AutoblogGreen http://www.autobloggreen.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Wagoner to visit Congress in Malibu Hybridhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/wagoner-to-visit-congress-in-malibu-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/wagoner-to-visit-congress-in-malibu-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/wagoner-to-visit-congress-in-malibu-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Following the announcement from Ford that Alan Mulally, CEO of the Ford Motor Company, would be driving to Washington from Detroit in a Ford Escape Hybrid, General Motors has today proclaimed that Rick Wagoner will make the trek in a Malibu Hybrid. Of course, they almost have to at this point, now that both Detroit automakers have also announced that they would be ridding themselves of their fleet of private jets. Wagoner's choice of a Malibu Hybrid seems solid as well; though it may not be as advanced as some other hybrid models, including GM's own 2-Mode trucks and SUVs, the Malibu is a good car and a sales success that seems to represent GM's promising future.

The next obvious question is how Nardelli will get to DC. We'd wager that it'll be in a Chrysler vehicle, but which one? Ford and GM both had hybrids to choose from, but Chrysler recently canceled its first hybrid models before they ever really got off the ground. Ideas?

Gallery: 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid


[Source: AP via Google]

Wagoner to visit Congress in Malibu Hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chevy malibuchevy malibu hybridChevyMalibuChevyMalibuHybridcongressmalibumalibu hybridMalibuHybridrick wagonerrick wagoner malibu hybridRickWagonerRickWagonerMalibuHybridJeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 02 Dec 2008 20:03:00 ESTGM and Chrysler's future business plans include EVs and hybridshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/gm-and-chryslers-future-business-plans-include-evs-and-hybrids/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/gm-and-chryslers-future-business-plans-include-evs-and-hybrids/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/gm-and-chryslers-future-business-plans-include-evs-and-hybrids/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Now that we've had a chance to digest the future business plan from Ford, which was sent to Congress this morning, General Motors and Chrysler have followed suit with documents of their own. Unlike Ford, both Chrysler and GM claim that they need money right away just to keep the lights turned on for 2009. As was the case with Ford, both GM and Chrysler have emphasized an increased investment in fuel saving technologies as one of the main reasons the they need federal help. Chrysler is asking for a $7 billion secured working capital bridge loan by December 31, 2008 and GM requires term loans of up to $12 billion to keep the lights on through the end of 2009 with an initial draw of $4 billion in December 2008.

If they get the low-interest, deferred loans that they are looking for, the automakers have promised to introduce new vehicles with advanced technology, including full electrics and hybrids. Chrysler, for instance, says that it will begin selling EVs for fleet use in 2009, with regular customer deliveries scheduled for 2010. We're not sure what it'll be selling, though a variation of one of the three EV concepts it showed off a few months back seems most likely. In any case, the automaker believes it can have 500,000 produced by 2013.

General Motors, for its part, says that it will "launch predominately high mileage, energy-efficient cars and crossovers" in the near-term future. GM also highlights the Chevy Volt that is slated for launch in 2010 and its advanced E-Flex drivetrain, which will in turn go on to power additional models. Also under development are EVs that use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity. Take a look over at Autoblog for all the details of Chrysler's and GM's plans. Both automakers seem to by saying that they've done all they can do on their own to fix their problems. Now they need assistance from the Feds to carry them through until the financial markets begin to recover and people start buying cars again. Without immediate help, all of these environmentally-friendly plans will be meaningless.

[Sources: General Motors, Chrysler]

GM and Chrysler's future business plans include EVs and hybrids originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chryslerchrysler llcchrysler planChryslerLlcChryslerPlancongressgeneral motorsgeneral motors planGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsPlangm planGmPlanJeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 02 Dec 2008 19:06:00 ESTElectric car conversion business still going stronghttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/electric-car-conversion-business-still-going-strong/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/electric-car-conversion-business-still-going-strong/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/electric-car-conversion-business-still-going-strong/#comments

We've covered a lot of vehicles being converted from gas to electric and thought it seemed to be a growing phenomenon. Still, we wondered if the recent collapse in gas prices and the economy had affected the trend negatively. We wonder no more. The Associated Press reports that the business of turning your nasty polluter into a clean commuter is still going strong. Kansas converter, Wayne Alexander, says, "It's always been steady, but this is out of hand now." His efforts, as well as those of many others have increased the number of electric cars on America's roads from 56,000 in 2005 to 70,000 today.

Utah-based EV Source LLC confirms the uptick in business. Owner Ryan Bohm says his EV components supply business has grown by a third since summer. "There definitely has been an upturn. A lot of people ask me if business has gone down with the downturn in the economy, but it has stayed really strong," We think if you can't afford a Tesla Roadster, converting a car might be good solution for your local driving needs. Hit the jump for an MSNBC video about Wayne Alexander and the car-converting business.

Gallery: Electric Duster Conversion



Gallery: Porsche 911 EV conversion



[Source: Boston.com]

Continue reading Electric car conversion business still going strong

Electric car conversion business still going strong originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>conversionconversion kitConversionKitEV SourceEvSourceRyan BohmRyanBohmWayne AlexanderWayneAlexanderDomenick YoneyTue, 02 Dec 2008 17:58:00 EST2011 Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger expected to exceed CAFE standardshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/2011-chrysler-300-dodge-charger-expected-to-exceed-cafe-standard/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/2011-chrysler-300-dodge-charger-expected-to-exceed-cafe-standard/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/2011-chrysler-300-dodge-charger-expected-to-exceed-cafe-standard/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image above for a high res gallery

One of the few relative successes that Chrysler has had in the past decade has been the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. For a time, the big rear wheel drive sedans were some of the hottest cars on the market. What they were not was particularly fuel efficient. Chrysler intends to improve on that with the redesigned 2011 model. Thanks to the new Phoenix V6 engine family, Frank Klegon, VP of product development expects the new versions to be "CAFE-positive" implying that the cars will exceed the new standards and pull up Chrysler's fleet average. At this point we're not sure if that means only that they will exceed the initial new CAFE levels that take effect in 2010 or the 2015 standard. Another factor expected to help the mileage of the new sedans will be improved aerodynamics. The design department came under Klegon's area of responsibility last year and drag reductions should significantly reshape the 300 and Charger.

Gallery: Dodge Charger/Chrysler 300


[Source: Automotive News (sub. req'd)]

2011 Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger expected to exceed CAFE standards originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cafechrysler 300Chrysler300corporate average fu...corporate average fuel economyCorporateAverageFu...CorporateAverageFuelEconomydodge chargerDodgeChargerfrank klegonFrankKlegonSam AbuelsamidTue, 02 Dec 2008 16:56:00 ESTPrize time: Opel Flextreme wins red dot design award http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/prize-time-opel-flextreme-wins-red-dot-design-award/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/prize-time-opel-flextreme-wins-red-dot-design-award/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/prize-time-opel-flextreme-wins-red-dot-design-award/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Red Dot design award is one of Europe's most prestigious industry awards. Created under the aegis of the Design Zentrum North Rhine Westphalia, Germany, it has been awarded to the European cousin of the Chevy Volt, the Opel Flextreme (possibly aka the Vauxhall Electra in the UK). The prize was awarded to the Flextreme for being a concept "that has the power to improve our world in the future." You know, like last year's winner, the Saab Aero X concept. The Flextreme probalby won because of those Segways in the back, don't you think? The Flextreme mates the Volt's plug-in capabilities to Opel's 1.3 liter CDTI diesel engine (get more technical details here). Pictured above, Mark Adams, Vice President, GM Europe Design, with the Opel Flextreme.

Gallery: 2007 Opel Flextreme concept


[Source: GM]

Prize time: Opel Flextreme wins red dot design award originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>awardcdtielectraflextremered dotred-dotRedDotvauxhallvoltXavier NavarroTue, 02 Dec 2008 16:06:00 ESTNo more private jets for GMhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/no-more-private-jets-for-gm/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/no-more-private-jets-for-gm/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/no-more-private-jets-for-gm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Surprise! General Motors has announced that it's ceasing its dedicated Corporate Aviation Operations. This means that all of its jets, leased or owned, will be sold or transferred to another operator. Additionally, the automaker had been leasing a facility and space from Detroit Metro Airport for the use of its private jets, and The General will now need to work with airport officials to find a new tenant. The entire General Motors Air Transportation Services group will see its doors officially closed on January 1, 2009.

This announcement seems right on schedule considering how much brow-beating GM and its cross-town rivals took at the hands of Congress over its use of private jets for corporate travel. Of course, even without its own dedicated Aviation Operations, GM and the other Detroit automakers could easily charter private flights when it's deemed necessary, which we would bet will be much less often in the future than it has in the past. Read the short and sweet press release after the break.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading No more private jets for GM

No more private jets for GM originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>general motorsgeneral motors private jetsGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsPrivateJetsgmgm corporate aviationgm corporate jetsgm private jetgm private jetsGmCorporateAviationGmCorporateJetsGmPrivateJetGmPrivateJetsJeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 02 Dec 2008 15:12:00 ESTFirst TH!NK City's will go to the most 'EV Friendly' cities in Europehttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/first-th-nk-citys-will-go-to-the-most-ev-friendly-cities-in-e/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/first-th-nk-citys-will-go-to-the-most-ev-friendly-cities-in-e/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/first-th-nk-citys-will-go-to-the-most-ev-friendly-cities-in-e/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more shots of the TH!NK City in London

Electric vehicle maker Th!nk Global is just about ready to begin selling cars over in Europe. Instead of launching one single full-scale offensive, the Norwegian automaker is now trying to figure out where its cars would be most welcomed, and to help make the decision, its created an EV Friendliness Index. We like the sound of that. The statistic attempts to score a city based on its ease of EV use and various purchase incentives. Coming in at the top of its list is Oslo, the capital city of Th!nk's home market. That's nice to see. The remaining top five slots are rounded out by Tel Aviv, Lisbon, Copenhagen and London. These are the cities that Th!nk will first target when its new TH!NK City electric vehicle is deployed. The recently-revived automaker has plans to sell about 10,000 City's per year and hopes to ramp up to that number relatively quickly by making it available over all of Europe by the end of 2010.

Gallery: Th!nk visits No 10 Downing St


[Source: Think Global]

Continue reading First TH!NK City's will go to the most 'EV Friendly' cities in Europe

First TH!NK City's will go to the most 'EV Friendly' cities in Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>thinkthink citythink electric carsthink globalThinkCityThinkElectricCarsThinkGlobalthnkJeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 02 Dec 2008 14:22:00 ESTDetroit Preview: Fisker Karma coming in production formhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/detroit-preview-fisker-karma-coming-in-production-form/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/detroit-preview-fisker-karma-coming-in-production-form/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/detroit-preview-fisker-karma-coming-in-production-form/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

With so many automakers canceling plans to appear at the Detroit Auto Show next month, it opens up opportunities for smaller companies to get more attention. One of those hoping for attention is Fisker, which will show the "production" version of the Karma. We first saw the Karma styling buck at this past year's Detroit show. The single, rear three-quarter shot that has been released of the production car shows no major changes. From the press release it sounds like the biggest visual change will be to the grille and lower air intake, both of which will be larger.

The extra airflow is likely needed to cool the turbocharged 2.0L EcoTec four cylinder that GM will be supplying. The back end of the car is also modified with an air diffuser that lets out hot air from the electric drive motor. The lithium battery pack has a peak output of 200 kW and a capacity of 22.6 kWh, which is expected to give a 50-mile electric range before the engine starts up. Fisker is still claiming that it will start shipping the $87,900 plug-in hybrid sedan in November 2009.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Fisker Karma hybrid live reveal


[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Fisker Karma coming in production form

Detroit Preview: Fisker Karma coming in production form originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>detroitdetroit 2009Detroit2009fisker karmaFiskerKarmaSam AbuelsamidTue, 02 Dec 2008 13:17:00 ESTFord's business plan for Congress includes electric van in 2010, sedan in 2011http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/fords-business-plan-for-congress-includes-electric-van-in-2010/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/fords-business-plan-for-congress-includes-electric-van-in-2010/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/fords-business-plan-for-congress-includes-electric-van-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image for a high-res gallery of the Ford Escape PHEV

Ford has submitted its proposed turn around plan to Congress and, along with outlining all the pay freezes and headcount reductions that have already been announced, there is a major acceleration of electrification plans. At the Detroit Auto Show next month, Ford plans to detail some of those plans, but what they are saying right now is that a battery electric van will be made available to commercial fleets beginning in 2010. That will be followed by a sedan a year later.

According to the plan published today, Ford plans to focus on driving down the cost of the electric drive systems and batteries for these vehicles with an eye to providing retail availability of these and other vehicles. At this point, Ford isn't saying how many of these vehicles will be available in 2010-11 but chances are it will be in the hundreds rather than thousands.

The next step for Ford will be the next generation of its parallel hybrid system which will debut in 2012. That system will include plug-in capability which is now being tested in a fleet of plug-in Escapes. The plan includes a 30 percent cost reduction and substantially higher volumes. For the first time Ford will also put hybrid systems into its global platforms and create "uniquely styled" hybrids. You can check out the whole plan here.

Gallery: ABG First Drive: Ford Escape PHEV


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford's business plan for Congress includes electric van in 2010, sedan in 2011

Ford's business plan for Congress includes electric van in 2010, sedan in 2011 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bailoutbattery sedanbattery vanBatterySedanBatteryVanbreakingford survival planFordSurvivalPlanSam AbuelsamidTue, 02 Dec 2008 12:34:00 ESTBREAKING: Tesla SVP Darryl Siry resigns!http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/breaking-tesla-svp-darryl-siry-resigns/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/breaking-tesla-svp-darryl-siry-resigns/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/breaking-tesla-svp-darryl-siry-resigns/#comments
Siry and the Tesla Roadster

We just got word that the turmoil at Tesla Motors is continuing as SVP for Marketing and Sales Darryl Siry has tendered his resignation. According to the post on Siry's personal blog, he is leaving "due to some disagreements in strategy." We talked to Siry but he declined to elaborate any further on the specifics of the disagreements. Recently, Chairman Elon Musk took over direct control of the company when he replaced previous CEO Ze'ev Drori at the silicon valley startup. Apparently Tesla has already found a replacement and Siry has been working to manage the transition in recent weeks. Siry has no immediate plans for where to go next, but promises to do more blogging on the alternative fuel vehicle industry.

Gallery: Riding in the Tesla Roadster


[Source: Darryl Siry]
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

BREAKING: Tesla SVP Darryl Siry resigns! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breakingdarryl sirydarryl siry resignsDarrylSiryDarrylSiryResignstesla motorsTeslaMotorsSam AbuelsamidTue, 02 Dec 2008 11:48:00 ESTVolvo launches flex fuel S80 and C30 in Thailand to go with new E85 stationshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/volvo-launches-flex-fuel-s80-and-c30-in-thailand-to-go-with-new/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/volvo-launches-flex-fuel-s80-and-c30-in-thailand-to-go-with-new/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/volvo-launches-flex-fuel-s80-and-c30-in-thailand-to-go-with-new/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Here in the US, millions of flex-fuel vehicles were sold before significant numbers of E85 stations began to open. Over in Thailand there were already two E85 stations before the first car was even sold. Volvo has launched two E85 capable flex-fuel models in the south-east Asian country. The S80 sedan is assembled locally from a knock down kit while the C30 is imported. The S80 is powered by a 2.5L five cylinder turbo while the C30 gets a 1.8L four cylinder. Like Swedish compatriots Saab, Volvo has promoted flex-fuel vehicles in Europe but has not yet offered them in the US market. Bangkok is expected to have 15 E85 stations by sometime in 2009. It's not known where the E85 in Thailand is coming from, but odds are it's not corn ethanol from the US.

[Source: DomesticFuel.com]

Volvo launches flex fuel S80 and C30 in Thailand to go with new E85 stations originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>thailandthailand e85ThailandE85volvo flex fuelvolvo flexfuelvolvo flexifuelVolvoFlexFuelVolvoFlexifuelSam AbuelsamidTue, 02 Dec 2008 11:09:00 ESTMichelin teams up with CITIC Guoan Mengguli Corp. for EVshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/michelin-teams-up-with-citic-guoan-mengguli-corp-for-evs/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/michelin-teams-up-with-citic-guoan-mengguli-corp-for-evs/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/michelin-teams-up-with-citic-guoan-mengguli-corp-for-evs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more shots of the Michelin Active Wheel and the Ventire Volage

When one thinks of Michelin, the first thing that often pops up, after the Michelin Man of course, is tires. A tire's design can have a tremendous impact on any given car's performance, both in the traditional sense and for its fuel efficiency. To wit, all the best green cars come equipped with special low rolling resistance tires fitted as standard equipment. Michelin is looking to branch further out into the rolling bits of our future automobiles, and that includes the electric drivetrain. The French tire-maker rolled out its Active Wheel technology earlier this year at the Paris Motor Show on the Venturi Volage.

A total of eight motors are used by Michelin to control a standard automobile that's been equipped with its Active Wheel technology. With so much going on with the rolling stock, Michelin is looking to outside suppliers for help on the rest of the EV architecture and has therefore begun collaborating with CITIC Guoan Mengguli Corp. in China. Already, the two companies have a working prototype built atop a Lifan 520 sedan that can reach 87 mph and go for up to 81 miles before needing a recharge of its lithium ion batteries. The dynamic duo believes it can have the system ready for OEMs by the end of the year. We're not sure if that means in one month or at the end of '09, but we'll keep a close eye on the partnership for further details.

Gallery: Venturi Volage


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

Michelin teams up with CITIC Guoan Mengguli Corp. for EVs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>citic groupCITIC Guoan Group CorpCITIC Guoan Mengguli CorpCiticGroupCiticGuoanGroupCorpCiticGuoanMengguliCorpelectric wheelelectric wheel hub motorelectric wheelsElectricWheelElectricWheelHubMotorElectricWheelsmglmichelinmichelin active wheelmichelin activewheelmichelin electric wheelMichelinActiveWheelMichelinElectricWheelJeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 02 Dec 2008 10:21:00 ESTAptera grows management team with racing, production veteranshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/aptera-grows-management-team-with-racing-production-veterans/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/aptera-grows-management-team-with-racing-production-veterans/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/aptera-grows-management-team-with-racing-production-veterans/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above image for a gallery of the Aptera concept vehicle

Aptera is making more changes than adding side mirrors to the 2e. The company announced two new members of the management team today: Tom Reichenbach, formerly of Ford, and David Oakley, formerly at Callaway Golf. Aptera's official statement says these men fit the plan to hire "the brightest minds from all industries" and they bring specific strengths to the new company.

Reichenbach's 26-year Ford experience includes developing on-board electronic systems and the first fuel injection system on a Champ Car. He also did a lot of work with Ford Racing, something that Aptera President and CEO Paul Wilbur said, "will be invaluable as we begin the climb to the top of the electric and hybrid vehicle industry." Oakley worked on, "manufacturing, supply-chain, engineering, quality, facilities, and distribution and warehousing" for Calloway and it's his experience in refining the production steps that got him hired.

Gallery: Aptera


[Source: Aptera]

Continue reading Aptera grows management team with racing, production veterans

Aptera grows management team with racing, production veterans originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apteraaptera motorsapteramotorsSebastian BlancoTue, 02 Dec 2008 09:30:00 ESTWithout Getrag DCT, Chrysler will stick with conventional 6 speed automatichttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/without-getrag-dct-chrysler-will-stick-with-conventional-6-spee/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/without-getrag-dct-chrysler-will-stick-with-conventional-6-spee/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/without-getrag-dct-chrysler-will-stick-with-conventional-6-spee/#commentsFiled under: ,


Now that Chrysler's deal to build dual clutch transmissions in a joint venture with Getrag is officially kaput, the company will stick with its existing 6-speed automatic for now. In early 2007, Chrysler announced the deal with Getrag to supply up to 700,000 transmissions a year that could cut fuel consumption by six percent. It was part of a series of powertrain announcements that included the new Phoenix V6 engine family. Getrag was unable to raise the $300 million needed to pay for its tooling and Chrysler filed suit in October. Now that the entire deal has collapsed, Chrysler VP Frank Klegon has told Automotive News that the company will make refinements to its conventional 6-speed automatic while it tries to find an alternative. That alternative will likely have to come from BorgWarner, the other major manufacturer of dual clutch transmissions and supplier of the DSG units to Volkswagen.

[Source: Automotive News (sub. req'd)]

Without Getrag DCT, Chrysler will stick with conventional 6 speed automatic originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chryslerchrysler llcChryslerLlcdual clutchdual clutch gearboxdual clutch transmis...dual clutch transmissionDualClutchDualClutchGearboxDualClutchTransmis...DualClutchTransmissiongetraggetrag dctgetrag-dctgetragchryslerGetragDctSam AbuelsamidTue, 02 Dec 2008 08:47:00 ESTMulally first to announce that he's driving to Congress, will take Escape hybridhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/mulally-first-to-announce-that-hes-driving-to-congress-will-ta/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/mulally-first-to-announce-that-hes-driving-to-congress-will-ta/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/mulally-first-to-announce-that-hes-driving-to-congress-will-ta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Well whadda' ya know. At least one Detroit CEO is planning on driving down to Washington from the Motor City in a real, honest-to-goodness car SUV. We've grown a bit tired of hearing people talk about whether or not Wagoner, Mulally and Nardelli should have flown in their respective company's private jets the last time they visited, so we're happy to hear that Ford's man at the helm, Alan Mulally, will be making the next trek on four wheels. Specifically, the vehicle of choice is an Escape hybrid. Will the other two execs follow his example? That seems likely. So far, nobody's saying whether he'll be driving himself, though PR officials are quick to point out that he's got a license (we would certainly hope so, being the CEO of an automaker and all) so he could act as his own driver.

At first, we had imagined that Mulally would use the new-for-'10 Fusion. That car seems to put its best Blue-Oval-shaped foot forward, besting such efficiency stalwarts as the Toyota Camry hybrid that it will compete with head-to-head in fuel mileage. There is one potential problem with the Fusion, though: it's built in Mexico. The Escape hybrid is assembled in Kansas City, MO., and it is (was) also the vehicle of choice for President-elect Obama. Decision made.

[Source: Detroit News]

Mulally first to announce that he's driving to Congress, will take Escape hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alan mulallyalan mulally driveAlanMulallyAlanMulallyDrivebreakingcongressdetroit washingtonDetroitWashingtonescape hybridEscapeHybridfordford ceoford escape hybridFordCeoFordEscapeHybridwashingtonJeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 02 Dec 2008 07:54:00 ESTIn the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Honda Civic i-CDTihttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-honda-civic-i-cdti/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-honda-civic-i-cdti/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-honda-civic-i-cdti/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image for a high-res gallery of the Honda Civic i-CDTi

It's time for another in our ongoing series of reviews of high mileage cars that Americans can't buy at any price. This time around we have Honda Civic i-CDTi from our friends at Honeywell. You may recall from some previous reviews that Honeywell is a major manufacturer of turbochargers and they have a fleet of European diesel vehicles that they are using to promote their technology. You might look at the car pictured above and think to yourself, "That's not like any Civic I've ever seen." Unless you're one of our European readers, you'd probably be right. As hatchbacks comprised an ever smaller share of US Civic sales through the '90s and into the early part of this decade Honda, decided to stop offering that body style in the US.

Meanwhile, over in Europe, the latest three- and five-door hatchback Civics have evolved into something that almost looks more like a space capsule than a car. Under the hood, this Civic has a powerplant that's also unavailable to Americans, a 2.2L turbodiesel four. This is Honda's previous-generation diesel engine, not the newer i-DTEC engine that was shown at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Follow the jump to find out what it's like to live with a Civic with low end torque.

Gallery: AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Honda Civic i-CDTi


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Honda Civic i-CDTi

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Honda Civic i-CDTi originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>honda civichonda civic dieselhonda civic i-cdtiHondaCivicHondaCivicDieselHondaCivicI-cdtiSam AbuelsamidMon, 01 Dec 2008 20:02:00 ESTTreadmill bike brings the best of walking and wheels togetherhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/treadmill-bike-brings-the-best-of-walking-and-wheels-together/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/treadmill-bike-brings-the-best-of-walking-and-wheels-together/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/treadmill-bike-brings-the-best-of-walking-and-wheels-together/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We had a good laugh at the Speedfit the other day, but what do you think of the Treadmill Bike? It's got a lot of the same quirkiness, but somehow seems more like a vehicle I'd actually want to drive/ride. Perhaps it's because it looks more like a bike, something I'm quite happy to ride on. Whatever the reason, there's no question the bike has gotten heaps of publicity since going on sale about two years ago.

What is the Treadmill Bike? Well, it's pretty much a little treadmill on wheels, where your legs provide the power to move the wheels. Bike Forest, the company behind the machine, says that "this fabulous piece of fitness equipment offers an excellent cardiovascular workout while transporting you from point A to point B. Save time by exercising while you travel." Not quite sure how this'd fit into my life, but it's at least fun to contemplate. Price to make it real: $2500 Canadian, eh!

Video comedy featuring the Treadmill Bike after the jump.

Gallery: Treadmill Bike


[Source: BikeForest]

Continue reading Treadmill bike brings the best of walking and wheels together

Treadmill bike brings the best of walking and wheels together originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bike forestBikeForesttreadmilltreadmill bikeTreadmillBikeSebastian BlancoMon, 01 Dec 2008 19:05:00 ESTSmartlet electric car charging stations take one more step to nationwide availabilityhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/smartlet-electric-car-charging-stations-take-one-more-step-to-na/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/smartlet-electric-car-charging-stations-take-one-more-step-to-na/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/smartlet-electric-car-charging-stations-take-one-more-step-to-na/#commentsFiled under: ,



It takes more then cool new cars to move America to a nation of electric cars. Coulomb Technologies, the company behind the "Smartlet" charging stations, announced today that its resellers can now be found in 28 states. Public charging stations like the Smartlets are key pieces of an EV infrastructure, since there are about five times as many vehicles in the US as there are garages (247 million cars vs. 53 million garages). Coulomb's chargers are designed to (one day) work with vehicles from GM, Toyota, Ford, Mercedes, BMW and Nissan. Coulomb Technologies will be in DC this week for the EDTA show, and we'll get some more information on the reseller program there. For now, there's some background details on Coulomb's plans here.

[Source: Coulomb Technologies]

Continue reading Smartlet electric car charging stations take one more step to nationwide availability

Smartlet electric car charging stations take one more step to nationwide availability originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>coulombcoulomb technologiesCoulombTechnologiespublic charging stat...PublicChargingStat...smartletsmartletsSebastian BlancoMon, 01 Dec 2008 18:01:00 ESTPSA-Toyota joint venture produces 1 millionth vehiclehttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/psa-toyota-joint-venture-produces-1-millionth-vehicle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/psa-toyota-joint-venture-produces-1-millionth-vehicle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/psa-toyota-joint-venture-produces-1-millionth-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile (TPCA) is a European joint venture between Toyota and PSA, the parent company of Peugeot and Citroen. The factory in Kolin, Czech Republic builds the Peugeot 107, Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo. Until the introduction of the Toyota's tiny iQ, the smallest car that company offered in Europe has been the Aygo. The joint facility has just cranked out its 1 millionth car, a gas-powered C1. Production of the mini-cars started in 2005. Toyota has never given any indication that it planned to import the Aygo to the US market, although several 107s and C1s have been spotted testing just a few miles from the company's Ann Arbor tech center on a regular basis. It's possible that Toyota has been using these cars as powertrain mules for the possible introduction of the iQ to the US.

Gallery: 2009 Peugeot 107


[Source: Puegeot]

Continue reading PSA-Toyota joint venture produces 1 millionth vehicle

PSA-Toyota joint venture produces 1 millionth vehicle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>citroenpeugeotpeugeot 107Peugeot107toyota aygotoyota psa joint ventureToyotaAygoToyotaPsaJointVentureSam AbuelsamidMon, 01 Dec 2008 16:56:00 ESTElectric-powered racing gets put on icehttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/electric-powered-racing-gets-put-on-ice/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/electric-powered-racing-gets-put-on-ice/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/electric-powered-racing-gets-put-on-ice/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Quantya Track and Andros Car 03 in racing colors

The 2009 edition of the Trophée Andros is set to start this upcoming weekend at Val Thorens in the French Alps and those who like the idea of combining ice racing with electric vehicles (EVs) have reason to be excited. This year marks the entrance into the two-wheeled portion of the competition by electrically-powered motorcycles and also sees the entrance of the third iteration of an electric ice-racing car being developed by the series, appropriately dubbed the Andros Car 03. Last year's Sprint-bodied Andros Car 02 won the final event at the Stade de France in front of a crowd of 62,000 and this year's version will have the same driver, Franck Lagorce. One of the Quantya motorcycles will feature rider José Peyronon.

At a press event, organizer Max Mamers enthused about the EVs participating this year and also dropped some big news for next years season; a 100 per cent electric challenge featuring 10 of the new cars. They will all feature NiMh batteries powering motors that can put out around 122 horsepower. It's said to be able to top 90 mph. Hit the jump for a bonus video of two and four wheeled EVs making a press-day lap.

[Source: Trophée Andros via Avenir Du Vehicule Electrique Mediterraneen]

Continue reading Electric-powered racing gets put on ice

Electric-powered racing gets put on ice originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Andros Car 03AndrosCar03Franck LagorceFranckLagorceJos PeyrononJosPeyrononMax MamersMaxMamersQuantyaTrophe AndrosTropheAndrosDomenick YoneyMon, 01 Dec 2008 16:06:00 EST