Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Electric Avenue display comes to 2010 Detroit Auto Show]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/electric-avenue-display-comes-to-2010-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/electric-avenue-display-comes-to-2010-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/electric-avenue-display-comes-to-2010-detroit-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: ,



While some of the automakers that skipped the 2009 Detroit Auto Show are apparently returning for 2010, there still won't be enough to fill up the basement. As a result, the EcoXperience exhibit will be back again for a second year. The landscaped track on the lower level of Cobo Hall will provide attendees the opportunity to try out a variety of electric drive vehicles.The last show featured the likes of the Mitsubishi iMiEv, Ford Escape PHEV, and GM's fuel cell Chevy Equinox.

Perhaps this year, Ford and Nissan will add the Focus and Leaf BEVs. In addition to the driving track downstairs, the main floor will have a 37,000-square-foot static exhibit featuring electric cars. The Electric Avenue display will have 20 different EVs from a variety of manufacturers.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Electric Avenue display comes to 2010 Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Detroitdetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShowelectricElectric AvenueElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric-carElectricAvenueElectricCarElectricCarselectricityElectricVehicleFri, 13 Nov 2009 19:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2010 Preview: good news for fans of the smelly basement forest]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/detroit-2010-preview-good-news-for-fans-of-the-smelly-basement/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/detroit-2010-preview-good-news-for-fans-of-the-smelly-basement/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/detroit-2010-preview-good-news-for-fans-of-the-smelly-basement/#commentsFiled under: ,


NAIAS Ecoxperience - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Detroit Auto Show, known officially as the North American International Auto Show, is always the biggest car show of the year. In 2009, though, the event wasn't quite as busy or as populated as it's been in past years. The whole down economy thing - plus problems with the venue - played a role in the downsizing, but organizers of the 2010 event are starting to hint that the next show will be bigger and better than 2009.

The Detroit News is saying that some automakers that skipped the show in 2009 - Ferrari, Land Rover and Nissan - might return next year. There were 51 brands represented in 2009. On the green car front, the changes of note include a bigger and better EcoXperience (the smelly fake forest driving area in the basement) where alternative fueled vehicles could be taken for test drives; and the first appearance of Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, which is hoping to sell small trucks in the U.S. soon. Also, a private event held during the show and designed to showcase big ticket cars called the "Gallery" might double in size in 2010. Last year, two Maybachs, one Lamborghini and one Fisker vehicle were sold during the Gallery.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: EcoXperience



Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Detroit News]

Detroit 2010 Preview: good news for fans of the smelly basement forest originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit auto showDetroitAutoShowfiskernaiasnaias 2009naias 2010Naias2009Naias2010nissanTue, 30 Jun 2009 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[At Witz' End: Detroit Auto Show: Reality Check - Part II]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/03/at-witz-end-detroit-auto-show-reality-check-part-ii/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/03/at-witz-end-detroit-auto-show-reality-check-part-ii/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/03/at-witz-end-detroit-auto-show-reality-check-part-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In my first column reality checking the Detroit Auto Show, some of you questioned my assertion that even Toyota's relatively high-volume hybrids are probably not profitable. Of course, Toyota has lowered the costs of its Hybrid Synergy Drive components over many years and hundreds of thousands of units. But I believe they're still too high for any Toyota Hybrid - even the Prius or the soon-to-come higher-priced Lexus HS 250h - to turn a profit.

I can't prove it - Toyota is not about to share its cost numbers with me or anyone else - but that's my opinion, and these are "opinion" columns. Yours may differ, and yours may be right. But I'll bet no one outside of Toyota knows for sure.

What most folks outside the industry don't see or comprehend are the enormous costs of designing, testing, developing and validating every one of the thousands of parts and pieces that go into every modern vehicle. Beyond the mostly expensive and relatively low-volume hybrid system components themselves are all the Prius' specific body, chassis, electrical and comfort and convenience parts and pieces, few of which are shared with other vehicles. The addition of the new Lexus HS 250h on the same architecture will help by raising the volumes of parts that are shared, but I doubt whether even that will turn a profit at its higher prices but much lower volumes.

Am I suggesting that Toyota is fibbing by claiming that Prius is profitable? It depends on how they calculate their costs. If they add up the costs of all those parts and pieces - including the still very expensive battery, EVT transmission, motors, wiring, control systems and more - and toss in the relatively minor cost of assembly, the total may indeed be less than the Prius' average selling price. But they would have to discount all those years and huge costs of design, testing, development and validation, which must be spread out ("amortized") over hundreds of thousands, even millions, of units. Their business plan has depended on long-term profitability from growing sales of higher-priced luxury hybrids and sales of the Synergy drive system to other OEMs, neither of which has fared as well as hoped.

What I don't understand is why Prius' profitability seems so important to some ABG readers. If each unit sold does make a buck, bully for them. If not, so what? Toyota's whole hybrid program is still a hugely profitable investment as one of the best-ever image-building efforts any automaker has ever carried out. Whatever they have spent on it through the years is worth far more than any amount of paid advertising they could have bought for similar money. What should be important to potential owners is whether any EV's or HEV's selling price is worth the long-term gas savings it offers, whatever its cost to its manufacturer.

That said, let's reality check some other electrically-powered vehicles showcased at this year's Detroit North American International Auto Show. Follow us after the jump.

Continue reading At Witz' End: Detroit Auto Show: Reality Check - Part II

At Witz' End: Detroit Auto Show: Reality Check - Part II originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apterabluezerobmw hybridBmwHybridbyddetroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowfeaturedfiskersmart edSmartEdTue, 03 Mar 2009 11:53:00 EST<![CDATA[At Witz' End: Detroit Auto Show: Reality Check - Part I]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/03/at-witz-end-detroit-auto-show-reality-check-part-i/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/03/at-witz-end-detroit-auto-show-reality-check-part-i/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/03/at-witz-end-detroit-auto-show-reality-check-part-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This year's Detroit North American International Auto Show (aka NAIAS) was easily the greenest ever, greener even than the evergreen Los Angeles show two months earlier. Several automakers (most notably Nissan) were missing due to the weak economy, while others (Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz) were present but silent with no press conferences. That left room for the likes of Tesla, Fisker and a pair of Chinese makers to set up shop on the main floor and hype the media on their grand plans.

While a number of high-powered gas- and diesel-burning machines (mostly from Europe) shared the NAIAS spotlight, nearly everyone there showed current and future EVs and gas-electric hybrids (HEVs). Among these, which will actually happen; which might sell in serious numbers; which (if any) will succeed to the point of being profitable for their makers?

Let us speculate (after the jump).

Continue reading At Witz' End: Detroit Auto Show: Reality Check - Part I

At Witz' End: Detroit Auto Show: Reality Check - Part I originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowfeaturedTue, 03 Feb 2009 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW X6 ActiveHybrid to arrive by year's end]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/29/bmw-x6-activehybrid-to-arrive-by-years-end/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/29/bmw-x6-activehybrid-to-arrive-by-years-end/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/29/bmw-x6-activehybrid-to-arrive-by-years-end/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for gallery of photos of the 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid
One of the vehicles we expected to see in Detroit somehow missed our radar. The not-so-green BMW X6 ActiveHybrid was previewed in COBO and we somehow missed it. Sure we've seen pics of this sports car/utility vehicle crossover hybrid before and we've also heard BMW promise that it will be available by the end of 2009, but this time they really seem to mean it.

After giving a walkaround of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, BMW's Dr. Klaus Draeger gave some additional details about this upcoming hybrid hybrid. As we've told you before, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is a two-mode hybrid, and uses BMW's 4.4L V8 gasoline engine along with its electric assistant. Going hybrid increases fuel economy on this most oddly shaped BMW by a decent 20 percent, but that still puts the X6's mileage at just about 15 mpg/city. BMW promises that both the 7-series and X6 hybrids will be on sale by the end of 2009. Well, it's better than nothing we guess.

Gallery: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid


[Source: AutoReview]

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid to arrive by year's end originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw x6bmw x6 activehybridbmw x6 hybridBmwX6BmwX6ActivehybridBmwX6Hybridx6 activehybridX6ActivehybridThu, 29 Jan 2009 13:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: E85-powered Mustang, the HP2g, gearing up for the Auto X Prize]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/23/detroit-2009-e85-powered-mustang-the-hp2g-gearing-up-for-the/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/23/detroit-2009-e85-powered-mustang-the-hp2g-gearing-up-for-the/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/23/detroit-2009-e85-powered-mustang-the-hp2g-gearing-up-for-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery

Down in the basement (the smelly, smelly basement) of Cobo Hall at the Detroit Auto Show, we found Doug Pelmear and Jennifer Rodgers. They were sitting next to a car we didn't expect to see at the show, a 1987 Mustang. Why was the car there? Because Pelmear is still promoting his claim to get 110 mpge with the car and will be participating in the Progressive Automotive X Prize.

This Mustang is called the HP2g, and Pelmear told us that he and his team are gearing up for the business plan portion of the X Prize, specifically how they'd sell 10,000 units a year. The 110 mpge claim is also a bit difficult to nail down. Nowhere on the HP2g website or in the materials provided to us at the show is the number fullly explained; just that "Mileage performance verification by cross country road test in October/November, 2008." The best we can figure, as we noted when we wrote about this car before, is that Pelmear is only talking about the petroleum portion of the E85 fuel, and is somehow counting the ethanol as free energy. That may work for the headlines, but it won't win the AXP, which looks at all the energy that goes into the car. Still, Pelmear made it clear that he intends to win the popularity portion of the competition with his iconic ride. Good luck with that.

If you're in Detroit, the Mustang and all the other vehicles we talked about will be on display through the weekend. The show closes Sunday.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: E85 Mustang

Continue reading Detroit 2009: E85-powered Mustang, the HP2g, gearing up for the Auto X Prize

Detroit 2009: E85-powered Mustang, the HP2g, gearing up for the Auto X Prize originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto x prizeauto x prize mustangAutoXPrizeAutoXPrizeMustangethanol mustangEthanolMustangFri, 23 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: Henrik Fisker talks about the future of the Karma, and a low-cost model]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/22/detroit-2009-henrik-fisker-talks-about-the-future-of-the-karma/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/22/detroit-2009-henrik-fisker-talks-about-the-future-of-the-karma/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/22/detroit-2009-henrik-fisker-talks-about-the-future-of-the-karma/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma S

When we sat down with Henrik Fisker during the Detroit Auto Show, he acknowledged that many people didn't think his company would return for a second year. But, as we all saw, the company did return, and did so with a bang with the unveiling of the Karma S hardtop convertible. Braving the economic downturn and debuting a new model wasn't all that difficult, Fisker said, because the aluminum frame of the Fisker Karma is "so flexible, that we can develop a variant of the Karma for very low cost." This first variant, the Karma S, is scheduled for production in 2011. On the money side, Fisker said he never doubted that his company would be back because, "We had a very powerful and strong and displined business plan and we had some very, very sophisticated investors." Those investors include Kleiner Perkins and QIA, the Qatar Investment Authority.

So far, response to the Karma has been strong, with about 1,300 pre-orders already placed. The company should be up to full production - about 1,200 vehicles a month - in the middle of 2010, with 15,000 units planned for 2011.

You can listen to our chat (13 min, 6MB) and click past the jump for much more about the low-cost Fisker and the different trim levels of the Karma models.





Gallery: Detroit 2009: Fisker Karma S


Gallery: Detroit 2009: production Fisker Karma

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Henrik Fisker talks about the future of the Karma, and a low-cost model

Detroit 2009: Henrik Fisker talks about the future of the Karma, and a low-cost model originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerhenrik fiskerHenrikFiskerThu, 22 Jan 2009 20:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: Automotive X Prize status report]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/22/detroit-2009-automotive-x-prize-status-report/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/22/detroit-2009-automotive-x-prize-status-report/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/22/detroit-2009-automotive-x-prize-status-report/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It wasn't all flashy new cars during the media days at the Detroit Auto Show last week. During our time in Cobo Hall, we sat down with Cristin Lindsay, senior director of the Progressive Auto X Prize, to talk about where the AXP is right now. For those keeping track, we are about half-way between the official kick-off at the New York Auto Show last year and the expected start of the stage races this fall. We know that the AXP is looking for more formal participation from the major automakers, but what about the faltering economy, the safety of entry vehicles and the timeline moving forward? Lindsay talked about all these things, but needed to step into the vagueness a bit when answering the question on what happens when.

I asked how the economic downturn is affecting the participating teams and the timeline for the rest of the AXP events. "That's a great question," she said, "and I think you're going to hear more from us about that in the coming months. There's no question that for our teams it is a challenging time to be raising money for building cars and we want to make sure we're listening to those concerns and making sure that our timeline is the best one. So, keep your ears out; we'll continue talking about how our events are going to come together, where they are going to take place, what the frequency is and you'll be hearing much more on that soon." My guess: the dates for those stage races will be pushed back a bit.

Listen to our talk below (10 min, 14 MB) and you'll find much more after the jump.



Gallery: Automotive X-Prize entrants

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Automotive X Prize status report

Detroit 2009: Automotive X Prize status report originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto x prizeAutoXPrizeaxpcristin lindsayCristinLindsayx prizeXPrizeThu, 22 Jan 2009 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: College for Creative Studies students reimagine the car]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/20/detroit-2009-college-for-creative-studies-students-reimagine-th/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/20/detroit-2009-college-for-creative-studies-students-reimagine-th/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/20/detroit-2009-college-for-creative-studies-students-reimagine-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the concept models

Vehicle models designed by students at the College For Creative Studies are on display at Cobo Hall as part of the Detroit Auto Show this year. Fanciful and outlandish, these models give an idea of what the automobile of the future could be like. That vehicle above, for example, is a redesigned Model T. Other examples of student creativity:


Most of these flights of fancy have a green message, which shouldn't be a surprise. There's a biodiesel race car, for example. Check out a video after the break and you can see more futuristic vehicle ideas in the Design Challenge Motorsports 2025 from the LA Auto Show.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: College for Creative Studies

Continue reading Detroit 2009: College for Creative Studies students reimagine the car

Detroit 2009: College for Creative Studies students reimagine the car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>college for creative studiesCollegeForCreativeStudiesTue, 20 Jan 2009 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: Fuel cells, a "promising solution," come to Cobo Hall]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/20/detroit-2009-fuel-cells-a-promising-solution-come-to-cobo-h/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/20/detroit-2009-fuel-cells-a-promising-solution-come-to-cobo-h/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/20/detroit-2009-fuel-cells-a-promising-solution-come-to-cobo-h/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Photo of a retro fuel cell vehicle by jurvetson. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Even though the SAE World Congress last year featured a seminar titled, "The Problems of Fuel Cell Commercialization," the SAE is putting a positive spin on fuel cells for the public at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Tomorrow, for example, the SAE International's A World In Motion program will kick off the Fuel Cell Challenge; in the press release announcement, SAE calls fuel cells a "promising solution." The challenge is meant to get middle-school kids across America to think about fuel cells; it's likely that we'll get more details after the press conference at 10 a.m. Wednesday. A World In Motion is a curriculum that explains physical science with "essential mathematic and scientific concepts and skills." More details after the jump.

[Source: SAE International]

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Fuel cells, a "promising solution," come to Cobo Hall

Detroit 2009: Fuel cells, a "promising solution," come to Cobo Hall originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a world in motionAWorldInMotiondetroit 2009Detroit2009fuel cell challengeFuelCellChallengesaesociety of automotive engineersSocietyOfAutomotiveEngineersTue, 20 Jan 2009 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Most important vehicle of 2009 Detroit show? I pick the Focus EV mule]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/19/most-important-vehicle-of-2009-detroit-show-i-pick-the-focus-ev/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/19/most-important-vehicle-of-2009-detroit-show-i-pick-the-focus-ev/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/19/most-important-vehicle-of-2009-detroit-show-i-pick-the-focus-ev/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the Focus EV "mule" for a high res gallery

There's been a lot of discussion in recent days about which debut was the most significant vehicle of this year's Detroit Auto Show. Most of the attention is, of course, paid to the new third-generation Toyota Prius or the Honda Insight. While both of these are important in their own way, I don't think either is the most important. The Prius is a natural evolution of the preceding car but doesn't really break any new ground. That's not to take anything away from it, but so far the car seems to be exactly what's expected of a Prius. Similarly, the biggest thing about the Insight is its expected price and it's excellent driving dynamics.

The most significant car I saw (and drove) was the Ford Focus EV mule. This is a preview of a battery electric car that Ford plans to sell in two years. Ford plans to sell the production car at retail and, although the company has not specified a price, they did indicate that volumes at least in the thousands are expected. In order to achieve that goal, the price (at least after tax breaks) will have to be reasonably affordable. The fact that Ford felt confident enough in the program to allow media to spend two days driving the vehicles in downtown Detroit, rather than at a test track, indicates there is something real here.

Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Most important vehicle of 2009 Detroit show? I pick the Focus EV mule originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford bevford electricford electric vehicleford focusford focus evFordBevFordElectricFordElectricVehicleFordFocusFordFocusEvMon, 19 Jan 2009 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: AutoblogGreen readers pick this year's best car]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/18/detroit-2009-autobloggreen-readers-pick-this-years-best-car/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/18/detroit-2009-autobloggreen-readers-pick-this-years-best-car/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/18/detroit-2009-autobloggreen-readers-pick-this-years-best-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



There are hundreds of vehicles on display at the Detroit Auto Show this year. Most of them were vehicles from past years, things we've all seen plenty of times. During our coverage of the new vehicles unveiled during the media preview days this past week, we hunted for everything that smelled even the slightest bit green or eco-friendly, then put together a list of 16 vehicles for you, our readers, to vote on. Voting closed on Friday and it is time to reveal the results. This is a very different list than the Top Ten that those of us who were at the show put together, and it's fun to note the differences. Some vehicles made both lists, sure, but not all, and nothihng ended up in the same position on both lists. The top vehicle is drastically different in the two lists, too. But enough of my rambling - check out the Readers' Top Ten here and see for yourself.

Detroit 2009: AutoblogGreen readers pick this year's best car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowfeaturedreader pollsReaderPollsSun, 18 Jan 2009 19:46:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Henrik Fisker talks about the Karma]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/18/video-henrik-fisker-talks-about-the-karma/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/18/video-henrik-fisker-talks-about-the-karma/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/18/video-henrik-fisker-talks-about-the-karma/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma S

Following the unveiling of the production version of the Fisker Karma and the Karma Sunset concept, Henrik Fisker sat down to talk about the car company he has launched. We now have confirmation of some of the technical details such as the battery supplier which is Advanced Lithium Power. Fisker recently took an equity stake in ALP and has exclusive access to batteries from that company. Given the logistics of building the Karma in Finland with Valmet Automotive, profitability has two be a question. Fisker insists the company can build the Karma profitably at the $87,900 and venture capital funds like Kleiner Perkins would not have invested otherwise. Given some of the dubious internet start ups that these Silicon Valley money men have invested in, a profitable car company is no guarantee. Nonetheless, at least Fisker will have some revenue once they start delivering cars which is at lot more than can be said for many internet companies. Check out the video after the jump and the full article at Green Fuels Forecast.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Fisker Karma S


[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]

Continue reading VIDEO: Henrik Fisker talks about the Karma

VIDEO: Henrik Fisker talks about the Karma originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowfiskerfisker automotivefisker karmafisker-karmafiskerautomotiveFiskerKarmahenrik fiskerHenrikFiskerSun, 18 Jan 2009 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: more details on the smart ed's 2010 US introduction]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/16/detroit-2009-more-details-on-the-smart-eds-2010-us-introductio/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/16/detroit-2009-more-details-on-the-smart-eds-2010-us-introductio/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/16/detroit-2009-more-details-on-the-smart-eds-2010-us-introductio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the smart ed

The last time we talked to SmartUSA president David Schembri, the topic was all about the fortwo in the U.S., both electric drive and standard. During the hectic press preview days at this year's Detroit Auto Show, we found a few minutes to speak once again with Schembri, this time focusing on the big announcement that the smart ed will be coming to the U.S. in a little over a year.

Schembri said that SmartUSA will begin limited production in selected markets in the second half of 2010 and series production in 2012. The company does not have any target numbers to talk about yet, he said, adding that introducing this vehicle is meant more to introduce electric cars to Americans and to help get the infrastructure needed for widespread EVs put into place than to sell millions of units.

Schembri said that SmartUSA is not hearing detailed results of the smart ed testing that's currently taking place in Europe, but that what little he's heard has all been positive. He did correct something that we were told earlier, and that no formal testing will be done in the U.S. with the electric smart. Instead, everything will be gotten ready in Europe and just promoted and sold here.

One thing that Schembri revealed to us is that SmartUSA is working on a project to, on the first anniversary of each customer's smart fortwo purchase, be planting a tree in their name as part of a reforestation effort with American Forests. Details, like exactly which forest will be chosen, are still up in the air, but we should hear soon.

Listen to our talk (12 min., 16 MB):





Gallery: Detroit 2009: smart ed

Smart ED

Detroit 2009: more details on the smart ed's 2010 US introduction originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave schembriDaveSchembrismart edsmart ed americasmart forwtosmart usaSmartEdSmartEdAmericaSmartForwtosmartusaFri, 16 Jan 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Designing the Chrysler 200C EV]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/16/video-designing-the-chrysler-200c-ev/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/16/video-designing-the-chrysler-200c-ev/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/16/video-designing-the-chrysler-200c-ev/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Chrysler made quite a splash with its surprise unveiling last Sunday of their classy-looking 200C EV. The range-extended electric drive vehicle is capable of 40 gas-free miles and seemed a cut or two above most of their current line up - it also revealed that Chrysler still has some talented designers hidden away somewhere. In footage that the company has released onto the internets, we now have a chance to hear from some of those designers speak about their vision and the goals they tried to achieve in bringing this concept from paper to the spotlights of the Detroit Auto Show.

The video comes in three clips. The first features design vice-president Ralph Gilles and exterior designer Nick Malachowski talking about "value" and "falling in love" (with the car) interspersed with detail shots as well as rolling footage. The second clip discusses the inside with several folks involved with creating the somewhat futuristic interior, including Ryan Patrick Joyce, the lead designer, who also drops the L-word in describing the contents of each surface and line. If you prefer not to hear the artists blather on and on discuss their passion, feel free to skip ahead to the third video featuring pure 200C EV, inside and out. Hit the jump for all the love.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 200C EV Concept



Gallery: Chrysler 200C Concept



[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading VIDEO: Designing the Chrysler 200C EV

VIDEO: Designing the Chrysler 200C EV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200C EV200cEv40 mile PHEV40MilePhevChrysler 200C EVChrysler200cEvdesigndetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowEREV40NAIASNick MalachowskiNickMalachowskiRalph GillesRalphGillesRyan Patrick JoyceRyanPatrickJoyceFri, 16 Jan 2009 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: Johnson Controls shows off re3 concept]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/15/detroit-2009-johnson-controls-shows-off-re3-concept/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/15/detroit-2009-johnson-controls-shows-off-re3-concept/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/15/detroit-2009-johnson-controls-shows-off-re3-concept/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a gallery of the Johnson Controls re3 concept

Johnson Controls is a name familiar to many in the automotive world as a Tier 1 supplier of parts - usually interior bits like seats and electronic gadgetry - to automakers all over the world. In an effort to show off some of the company's latest bits and pieces, a complete concept car called the re3 has been created by the Wisconsin-based firm and debuted at the Detroit Auto Show. Like any proper concept these days, it covers its green bases, in this case featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain complete with a lithium ion battery pack and eco-friendly renewable interior materials.

The stated goal of the re3 concept is to show what Johnson Controls is capable of offering its customers, which, in this case, are larger automakers and not consumers directly. Johnson Controls has a joint venture with Saft to produce vehicular battery packs and in the re3, a pack large enough to provide EV-only power in city environments is tucked in between the seats in the center tunnel. Want all the details? There's lots more after the break.

Gallery: Johnson Controls re3 concept


[Source: Johnson Controls]

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Johnson Controls shows off re3 concept

Detroit 2009: Johnson Controls shows off re3 concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowjohnson controlsjohnson controls concept carjohnson controls re3johnson controls saftjohnson controls-saftjohnson controls-saft batteriesJohnsonControlsJohnsonControls-saftJohnsonControls-saftBatteriesJohnsonControlsConceptCarJohnsonControlsRe3JohnsonControlsSaftThu, 15 Jan 2009 08:48:00 EST<![CDATA[ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/abg-quick-drive-ford-focus-ev-mule-w-video/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/abg-quick-drive-ford-focus-ev-mule-w-video/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/abg-quick-drive-ford-focus-ev-mule-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the Focus EV "mule" for a high res gallery

As Ford was getting ready to make its big announcement this week in Detroit that it would build and sell a battery electric car beginning in 2011, I got a call asking if I'd like to come down and drive one of the development "mules." Being loathe to reject such opportunities, we immediately worked on squeezing it into the busy auto show schedule. Right after the Fisker press conference on Monday, I headed over to the Ford booth to get my ride.

A "mule" vehicle in automotive engineering parlance, is a non-representative vehicle fitted with a new powertrain or suspension components for testing purposes. In this case, Ford had a pair of current Focus sedans equipped with an electric drive train and lithium ion battery pack that was developed in partnership with Magna International. I spent some time chatting with chief engineer Greg Frenette and Magna rep Dick Devogelaere about the car and what we would see for production in two years time. The production model will be based on Ford's C-segment platform, meaning it will be Focus-sized. However, Ford has already said it will have several vehicles in the U.S. market off this platform, including an MPV like the European C-Max. Frenette would not say which body style would initially get the electric drive.

One item he would confirm was that there would be none of the whole leasing and taking back of the electric cars that other companies are still infamous for. The new EV will be sold outright to retail customers through Ford dealers beginning in 2011. Pricing is still undetermined. Check out the video after the jump and the full drive report on Green Fuels Forecast.

Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule [w/VIDEO]

ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowfirst driveFirstDriveford focusford focus evFordFocusFordFocusEvWed, 14 Jan 2009 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Volt chief engineer still thinks hydrogen is the long term answer]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/volt-chief-engineer-still-thinks-hydrogen-is-the-long-term-answe/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/volt-chief-engineer-still-thinks-hydrogen-is-the-long-term-answe/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/volt-chief-engineer-still-thinks-hydrogen-is-the-long-term-answe/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Volt chief powertrain engineer Nick Zielinski on the right

In recent years, Nick Zielinski has led the powertrain engineering teams on a number of GM advanced technology programs including the Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicle and the Sequel concept. For the past two years, his focus has shifted to making the Chevrolet Volt a reality. The common thread through all of these recent efforts is electric drive. The difference is the source of the electricity. The Volt, of course, uses a lithium ion battery with an internal combustion range extender. Just because this configuration is coming to the road sooner doesn't mean that Zielinski has given up on his previous efforts.

Following the announcement of GM's battery manufacturing plans at the Detroit Auto Show on Monday, Zielinski spoke with MarketWatch about the program. Throughout all the financial turmoil of the last several months, development of the Volt has proceeded full speed ahead. Sources at suppliers to the program have also confirmed to ABG that Volt-related work is the only thing still moving for GM.

In spite of the current enthusiasm for extended range EVs from GM, Chrysler and Daimler, no one expects this architecture to remain dominant for the long term, including Zielinski. Just like Daimler officials did at the reveal of the Concept BlueZero, Zielinski believes that hydrogen will be the long term answer to energy storage and production in electric drive vehicles.

[Source: MarketWatch]

Volt chief engineer still thinks hydrogen is the long term answer originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hydrogennick zielinskiNickZielinskivolt hydrogenVoltHydrogenWed, 14 Jan 2009 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj, Audi Sportback win Eyes on Design Awards]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj-audi-sportback-win-eyes-on-desig/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj-audi-sportback-win-eyes-on-desig/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj-audi-sportback-win-eyes-on-desig/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click image above for live shots of the Cadillac Converj Concept

The Cadillac Converj is currently winning the AutoblogGreen reader poll of the best car from the Detroit Auto Show (but only by two votes, the new Honda Insight is right behind). Seems like you all share tastes with the judges for this year's Eyes on Design Awards, which picked the Converj as one of tow top concept cars. The new Cadi-Volt shared its spot in the Design Excellence for a Concept Vehicle category with the Audi SportBack, while the Audi R8 5.2 FSI and the 2010 BMW Z4 both won Design Excellence for a Production Vehicle awards. The judges for this award included BMW design head Chris Bangle, Harley-Davidson chief styling officer Willy G. Davidson, and transportation design chair at the College for Creative Studies Larry Erickson. The Detroit Free Press says that Cadillac designers have been working on the Converj's looks since June. Not bad for six months of work, don't you think? You can still vote for your choice of the best car from the show; just click here. If you liked the Insight, your vote is especially valuable. There's a picture of the SportBack after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj


[Source: Autoblog]

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj, Audi Sportback win Eyes on Design Awards

Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj, Audi Sportback win Eyes on Design Awards originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillaccadillac converjcadillac converj conceptCadillacConverjCadillacConverjConceptdesign excellenceDesignExcellencedetroit 2009Detroit2009naiasWed, 14 Jan 2009 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: the ugliest Tesla Roadster you've ever seen]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/detroit-2009-the-ugliest-tesla-roadster-youve-ever-seen/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/detroit-2009-the-ugliest-tesla-roadster-youve-ever-seen/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/14/detroit-2009-the-ugliest-tesla-roadster-youve-ever-seen/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There is a Tesla Roadster in the Tesla Motor booth at the Detroit Auto Show this year, but you've all seen that car a gazillion times by now. And, since it'll be awful hard to beat those gorgeous pics of the orange model, we decided to skip the shiny red model on display here. Instead, our green eyes were drawn to the powertrain chassis sitting on the display stand, the one thing we didn't mention in the flurry of Tesla posts yesterday. While we've discussed the Roadster's powertrain system in the past, we haven't seen this building block before. Ergo a gallery.

The only difference between the powertrain on the stand and the one that's in the cars - aside from the labels so you know what's what - is that the battery box in the powertrain example is empty. Tesla decided it didn't make much sense to ship a few hundred pounds of cells to Detroit for no real good reason. This year's Detroit Auto Show was the first that Tesla Motors has officially entered. They've displayed vehicles in partnership with other companies in the past, but this is the only time they've come to a show on their own. It was a last-minute decision - they only made the call three weeks ago - and was in part determined by the low, low booth prices at this year's NAIAS.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Tesla powertrain

Detroit 2009: the ugliest Tesla Roadster you've ever seen originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit 2009Detroit2009teslatesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterWed, 14 Jan 2009 09:36:00 EST