Downsized full hybrid powertrain debuts in new Yaris Hybrid
No compromise on full hybrid driving experience
Clever packaging maintains Yaris principle of ‘Small Outside, Big Inside’
COLOGNE : February 3, 2012 - The introduction of the all-new Yaris Hybrid marks the first time
customers in the B-Segment will be able to enjoy the quiet, low
emissions refinements of Toyota’s acclaimed Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD)
technology. The cleverly packaged Yaris Hybrid delivers a ‘no
compromise’ full hybrid driving experience.
MUNICH : January 28, 2012 - BMW takes the development of intelligent hybrid drive systems to the
next level with the introduction of the BMW ActiveHybrid 5
– another series-produced model in which a combustion engine and
electric motor join forces to enhance both efficiency and the
brand’s hallmark driving pleasure.
WOLFSBURG : February 2, 2009 - BlueMotionTechnologies bundles Volkswagen’s best environmental technologies of today to fulfill the automotive aspirations of tomorrow. These are developments such as the new start-stop system and energy recovery by regenerative braking, electric drives and hybrid systems as well as clever drive systems like the one in the new TSI EcoFuel. To the point: its aim is no less than to bring the cleanest and most economical cars to the streets.
BlueMotion Logo
Today, BlueMotionTechnologies are already being launched on the market in three extremely fuel efficient and clean Passat versions: BlueMotion with fuel consumption under 5 liters, EU-6 conformance in the BlueTDI, and the TSI EcoFuel that emits just 119 g/km CO2. Consider these examples:
Passat BlueMotion Here a common rail TDI (81 kW/110 PS) provides for 4.9 liter fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of just 128 g/km. The Passat BlueMotion (starting at 26,750 €) has a Start-Stop system and conforms to limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard. Its range of over 1,400 kilometers on one tank of fuel is a minor sensation – travelers starting out in Berlin will not be looking for a gas station until shortly before Rome. Naturally, the Passat BlueMotion will also be available as a wagon (starting at € 27,900).
Volkswagen Passat Blue TDi
Passat BlueTDI Its 105-kW diesel is ahead of its times; that is because Volkswagen is introducing the first TDI to conform to limits of the Euro-6 emissions standard that does not take effect until 2014. Aboard the Passat BlueTDI (starting at € 29,225), a SCR catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxides to less than 80 mg/km. Fuel economy of the sedan shifted by a 6-speed gearbox: 5.2 liter/100-km (CO2 emissions: 137 g/km). Further options: the “BlueTDI” will also be available as a wagon (starting at € 30,375), and it will be available with a 6-speed DSG.
Volkswagen Passat TSI EcoFuel
Passat TSI EcoFuel The Passat TSI EcoFuel is ushering in a new era of cars powered by natural gas. Until now, one of the drawbacks of cars powered by natural gas is that their performance can be rather unexciting. Thanks to its 110 kW strong high-tech engine, the Passat TSI EcoFuel combines a maximum speed of 210 km/h with excellent fuel economy and finally puts an end to these limitations. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in just 9.7 seconds. Despite its great agility, the world’s first turbocharged and supercharged direct-injection engine configured for natural gas operation is satisfied with just 4.4 kilograms of natural gas, which is about € 4.25 per 100 kilometers. With a 7-speed DSG, the Passat breaks the magic CO2 limit of 120 g/km in this class (6-speed transmission: 4.5 kg/100-km and 123 g/km CO2). If the natural gas on board should run low before the next fill-up station, the engine controller switches over to gasoline mode. The car has a total range of more than 900 kilometers. The Passat TSI EcoFuel will be offered at a starting price of € 29,975; on the Wagon it is € 31,125.
Volkswagen Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid
Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid Because the future of the automobile – and BlueMotionTechnologies as well – offers more than just one answer, in parallel Volkswagen is presenting a prototype of the future Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid (333 PS / under 9.0 l/100 km). This car will enter production in 2010 as the world’s first hybrid SUV to have 3.5 metric ton towing capacity. Volkswagen is introducing one of the highest performance parallel hybrid systems in the world in this SUV. The German carmaker is utilizing a high-tech alliance of a V6 TSI (245 kW) boosted by supercharger and an electric motor (38 kW). Up to a speed of 50 km/h, the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid can be driven by just the electric motor. In this case, no emissions are generated.
Images : Volkswagen Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid
Images : Passat TSI EcoFuel
[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
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/ Hyundai to Start Retail Sales of First Hybrid in July 2009
World´s first LPI hybrid, first to use advanced Lithium–Polymer batteries
Operation costs poised to be lowest of any hybrid in the market
"Hybrid premium" cost can be recouped in two years through fuel savings
Emits just 103g/km of CO2 and 90% fewer pollutants to qualify as Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
Initial sales restricted to Korea
Seoul, Korea - Hyundai Motor Company plans to start retail sales of its first LPG–electric hybrid vehicle in July 2009. To be sold initially in the Korean domestic market under the Avante badge, the Elantra LPI Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is the world´s first hybrid vehicle to be powered by liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and the first to adopt advanced Lithium Polymer (Li–Poly) batteries.
Powered by a Liquefied Petroleum Injected (LPI) Gamma engine displacing 1.6 litres, a 15kW electric motor and a continuously variable transmission, the Elantra LPI HEV is a mild–type hybrid capable of delivering a competitive fuel economy rating.
"The Elantra LPI HEV demonstrates Hyundai´s innovative approach: We have leveraged Hyundai´s world leadership in LPG–fueled vehicles to develop a hybrid that will be very economical to operate," said Dr. Hyun–Soon Lee, president of the Research and Development Division.
Comparing operating costs among different types of hybrid vehicles currently available in the marketplace, the Elantra LPI HEV promises to be the cheapest of all to run. The Elantra LPI HEV promises to be as much as 40 percent cheaper to operate than other competitor models in the marketplace and 50 percent less than a conventional Elantra model powered by a gasoline–only engine. (Calculations are based on Korean domestic retail price of 1,907.08 KRW per liter of gasoline and LPG price of 1,828.65 KRW per kilogram as of the first week of June).
The Elantra LPI HEV will have a premium cost compared to a conventional Elantra due to the extra hardware (Li–Poly battery, DC motor and electrical control system). However, with the resulting fuel savings, Elantra LPI HEV buyers can expect to recover the extra cost of the vehicle in about two years.
In addition, the Elantra LPI HEV emits just 103g/km of CO2 and 90 percent fewer emissions than an equivalent standard gasoline–powered Elantra to qualify as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).
The Elantra LPI HEV will be the first car in the world to use lithium polymer rechargeable batteries, which will be supplied solely by LG Chem*, one of the leading producers of the batteries. Li–poly batteries have significant advantages over lithium–ion batteries including higher energy density, lower manufacturing costs, being more robust to physical damage and they can also take more charge–discharge cycles before storage capacity begins to degrade.
Hyundai developed its very first hybrid electric vehicle in 1995 when it unveiled the Future Green Vehicle at the Seoul Motor Show. In 1999, it showed an Elantra HEV and in 2000, an Accent HEV, both of which featured hard–type parallel electric drive systems and integrated Starter Generator technology. However, these research development vehicles did not go into mass production.
In 2004, the company delivered 50 Getz gas–electric hybrid vehicles (B–segment vehicles badged as Hyundai Click in the Korean domestic market) to Korean government agencies as part of a fleet demonstration project. These were mild–type hybrid systems using 12kW motors and nickel metal hydride batteries. The hybrid technology development program continued to expand and in 2005, Hyundai and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. delivered 350 more units to the demonstration fleet, 730 more units in 2006 and 1,682 more units in 2007, including Accent HEVs.
Current plants call for expanding the hybrid vehicle line–up to include mid–sized sedans in 2010.
Initial sales of the Elantra LPI HEV are to be restricted to the Korean domestic market. However, the LPI Hybrid could be exported to markets which are served by an excellent LPG distribution infrastructure.
As the Elantra LPI HEV remains under development, more detailed technical specifications will be released closer to the July 2009 launch date.
[Source : Hyundai]
Monday, July 7, 2008
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/ Updated : Toyota to add solar panels to Prius hybrid
TOKYO - Toyota Motor Corp plans to install solar panels on some Prius hybrids in its next remodeling, responding to growing demand for "green" cars amid record-high oil prices, a source briefed on the matter said on Monday.
The panels, supplied by Kyocera Corp would be able to power part of the air-conditioning on high-end versions of the gasoline-electric Prius, the source said.
"It's more of a symbolic gesture," said the source, who asked not to be identified. "It's very difficult to power much more than that with solar energy."
Toyota is due to launch the third-generation Prius next year.
Big automakers are racing to come up with alternative solutions to using fossil fuels to appear ecologically conscious and to lure consumers looking to save money at the pump.
But solar power is not seen as a viable solution to power cars. Solar panels are expensive due to rising silicon prices and storing energy is difficult, the source said. It was unknown how much the solar panels on the new Prius cars would cost, or how many solar-mounted versions Toyota would build.
A Toyota spokesman declined to comment, saying the company does not talk about future product plans.
Mazda Motor Corp briefly offered a solar panel option on two car models, the Eunos 800 and Sentia, in the early 1990s to ventilate the sedans while parked on hot summer days. The expensive option was unpopular and discontinued after a few years.
Kentaro Endo, a director at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry who specializes in renewable energy, said the application of solar energy was severely limited in vehicles.
"Even if you laid solar panels out on the entire roof of a house, you only generate enough energy to run two hair dryers," he said.
"It's an interesting idea, but it would be very difficult to power a whole car, even with technological advances."
Toyota has struggled to keep up with demand for the Prius as soaring gasoline prices put consumers off of gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks. Rival Honda Motor Co will also step up its hybrid push with a new, low-cost model early next year, followed by several other gasoline-electric cars.
Automakers have teamed up with battery makers to develop and produce lithium-ion batteries to store more energy in smaller packages to extend cruising distances.
Toyota has partnered with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co while Nissan Motor Co has a joint venture with the NEC Corp group. Mitsubishi Motors Corp is working with GS Yuasa Corp.
The Prius, the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car, first went on sale in Japan in late 1997 and in other markets in 2000. Cumulative sales have topped 1 million units worldwide.
Toyota has a goal of selling at least 1 million hybrid cars a year in the early part of the next decade by offering the fuel-saving system on more vehicles.
Toyota shares ended 1.4 percent higher at 4,990 yen as the dollar rose against the yen. Kyocera lost 0.1 percent to 9,740 yen, while the Nikkei average gained 0.9 percent.
SEOUL, South Korea -- Hyundai Motor Co. plans to launch a hybrid version of the Elantra sedan next year in Korea.
The Avante, the Elantra's name in Korea, will be the first hybrid vehicle to be produced, the company said in a press release.
The Avante hybrid is powered by liquefied petroleum gas, which is mainly propane or a mix of propane and butane. Liquefied petroleum gas is an inexpensive fuel used in China, Australia and some European countries, such as Italy.
Hyundai plans a gasoline hybrid in 2010 and larger hybrid vehicles later.
Hybrids use an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors to power the wheels. The Avante will use lithium ion batteries, which are lighter and more powerful than nickel-metal hydride batteries used in the Toyota Prius hybrid.
Hyundai predicts hybrid sales of at least 50,000 in the first full year of sales in Korea. Exports could begin as soon as 2010.
So far, only next year's domestic launch has been announced. Plans also are in the works for a fuel cell car to be launched in 2012. Fuel cell cars are powered by electricity produced on board with hydrogen fuel.
Since 2004, Hyundai has supplied about 3,000 hybrid versions of its Getz and Accent small cars to government fleets as part of a testing program. Apart from that, Hyundai usually points to the government as a problem.
Korea lacks tax benefits for consumers who buy hybrids, but Hyundai expects the tax situation to change next year.
[Source : Automotive News China (Subscription required)] Image courtesy of Motortrend
Friday, June 20, 2008
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Mazda
/ Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid Gains Government Approval to Begin Public Road Testing in Japan
- Hybrid system enhances power by 40 percent and doubles hydrogen fuel range to 200 km -
Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today received permission from Japan’s Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) to test the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid minivan on public roads. Mazda’s newest hydrogen rotary engine vehicle features a hybrid system that increases the vehicle’s power by 40 percent and doubles the hydrogen fuel range to 200 kilometers. Mazda aims to complete the road trials and start commercial leasing in Japan during fiscal year 2008. The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is the world’s first hydrogen hybrid car with a dual-fuel system that enables the car to run on either hydrogen or gasoline.
Separately, Mazda has also announced that it will display and demonstrate its hydrogen rotary vehicles at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit in July 2008. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will debut alongside the previously released RX-8 Hydrogen RE at the summit’s Environmental Showcase
Akihiro Kashiwagi, Mazda’s program manager in charge of hydrogen RE development, said, “We are committed to improving the performance of our hydrogen rotary engine vehicles to help promote a more eco-friendly place for the automobile in society. Getting permission from the transportation authorities in Japan to begin public road testing the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid in time for the Hokkaido Toyako Summit is extremely significant, because the eyes of the world will be focused on Japan’s environmental technologies. Going forward, we will continue to advance our development program and strive to start commercial leasing during this fiscal year.”
The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid incorporates the acclaimed dual-fuel system from the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, which became the world’s first commercially available hydrogen rotary engine vehicle in 2006. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid also features a hybrid system that combines an electric motor with Mazda’s hydrogen rotary engine to realize significantly enhanced performance. Mazda’s other environmental technologies showcased on the vehicle include “Mazda Biotechmaterials.” Used for some of the vehicle’s interior plastic parts and seat covers, these plant-derived materials contribute to reduced CO2 emissions.
Under its Sustainable Zoom-Zoom environmental plan, Mazda is dedicated to pursuing harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, while working toward an advanced Zoom-Zoom future by developing vehicles that “look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive again.”
NEW DELHI, India, June 18, 2008– In a pioneering move, Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, launched India’s first hybrid car – the globally acclaimed Civic Hybrid.
In line with Honda's long-term commitment to the development of advanced and environmentally-friendly technologies that do not compromise on driving pleasure, the Civic Hybrid offers a rare combination of being environmentally friendly, fuel efficient and also having a high fun-to-drive quotient.
The launch of the Civic Hybrid is the fulfillment of yet another commitment HSCI made to its customers – of bringing in latest technologies and models from Honda’s global line-up. It also seeks to strengthen HSCI’s efforts towards the protection of the environment and conservation of energy sources.
The Honda Civic Hybrid System features a 3-stage i-VTEC + IMA that employs Honda’s 1.3L i-VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engine to provide three stages of valve timing (low-speed, high-speed, and cylinder idle mode), combined with a compact and efficient electric motor, Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. Together with highly efficient CVT transmission, the system provides nearly 47% enhanced fuel efficiency than a regular 1.8L Civic AT without compromising on driving performance.
The Civic Hybrid can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain steady-state cruising situations.
In addition, the internal combustion engine is switched off when car comes to a stop while the brake pedal is pressed. These factors contribute greatly to the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions, particularly in city traffic.
Apart from sleek, aerodynamic exteriors and new-age luxurious interiors, Honda Civic Hybrid offers the best in safety technology, including Active Headrest and four SRS Airbags (driver, assistant and side air bags), besides other safety features.
The Civic Hybrid will be imported from Japan as a completely built unit and will be available in two colours - exclusive Premium White Pearl and Alabaster Silver.
Presenting the new Civic Hybrid, Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. said, “I am proud to unveil Honda’s globally acclaimed and popular Civic Hybrid in India. In launching this car, our objective is not to get large volumes or to make a statement. Our objective is to give an opportunity to Indian customers to experience this new technology. And they can do that at any of our dealerships across India.”
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/ Honda Announces First FCX Clarity Customers and World’s First Fuel Cell Vehicle Dealership Network as Clarity Production Begins in Japan
Tochigi, Japan , June 16, 2008– American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced five of the first customers for its advanced new FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle and also provided details of the world’s first fuel cell vehicle dealership network in the United States. The announcements were made during a ceremony for the start of FCX Clarity production at the world’s first dedicated fuel cell vehicle manufacturing facility in Japan.
Film producer Ron Yerxa will take delivery of the first FCX Clarity in July. The remaining four early adopters for Honda’s next-generation fuel cell vehicle are author and actress Jamie Lee Curtis and her filmmaker husband Christopher Guest; business owner and car enthusiast Jim Salomon; actress Laura Harris; and Jon Spallino, already the world’s first retail fuel cell vehicle customer, who has been leasing the current generation FCX since 2005. Yerxa, Harris and Spallino attended the event in Japan.
To provide its customers with outstanding sales and service support and as a critical step in advancing fuel cell vehicles in the real world, American Honda announced the establishment of the first network of dealers to facilitate the sales and service of fuel cell vehicles. The three Southern California Honda dealers are Power Honda Costa Mesa (Costa Mesa), Honda of Santa Monica (Santa Monica) and Scott Robinson Honda (Torrance).
“This is an important day in the history of fuel cell vehicle technology and a monumental step closer to the day when fuel cell cars will be part of the mainstream,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “Our customers and dealers share in our vision for a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future, and share in our challenge to embrace a new generation of automotive technology that we think will carry the auto industry and its customers into the future.”
FCX Clarity Customers The five customers announced today were among the very first people to share with Honda their passion for the environment and interest in the FCX Clarity, dating back to its debut as a concept model at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. The initial criteria for fuel cell vehicle ownership, including proximity to hydrogen refueling stations, driving patterns and vehicle needs, all played a part in Honda’s customer selection process.
“Auto companies can’t explore the potential for fuel cell technology as the ultimate solution to our world’s energy and environmental challenges by ourselves. Our customers are true pioneers and leaders in the effort to bring fuel cell technology to the marketplace,” said Mendel.
Ron Yerxa, a film producer and partner at Bona Fide Productions, is a long-time car enthusiast and advocate for the environment. He lives with his wife, Annette Ballester, in Santa Monica, California. Yerxa first learned of the FCX Concept vehicle from a car magazine and contacted American Honda to share his interest and enthusiasm.
Jon Spallino, partner and Chief Financial Officer of an Irvine, California-based engineering and construction firm and the world’s first retail customer of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle, is excited to trade in his first-generation FCX for the all-new FCX Clarity. Having lived with fuel cell technology for three years now, Spallino and his family, residents of Redondo Beach, California, are looking forward to the all-new vehicle’s vastly improved performance, enhanced features, improved fuel efficiency, and advanced four-door, four-passenger sedan design.
Actress and children’s book author Jamie Lee Curtis and her husband, filmmaker Christopher Guest, also live with their family in Santa Monica. Curtis and Guest have owned other alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles, and they continue to seek out ways to live and advocate a greener lifestyle.
Jim Salomon, a business owner and car enthusiast, resides in Newport Beach, California with his family and will be American Honda’s first retail customer to regularly refuel at the recently renovated Irvine hydrogen refueling station. Salomon and his family live in a home he designed and built with an emphasis on energy efficiency as well as recycled and sustainable materials.
Actress and green advocate Laura Harris learned about the FCX Clarity from a friend and test drove a prototype car at the Los Angeles auto show in November 2007. Canadian-born Harris lives in Silverlake, California, and will refuel primarily in Burbank. Lessons learned from her usage patterns and experiences can help pave the way for eventual market expansion outside of the Irvine, Torrance, and Santa Monica areas.
Honda previously announced plans to deliver about 200 FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles in the U.S. and Japan to customers in the first three years of production, with leases beginning in July. The lease program marks the world’s first large-scale retail initiative for fuel cell vehicle technology.
First-ever Fuel Cell Vehicle Dealership Network Reinforcing its commitment to further advance Honda fuel cell technology, American Honda announced that three Southern California dealerships will comprise the world’s first fuel cell automobile dealership network. Power Honda Costa Mesa, Honda of Santa Monica and Scott Robinson Honda are each located in close proximity to hydrogen refueling stations and will be well-positioned to support Honda’s growing base of FCX Clarity customers.
American Honda is working with its dealer partners to implement processes for fuel cell vehicle lease, delivery and service support for the duration of their leases. Establishing a dedicated sales network and service infrastructure provides customers with the best balance of convenience and the highest quality of service. When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local FCX Clarity dealer.
American Honda will perform all required work at its specialized fuel cell service facility in the greater Los Angeles area. Upon completion of the work, the dealer will return the vehicle to the customer.
About the FCX Clarity The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, hydrogen powered fuel cell-powered vehicle. Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in the fuel cell, the vehicle’s only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile. Based on the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by a highly compact, efficient and powerful new Honda V Flow fuel cell stack, the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the fuel cell car. Significant advances over Honda’s previous generation FCX include:
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an advanced new four passenger sedan design
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a greater than 30 percent increase in driving range up to 280 miles1
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a 25 percent increase in combined fuel economy to 72 miles/kg-H21 (74 mpg GGE )
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a 50 percent improvement in fuel stack power output density by volume
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a 40 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter new lithium ion battery pack
Honda is responsible for the development of the world’s first fuel cell car (Honda FCX) to be certified for regular commercial use by the U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board; the first deployment of a fuel cell car with a fleet customer; and the first individual retail customer for a fuel cell vehicle.
Tokyo, Japan, June 16, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has begun production of the new FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, with the first vehicle (U.S. specification) coming off the line. In conjunction with the line-off event, media were allowed to view a number of the new production processes.
[FCX Clarity Vehicle Assembly] Body Welding
The FCX Clarity is produced at the Honda Automobile New Model Center (Takanezawa-machi, Shioya-gun, Tochigi Prefecture). A new dedicated fuel cell vehicle assembly line was established, which includes processes unique to a fuel cell vehicle such as the installation of the fuel cell stack and hydrogen tank. The fuel cell stack itself is produced at Honda Engineering Co., Ltd. (Haga-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture). In manufacturing fuel cells, exclusively designed automated equipment was introduced to ensure quality of the highest precision while enabling mass production of cells, with several hundred cells required for each fuel cell stack. Through these initiatives, Honda is making steady progress in the area of fuel cell vehicle production, in addition to fuel cell and fuel cell vehicle technologies, thereby moving closer to realizing its goal to achieve more widespread use of fuel cell vehicles.
The FCX Clarity was designed from scratch as a dedicated fuel cell vehicle. It is powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance made possible by the innovative layout of the fuel cell power plant, the FCX Clarity offers superior design and driving performance as well as environmental responsibility. Lease sales are scheduled to begin in July in the U.S. and this fall in Japan. The combined sales plan for Japan and the U.S. calls for a few dozen units within a year and about 200 units within three years. Additionally, the FCX Clarity will be exhibited at the Environmental Showcase in the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit to begin July 7, as one of a group of advanced environmental
Chinese auto makers have seen Europe as the holy grail of car sales, quite the opposite to US and Euro car producers who see China as their make it or break it market. Some Chinese marques have already made it to Europe but found themselves on the receiving end of an entirely negative market, especially once their crash test results were aired all over the world.
BYD have reportedly selected a Dutch automotive dealer to be the sole importer for The Netherlands, Slovakia, The Czech Republic, Slovenia and Hungary, all of which are due to be getting BYD automobiles once sales start around 2010. BYD claim that by 2009, they will have passed European crash safety standards, and emission standards.
The first models for Europe from BYD are likely to be plug-in hybrid models, such as the BYD F6e, or the BYD F3Re, petrol models are likely to follow later.
This unconvential entry into the European market may well win BYD a few plus points in the traditionally agressive market. Where Brilliance and Landwind failed with their petrol models, perhaps BYD will win an advantage. Oil prices seem to increase at the forecourt daily, and the chance of owning a cheap Chinese hybrid automobile may well be the answer for many European families who see the family car as a transportation tool, rather than a status symbol.
[Source : China Car Times ; Some Images Courtesy of AutoHome China]
Image Gallery : F6DM Prototype of F6e
Thursday, June 12, 2008
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/ Japanese rivals race for lithium batteries into high gear
Sanyo automotive Li-ion rechargeable batteries that will be supplied to the VW Group
The race to develop lithium ion batteries is shifting into high gear. Tokyo, Japan -Japanese electronics giant Sanyo Electric Co. says it will start mass-producing the advanced hybrid-vehicle batteries next year. It also said it has added a partner: Germany's Volkswagen AG.
The move stokes a race among several Japanese companies for the lead in green vehicles. Nissan Motor Co. and NEC Corp. plan to start making lithium ion batteries next year. Toyota Motor Corp. said it will build two hybrid-vehicle battery plants with its partner, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.
Lithium ion batteries will significantly boost the market for low-emission gasoline-electric hybrid and pure electric vehicles. The vehicles are lighter and more powerful than those powered by the nickel-metal hydride batteries now used in hybrids such as the popular Toyota Prius. Hybrids use an internal combustion engine and one or more electric batteries to power the wheels.
Sanyo is already a world leader in making lithium ion batteries, mostly for such devices as laptop computers and mobile phones. The company says it will build a plant in western Japan's Tokushima prefecture to make the batteries for hybrid vehicles.
The plant will open in the next March and aims to supply 20,000 units a year.
Several companies, including Toyota and General Motors, plan to roll out vehicles equipped with lithium ion batteries starting in 2010. But the batteries themselves have been dogged by safety concerns about overheating and by technical and cost hurdles.
Sanyo envisions savings through economies of scale. The company is spending 80 billion yen ($776.7 million) on new lithium equipment. The target is total production capacity of 10 million cells a month by 2015.
Sanyo said it also is ramping up development of a lithium ion battery that can be used in plug-in electric hybrid vehicles. The company aims to start selling those in 2011. The batteries of plug-in hybrids can be charged with home current. In addition to Volkswagen, Sanyo works with Ford Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. on lithium ion batteries.
GM has not selected a supplier for the lithium ion batteries to be used in the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid.
GM has awarded two development contracts. One went to Compact Power Inc., of suburban Detroit, a subsidiary of South Korea's LG Chem. The other was awarded to Continental Automotive Systems, which will assemble battery packs using cells made by Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions and other suppliers.
Ford Motor Co. said the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture will supply batteries for a 20-vehicle test fleet of plug-in Escape Hybrid SUVs that will arrive in California by the end of 2009.
The first vehicle of the test fleet arrived at a California utility company in December. Ford declined to name the battery supplier at that time.
Nine more vehicles are scheduled to ship to the California utility by year end. The remaining 10 vehicles will arrive by the end of 2009.
The fleet will be tested there and later in the New York/New Jersey area. Ford said that move will help determine if any regional differences in vehicle performance exist.
"Plug-in hybrid vehicles have great promise, but we are still working to fully address all of the technical and business challenges that stand in the way of commercialization," Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of sustainable mobility, said in a statement.
Johnson Controls Inc., of Milwaukee, supplies interiors, electronics and batteries to the auto industry. Saft SA, of Paris, is an industrial battery supplier.
Tokyo, Japan - Toyota Motor Corp. plans to produce hybrid cars in Australia and Thailand as global demand for energy-efficient vehicles surges along with oil prices, Japan's top business daily said Saturday.
Toyota, the world's second-biggest automaker by annual vehicle sales, will roll out the hybrid version of the popular Camry sedan in Thailand at the end of 2009 and in Australia as early as in 2010, the Nihon Keizai newspaper said.
The paper did not cite sources as is common in Japanese media reports. Officials at Toyota could not be reached for comment Saturday. Toyota is hoping to sell 1 million hybrids a year sometime after 2010. Japan's top automaker took a decade before recently reaching cumulative sales of 1 million for the Prius, the world's first mass produced gas-electric hybrid.
Hybrids, which save on gas by switching between a gasoline engine and electric motor, are growing increasingly popular because of soaring gas prices and growing fears about global warming.
The majority of global Prius sales are in the U.S., where demand for small cars is surging. California has among the toughest emissions regulations in the world, helping making the Prius popular there.
Other automakers, including General Motors Corp. and Honda Motor Co., are trying to catch up with Toyota with their hybrids.
[Source : Association Press]
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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/ VW working on High-Performance Energy Storage with Sanyo
Volkswagen Golf TDi Hybrid Concept Car @ 2008 Geneva Motor Show
Dynamic partnership between the Volkswagen Group and Sanyo
Wolfsburg, Germany -- Agreement has been reached on a co-operation which sees Volkswagen joining forces with Sanyo, one of the world’s leading developers of rechargeable batteries, to work on new and extremely efficient high-performance storage systems based on lithium-ion technology.
“Our focus in future,” says Prof Martin Winterkorn, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, “will be directed more strongly at making electrically powered automobiles alongside ones driven by more efficient combustion engines. Drivetrain electrification is the way forward if we wish to secure mobility in tomorrow’s world. This will involve energy recovery. The whole idea will be to no avail, however, as long as we do not have powerful energy storage systems at our disposal and as long as vehicle operations are not in tune with customer demands. This cooperation is an important step for us,” Winterkorn adds.
Emissions-free travel in an all-electric operating modus is already possible today, though only at limited speeds and over short distances. That makes it all the more important to develop new accumulators with the capacity, size, weight and cost attributes which will enable them to be used more efficiently in tomorrow’s automobiles. Lithium-ion technology, already very successfully used in communications electronics and portable computers, has the potential to satisfy even the particularly exacting demands placed on electro-traction systems in motor vehicles.
Back in March, at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen showcased its Golf TDI Hybrid design study, which demonstrated just how much potential for energy reduction there is when you combine high-tech-diesel, electric-drive and 7-speed-DSG technology. Conceived as a powerful full-hybrid vehicle, the Golf TDI Hybrid can be operated using combustion-engine power only or using a combination of combustion and electric drive or using E-drive – i.e. the powerful and energy-efficient combination of TDI technology and an electric motor. The A1 project quattro presented by Audi at the most recent Tokyo Motor Show features a powertrain already designed to cover a distance of 100 km using this innovative storage method. The Group hopes to be able to employ lithium-ion technology in its first vehicles by 2010.
The new Jaguar and Land Rover hybrid models will hit UK market within next 5 years, based on the two new engines 3.0 liter V6 that developed from today version of 2.7 liter V6 diesel engine and the new direct injection 5.0-litre V8 that will be launched next year.
A start-stop technology for the 3.0-litre V6 diesel will be the first to be launched in the Land Rover Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport, Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ in 2010 that claimed for 10 percent boost in fuel economy.
The completely internal design of ZF 8-speed transmission with a fuel-saving feature, and a separate hydraulic reservoir that makes the 'box compatible with stop-start devices unlike today's six-speed ZF unit.
Jaguar is considering the system for a full-hybrid version of the next XJ with ZF's Dynastart electric motor to replace the torque convertor and it could be on the market by 2012 and Land Rover is looking at a different hybrid solution using "Electric Rear Axle Drive" rear-mounted motor.
Tokyo, Japan --Toyota Motor Corp., seeking to stay in pole position in the fuel efficient car race, unveiled plans Friday to build a new factory producing batteries for eco-friendly vehicles.
The move comes amid growing competition between Japanese automakers to tap demand for economical cars amid soaring prices at the pump.
Toyota's joint venture with its partner Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. plans to spend 20 billion yen (192 million dollars) to build a plant in Kosai in central Shizuoka Prefecture, said Toyota spokesman Hideaki Homma.
Toyota has taken a lead in sales of hybrids, selling more than one million of its Prius model -- the world's first mass-produced hybrid -- since its launch about a decade ago.
But it is facing renewed competition from other Japanese automakers such as Honda as well as overseas rivals in the green automobile race.
Earlier the Nikkei business daily reported that Toyota aims to double its annual production of batteries for eco-friendly cars to one million units by 2011.
The joint venture, Panasonic EV Energy Co. (PEVE), will invest a total of 70 billion yen (673 million dollars) to expand production of the batteries, the Nikkei reported without naming its sources.
It said Toyota would build a new nickel metal-hydride battery plant in Taiwa, Miyagi Prefecture, though the automaker denied such decision had been taken.
The report said another new plant would produce lithium ion batteries for Toyota plug-in hybrids -- the first time Toyota has mass produced lithium-ion batteries.
Automakers have for years been competing to develop lithium-ion rechargeable batteries suitable for long distance hybrids, but there have been safety concerns after massive recalls by laptop computer manufacturers.
Nissan Motor Co. said this week it and NEC Corp. will invest 115 million dollars to mass produce new batteries for electric, hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles.
Honda Motor -- like Toyota a pioneer of hybrid-engine cars -- said this week it plans to introduce what it describes as an affordable hybrid in early 2009.
Hybrids are equipped with an electric motor and a standard petrol engine, making them more economical and environmentally friendly than conventional autos.
[Source : AFP via Autoblog]
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
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/ Honda plans to build hybrid version of Fit
Tokyo, Japan -- Honda's fuel-sipping Fit will turn an even deeper shade of green with new plans to launch a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the popular subcompact in the early 2010s.
The hybrid Fit, announced here early today, will be the fourth hybrid from Honda Motor Co. by 2015, as the Japanese automaker chases rival Toyota Motor Corp. in the low-emission car race.
Honda already was planning to roll out an all new dedicated hybrid vehicle early next year, to challenged Toyota's Prius, followed by a sporty hybrid and a redesigned Civic hybrid.
The greener Fit's arrival dispels Honda's earlier skepticism about the viability of mounting pricey hybrid systems on small, low-priced cars that already get great mileage.
President Takeo Fukui has changed his tune -- in time with changing market realities.
"The Fit has great fuel efficiency to begin with, and if you put in a hybrid, it's going to get even better," Fukui said while announcing the car at a mid-year news conference. "So with crude oil prices going up this much, I think a Fit hybrid is now starting to make sense."
Press Released :
Honda Announces Additional Details on New Small Hybrid Vehicle
Honda today announced additional details regarding its new small hybrid scheduled for introduction in early 2009, as part of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CEO Takeo Fukui's mid-year address. An official name and full product details will be announced later this year.
In addition to weight reduction, a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components will result in the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. This dedicated hybrid vehicle will be offered as a 5-door hatchback with seating for five passengers and will employ an exterior design concept that evokes the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded IMA production line at Honda's Suzuka factory in Japan.
The new small gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle will have expected annual global sales of 200,000 units per year - approximately 100,000 of which are bound for the North American market. Following this launch, Honda also plans to introduce another unique small hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z sports car first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show as well as a Fit hybrid model. Including the Civic Hybrid, these four hybrid vehicles are expected to reach combined annual global sales of approximately 500,000 units.
"Honda has been at the forefront of hybrid development since it first introduced the American public to hybrid technology with the Insight in 1999," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "These new advancements in Honda's technology and production systems will result in cost reductions that will allow us to make hybrid technology available to a whole new generation of buyers."
Featuring seating for five passengers, distinctive styling and high-value amenities, the new hybrid will present an appealing package. Taking advantage of reductions in the size of components, the battery and the internal processing unit will be positioned below the rear cargo area, allowing the hatchback design to provide adequate cargo space to meet the needs of a family. Additionally, various technologies, including a function to assist more fuel efficient driving, are being installed to achieve a further improvement of practical fuel efficiency. With its affordable price, the new hybrid vehicle will represent the best value in its segment.
The new hybrid will be produced at a newly developed second IMA production line at Honda's Suzuka factory, which currently produces the Civic Hybrid. With the second line in operation and improvements in IMA production efficiency, hybrid production capacity at Suzuka will increase from 70,000 vehicles per year to approximately 250,000 units, with future expansion possible if needed.
Honda is committed to offering products with the highest environmental performance produced at factories with reduced environmental footprints. A leader in the development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient mobility products, Honda introduced the first low-emission vehicles; America's first gas/electric hybrid car, the Insight and the world's first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, among other environmental achievements. In 2007, Honda was named "greenest automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth straight time.
