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Enviro Cars
Driverless Car: The Road Technology of the Future
Posted at 07:28, 2008-Jun-26
Real life is fast catching up with the movies when it comes to automotive technology. A dream of sitting in a middle of road traffic and letting the car itself do the driving is now somehow being realized. Honda as well as the Volkswagen has launched a car model that really can automatically drive!
The said Honda car detects whether you’re gripping the steering wheels and if you let go for a few seconds it kicks in to actually steer for you! Recenlty a Volkswagen Passat drove around in some part of California without human intervention. The computer-controlled car is named Junior, and it's Stanford University's official entry in the DARPA Urban Challenge.
With the use of Global Positioning System and robotic technology, making future cars contain an Auto Pilot feature had became a reality. The navigation system guides the car to its destination. It has cameras and radars to avoid collisions, and preprogrammed manners to allow other cars on the road to pass through stop signs before proceeding itself.
This new technology can prove to be safer than the conventional automobiles. The computer relies on more than 500,000 lines of code used to create perception, planning and behavioral software to" reason" about traffic and take safe actions while driving to its destination.”
The developers of this modern vehicles aims to save every driver and passenger from accidents due to driver errors. It is perceived that this is going to be the main technological advancement in car technology by 2020.
Save More Gas with the New Aura
Posted at 09:58, 2008-May-27
“The Saturn Aura is a mid-size car produced under the Saturn brand of American automaker General Motors. It debuted as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in January 2005.”
Today, the 2008 AURA Green Line Hybrid has a carryover from 2007 hybrid version. It is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in one trim only, the Sedan. It is an environmental friendly hybrid family sedan that uses an electric motor that assists the combustion engine during acceleration and allows the engine to shut off at a stop to save fuel.
“The AURA Green Line Hybrid is equipped with a standard 2.4 liter, I4, 164 horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.”
Reviewers adore the way the Aura looks. There are few differences between a conventional Aura and the hybrid; namely a hybrid badge on the front doors and rear, and 16-inch wheels and tires.
The interior features leave a positive impression to reviewers. GM has done a nice job with the Aura's interior, even though the materials used are inexpensive. It features a ribbon of padded polymer spans the dash top, with a pronounced “lip” dividing it from the rock-hard, rental-grade stuff around the gauges and center stack.
The Aura Green Line is equipped with dual-stage front and passenger air bags with a passenger sensing system.
Saturn claims a gain of at least 25-percent in fuel economy with this new release.
Another Win For Lexus
Posted at 12:33, 2008-May-15
Lexus is commemorating dual triumph in the “2008 Fleet World Honours”, gathering the Security Award as well as, for the 2nd year running, the Best Luxury Car designate for the LS model.
The Security Award signifies Lexus’s interest to detail in offering the maximum levels of defense system against theft of or from its automobiles, a pledge that is also recognized by high evaluations from the UK insurance business’s research body (Thatcham).
Head of the judging board known as George Emmerson, said Lexus "does more than anyone else in the market" when it comes to efficient anti-theft necessities.
Fleet World editor Ken Rogers, said that "The Lexus LS stands above its worthy competitors simply because it is such a quality product, manufactured to the highest standards”.
"No longer the new kid on the block, Lexus has nothing more to prove."
Holding its Best Luxury Car name has certified the Lexus LS's standing as a flagship limousine that distributes excellent comfort, enhancement and technical sophistication, for the most part of the hybrid power LS 600h model.
The Lexus Hybrid Drive system found in the LS 600h L is the automotive line up’s most highly developed gas-electric hybrid system made to date, given the supremacy and performance on recent 12-cylinder engines set while still bringing best-in-V8-class fuel reliability. It will equal or improved the united fuel-economy rankings of minor V6 all-wheel-drive mid-sized luxury sedans.
The LS hybrid is estimated to take a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) evaluation. A SULEV rating leads the LS 600h L has almost 70-percent “clean and green” emissions than the “cleanest” of its rivals.
The Fleet World Honours were offered at a ceremonial held at the Royal Automobile Club last May 13 in London.
First Korean Hydrogen Cars Appearance
Posted at 05:17, 2008-May-9
A handful of high-status Koreans assembled at Olympic Park in Seoul (eastern) last Tuesday to attend and trial drive a hydrogen-controlled vehicle appeared as a BMW sedan. More or less 20 guests are there, counting the previous president of Seoul National University named Chung Un-chan, testing in four BMW Hydrogen 7s in the parking space of the “Soma Museum of Art”, examining the performance and safety of these unconventional fuel automobiles.
After the test run, Michael Meurer have a press presentation about this hydrogen car, He is the BMW's head and president of hydrogen development infrastructure, verified the environmental-friendly nature of the hydrogen car creation by drinking amount of water coming at the vehicle's exhaust pipe. Kim Hyo-joon head of BMW Korea believed that it's just a matter of time and very soon before hydrogen vehicles will be in public.
Professionals oppose on when hydrogen vehicles will be marketable. Automakers declare that selling and publicity should be likely between two to three years. But a few specialists mention that automakers require working out protection issues concerned in using the very unpredictable hydrogen and creating sufficient fueling stations when times hydrogen vehicles can truly be accessible.
This picture above from english.chosun.com shows that Michael Meurer, the leader of BMW's hydrogen infrastructure development, gathers water from a car’s exhaust pipe to demonstrate the eco-friendly nature of hydrogen technology at the unveiling of BMW's sedan Hydrogen 7 at the Soma Museum of Art in Seoul on Tuesday.
LifeCar Concept -- Fun And Significance Combined In One Car
Posted at 08:11, 2008-Feb-22
Some people say that being environment-friendly can wait. That it’s normal for young people to be pollutants - from the garbage they throw to the cars they drive. It is Morgan LifeCar’s mission to prove otherwise.
To debut next month at the Geneva International Auto Show is Morgan Motor Company’s (MMC) LifeCar, a concept car that aims to show the entire auto industry that a zero emission vehicle can also be fun to drive.
According to morgan-motor, the LifeCar, powered by a fuel cell hybrid powertrain, was designed to combine performance, range and fuel economy with environmental consciousness. Fuel cell hybrid trains as we all know convert hydrogen to electricity thus reducing engine noise and at the same time carbon emissions since it only emits water vapor. LifeCar guarantees a 200 mile range fuel economy. And a minimized fuel cell cost. Autoblog.com said that its visual concept was based on the Morgan Aero 8, a sports car produced in Malvelm Link, Great Britain. Meanwhile, it employs a fuel cell made by QinetiQ, which allows the production of electricity capable of providing power to four separate electric motors.
MMC began its LifeCar concept project, designed by Mathew Humpheries in 2005 in collaboration with Oscar Automotive, Cranfield University, QinetiQ, Oxford University, Linde AG and the United Kingdom Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Founded by H.F.S. Morgan in 1909, MMC is a motor car manufacturer, famous for its Aero 8 and is based in Malvern, England, United Kingdom with over 155 employees.
Taking part in saving our environment requires an immediate decision. Having fun is alright, for as long as it doesn’t compromise our environment that’s slowly depleting its ability to protect itself, and in due time, our lives from the negative impacts of our abusive actions.
New Toyota Crowns Unveiled
Posted at 12:38, 2008-Feb-19
If Toyota must really precede General Motors as the world’s number one automaker, it would be because this Japanese automaker never runs out of surprises. Last week, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) unveiled the hybrid version of its Crown model which is scheduled to be launched in Japan on May 6.
Crown earned the luxury label in Japan since its debut in 1955. According to Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe, the new Crown still has the traditional quality of trust and safety common found in all Toyota Crowns. However, the new Crown models promise advanced technologies to provide the highest level of performance including a hybrid engine and a pre-crash safety system. Meanwhile, it features a top-of–the class vehicle stability and preventive safety performance from Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).
Zercustoms.com also revealed that the revamped Toyota Crown incorporates an enhanced visibility system using Toyota’s Vibrant Clarity design philosophy. Inside, it adopts a thin film transistor (TFT) - an LCD Finegraphic Meter that supports the comprehensible flow of information to the driver. It also features digital and analog speedometers. To add more style to the Toyota Crown is a 19-channel amplifier and 18 speakers that compose the Toyota Premium Sound System.
As mentioned earlier, the Toyota Crown features a pre-crash system that uses an eye-monitor, a night view system, an intelligent parking assist system and a supplemental restraint system.
The Toyota Crown, according to wikipedia, is the line of full-size luxury sedans produced by Japanese automaker Toyota since the 1950s.
The Toyota Crown will be available in Crown Athlete, Royal Saloon and Hybrid versions.
American Automakers To Catch Up
Posted at 06:31, 2008-Feb-8
In the past, American automakers have been leading in terms of sales and production output. But today, the Big Three are being slowly overrun by Japan's version of the Big Three, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
The increased sales and production of the Japanese automakers can be attributed to their quick thinking and the ability to foresee the future. While American automakers are busy developing bigger and faster vehicles with no concern for the price of fuel, the Japanese have been devising ways to make their engines more fuel efficient.
The Prius made the difference with its exemplary gas mileage rating. The popularity of the Prius is so apparent that even celebrities are seen driving them around. Last year, Toyota reported that they have sold more than a million hybrid vehicles, the biggest contributor being the Prius.
Now, American automakers are finally seeing the light and are developing vehicles which are as green as the Prius. In fact, American automakers are boasting that they do not offer hybrids only but flex-fuel vehicles too.
Ed Peper, general manager of Chevrolet even went as far as saying that: "Toyota only has one solution, the Prius and Camry hybrids. It’s a good solution for them but not the only solution. At Chevy we offer five." That includes flex-fuel vehicles which can run on gasoline or ethanol.
Now, the problem I see here is that there are very few refilling stations in the country which offers ethanol. That means that most of the flex-fuel vehicles out there are just running on gasoline. That's not really good is it? So as far as I know, the Big Three talks the talk but they are still lagging behind Toyota and even Honda in terms of green vehicle production.
It's In You
Posted at 06:26, 2008-Feb-1
While automakers were busying themselves to cut fuel costs, Seattle-based company HumanCar, had found the cheapest, and I think the easiest means for the seemingly endless quest for alternative fuels - nothing else but cars that entail human power. The HumanCar's Imagine LMV is a zero-emissions car that requires a push-pull hand mechanism and regenerative braking to supply power to batteries that drive dual electric motors. Until now, I'm still thinking about its resemblance with an Acura Legend distributor cap.
Made of aluminum and carbon fiber, the Imagine LMV weighs 400 pounds and can seat four passengers - seven to 70 years old. The vehicle has a top-speed of 30 miles per hour. According to bornrich.org, that makes Imagine LMV a certified environment-friendly car for two reasons: (1) It lets out no smoke and (2) With that kind of speed what are the odds anybody being killed in an accident! Plus, since the car is human-powered, anyone driving it to work can automatically expect to get a rigorous workout while on the street.
"The car is a neighborhood electric vehicle and uses a proprietary technology to turn oscillatory motion into rotational motion. This is something that has never been created before," HumanCar Founder and Chief Engineer Charles Greenwood said.
On April 22, coinciding with the Earth day celebration would be the launching of HumanCar's Imagine LMV with a pegged price of $15,000.
All this time, the alternative power we've been looking for was actually in us already. Cheers for Mr. Greenwood!
More Features For Escape
Posted at 06:21, 2008-Jan-23
When Ford unleashed the Escape Hybrid, it instantly became a good choice for consumers looking for a vehicle which is roomy and large but has a good fuel economy. For the 2009 model year, the Dearborn-based automaker has given the Escape Hybrid and it sister, the Mariner Hybrid more features.
To improve the performance of the hybrid SUVs, here are a couple of changes made to them:
- Aerodynamic improvements, including a new front fascia chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers also play a role in the fuel economy story.
- A new 16-inch Michelin tire design offers improved rolling resistance that contributes to fuel efficiency, while also bringing improvements in quiet operation, steering and handling, and stopping distance.
They have been given the power to get connected with these features:
- SYNC, the award-winning Ford in-car connectivity system developed with Microsoft, will be offered in Escape and Mariner. New for the 2009 model-year, SYNC features “911 Assist” which will help drivers connect with emergency assistance in the event of air bag deployment. Also available for 2009, SYNC will offer Vehicle Health Reports, which are designed to keep owners up to speed with vehicle maintenance needs through the syncmyride.com web site.
- SIRIUS® Travel Link™, which offers real-time traffic, weather, fuel price, sports schedules and movie information when combined with Ford's next-generation navigation system with voice recognition.
Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering had this to say about the two hybrid SUVs: "More than ever, the Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid are the ultimate vehicles for commuters in the daily battle with urban traffic congestion. For every eight Escape and Mariner vehicles we sell, one of them is a hybrid, and the appeal is growing."
Tata Group: A Chat With The Talk Of The Town
Posted at 05:31, 2008-Jan-11
Have you heard about the latest and the hottest update in the international automotive industry? If you do not have any idea at all, don’t let yourself be left behind. Here’s the feed…
The launch of the People's Car by Tata Motors highlights a significant moment in India's automotive industry history. The company introduced the cheapest car in the world with an initial price of only $2,500 or 100,000 rupees. The car was named the Nano, because apparently, it is a small car with advanced technology. The Nano is expected to be the next big step in a journey that was initially started by Indica. According to Tata.com, it is the realization of a ground-breaking dream to produce a breakthrough creation worldwide that modifies the rules of the small-car industry.
I dug up some bits of info from the interview with Tata’s chairman Ratan Tata courtesy of company’s news and headlines check it out:
The Tatas and you, in particular, are on the brink of realising a long-cherished ambition. Do you feel vindicated? Are you apprehensive?
There has always been some sort of unconscious urge to do something for the people of India and transport has been an area of interest. As urbanisation gathers pace, personal transport has become a big issue, especially since mass transport is often not available or is of poor quality. Two-wheelers - with the father driving, the elder child standing in front and the wife behind holding a baby - is very much the norm in this country. In that form two-wheelers are a relatively unsafe mode of transporting a family. The two-wheeler image is what got me thinking that we needed to create a safer form of transport.
What are the innovations that have made the Tata Nano possible, from design to product finalisation?
Initially I had conceived a car made by engineering plastics and new materials, and using new technology like aerospace adhesives instead of welding. However, plastics didn't lend themselves to the volumes we wanted because of the curing time required. Volumes mean the world in this context: if we produce this car and if it is for the wider base of the pyramid, we can't settle for small numbers because then the purpose is defeated.
Other than emission norms and safety standards, what are some of the other challenges, physical and psychological, that Tata Motors had to overcome to make this car happen?
There was the usual dilemma of what is basic and what is nice to have. A basic car may not have all the niceties its fancier cousins sport, and when you're looking at saving money on every single bit of the car - even parts that cost as little as Rs20 - you keep facing these dilemmas. Hundreds of such dilemmas have risen.
To view the rest of the details in the interview, click here!
E20 Alternative Fuel Strategy Supported By Ford Thailand
Posted at 05:41, 2008-Jan-7
What a great way to start the year! Thailand was motivated to draw close to sustainable mobility as petrol stations in Bangkok started proposing E20 fuel for the first time ever. According to Ford.com, the extensive accessibility of the alternative fuel, the E20 fuel, is propped up by Ford Thailand as piece of the Ford Motor Company’s alternative energy strategy.
"The Ford Focus is the first car in Thailand engineered to reliably use E20 fuel, so it is no coincidence that the first car to fill its fuel tank with E20 fuel is a Ford Focus," says Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, the senior vice president of Ford Thailand.
E20 fuel lessens greenhouse gas emissions recognized in vehicle application. Ford Thailand distributed Baht 1020 of E20 fuel to 100 Ford Focus customers at the PTT petrol station on the expressway in Bang Na area to celebrate and to support the use of E20 fuel.
"We congratulate our customers who are now able to use the E20-compatible Ford Focus to its full potential and capabilities," said Kiatfuengfoo. “This is an important step toward sustainable mobility in Thailand. Ford has been working to develop and offer affordable technology that enables our vehicles to use alternative and renewable fuels.”
TPU Enlists Green Road Machines
Posted at 05:51, 2007-Dec-29
What do people do to fight the effects of global warming? Big things, small things – still, the intent is to save mother Earth from the hazards of the frightening global warming.
If the government, cause-oriented groups, automakers, and citizens work hand in hand, the anticipated effects will be reduced dramatically.
Tacoma Daily Index reports:
Employees at Tacoma Public Utilities have added a new step to their daily routine: unplugging the pool car before driving it and plugging it back in when they’re done.
The utility recently took a step toward reducing its carbon footprint by being one of a few Pacific Northwest companies to put plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on the road. But the utility has taken a unique approach by retrofitting 2 of its pool cars with plug-in hybrid technology. Employees use pool cars for work-related trips.
TPU has converted one Toyota Prius hybrid pool car into a plug-in vehicle, and received delivery of the second vehicle last week.
Plug-in hybrids operate solely on battery power for the first 16 to 60 miles of travel. Vehicles automatically operate like a hybrid car upon battery depletion, cycling back and forth from electric to internal combustion power. Plug-in hybrid batteries have more power than hybrid batteries and can be recharged from a standard electrical outlet.
Aside from slashed emissions, plug-in hybrids limit the utility's carbon footprint because of the power source. To note, most of Tacoma Power's electricity comes from emission-free hydroelectric projects.
Save some green for the environment...before it’s too late!
Lexus Hybrid Living & John Legend In Sundance Fest
Posted at 10:48, 2007-Dec-28
Lexus Hybrid Living will have its support and participation at the Sundance Film Festival for the second time around. The event will cover two events that will feature the synergy among luxury and "green living." Lexus Hybrid Living brings you Project GreenHouse, an exceptional display that presents consciousness to global environmental matters. The show starts on January 18th through the 22nd.
"The Sundance Film Festival is a place where the natural setting of Park City meets the glamour of Hollywood. Lexus Hybrid Living represents this same juxtaposition by demonstrating how we can minimize our impact on earth without sacrificing comfort and luxury,” says Kimberley Gardiner, the Lexus event marketing manager.
Winners Of The Best Deals for December
Posted at 05:52, 2007-Dec-14
We are used to see both Toyota and Chevrolet cars and truck on the list released by IntelliChoice.com every month. And this time, the online reputable source of car information one again revealed the list for the month of December. Still, Toyota and Chevrolet cars and truck were the most car brands that cover the entire categories. The Auto Channel was able to make a comprehensive list of the winners on their official website. Here is the list:
The following “Best Deals” for November 2007 are ranked by vehicle type and size:
• Subcompact Car: MINI Cooper Hatchback
• Compact Car over $16,000: Honda Civic Hybrid
• Compact Car under $16,000: Honda Civic Sedan
• Midsize Car over $21,000: Toyota Prius
• Midsize Car under $21,000: Toyota Prius
• Convertible: MINI Cooper Convertible
• Luxury Convertible: Audi A4 Convertible
• Near Luxury Car: BMW 3 Series Sedan
• Luxury Car: Lexus ES
• Large Car: Toyota Avalon
• Base Sport Car: Volkswagen GTI 2-door
• Sport Car: Chevrolet Corvette
• Sport Sedan/Wagon over $38,000: Lexus GS Hybrid
• Sport Sedan Wagon under $38,000: Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan
• Compact Utility/Crossover: Ford Escape Hybrid
• Midsize Crossover: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Luxury Crossover: Lexus RX 400h
• Small Wagon: Toyota Matrix
• Midsize/Large Wagon: Subaru Outback Wagon
• Intermediate Utility: Hummer H3
• Full-Size Utility: GMC Yukon
• Luxury Utility: Lexus GX
• Minivan: Honda Odyssey
• Full-Size Passenger Van: Ford E150 Passenger Van
• Full Size Cargo Van: Chevrolet Uplander Cargo Van
• Compact Pickup Truck 2WD: Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD
• Compact Pickup Truck 4WD: Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD
• 2WD 1/2 Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck: Toyota Tundra Regular Cab 2WD
• 2WD 3/4 Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD
• 2WD One Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 2WD
• 4WD 1/2 Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck: Toyota Tundra Regular Cab 4 WD
• 4WD 3/4 Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD
• 4WD One Ton Full-Size Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 4WD
BMW To Launch Hydrogen 7 In Australia
Posted at 05:18, 2007-Dec-12
To flaunt its green credo, BMW Group Australia will launch the Hydrogen 7 at a unique week-long public expo in late January next year.
The automaker intends to showcase auto mobility solutions that are not reliant on fossil fuels. The BMW EfficientDynamics technology will be held at Melbourne’s forward-looking Federation Square from 21 – 29 January.
A fleet of BMW Hydrogen 7 limos which will be used in the event will provide real-time driving experiences for select political and business leaders, and key environment and media opinion formers.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 product lines appear in Melbourne as part of a world tour to get more exposure at the same time show its practicality. As part of this global exposure programme, BMW has been shuttling environmentally-minded high-profile personalities such as Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Richard Gere, Jay Leno, and Placido Domingo to public engagements in the BMW Hydrogen 7 limos, according to AutoWeb.
The key feature of BMW Hydrogen 7, the world’s first hydrogen-drive luxury performance sedan is that it is designed for daily use. The BMW hydrogen combustion engine is the most advanced non-fossil fuel solution of its type. Its V12 engine delivers same BMW dynamic performance with virtually no harmful exhaust emissions or CO2 when running in hydrogen fuel mode. The BMW Hydrogen 7 V12 engine generates 191 kW of power and 390 Nm of torque and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 230 km/h. A specially designed crash-proof tank houses the 8 kg of liquid hydrogen that powers the car.
The automaker said only 100 examples of the BMW Hydrogen 7 model will be produced, many of which have already been clocking up miles in key centers worldwide.
The BMW board Member for Sales and Marketing, Stefan Krause said recently: “The BMW vision of future mobility is driving without emissions. The BMW Hydrogen 7 already proves that this is possible.”
“The launch of BMW Hydrogen 7 is a milestone en route to an era of mobility independent of fossil fuels not only for the BMW Group but also for the entire automotive and energy industry. The BMW Hydrogen 7 clearly proves liquid hydrogen may be used as a source of energy for production cars,” said BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Guenther Seemann.
“BMW Group Australia is delighted to be able to welcome the Hydrogen 7 sedans to Melbourne, but more than that, to be able to demonstrate to Australians the great strides in innovation BMW has taken and will continue to take in the future towards emission-free mobility. This exhibition will clearly explain to the public as well as opinion formers and political leaders that alternative fuel systems have arrived. If Australia is to take advantage of these, it needs to act now to develop refuelling infrastructure strategies and means of generating renewal hydrogen resources,” Seemann concluded. “It is clear Australians care passionately about their beautiful environment. I am sure many of them will be impressed and enthused by the BMW Hydrogen7 Exhibition at Federation Square.”
Hero Or Villain?
Posted at 04:56, 2007-Dec-10
With the impending global warming threats, people are envisioning ways to remedy the pandemonium...
New York Times reports:
The European Union is serious about reining in the release of gases that contribute to global warming. As of Jan. 1, 2011, air-conditioning systems for all new European-made vehicles must begin the switch to a refrigerant other than the current formulation, known as R134a.
Air-conditioning makes use of the cooling effect that occurs when a gas is allowed to suddenly expand, familiar to some from the barroom trick of cooling drinks with a blast of carbon dioxide from a fire extinguisher. This effect can be prolonged using a suitable refrigerant gas, so long as the power to pump it around in a loop of compressors and radiators is maintained.
In an interesting twist, the leading alternative refrigerant being considered by European automakers is carbon dioxide. But it’s hard to make real sense of the blizzard of reports on refrigerants and their performance. The German automakers’ association has endorsed carbon dioxide, which not only has the baseline warming number of 1 but is also at least 20% more energy-efficient than the best systems using R134a, supporters say.
The R152a alternative represents a 90% reduction of global warming potential compared with R134a. In addition, it is promoted as a direct replacement for R134a, requiring minimal mechanical changes to the air-conditioner.
So what's the problem?
The report divulged that a number of refrigerant are incompatible with the lubricants used in air-conditioning compressors, and CO2 systems operate at pressures 5 times that of the current systems hence; heavy-duty hardware is a must.
Behr America Vice President Joerg Schernikau said his company would most likely develop both European and American refrigerants. “That’s what we assume right now,” he said, noting that Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen had picked CO2.
GM To Build Hybrids In China
Posted at 07:09, 2007-Nov-29
Yes, GM hybrids will soon be assembled in China. General Motors said it intents to start making hybrids in the territory to step into the fast growing market. The car will be made in a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive, and will roll out in time for next year's Beijing Olympics.
The Detroit automaker announced last month that it is building a research center in Shanghai to develop hybrid technologies. Hybrids are designed to use a combination of power sources, usually petrol and electricity. And the automaker's goal of producing more hybrids isn't just a dictate of auto trend but an effort to save the Earth.
To aid the automakers, China's National Development and Reform Commission is deemed to be drafting plans to offer subsidies for low-emission vehicles.
The rules are expected to require that some of the components be made in China. Currently Toyota is the only company making hybrids in China - it sold 2,000 there last year. GM also announced that it will launch its plug-in hybrid, the Chevrolet Volt, by the end of 2010. The company has not given details of which model it will be building in China.
Shanghai GM, one of the automaker's joint ventures with SAIC Motor Corp, will disclose details closer to the undisclosed model's launch, a spokesman for GM Asia-Pacific said.
Toyota is currently the only automaker that manufactures a hybrid in China. In 2006, the Japanese automaker sold just 2,000 of the Prius.
Building hybrids in China, one of its vital markets, is a way of painting a more environmentally friendly image of itself as shoppers increasingly look for better fuel economy in the midst of rising energy prices.
Separately, the Detroit automaker is planning to introduce a plug-in hybrid - Chevy Volt, by the end of 2010. GM is the only automaker to give a timeline regarding the production for such green vehicle.
credits: BBC News, Reuters
The Chevy Volt To Roll In By The End Of 2010
Posted at 04:59, 2007-Nov-27
There’s no doubt that the Chevy Volt is the much awaited hybrid to hit Chevrolet dealerships soon. But auto geeks need not to worry because by the end of 2010, the Chevy Volt will be out sizzling hot just for you - that’s according to speculations. Well, it’s all worth the wait right.
According to my source, TheAutoChannel.com, General Motors Corp plans to launch the Chevrolet Volt by the end of 2010 regardless of doubts at GM about the deadline.
"There is a lot of skepticism within the company about the timeline," Lutz said at the Reuters Autos Summit in Detroit. "People are biting their nails, but those of us in a leadership position have said it has to be done."
"When people think of Toyota, their iconic brand is the Prius," Lutz said, referring to Toyota's popular hybrid car.
"When they think of GM, the iconic brand is, unfortunately, the Hummer," he added, referring to its gas-guzzling, military-inspired sport utility vehicles. "That perception needs to change."
"We have to reestablish GM's leadership and the Volt is, frankly, an effort to leapfrog anything that is done by any other competitor," Lutz said.
"We kind of lost the first couple of laps of the green car race," Lutz said, saying they couldn't go to GM's board "for a multihundred-million program that was going to lose money."
With the Prius, Toyota controls about 80 percent of the market for hybrids in the United States.
"We have since realized that letting Toyota gain that mantle of green respectability and technology leadership has really cost us dearly in the marketplace," Lutz said.
‘Best Deals’ For November: The Month Of Hybrids
Posted at 05:14, 2007-Nov-15
IntelliChoice.com has announced the ‘Best Deals’ for cars, trucks and SUVs for the month of November this year. The leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis has included six hybrid vehicles for this month’s list and it only means one thing - hybrids are quickly developing and their popularity is rapidly spreading!
“What consumers need to know is that the best deals can change quickly from month to month. There are seven changes on our list of winners from October to November, which is a big number. Gas is a big factor. Rising fuel costs favor fuel efficient vehicles, including hybrids, and there are six on the November list. Among non-hybrid vehicles, the Yukon knocked out the Sequoia. The Yukon beats the Sequoia on the MPG front, so as fuel costs rise, the opportunity arises to overcome the Sequoia’s strong retained value advantage,” says James Bell, the publisher and editor of IntelliChoice.com.
Here are the hybrid vehicles included in this month’s ‘Best Deals’ from IntelliChoice.com:
- Compact Car over $16,000: Honda Civic Hybrid
- Midsize Car over $21,000: Toyota Prius
- Compact Utility/Crossover: Ford Escape Hybrid
- Midsize Crossover Toyota: Highlander Hybrid
- Midsize Car under $21,000: Toyota Prius
- Sport Sedan/Wagon over $38,000: Lexus GS Hybrid
NAIAS Going Green
Posted at 08:18, 2007-Nov-14
The North American International Auto Show is one of the biggest events in the auto industry and it will be opening its doors soon. With only about two months left before the big event, preparation is already in full swing.
The event will no doubt host the unveiling of new hot cars. And most importantly, the show will showcase green vehicles. Automakers are finally listening to what the consumers want and what the environment needs. With global warming now a major problem, we surely need some green vehicles to ease the burden on Mother Nature.
Joe Serra, one of the big guys behind this year's event, said that the exhibitors at the event are already expressing their interest on showcasing green vehicles at the NAIAS. "Although it's too early for the show to reveal all the plans for NAIAS 2008, we can confirm that we are expecting a great year for vehicle unveilings," said Serra. "Already the trends are showing that there will be a great emphasis this year on fuel-efficient vehicles, as well alternative technologies in powertrain. We also are expecting greater trends toward lighter vehicles that emphasize the role of design in maximizing space," he added.
Carle Galeana, the senior co-chairman of the upcoming event, meanwhile had this to say: "NAIAS 2008 is coming together fast. The 10-week construction period is well underway and automakers, show exhibitors and display companies are in high gear preparing for our four separate auto show segments: Press Preview, Industry Preview, the Charity Preview black-tie gala and Public Days. With coverage of this show in every medium available in nearly every country, auto enthusiasts will have their finger on the pulse of the NAIAS with up-to-date news on all the fun and excitement of the show."
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