DaimlerChrysler has said that all of its future vehicles will be available with an optional hybrid powertrain. DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche told German automotive magazine Auto Motor und Sport that hybrids are “very important” due to new European and U.S. regulations on CO2 emissions.

DaimlerChrysler’s first hybrid will be a hybrid version of the Dodge Durango, which will use the two-mode transmission currently being developed in conjunction with BMW and General Motors. Zetsche said the first Mercedes-badged hybrid vehicle will arrive for the 2008 model year.

## Source: Auto Motor und Sport ##

Share This

Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn has once again confirmed that the automaker is working on a hybrid system for its compact cars, like its Golf and Polo.

Winterkorn has acknowledged that Japanese automakers, especially Toyota and Honda, have a clear lead on VW in the development of hybrid technology. However, Winterkorn believes VW will catch up quickly.

Volkswagen first hybrid will be a hybrid version of Touareg SUV, which will be joined by a Porsche Cayenne hybrid. The Golf and Polo models are expected to be ready sometime around the end of the decade.

## Source: Speigel Online ##

Share This

Toyota staged the world premiere of its Hybrid X concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The Hybrid X offers hints at Toyota’s new design DNA for its hybrid vehicles, as well as showcasing future hybrid technology.

With a similar, one-box shape to the current Prius, the Hybrid X concept could be previewing styling cues that will be seen in the next-generation of Toyota’s successful Prius, expected next year, and other future Toyota hybrid vehicles. The four-door four-seat concept features two ‘U’ shapes created by the upper glass frame area and the A- and C-pillars. Viewed from above, the two ‘U’ shapes gives the impression of an ‘X’ — and thus the ‘X’ in the ‘Hybrid X’ name.

Toyota offers little information for the hybrid powertrain of the Hybrid X other than stating it “further extends the use of Hybrid Synergy Drive” and is “a step closer to zero emissions,” which hints at a plug-in capability.

Full press release and high resolution photo gallery after the jump.

## Source: Toyota ##

(more…)

Share This

Ford of Europe today announced at the Geneva Motor Show that it will add three new flex-fuel models to its line up to reduce CO2 emissions. Ford said that its all-new Mondeo, and Galaxy and S-MAX MPVs will be available with flex-fuel powertrains from early 2008.

“Flexifuel technology offers us a real opportunity to make personal mobility more sustainable right now,” said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. “This efficient, environmentally advanced technology is one easy way in which we all can do something positive to combat climate change without giving up basic needs such as personal car use.”

Ford currently offers its Focus and C-MAX with flex-fuel powertrains, and has sold more flex-fuel vehicles in Europe than any other automaker.

Press release after the jump.

## Source: Ford ##

(more…)

Share This

Toyota is the dominate player in hybrids, but it’s not Toyota’s way to rest on its laurels and let others catch up. That’s why it is working on developing a plug-in hybrid vehicle, said Toyota North America President Jim Press. Toyota hasn’t announced plans for a production plug-in hybrid, but it is in product development and it is open to joining with other automakers in battery development

Press said the biggest challenge for plug-in hybrids is the battery technology, which echoes what others in Toyota and other automakers are saying. Toyota is working on the next-generation battery, but would be willing to cooperate with other automakers its development.

## Source: Reuters ##

Share This

If a Mercedes BLUETEC diesel isn’t green enough, Mercedes-Benz has another option with its 2007 line of bikes. Coming from Mercedes-Benz Accessories, th2 2007 Mercedes Bike Collection features “Fitness” and “Trekking” models and an ultra lightweight high-end racing bike with a carbon frame

Both Fitness and Trekking models come in mens and womens models, and feature aluminum frames and disk brakes. The Fitness and Trekking models cost 990 Euro ($1,300) and 1290 Euro ($1,700) respectively.

The price tag for the carbon fiber racing bike is 3,990 Euro ($5,200). While it sounds like a lot, it isn’t too bad for a bike that weighs just 15.4 pounds.

The Mercedes-Benz Bike Collection features a range of bicycling related accessories and, for the first time, a line of bike clothes.

Press release and gallery after the jump.

## Source: Mercedes-Benz ##

(more…)

Share This

While the car’s name sounds like it is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Camry Hybrid — which is still 49 years off, the limited edition Camry Hybrid 50th Anniversary Edition celebrates Toyota’s 50 years of business in the United States.

The Camry Hybrid 50th Anniversary Edition features a unique, brilliant white Blizzard Pearl paint, unique 16-inch wheels with a graphite finish, and “50th Anniversary Edition” badging. A power moonroof and heated power side mirrors are also standard equipment. Inside, the Hybrid Camry features a voice-activated navigation system, bisque-colored leather trim, heated front seats, brushed stainless steel dash applique, illuminated front door sills and carpeted floor mats, all with the “50th Anniversary Edition” badging.

Toyota will build only 3,000 units of the Camry Hybrid 50th Anniversary Edition, which has a base price of $31,680 — a significant increase over the standard Camry Hybrid sticker of $26,200. The 50th Anniversary Edition will start arriving at Toyota dealerships in March.

High resolution gallery after the jump.

## Source: Toyota ##

(more…)

Share This

The California Air Resources Board announced that it has slapped Jesse James, host of “Monster Garage”, with a monster fine of $271,250 for selling more than 50 new or custom-built motorcycles that did not meet agency standards.

James, known for his outlandish custom cars and motorcycles, was informed of the noncompliance with agency standards in 2005. The agency said James was guilty of “a number of things,” including changing fuel systems and gas tanks and using replacement parts not certified by the agency. An air board representative told him the registrations of all motorcycles he manufactured since 1998 had been revoked.

James said that he thought he had complied with all the agency’s rules, and offered to recall all the bikes and install the charcoal filter in the emissions system that he said would have brought his bikes into compliance. He said the offer was rejected, but the agency said the offer was never made.

While we approve of emissions standards, the settlement seems crazy to us, as it does not require the bikes to be brought into compliance or taken off the road. Now that the fine had been paid, registrations had been reinstated, and the money goes to fix other pollution problems.

What?

## Source: New York Times ##

Share This

In local news here in Colorado, Governor Bill Ritter and General Motors are scheduled to hold a press event regarding increased availability of E85 ethanol in the state. The announcement is part of a broader, ongoing national GM campaign to boost the use and awareness of ethanol-based E85 fuel in the U.S. The event will take place on the West Steps of the Capitol in Denver at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2007.

GM will also fund a discounted E85 fuel promotion, with E85 ethanol available for 85 cents per gallon. Details after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

(more…)

Share This

The American Le Mans Series has announced that it will switch to an ethanol-enriched fuel for the 2007 racing season. ALMS will partner with the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) to make E10, gasoline containing 10 percent ethanol.

“At a time when alternative fuel initiatives are in the daily headlines, we could not be more pleased to unite with an organization such as EPIC to aid in spreading the awareness of renewable energy and the benefits of ethanol in the most demanding environment in motorsports: American Le Mans Series sports car racing,” said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series.

The ALMS announcement follows the IndyCar Series, which began using an ethanol blend last year, and will switch to pure ethanol (E100) in 2007.

## Source: American Le Mans Series ##

Share This

Volkswagen will stage the world premiere of the Passat BlueMotion at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Passat BlueMotion is the second car in VW’s BlueMotion brand, which represents the most fuel-efficient and economical vehicle in each of the VW’s model segment. The first BlueMotion vehicle was the Polo BlueMotion, which sips a measly 3.9 liters per 100 kilometer (over 70 miles per gallon). The Polo BlueMotion has been such a success that production has been increased threefold due to the high demand.

Like the Polo, the Passat BlueMotion will be powered by a highly-efficient diesel engine — no word on what it is — that will burn just exactly 5.1 liters of diesel for 100 km (Passat Estate BlueMotion will use 5.2L per 100 km). No other vehicle of its size consumes less fuel. Both body versions have a driving range of up to 1,350 kilometers on a full tank. With the European average annual distance driven of 15,000 kilometers, this means that the car could go over a month without needing to be refueled.

Full press release and high-resolution photo gallery after the jump.

## Source: Volkswagen ##

(more…)

Share This

The fuel-efficient Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion will arrive in the U.K. later this year. Volkwagen’s BlueMotion brand represents the most efficient and economical vehicle in each of the automaker’s car ranges. VW will expand its BlueMotion brand with the Passat BlueMotion that will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion features an efficient direct injected 1.4L, three-cylinder TDI engine mated to a taller-geared transmission. To improve efficiency, the Polo BlueMotion also features a unique front bumper, re-designed grille, a pronounced spoiler mounted above the rear window, and a set of low rolling resistance tires.

The result is an official fuel consumption figure of over 72 mpg, a potential range in excess of 700-miles and a mere 102 g/km of CO2.

The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion will arrive in the U.K. this summer. Prices will be announced closer to launch.

Press release and high resolution photo gallery after the jump.

## Source: Volkswagen ##

(more…)

Share This

Land Rover announced that it will set up a independent Board of Governance, featuring international environmental figures from government, business and education to oversee the automaker’s industry leading carbon dioxide offset program. Land Rover has cut emissions with each successive model and continues to work to make further improvements. Land Rover has cut CO2 emissions at its main manufacturing plant at Solihull by 30 percent over the past 10 years.

Land Rover’s CO2 offset program is a key part of its integrated approach to reduce emissions and will offset all of the CO2 generated by Land Rover’s manufacturing operations and the first 45,000 miles of vehicle use by its U.K. customers. The program is run by Climate Care, a highly respected offset provider. The program invests in a mixed portfolio renewable energy projects such as wind and solar, technology change and energy efficiency.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: Land Rover ##

(more…)

Share This

Volkswagen is showcasing a series of vehicles with lower environmental impact at the Designing Sustainable Mobility Summit, held at Art Center College of Design in Southern California. Volkswgen is joining with designers and other transportation experts to share ideas on ways to make future mobility more environmentally compatible.

At the event’s Green Cars/Pasadena ride-and-drive, attendees and students drive VW’s more environmentally friendly vehicles on public roads. VW showcase vehicles, include a Touareg V10 TDI running on B5 biodiesel, a Jetta powered by VW’s twin charger gasoline engine that uses both a supercharger and a turbocharger, VW’s Touran HyMotion hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that features the company’s high-temperature fuel cell.

“Volkswagen’s demonstration of its clean diesel and twin charger engines provides real-world examples of environmentally positive technologies that are operating on highways today,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal, which is hosting the Summit’s ride-and-drive.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: Volkswagen ##

(more…)

Share This

General Motors unveiled the performance and hybrid versions of the 2008 Saturn Vue — the Saturn Vue Red Line and Green Line — that will have its public debut at the Chicago Auto Show.

The performance Red Line features a unique front end with an air intake below the front bumper, and projector-beam foglights. Out back, the Red Line features a special fascia, a larger spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. A lowered suspension with 18-inch alloy wheels complete the appearance package. The Vue Red Line is powered by the same 250-hp 3.6L V6 and six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode as the Vue XR. The Vue Red Line is available in either FWD or AWD.

The Green Line hybrid uses the same light hybrid system as in the current 2007 Vue Green Line. The hybrid system on the Vue Green Line combines a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a modified four-speed automatic transmission. The system saves fuel by providing an electric power assist during acceleration; shutting off the engine at idle; early fuel cut-off during deceleration and capturing electrical energy through regenerative braking. The Green Line features unique wheels, Green Line and Hybrid badging, and a deleted roof rack.

The 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line will go on sale sometime in the third quarter. The Green Line goes on sale in the fourth quarter. Saturn will also offer a version of the Vue Green Line with GM’s new two-mode hybrid system, in the third quarter of 2008.

Full press release and high resolution photo gallery after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

(more…)

Share This