Peugeot RCZ HYBrid4 concept
Peugeot – the environmental leader
Results today …
* Pioneer and leader in the field of the Particle Emissions Filter: more than 2.1 million HDi FAP vehicles have been sold
* ‘low emission’ production models available:
o 207 ’99g’, 107 ’106g’, 308 Hatchback ’120g’, 407 ’129g’ and 3008 ’130g’
* Numerous vehicles with CO2 emissions of less than 130 g/km
… and tomorrow it’s the turn of the HYbrid4
* Innovative hybrid-diesel technology that capitalises on Peugeot’s recognised expertise in HDi diesel engines and electric vehicles
* Parallel architecture allowing alternate or simultaneous operation of the HDi engine and the electric motor for optimal efficiency in town or on the open road.
* Breakthrough (-35%) in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions based on equivalent performance
* ‘Zero emissions’ mode benefits the environment while running quietly
* Enhanced performance with a potential 200bhp (147kW)
* New features: 4-wheel drive and transverse adaptability ensuring a technical and economic solution
Two concept cars receiving their world première illustrate this strategy: the 3008 HYbrid4 (now CO2 of 99g/km) which preludes the production model (launch due in the spring of 2011) and an experimental RCZ HYbrid4 (CO2 of 95g/km). Read more
BMW ActiveHybrid X6
BMW announced today the production version of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6. The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in September and will reach US BMW Centers in fourth-quarter 2009. ActiveHybrid technology provides a glimpse into the future, achieving outstanding driving dynamics with equally impressive efficiency. It melds both of these qualities to offer a truly unique driving experience. The world’s first Sports Activity Coupe with full hybrid drive capitalizes on the options offered by combining the combustion engine with electric motors to create a powertrain with new levels dynamic performance and efficiency.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers a significant increase in driving dynamics and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by approximately 20 percent versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone. The result is even greater driving pleasure combined with enhanced fuel economy and CO2 management providing the kind of progress to make the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 a genuine BMW in the hybrid market.
The overall drive system featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 consists of a 400 hp twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine and two electric synchronous motors delivering 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively. Maximum system output is 480 hp, and peak torque reaches 575 lb-ft. Read more
As gas prices rise, consumers face increased threat of oil dependency
WASHINGTON (August 11, 2009)— Rising gas prices, combined with the economic downturn are making people more vulnerable to changes in oil prices, according to new analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council. The report also shows that many states are taking significant steps to reduce oil dependence through smart clean-transportation policies.
“Especially with today’s economic challenges, Americans face a growing threat from our nation’s dangerous addiction to oil,” said Deron Lovaas, NRDC’s transportation policy director. “This report shows how important it is for states to promote clean energy policies that will reduce our dependence on oil, while also reducing global warming pollution.”
The report, “Fighting Oil Addiction: Ranking States’ Oil Vulnerability and Solutions for Change,” provides a detailed look at how oil prices impact consumers and ways in which smart policies can help break states’ addiction to oil. Read more
U.S. Department of Energy Awards Smith Electric Vehicles $10 Million Grant
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today awarded Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corporation (Smith) a $10 million grant toward the production of all-electric, zero emissions commercial trucks for a nationwide demonstration project to validate performance across a range of climates and locations.
The grant will help to hasten vehicle purchasing and deployment among Smith’s customers as the government provides incentives to reduce the cost of commercial vehicles. The trucks will be purchased by and distributed to customers nationwide, including AT&T, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Frito-Lay, Kansas City Power & Light, Pacific Gas & Electric Company and Staples, which were presented with the keys to the first U.S. Smith Newtons last week in an event on the National Mall. Read more
NISSAN LEAF
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements.
NISSAN LEAF
Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility – the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan’s radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.
“Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality – the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions. It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry.”
Key characteristics of the LEAF include:
- 1) Zero-emission power train and platform
- 2) Affordable pricing
- 3) Distinctive design
- 4) Real-world range autonomy – 160km (100 miles)
- 5) Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system
Building the Pre-Production Volts – Body Shop Overview
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. Read more
Audi TDI Clean Diesel
HERNDON, Va., Jun 19, 2009 – Audi today launched an aggressive public awareness campaign in the U.S. to highlight the ways in which TDI clean diesel can help America achieve energy independence. Ranging from television ads to a social media-driven charitable donation, the campaign will kick off a summer-long push to change public perception of the once-maligned diesel engine.
“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.”
Strategic Cooperation – Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Detroit Electric Holdings Ltd
Wuhan, China, June 19, 2009: Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Detroit Electric Holdings Ltd announced today the two companies have agreed to jointly research, develop, market and sell Pure Electric Vehicles (PEVs) in China, based on Detroit Electric’s advanced electric drive technology.
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.