency than gasoline, it can truly be said that diesel is no longer a dirty word.”

Launching today, the Audi multimedia campaign to educate America about the benefits of TDI clean diesel includes advertisements at fuel pumps around the country, a television advertisement, a “Truth in Diesel” viral video and a Facebook Cause campaign in support of reducing carbon emissions. To check out the campaign and learn the truth about TDI clean diesel, check out audiusa.com/tdi. Download the new “Di*sel | It’s No Longer A Dirty Word” Audi TDI ad here.

To drive the TDI message online, Audi is also launching “Truth in Diesel,” a viral video that emphasizes the need for America to achieve energy independence. Starting 30 years ago with the oil crisis of 1979, the video provides historical context around the nation’s ongoing struggle to break free from foreign oil. The simple solution = clean diesel. The video has been seeded on various online video sites. Check out “Truth in Diesel” on YouTube available here.

Stressing its commitment to reducing emissions, Audi is making a donation to help support the first project in The Nature Conservancy’s voluntary carbon offset program. Through The Nature Conservancy’s Facebook Cause, Audi hopes to spread the word about reducing carbon emissions. For every Facebook user who joins the cause, Audi will donate $1 to The Nature Conservancy’s voluntary carbon offset program. To join the cause and for more information about this initiative visit causes.com/natureconservancy.

Based upon the strategic agreement signed today, Dongfeng Motor Corporation will test and validate Detroit Electric’s patented electric drive technology with the intention to produce and market Dongfeng’s Pure Electric Vehicles (PEVs).

The parties are also in discussions to form a joint venture company to manufacture, assemble, produce and supply the electric drive technology to the Dongfeng Group and other vehicle manufacturers.

In addition, the two companies will study and explore the market entry strategy under the Dongfeng and Detroit Electric brand.

Detroit Electric Chairman and CEO, Albert Lam, said: “We are excited at the opportunity to partner with yet another world-class automaker in order to accelerate the wide adoption of Detroit Electric’s electric drive technology and propel the PEV industry forward.”

“This validation process is a major proof point for the technical leadership and commercial readiness of our electric motor drive technology. We look forward to working closely with Dongfeng and exchange our experiences,” he said.

This strategic cooperation with Dongfeng comes hot on the heels of Detroit Electric’s March 30 signing of Strategic Licensing and Contract Assembly Agreements with Proton, worth RM1.2 billion (US$331 million) annually.

Those agreements provided Detroit Electric with vehicle platforms and its first manufacturing base, and put it on the fast track to introduce a full line of innovative, practical and affordable pure electric vehicles to the global market.

Detroit Electric targets to sell 45,000 of vehicles across Europe, the United States and Asia by next year; increasing to 270,000 by 2012.

“This cooperation with Dongfeng allows us to work closely with a strong partner in China to explore various ways to enter the world’s largest vehicle market,” said Lam.

China is committed to alternative clean vehicles and is offering financial and other incentives to encourage the adoption of zero emission vehicles. The country is set to become one of the key markets for Detroit Electric to realize its growth over the next five years.

About Detroit Electric:
Detroit Electric Holdings Ltd is one of the leaders of the electric car revolution. We manufacture efficient and environmentally friendly, high performance, long range electric vehicles and drive-systems to the global marketplace. Detroit Electric’s product plans range from high performance sports cars to stylish sedans capable of driving over 320 km/ 200 miles in a single charge.

Detroit Electric Holdings Ltd invented and patented the Magnetic Flux Motor Technology for the motor drive train. The company also owns the intellectual property for the Motor Controller Programme. Since its launch, Detroit Electric has been dedicated to developing new technologies and establishing strategic partnerships that leverage existing capacities in the marketplace.

About Dongfeng Motor Corporation
Founded in 1969, Dongfeng Motor Corporation (hereafter referred to as DFM), formerly named Second Automobile Works Co., is one of the three giant auto makers in China. Its main businesses include passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, engines, auto parts and components, and equipment. Through over 40 years of development, R&D and manufacturing facilities have been established as well as an extensive distribution and after-sales network, which unfolds a business display of footed in Hubei while radiating the whole nation. The major business facilities are located in Shiyan, Xiangfan, Wuhan and Guangzhou. In addition, several branches are located in Shanghai, Liuzhou (Guangxi), Yancheng (Guangxi), Nanchong (Sichuan), Zhengzhou (Henan), Urumchi (Xinjiang), Chaoyang (Liangning), Hangzhou (Zhejiang), Kunming (Yunnan), etc.

As of 2007, DFM has gained an annual output of 1,137,000 vehicles, a sales income of 164,800,000,000 yuan, 12.94% market share and 121,000 registered employees. The company ranks 20th in the top 500 domestic enterprises and 5th in the top 500 domestic manufacturers respectively. In 2007, the domestic market shares of medium/heavy duty commercial vehicle and medium duty bus reached first; light duty commercial vehicle and SUV secured second, and cars third.

Aligned with the trend of auto industry development in the world market, DFM has defined its position and set a goal to build a centennial DFM, which is capable of sustained growth, an internationalized DFM, which is world oriented, and an open DFM which is capable of independent development. And more aggressively, DFM is also looking forward to becoming the No. 1 in China, internationally weighted auto maker in the world with a convincing profit rate, sustainable development and constant value returning to shareholders, customers, employees and society. Currently, the corporate business has been on a fast-growth track to another achievement that will make greater contributions to the Chinese auto industry.