Ideas are now the big issue in auto technology. The old petrol monsters are definitely on the way out, and the race is now to see which technology triumphs. The main criteria are range, performance, battery efficiency and recharging.

The new species of cars are providing a running commentary on the transport of the future:

Peugeot iOn: electric car

This is a full size family car, with a CO2 output of 0. Created in partnership with Mitsubishi, the iOn is a suburban runabout, with a range of 100km, or to the local mall and back 20 times, on one charge. Recharge of lithium batteries is a 3 point pin system, and takes 6 hours. Top speed is said to be 110kmh.

What’s important about this design is that it’s clearly a purpose built design working on an obvious market segment. This is the family workhorse, the shopping cart and kid’s taxi. Functional designs like this are always successful, and form a huge part of the retail market.

Nissan LEAF electric car

In the same demographic, but with extras and expected to be expensive, the LEAF is a high response vehicle which behaves like a “normal” car. It has a quick charge capability which means it can be 80% recharged in half an hour.

Range and performance are similar to the iOn, and design factors indicate it’s targeted to the same market. The technology has been ramped up a lot, to include the performance factors. The LEAF will be the suburban showcase type of electric car when it hits the market.

(It will be noted that “features” and “extras” are already creating a dichotomy in high and low range electric cars. This is a typical branding approach to vehicles, and you can expect a lot more of these additions in future.)

Audi 1- First full conversion from diesel to electric?

The Audi 1 is a new diesel car which is being realistically touted as the basis of an electric version. This is a particularly important design technology issue for electric cars. The Audi 1 is a direct challenger to the new Mini. Its frame is therefore very well suited for conversion to both electric and hybrid designs. That also minimizes retooling for manufacturing purposes, reducing cost to produce.

That’s a particularly relevant issue in the production of green cars, reducing the need for outlay on specialized production. Car manufacturers have been understandably unenthusiastic about the possible costs of tooling up to produce the new electric cars, and this is definitely one of the solutions. Don’t be surprised to find Audi 1 electric and hybrid models coming onstream soon, because this car is an obvious prototype for future production.

The public will get a peek at what OnStar is working on at the Google I/O conference May 19-20 in San Francisco, CA, where OnStar will debut and demonstrate new functionalities they’re developing for the Chevrolet Volt mobile application leveraging the AndroidTM platform.

Click here to view the embedded video.

“While OnStar will never lose sight of our core focus on safety and security, this relationship is an example of how we’re evolving our leadership position in connected vehicle technology,” said Chris Preuss, OnStar president. “What we’re talking about today is only the beginning.”

A new “navigation” tab has been added to the home screen of the existing Chevrolet Volt mobile app on the Android smartphone. When a Volt owner presses this tab, they will be able to see the current location of their Volt pinpointed on Google MapsTM , as well as their location relative to it.

From this map screen, owners can use Google search by voice to vocally search for a destination with their Android handset, and see where that destination is related to the Volt’s current location. They can then elect to send the destination from their Android phone to their Volt and have OnStar Turn-By-Turn directions to their destination waiting for them when they start the vehicle. Additionally, the owner will also have the option to get voice-guided directions to their vehicle from their current location, using Google Maps Navigation.

The new functionalities won’t be available on the Volt mobile app at launch, but are planned for a 2.0 version.

The smartphone mobile application for the Chevrolet Volt made its debut at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show and is planned to launch in tandem with the Volt this fall. Launch features include:

· Charge status display – plugged in or not and voltage (120V or 240V)

· Flexibility to “Charge Now” or schedule charge timing

· Display percentage of battery charge level, electric and total ranges

· Ability to manually set grid-friendly charge mode for off-peak times when electricity rates are lowest

· Send text or email notifications for charge reminders, interruptions and full charge

· Display miles per gallon, electric only miles, and odometer readings

· Shows miles per gallon, EV miles and miles driven for last trip and lifetime

· Remotely start the vehicle to pre-condition the interior temperature

“These two new features add to the suite of mobile application features for Volt that given Volt owners a personal connection to their car,” said Tony DiSalle, Chevrolet Volt marketing director. “Connecting customers to their cars is one way we’re using technology to provide value and a real useful benefit to the Volt owner.”

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 217,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FAW, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, 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.

About OnStar

OnStar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. OnStar is available on more than 30 MY 2010 GM models. OnStar is standard for one year on nearly all new GM retail vehicles in the United States and Canada. OnStar provides services to more than 5.5 million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd., a joint venture between OnStar, LLC, Shanghai Automotive Industry Sales Co., Ltd. and Shanghai General Motors, provides services in China. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com. OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a recipient of the 2010 Edison Award for Best New Product in the technology category.

Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus, unveils its Range Extender engine at the 63rd Frankfurt International Motor Show. In a series hybrid vehicle, the Range Extender engine is attached to an electricity generator and provides a highly efficient source of energy to power the electric motor directly or charge the vehicles battery. The battery can also power the electric motor which enables the design of a drivetrain that has low emissions, optimised performance and acceptable range.

The Lotus Range Extender engine features an innovative architecture comprising an aluminium monoblock construction, integrating the cylinder block, cylinder head and exhaust manifold in one casting. This results in reduced engine mass, assembly costs, package size and improved emissions and engine durability.

The three-cylinder 1.2 litre Range Extender engine is optimised between two power generation points, giving 15 kW of electrical power at 1,500 rpm and 35 kW at 3,500 rpm via the integrated electrical generator. Its low mass of 56 kg makes it ideal for the series hybrid drivetrain configurations for which it is designed. The engine uses an optimised two-valve port-fuel injection combustion system to reduce cost and mass and, in line with Lotus Engineering’s extensive research into renewable fuels, can be operated on alcohol-based fuels or gasoline.

For successful market uptake of series hybrid vehicles with acceptable driving range, vehicle manufacturers must overcome the challenges of high vehicle cost. The Lotus Range Extender engine not only offers the advantage of a cost effective design, but also its high efficiency and low mass will enable the downsizing of expensive batteries whilst maintaining vehicle efficiency and range. The engine has been designed using production methodologies and the parts procured from low volume potential production suppliers, offering a fast route to market for original equipment manufacturers wanting to source a dedicated range extender for series hybrid vehicles.

Paul Newsome, Managing Director of Lotus Engineering said: “As the world changes, Lotus Engineering continues to change with it, continuously developing solutions for more sustainable transportation. The Lotus Range Extender engine is another example of Lotus Engineering developing new technologies for efficient performance, this time in the area of series hybrid vehicles. The engine concept we have created with its optimised combustion and compact, low mass, low cost construction is a clear demonstration of the expertise and progressive approach Lotus takes for its own research and for its clients.”

The Lotus Range Extender engine has been developed as part of the ‘Limo-Green’ project funded by the UK’s Technology Strategy Board, a collaboration between Lotus Engineering, Jaguar Cars Ltd, MIRA Ltd and Caparo Vehicle Technologies, demonstrating a large, lightweight, prestigious executive saloon with less than 120 g/km CO2 emissions.

Simon Wood, Technical Director of Lotus Engineering said: “Most series hybrid vehicles that are currently being developed will use adaptations of existing, conventional engines which are therefore compromised in the efficiency that they can achieve, designed as they are for a wide range of operating conditions. Designing the Lotus Range Extender purely for use in series hybrids has allowed us instead to develop an optimised engine that has high thermal efficiency, low fuel consumption, multi-fuel capability and a 35 kW peak output from a 1.2 litre, low cost architecture over the precise operating range required by a series hybrid drivetrain.”

Key features of the Range Extender engine in detail:

Monoblock
The Range Extender features a novel engine architecture incorporating a monoblock construction that blends the cylinder head and block together eliminating the need for a cylinder head gasket, improving durability and reducing weight. Approximately 17 parts are eliminated using this approach and the water jacket is better optimised.

Integrated Exhaust Manifold
Lotus Engineering designed and developed a new advanced cylinder head design featuring an integrated exhaust manifold. The production-ready technology can significantly reduce manufacturing costs, emissions and weight. An integrated exhaust manifold has potential to:

* Reduce parts count: 18 fewer components resulting in lower inventory, production, logistics and aftermarket costs
* Weight reduction: total system mass reduction resulting from elimination of separate exhaust manifold
* Improved engine durability

Generator
Attached to the engine via the crankshaft, the generator sustains vehicle operation beyond the range provided by the batteries.

Additional Benefits
The Lotus Range Extender engine generates a reduction in emissions through faster light-off of the close-coupled catalytic converter with a reduction in heat loss between the exhaust port and catalyst inlet. Engine operating range is optimised to deliver more efficient running, which also aids underhood thermal management.

Utilisation of the monoblock construction results in an assembly cost reduction, while there is also a reduced catalyst loading requirement because less heat is lost on engine start-up between the exhaust port and catalyst inlet.

Increased vehicle integration flexibility is achieved because of the reduction in mass and the reduced package size leads to reduced space requirements. Particular emphasis has also been placed on the coupling of the generator and NVH signature.

Technical details:
Technical specification of the Lotus Range Extender engine

General

* 1.2 litre 3-cylinder with 2 valves per cylinder, SOHC
* Belt driven

Construction

* Monoblock with Integrated Exhaust Manifold
* All aluminium
* Balance shaft (optional)
* Direct-coupled generator

Bore and Stroke

* 75.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression ratio

* 10:1

Maximum power

* 35 kW (47 bhp) at 3500 rpm via integrated electrical generator

Peak torque

* 107 Nm at 2500 rpm

Maximum BMEP

* 11.2 bar

Maximum Engine Speed

* 3500 rpm

Fuel System

* Port fuel injection, Lotus EMS

Fuel

* 95 RON ULG / ethanol / methanol

Dry weight

* 56 kg

With over 10,000 battery chargers sold around the world, North America now has the opportunity to experience the quickest way to bulk charge batteries.

Originally designed for the rugged Australian Outback, by Christie Engineering, ALTEN’s portable battery chargers are used in applications including mountain-top communication stations, charging batteries in unmanned lighthouses on the Norwegian coastline, and servicing heavy industrial equipment with the roughest abuse imaginable. “As a recognized Honda OEM partner, you can be assured that clean and reliable DC power supply will be there when you need it,” says ALTEN President Will Huggett.

Unlike an AC generator paired with a slow plug-in charger, ALTEN Battery Chargers are a fast and highly efficient way of charging 12, 24 and 48-volt battery configurations. They can deliver up to 120 Amps per hour of run time consuming 0.4 gallons of fuel to achieve a 90% bulk charge on a 500 Amp/ Hour bank of batteries in 2 hours. Compared to a 3500W AC Generator, running at full throttle, paired with a 40 Amp plug- in charger, this same charging scenario would take 6 hours and consume 1.2 gallons of fuel. As a result ALTEN’s portable battery chargers save fuel (67% savings), save time (four hours), lower emissions and increase reliability.

ALTEN, a Pacific Northwest company, offers a range of portable DC powered battery charger products for the Heavy Industrial, Off-Road, Marine, Security, and Emergency markets.

For more information and to see a high-resolution video demonstration of ALTEN battery chargers visit: http://www.altenbatterychargers.com

About ALTEN Battery Chargers Inc.

ALTEN Battery Chargers, based in the Pacific Northwest, was founded on the principal of solving the energy problems that matter. ALTEN brings ideas and technology to the North American market that help make better use of existing resources today in order to meet the growing demand for energy tomorrow. Focused on DC power and storage ALTEN’s technology complements and offers reliable and redundant power for industrial battery applications, remote access power applications and micro generation platforms including solar photovoltaic, small wind and other renewable power generation installations. http://www.altenbatterychargers.com

As shown in Toyota’s 2008 North America Environmental Report, (http://www.toyota.com/about/enviroreport2008/05_air.html ) Toyota’s aluminum wheel plant in Delta, British Columbia recently added a third paint booth to meet growing demand. As a result, VOC emissions were expected to increase. To alleviate the VOC increase the plant needed to implement new emission reduction technology. This is where Bio-Reaction’s patented Air Pollution Control System came to help.

Traditionally the plant used regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTO) to reduce VOC emissions in the air stream. The plant instead opted for a Bio-Reaction advanced bio-filter system which biologically breaks down VOCs. By not opting for thermal oxidation, Toyota significantly reduced the energy needed to treat the VOCs and is keeping tons of new CO2 from being generated every year.

Bio-Reaction’s bio-oxidation systems are no secret to successful businesses. Chemical processing, wood products, food manufacturing and other industrial sectors are replacing thermal oxidizers with bio-oxidation systems, drastically reducing natural gas consumption. By not combusting this natural gas to burn up pollution emissions, companies utilizing Bio-Reaction’s technology are able to save up to 90% in operating costs and reduce their carbon footprint by 85% or more.

“Toyota has always been a leader in energy efficiency and environmental manufacturing. We appreciate the opportunity to work with them. Their understanding of the need for a better way to treat VOC emissions demonstrates their commitment to energy and environmental issues,” said Karl Mundorff, President/CEO of Bio-Reaction Industries(R).

About Bio-Reaction Industries

Bio-Reaction Industries, LLC (BRI) pioneered a new generation of low energy, environmentally friendly air pollution control systems that utilize microbes to digest industrial pollutants and odors. Based in Tualatin, Oregon, BRI’s bio-oxidation systems cost dramatically less than thermal oxidizers to operate, do not produce additional greenhouse gases (such as CO2, NOx, SOx) and deliver the highest removal efficiency of any air phase bio technology in the world. For more information, call 888.508.2808 or visit www.bioreaction.com.

As the chosen exclusive tire on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max offers a breakthrough in efficiency combined with all-season driving confidence.

Goodyear’s Fuel Max Technology was first developed for use in large truck tires, where fuel savings and overall driving efficiency are critical for fleets and individual truck operators. The technology is now being applied to automobile tires, with the usage on the Volt recognized as the first-announced original equipment usage of this breakthrough product.

Compared to the original Goodyear Assurance tire, the newly announced Assurance Fuel Max provides 27 percent less rolling resistance, which equates to a 4 percent improvement in highway fuel economy. In essence, this greater fuel efficiency means drivers can potentially save 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of the tire on a conventional vehicle.**

“In response to today’s economic environment and uncertain gas prices, drivers everywhere are trying to use less gas. It’s all part of a larger consumer trend toward spending money more wisely,” said Joey Viselli, Goodyear brand director. “With Fuel Max Technology being used on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, Goodyear is working with General Motors to offer a fuel-efficient solution, with great wet and dry traction.”

A key element is a fuel-saving tread compound that helps reduce energy loss as the tire rolls, so less effort is required to keep the tire rolling. This proprietary tread compound helps reduce energy loss as the tire rotates.

The Assurance Fuel Max features a Wet Tread Zone with Dual AquaChannel Grooves. It helps evacuate water away from the treadface for great wet traction. Plus, Zig-Zagging Micro Grooves and Center Tread Notches help grip the road in rain or light snow. The Dry Zone, with strong shoulder blocks, helps enhance handling and grip for confident maneuvering on dry pavement.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. The company employs about 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 26 countries around the world. For more information about Goodyear consumer tires, go to www.goodyeartires.com.

**(Note: This savings is based on a 4% fuel economy improvement, on 65,000-mile tread life limited warranty, as compared to the standard Goodyear Assurance tire tested on P195/65R15 size on a 2008 Honda Civic.)

The “SAE Hybrid Vehicle Technologies Symposium” takes place in San Diego, California, on February 11-12, 2009 and focuses on hybrid drives and their development. This year, MBtech is involved in the event as one of the four primary sponsors. In addition, at its own exhibition stand MBtech shows the visitors how the company can provide support with developing and integrating hybrid applications. MBtech has adapted its corporate structure to heavy demand for hybrid projects: A superordinate project house, headed by Martin Ott, handles the project management and integrates the essential know-how from the MBtech segments specific to the particular customer function. “Our central, overall project responsibility enables the interdisciplinary cooperation among the individual specialist resources within the MBtech Group. By creating an expert network of this nature we profit from the know-how present within the entire corporate group,” explained Ott.

In the coming years alternative drive concepts will definitely remain a major issue for developers, given that the automotive branch expects an increasing demand for hybrid vehicles. A glance at this year’s Detroit Motor Show, at which the majority of the manufacturers presented at least one hybrid variant, confirms this. MBtech is perfectly prepared for this trend: The company supports automobile manufacturers and suppliers worldwide and not only with the concept development and specification of hybrid vehicles at a full-vehicle level. MBtech’s engineers can also handle the design of the hybrid-specific energy management and the development and adaptation of systems, modules and components such as engine control units or drive applications. At the company’s own proving grounds in Laredo, Texas, MBtech performs the required integration and component testing as well as full-vehicle testing for prototypes and pre-series vehicles for its customers.

About the MBtech Group

The MBtech Group is a globally active, internationally leading automotive engineering and consulting company in Europe, North America and Asia.

MBtech offers comprehensive, integrated expertise along the product creation process and the product life cycle. The brand MBtech covers all products and services in four segments: MBtech vehicle engineering, MBtech powertrain solutions, MBtech electronics solutions and MBtech consulting.

MBtech develops, integrates and tests components, systems, modules and vehicles. We focus on customer-oriented services consisting of a combination of engineering, consulting, operations and qualification. Flexible, inter-disciplinary project teams work in close collaboration with our customers, suppliers and cooperation partners.

In 2008 the MBtech Group achieved a worldwide turnover of US$530 million with approximately 2,700 employees.

While multiple firmness polyurethane foam is well known in the industry, the concept of significantly varied densities within the same part is new. Woodbridge Stream Architecture(TM) advanced chemical delivery systems, offer a broader chemical formulating window. Densities, as low as 24kg/m(cubed) can now be achieved, to help customers optimize low mass solutions based on performance requirements. Weight savings of up to 30-50% can now be offered for specific applications.

Martin Mazza, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Sales, The Woodbridge Group points out, “GreenLite automotive foam solutions respond to a very specific and time sensitive industry need, namely to deliver low mass technologies tailored to specific OEM requirements. GreenLite solutions are all about understanding where we can offer weight savings without sacrificing any aspect of performance, be it comfort, functionality or quality.”

GreenLite technologies include a growing menu of innovations including ComfortLite(TM) seating foams. ComfortLite solutions utilize appropriate performance requirements to drive seating foam weight reductions. Three key opportunities include the Frequency of Use for each seat within the vehicle, the Distinct Comfort Zones within each seat, and Smart Coring the bottom surface of a seat pad, to remove mass in non essential areas.

GreenLite applications also include StructureLite(TM) Seat Frames, StrataLiner(TM) Overhead Systems, CargoTuf(TM) Load Floors and SoftSound(TM) Acoustical Management Solutions. Beyond supporting fuel efficient lighter vehicles, the GreenLite products can also be offered with BioFoam technology, which offer 5-40% plant based Polyols, to further improve the environmental performance of any GreenLite solution.

The Woodbridge Group operates 64 facilities in 21 countries, as the global leader in the development and production of polyurethane products. Automotive applications include components for seating, structural support, occupant protection, headliner systems and acoustical management, as well as a full range of value added services including engineering and design, supply chain management, assembly, sequencing and JIT delivery solutions. For more information, visit www.woodbridgegroup.com.

Those who care about their world and wish to take responsibility for their impact upon it can now reduce their Carbon Tyre print. One day we will all drive cars recharged with sustainable renewable electricity. Until then, let Green Laser be your car’s carbon conscience.

Green Laser applies the very latest in high technology to make every car run better: environmentally friendly, more efficiently with less fuel consumption, more smoothly and with less abrasion. It sounds incredibly but is a combination of improved technology and a product design optimized by practice.
A family of products with a common goal: To make car drivers feel happier about the motoring you do by making your car work better.

Developed with some of the world’s leading automotive technologists and tested to the highest and most rigorous of global and European type approval standards, the company behind the products has made a major investment, backed with many years experience in producing mobile electronics for information and entertainment. Now they are investing in a better future.

“We’re proud to be the first manufacturer to offer a clean diesel vehicle for sale in all fifty states,” said Stefan Jacoby, CEO/President, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We believe our Jetta TDI’s truly offer a no compromise alternative fuel driving experience, that provides the customer the best of both worlds—excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience.”

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg City and 40 mpg Highway. Volkswagen went a step further to evaluate the real world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway.*

EPA research has concluded that if diesels were to power one third of all light duty vehicles in the United States, the shift would save approximately 1.4 million barrels of oil a day—equal to the daily shipments from Saudi Arabia to the U.S.

Providing even more value to the Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen, a $1300 Federal Income Tax Credit was recently announced. The Internal Revenue Service issued a certification letter affirming that both vehicles qualify for an Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit.

The Jetta TDI’s come standard with Volkswagen’s Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of numerous standard safety features. Jetta TDI’s include six airbags, with optional rear side airbags, and like all 2009 model year Volkswagens, Jetta TDI’s also feature standard Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) for added safety.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen’s carefree maintenance program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty—three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Recently Volkswagen announced pricing for their Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen would start at $21,990 and $23,590, respectively.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently announced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all its 2009 vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stability control system on their entire product line – ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) deadline requiring vehicles in the 2012 model year to include stability control systems. Volkswagen’s ESP technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control and rollovers to avoid crashes. NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if automakers included stability systems as standard equipment.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Va. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, Tiguan and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.