Autoblog Green

Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, USA

Chevrolet Volt pre-production IVER prototype - click above for high-res image gallery

We long ago had a chance to drive the Chevy Volt mule in all-electric mode, and more recently took a ride in the IVER (integration vehicle engineering release) version. We found the Volt's performance was rather impressive for a vehicle still under development. It was clear at that time that there was still room for improvement, though, and the question of how it would perform after the gas-powered generator kicked in remained unanswered since GM was not allowing anyone from outside the company to experience it. Would there be a sudden jolt of power during the transition or would it perhaps produce a howl reminiscent of the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz? Now it seems those questions are being addressed as GM has just started to allow media to drive the IVER and experience that change.

So how was it? According to Lindsay Brooke over at the New York Times, the initial moments, as the engine comes to life, are "inaudible and seamless." Very nice. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter the sound suddenly surged as the car became cognizant that its battery was lower than desired and attempted to quickly return to its preferred level by revving itself up. Clearly, there is still some refining to be done. The overall impression was extremely positive though, the regenerative braking in particular garnering some amount of praise. We look forward to soon gripping the wheel for ourselves and giving you our in-depth reaction. Thanks to wincros for the tip!

Gallery: Quck Ride: Pre-production Chevy Volt

[Source: New York Times]

Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: New Lexus small car headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Lexus

Lexus LF-Ch concept - click above for high res image gallery

Lexus introduced its LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and it's believed to be a shoo-in for production for the European market. However, The Detroit Bureau is reporting that Lexus is considering bringing the compact hybrid to the U.S. market as well. If it does come here, it will be the smallest Lexus and would compete against the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series. The Lexus concept will be shown at the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows, where Lexus officials will be evaluating reactions to a premium priced small car.

Such cars are already well accepted in Europe and the idea of smaller premium cars may hold some appeal in the U.S., especially if fuel prices rise. Lexus has no intention of decontenting the LF-Ch to keep the price down if it does come to the U.S. A car with the Lexus badge does, after all, need to provide the amenities and luxury feel expected of the brand. While the LF is likely to have a conventional powertrain as standard fitment, a hybrid will probably be needed to compete with the A3 TDI and a possible 1-series hybrid or diesel.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: New Lexus small car headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota starts discussions on who will get PHEV Priuses

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:47:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota is getting ready to start deploying a fleet of 200 plug-in Prius hybrids in the coming months and the company needs to figure out what to do with them. The cars will all be leased for purposes of field testing. Toyota is now in discussions with federal and local governments and energy companies about who will get how many of the lithium ion battery Priuses. The company is looking for towns and cities that are, "actively promoting environmentally considerate vehicles."

The PHEV Prius will be able to go up to 62 mph on electricity alone for about 5 miles. Another 150 examples of the PHEV will be leased here in the U.S., with a similar number going to Europe. The first cars will be delivered in mid-December and Toyota has previously announced plans to start retail sales in about 2012.

[Source: Toyota]

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Toyota starts discussions on who will get PHEV Priuses originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy shots: BMW 1-series hybrid spotted in Munich

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, BMW

BMW 1 Series Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the launch of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, officials acknowledged the automaker would be producing several additional hybrid models in the near future. Rumors have been floating around that the new 5 Series -- due to launch in 2010 -- will get the same mild hybrid system going into the ActiveHybrid 7 and its crossover counterpart, but what about BMW's smaller offerings?

Testing near Munich, a BMW 1 Series mule was caught wearing "Hybrid Test Vehicle" badging, proving that BMW's hybrid system won't be used exclusively on its larger models. Given the small size of the 1, this will undoubtedly use a version of the same mild hybrid system, a modular setup that has the motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission with a compact lithium ion battery in the rear.

The 1 Series hybrid will take on the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch concept recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show when it hits the market in late 2011 or early 2012. The Lexus is similar in size to the 1er, but will only be offered as a hybrid, while the 1 will retain conventional powertrain options. There's no word whether the Lexus or the 1 Series Hybrid will make it onto U.S. shores, but if both automakers plan to recoup development expenses, sales in North America are almost assured.

Spy shots: BMW 1-series hybrid spotted in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hydrogen, Mercedes Benz, LA Auto Show

2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 is available for lease starting this week here in the U.S., but it will be making its auto show debut in production form in Los Angeles the week after next. The two-mode hybrid provides similar performance to the V8 powered ML550 but with a 46 percent boost in fuel efficiency.

Also on tap for LA will be the new generation F-Cell. This is the latest iteration of the hydrogen fuel cell-powered B-Class that Mercedes will be putting into low volume series production. It is equipped with the latest generation of the fuel cell stack that has increased efficiency and improved cold weather performance. Mercedes claims the new F-Cell can run up to 240 miles on a fill-up, the equivalent of 86.6 mpg on gasoline. Mercedes will be leasing 200 F-Cells to customers in Europe and the U.S. starting in 2010.

Finally, the new SLS AMG will be shown for the first time at a U.S. show. While the car on display will be the ridiculously fast gasoline-powered version, Mercedes has promised a battery electric version of the SLS in the next few years.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell

LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, BMW

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

For a mere $89,725 you can have your pick of questionable V8 powered BMW X6s. For that price tag you can get the monster 555 hp X6 M or the new the new ActiveHybrid X6. Unlike Mercedes-Benz, which has opted to only make the ML450 hybrid available for lease, BMW will sell the ActiveHybrid X6 to all comers, whoever they might be. Unlike most BMWs, the option list for the hybrid is relatively limited, although the folks at BMW Individual will undoubtedly be happy to help you customize it to your heart's content.

During our recent first drive of the hybrid sport activity coupe, as BMW labels the X6, we only saw 16 mpg, well short of the official17/19 mpg EPA figures. Aside from the hood bulge and the wheels, there isn't much to visually distinguish the hybrid from non-M X6s, so it's not really clear who will step up to the near $90K sticker. We'll find out after December 5 when the X6 hybrid goes on sale.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725

BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda i-stop wins RJC Technology of the Year Award

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:53:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Mazda

Mazda3 with i-Stop - click above for high-res image gallery

It's not the sexist part of a modern, efficient vehicle, but anti-idling tech is pretty darn useful. The Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC) thinks so, and has picked Mazda's i-stop as its Technology of the Year for 2009. I-stop is a system that shuts down the engine when the car has stopped, much like the Stop&Start Micro-Hybrid system (which won the 2008 Automechanika Innovation Award) found in Daimler cars, Audi's start stop system, Fiat's start stop system, and, oh you get the picture. Everyone's doing it.

I-stop is pretty fast, able to restart the engine about a third of a second, and Mazda says it reduces fuel consumption by about 15 percent in a vehicle like the Mazda3 (aka Mazda Axela). In 2007, RJC picked Volkswagen's TSI engine technology as the Technology of the Year.

Gallery: 2010 Mazda3 i-Stop

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda i-stop wins RJC Technology of the Year Award

Mazda i-stop wins RJC Technology of the Year Award originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota U.S. president Lentz believes Prius could supplant Camry as brand's best seller

Chris Shunk — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:11:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Toyota Camry has been the best selling car in the U.S. for 11 of the past 12 years, and only a total industry meltdown has managed to slow the Japanese automaker's bread-and-butter sedan. Even with that impediment, the Camry still has a comfortable lead versus its archrivals, the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. In fact, the only vehicles to routinely beat the Camry in overall vehicle sales are the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado, and those vehicles need dozens of configurations and both regular and heavy-duty variants to retain their overall sales leads. Conversely, the Prius isn't even the second best-selling Toyota right now (that would be the Corolla), but it wouldn't surprise Toyota USA President Jim Lentz if the ubiquitous hybrid hatch passed the Camry for sales supremacy sometime next decade.

Lentz reportedly told Wards Auto that he envisions the Prius passing the Camry in the next decade, but not because he foresees the midsize sedan slipping. Instead, Lentz says, "I think Prius will become just that much stronger." The reason Toyota's top U.S. man sees the Prius taking over Toyota's top sales spot is because he feels that rising gas prices and growing eco-awareness will push more car buyers into hybrids. That, combined with the high regard in which many Americans hold the Prius makes for a very compelling long-term argument. Lentz also says that a full lineup of Prius-badged vehicles is far from a sure thing, though he says he pushes executives in that direction each time he visits Toyota's Japan headquarters

While we can see a future where the Prius overtakes the Camry for sales supremacy, we don't see it happening any time soon. Toyota's world renowned hybrid had its best-ever sales year in 2007, and 2009 numbers promise to fall about 40,000 units short of that bogey. Did we mention that the Camry is still outselling the Prius at a nearly three-to-one clip?

[Source: Wards Automotive]

REPORT: Toyota U.S. president Lentz believes Prius could supplant Camry as brand's best seller originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM

Chevy Volt going through a shake test as part of its durability evaluation - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors offered an update this afternoon on the current status of the testing and development of the lithium ion batteries for the Chevy Volt. Chief Engineer Andrew Farah and battery engineering group manager Bill Wallace provided a run down on the work done so far. Since work started in earnest on the production program in early 2007, GM has gone from two initial battery development partners (LG Chem/CPI and A123 Systems/Continental) to selecting LG Chem to supply cells. GM also decided to design and build the battery pack in-house rather than having CPI provide the finished pack.

Through the course of development, the team has learned that the battery management system is the key to extracting the best life and performance out of the battery. However, while the battery is the heart of the Volt, Farah emphasized that the goal was to create a great a great vehicle for customers, not just a battery on wheels. That means a lot of integration work has been necessary to incorporate the pack in the car, and develop the charge and battery management software. Read on after the jump.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt development update Nov 17 2009

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development

GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seven - well, six, no, five - ways to boost your Prius' MPG for just $4,047

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Toyota

Got $4,047? That's what it'll take you to make your Prius even more efficient and snazzy if you were to buy one of everything on the list of seven MPG-saving items put together by HybridCars (and which just happen to be available for sale from the site). The items include a $69 aftermarket EV button for the second-gen models that don't have this feature (installation takes just minutes, they say), a $3,095-Aero Tourer kit, and a Chassis Stiffener Kit, among other things. The EV mode button and the stiffener won't do wonders for your mpg, but they can provide modest boosts, and every little bit helps.

We're less impressed with the $37 NavCap, a visor of sorts for the info screen, and the iPod connector cable as a way to save fuel, but that bike rack makes sense. Evey mile you're on two wheels instead of in the car saves a lot of CO₂.

[Source: HybridCars]

Seven - well, six, no, five - ways to boost your Prius' MPG for just $4,047 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award

John Neff — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, Green Daily

2010 Ford Fusion Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the first time ever, Motor Trend announced the winner of its annual Car of the Year award this afternoon live via webcast. Though the field of 23 contenders was highly competitive this year (follow the jump for a complete list), we guessed immediately that the winner was a Ford as soon as the webcast came online. How'd we know? The fact they were broadcasting the announcement from Ford World Headquarters in Detroit was a not-so-subtle clue. The Fusion, Taurus and Mustang were all in the running, but it was Ford's redesigned mid-size sedan, the Fusion, that took home the coveted Golden Calipers.

In retrospect, the choice is a solid one and not all that surprising. The Fusion was extensively reworked for the 2010 model year and features a new exterior design, new models and new powertrains. Ford offers a four-cylinder model, two strong V6 options and a full-on parallel hybrid variant, which means buyers should have no trouble finding a Fusion that fits their needs. And indeed they have, as the Fusion has already broken its own yearly sales record - with two months left to go.

Like MT, we're big fans of the Fusion here at Autoblog, and even have high hopes that one day it could be the domestic car that knocks the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord from atop their perches as the best selling cars in the States. That said, this Ford still has a long way to go. Toyota has sold nearly twice as many Camry models as the Fusion so far this year, and the Accord and Nissan Altima are still flashing their taillights at Ford's CoTY winner. It's not just demand, as Ford doesn't even have the production capacity at the moment to match Camry sales, and it doesn't help that the Mercury Milan siphons off a few potential Fusion customers, as well.

Nevertheless, this is less about what the Fusion could be in the future than what it is today: the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Congrats to Ford and the Fusion team.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award

Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five Axis offers up Aerius kit for 2010 Prius

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota

Five Axis Aerius Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you don't win the charity auction for the Aemulus-modified Prius but want something flashy for your 2010 Prius, take a look at the Aerius Prius that made its debut at SEMA this year (they're practically the same vehicle). The kit designed by Five Axis will, according to Gas 2.0, be available to purchase in the coming months.

Five Axis, known more for their Scion modding than hybrid help, used recycled polyester for the seats, resins made from post-industrial recycled wood in the interior and ultra-low rolling resistance tires in the kit. Blending a changed appearance and efficiency, the Aerius gets side skirts and see-through wheel covers. We like the way the 2010 Prius works the way Toyota designed it, but Five Axis made sure the kit version has a drag coefficient of 0.25. This could help if the Aerius goes up against the competition from Tommi Kaira.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Toyota Prius Aerius Concept

[Source: Gas 2.0]

Five Axis offers up Aerius kit for 2010 Prius originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volt comes to Main Street Michigan

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet

Chevy Volt in Royal Oak - click above for a high-res image gallery

Usually, if someone sends us pictures claiming they were taken in Michigan in mid-November and yet had guys in T-shirts in them, we'd tell them they're probably fakes. But, since we're experiencing the mild pre-winter weather in the Mitten state ourselves, we're willing to shift our focus away from the bare skin and onto the Chevy Volt sitting there on Main Street in Royal Oak, Michigan. Taken today, around noon, the pre-production vehicle was in town with GM's social media guy Christopher Barger and attracted the attention of a few passersby.

While there's nothing new revealed about the Volt in these pics, we do now have an idea of what it'll look like in everyday use and we know people notice the car. Pretty soon, this won't even be news any more.

Chevy Volt comes to Main Street Michigan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BAIC launches green subsidiary with all-electric model

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Manufacturing/Plants, China

China's fifth-largest automotive group, Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co (BAIC), has launched a subsidiary called the Beijing New Energy Automotive Company with which it plans to produce as many as 40,000 electric and hybrid cars by 2011. The new company celebrated its birth by showing off an electric sedan dubbed the BE701 that it hopes to sell under its very own "Beijing" brand. The lithium iron phosphate-powered car is said to have a range of 124 miles and is able to reach 100 mph. Using a permanent magnet synchronous motor bolted to a 4-speed automatic transmission, the BE701 can saunter on up to 60 mph in under 15 seconds. The model that attended the ceremony was no mock-up, and Science and Technology Minister Wan Gang got to take the wheel for his own personal test drive (photo here).

The new company, which will also be responsible for green R&D and charging systems, got its own new digs on the outskirts of Beijing. The $334 million facility should have the capacity to crank out up to 100,000 vehicles a year and BAIC is hoping the venture will be add $2.197 billion to their order book by 2015. Pretty ambitious stuff, but the money already invested shows this company is serious. No word yet on whether they will try to sell any models outside of China but with that country now the largest auto market in the world, it may not have too.

[Source: Reuters UK / Science and Technology Daily]

BAIC launches green subsidiary with all-electric model originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota Prius wagon, SUV in the works

Sebastian Blanco — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Hybrid X Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Exactly how the Prius name navigates the shift from defining the world's most famous hybrid to it's own sub-brand - "Not!" - or moniker for other Toyota hybirds - "Yes!" - has been a source of interest for quite some time. The latest bit of speculative news comes from the Yomiuri newspaper in Japan (via Green Car Advisor) that the automaker is considering building a Prius sport wagon or a Prius SUV about 12 months from now, maybe using lithium-ion batteries (despite Toyota's public pronouncements). Toyota officials would not comment to the Yomiuri about the report.

As we saw with the Hybrid X (above) unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007, Toyota has been thinking about a Prius wagon for a while. Green Car Advisor speculates that the the Venza could be a good candidate for the production wagon, while any of Toyota's JDM wagons could make the transition to hybrids here. As for a Prius SUV? Tone down the Lexus RX 400h and there you go.

Gallery: Geneva Motor Show: Toyota Hybrid-X concept

[Source: Yomiuri via Green Car Advisor]

REPORT: Toyota Prius wagon, SUV in the works originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid launches next week for lease only

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:11:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Mercedes Benz

2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

Monday will see the launch of the first European-branded vehicle equipped with the two mode hybrid system that was co-developed between GM, Daimler, BMW and Chrysler. The Mercedes-Benz ML450 edges out the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid in getting to showrooms but it actually shares much with the BMW. Mercedes is building the re-packaged two-mode transmission that is being installed in both vehicles. And while the vehicles bear German nameplates, both are actually built in the southeastern United States.

Unlike the BMW, Mercedes has tuned the ML for improved fuel efficiency compared to its conventionally-powered siblings. While the BMW uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 to achieve 17/19 mpg ratings. The ML450 instead uses an Atkinson cycle version of Mercedes 3.5-liter V6 to achieve up to 335 hp and 381 pound-feet of torque in combination with the electric motors. The result is a boost in mileage compared to the V8 ML550 to 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. That compares with the ML350 Bluetec diesel which is rated at 18/25 mpg.

Interestingly, Mercedes has opted not to sell the ML450, instead offering it only for lease for either 36 or 60 months at $659 or $549 per month, respectively. According to Mercedes USA spokesman Rob Moran, "We are offering this vehicle as lease only due to a limited supply of batteries available. We felt a lease only program offered the best option for customers."

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid launches next week for lease only

Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid launches next week for lease only originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:52:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Buick

2011 Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last night, General Motors publicly unveiled the 2011 Buick Regal that goes on sale in North America in the first half of next year. The Regal will be Buick's new mid-sized sedan entry and is essentially just a re-grilled version of the Opel Insignia that went on sale in Europe last year. The North American Regal will be built at the Oshawa Ontario assembly plant in Canada beginning in calendar 2011 and will only be offered with a choice of direct-injected four-cylinder engines. However, the Regal is actually slated to go on sale in calendar 2010, and some are suggesting that the sedan will be sourced from Germany for 12 to 15 months.

The base engine will be the 2.4-liter normally aspirated unit that debuted earlier this year in the Chevrolet Equinox, among other models. With a six-speed automatic transmission, the Regal should hit 30+ mpg on the highway. The optional unit will be a 220-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbo, but that powertrain likely won't come on-line right away.

Earlier this year, documents were leaked that listed the Oshawa plant as building a new mid-size hybrid sedan in 2011. It looks like the Regal will be that car with GM's new second generation mild hybrid system that was announced in 2008. The new system uses a more powerful motor/generator and a lithium ion battery. According to Ward's Auto World, the Regal could also get GM's plug-in two mode hybrid system, but that likely won't appear before late 2011 at the earliest.

[Sources: Ward's Auto World - sub req'd | GM-Volt.com]

Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan CEO is bullish for Leaf's success, says million plug-ins by 2015 is an easy goal

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Nissan, USA

Speaking at the U.S. launch of the Nissan Leaf this morning in Dodgertown, Los Angeles, Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn was supremely confident and optimistic about the chances of his company's first electric vehicle - and plug-ins in general - in the U.S. market.

"This car should sell without advertising," Ghosn said, noting that Nissan's plan to sell a normal-looking (mostly), family-style vehicle with the "free premium" of an electric drivetrain will be an easy sell. Because the Leaf's batteries will be leased, Ghosn said, the Leaf will cost almost exactly the same as a similar gasoline-powered vehicle (it'll be one to two percent higher, without factoring in the cost of the battteries). For someone who drives between 12,000 and 15,000 miles a year, buying the Leaf and leasing the battery will be cheaper than owning a similar gas-powered car and filling up with liquid fuel. Using the "free premium" strategy, Ghosn said, the U.S. can easily reach and then beat President Obama's goal of having a million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2015.

Another bonus of leasing the battery, Ghosn said, is that the consumer won't have to worry about when to replace or upgrade it. Nissan will make that decision for the user, simplifying what it means to own an electric car. Nissan has publicly stated that they expect 10 percent of all cars sold in 2020 will be plug-ins, a number some criticized as too optimistic. But Ghosn said that Nissan's internal polling shows that even today, before most people have driven an EV, eight percent of Americans say they want their next car to be an EV. This gives Ghosn confidence that the 10 percent number is probably too low - and doesn't even account for possible dramatic political or social changes (wars, huge spikes in the price of oil, etc.). The question might not be if Nissan can drum up enough interest in the Leaf, but if they can produce enough to meet demand.

We'll have a full report about the launch - and what it's like to drive the Leaf - up shortly.

Our travel and lodging for this media event were paid for by the manufacturer.

Nissan CEO is bullish for Leaf's success, says million plug-ins by 2015 is an easy goal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion breaks into Top 10 best-selling vehicles amid best year ever

Chris Shunk — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

There was a time when Ford vehicles absolutely dominated the list of the top 10 vehicles sold in the U.S. The F-Series was always number one, followed by stalwarts like the Taurus, Explorer, Ranger and even the Focus (or Escort before that). 2001 was a long time ago, though, and the past eight years haven't exactly been stellar for the Blue Oval. The tide may be changing for 2009, though, as the Dearborn, MI-based automaker has seen its market share rise steadily in a down auto market.

Ford's biggest success may be the 2010 Fusion, as the sharply redesigned sedan now delivers best-in-class fuel economy, an impressive hybrid option, a Sport model and all the features and amenities necessary to compete against the best vehicles in the segment. Customers have taken notice of the new Fusion, and Ford's payoff is that Fusion sales are the best they've ever been. In fact, Ford has already eclipsed the model's all-time best sales year of 2007 by nearly 2,000 units. The Fusion is selling so well in this dismal car market that it has now made its way into the top 10 vehicles sold in the U.S. Ford can also take pride in the fact that the Fusion is the best-selling domestic car (not including trucks) in the U.S.

While the Fusion has finally hit its stride after five years on the market, Ford's mid-size sedan has a long way to go before catching the Japanese bogeys. The Toyota Camry has nearly doubled the Fusion's year-to-date sales of 151,000 units, and the Honda Accord isn't too far behind. Even the Nissan Altima is ahead of the Fusion by nearly 18,000 units.

While the Fusion still has a ways to go before it can look down upon the likes of Camry and Accord, we're thinking cracking the Top 10 is still worth a Dos Equis or two. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release, which is rightfully chock full of bragging.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Fusion breaks into Top 10 best-selling vehicles amid best year ever

Ford Fusion breaks into Top 10 best-selling vehicles amid best year ever originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: SAIC stole hybrid technology, says Ssangyong

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Asia, China

Even though Ssangyong Motor, a Korean company, claims it does not have any plans to sue the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), Korean prosecutors said yesterday that SAIC illegally took information about gasoline-electric hybrid technology from Ssangyong in 2006. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office has indicted seven engineers at Ssangyong for leaking the information to SAIC, which at the time owned 48.9 percent of the Korean auto company, without state permission. The Korea Times hints that SAIC invested in Ssangyong just to get the hybrid technology (and other valuable assets) and "then threw the company away."

The state prosecutors are seeking to punish the engineers for giving away technology that the Korean government, in part, paid for. One of the components developed by Ssangyong, along with German company FEV, is the hybrid control unit used to enhance energy efficiency in hybrid cars.

[Source: Korea Times]

REPORT: SAIC stole hybrid technology, says Ssangyong originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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