Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.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[REPORT: SAIC stole hybrid technology, says Ssangyong]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/report-saic-stole-hybrid-technology-says-ssangyong/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/report-saic-stole-hybrid-technology-says-ssangyong/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/report-saic-stole-hybrid-technology-says-ssangyong/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>saicsaic hybridSaicHybridSsangyongssangyong hybridssangyong saicSsangyongHybridSsangyongSaicThu, 12 Nov 2009 17:19:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan working on Tata Nano-like cheap car strategy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



India's Tata Nano has seemingly shown the world's remaining automakers that it's possible to build a small, inexpensive car for emerging markets that's still profitable. You can reportedly count Nissan among the car makers that are paying attention and the Japanese automaker has plans to launch a new small car platform in Thailand, India and China starting in March of 2010.

The new platform is called V (as in Versatile), and it's been in development since 2005. According to drive.com.au, the car will sport 18-percent fewer parts than current Nissan compacts and as many components as possible will be sourced from local areas.

Crucial to the success of the program is a massive number of sales - a whopping one million vehicles per year by 2013, which would represent nearly a third of all Nissan's sold in the last three months. To make that goal a reality, sales in Europe and the United States are also planned, possibly as early as 2011.

[Source: drive.com.au]

REPORT: Nissan working on Tata Nano-like cheap car strategy originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cheap NissanCheapNissannissannissan cheap carnissan chinanissan intimanissan nanonissan thailandNissanCheapCarNissanChinaNissanIntimaNissanNanoNissanThailandtata nanoTataNanoMon, 02 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



While some think driving around the world in 80 days is a good way to promote the environmentally-friendly possibilities of electric transport, others prefer to take the slow road. In this case, three years worth of slow road. This past May, Guin Valls set out from Beijing, China on a journey powered by sunshine and sweat that won't end until he arrives in London during the Olympic Games in 2012. Aboard a specially-built electric bicycle laden with gear and pulling a small trailer, the Spaniard is using his life-long love of travel to "demonstrate and promote the use of alternative transport options that have less negative impact on our planet."

As the "Electric Bicycle World Tour" travels through more than 40 countries on 5 continents, Guin is talking to people about their lives and environmental concerns, taking pictures and video as well as recording sounds. The multimedia experience is being uploaded to his burgeoning website and you can follow along as he meets and (hopefully) surmounts the challenges that present themselves. Although he is traveling solo, there are a number of people behind the scenes helping him out and, if you'd like, you can too. He is seeking supporters who can help with everything from translations to donations. Hit the jump for a bit of video explaining his trip as well as some bonus footage of bicycling in Beijing.

[Source: Electric Bicycle World Tour]

Continue reading Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way

Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>around the world in 3 yearsAroundTheWorldIn3Yearselectric bicycleElectric Bicycle World TourElectricBicycleElectricBicycleWorldTourenvironmental awarenessEnvironmentalAwarenessGuin VallsGuinVallsWed, 14 Oct 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Emission Race plans to go around the world in 80 days]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's been less than a year since Louis Palmer ended his 17-month circumnavigation of the planet in his solar-powered "taxi" and it seems the experience has inspired him to organize something bigger and better. The Swiss teacher is putting together a zero emissions race around the world that will, not unlike the fictional Phileas Fogg, attempt to make the trip in eighty days. While that is 470 days faster than Palmer's original journey, the competitive version will be taking a more direct 30,000 kilometer (18,641 mile) route.

So far eight teams have signed on and the campaign should boast vehicles as diverse as the ErockIT, the Tesla Roadster and the Loremo. According to the website of the participating Racing Green Endurance team, the entire extravaganza will be filmed and made into a documentary. The race will start from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in June 2010 and, as well as vying for quickest finish time, competitors will be judged on various criteria including reliability, safety and affordability. Applications are still being accepted so if you have an appropriate vehicle and can feed your local grid with the renewable energy necessary to offset that used by your entry, why not give it a shot? Not only is it a great opportunity to demonstrate to the world what is low-pollution possible, for some it could provide a planet-sized promotional platform for their green transportation product. Check out the vehicle eligibility requirements and let us know in the comments who you think should sign up. Thanks to Matthijs for the tip!


[Source: The Zero Emissions Race]

Zero Emission Race plans to go around the world in 80 days originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>around the world in 80 daysAroundTheWorldIn80Dayselectric vehicle racingElectricVehicleRacingLouis PalmerLouisPalmerThe Zero Emission RaceTheZeroEmissionRaceMon, 12 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Korean electric car gets a charge - an induction charge - from the road ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/korean-electric-car-gets-a-charge-an-induction-charge-from-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/korean-electric-car-gets-a-charge-an-induction-charge-from-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/korean-electric-car-gets-a-charge-an-induction-charge-from-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Using solar roads for power generation is an idea that is being tested by the U.S. DOE. Over in Korea, tests involving a road giving up some power are underway. Instead of sucking up sunlight, the prototype roads send energy upwards to small electric vehicles through touchless magnetic induction technology. Developed by the Korea Advanced Institute of Technology (KAIST), the OLEV (On Line Electric Vehicle) system uses buried power cables in the road and a receiving unit in the EVs traveling on it. KAIST says that power is transferred at 80 percent efficiency when going through a centimeter of air (not exactly practical for today's cars) and is 60 percent efficient through 12 centimeters. KAIST is working to make the OLEV a suitable business prospect.

As tipster Yanquetino writes, "I opine that we will still need batteries in our EVs, but... laying such cables down a specialized lane of our Interstates would eliminate range anxiety once and for all. Rather than installing charging stations all over the planet, might as well spend the money on something like this." Thanks for the tip!

[Source: DesignBoom via All Cars Electric]

Korean electric car gets a charge - an induction charge - from the road originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falseinductioninduction chargingInductionChargingkaistkorea advanced institute of science and technologyKoreaAdvancedInstituteOfScienceAndTechnologyolevon line electric vehicleOnLineElectricVehicleWed, 02 Sep 2009 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[TTXGP developments coming fast and furious; plenty more electric motorcycle racing on the horizon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/ttxgp-developments-coming-fast-and-furious/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/ttxgp-developments-coming-fast-and-furious/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/ttxgp-developments-coming-fast-and-furious/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


TTXGP qualifying - Click above for high-res image gallery

If the inaugural TTXGP on the Isle of Man whetted your appetite for more electric motorcycle racing, you can look forward to lots of feasting in 2010. In addition to another stand-alone island race (this time with a 2 lap class replacing the open class) plans are afoot for a 3-continent, 5-race Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) sanctioned World Championship, as well as a 4-race UK national and a 3-race national American series. The 25-mile contests are likely to piggyback Endurance Championship and World Superbike Championship rounds as support events with the relationship starting at the Nürburgring edition of the 2009 World Superbike series in September from the 4th to 6th. Participants at that single-lap exhibition affair are said to include some of the Isle of Man teams as well as newcomers.

Speaking of newcomers, if you're itching to get in on some of this racing action yourself, there are some exciting developments that may facilitate that. First, you can buy a £10,000 ($16,490) package based on the TTXGP-winning Agni motors bike that includes a motor, batteries, controller and electronics that you can integrate into your own chassis. If that option tickles your fancy, better contact the TTXGP folks soon as interest is said to be high. Fabricator fledgling? Word is that an as-yet-unnamed American company will be selling race-ready replicas of the Agni Motors bike for under $40,000. The first batch could be ready by February and consist of 40 examples. If your significant other is looking over your shoulder at the moment repeating, "No way, no how chickee-poo/mister-man" you can always scratch your racing itch by getting a copy of the just-released Isle of Man affair on DVD or Blue-Ray and settle back on the couch with some popcorn. Happy racing.


Gallery: Qualifying at TTXGP


[Source: Gizmag via Brammofan]
Photo: creative commons by Frank Schuengel

TTXGP developments coming fast and furious; plenty more electric motorcycle racing on the horizon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Agni MotorsAgniMotorselectric motorcycleelectric motorcycle racingElectricMotorcycleElectricMotorcycleRacingTTXGPTTXGP World ChampionshipTtxgpWorldChampionshipThu, 20 Aug 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM mulling Tata Nano competitor in Asia]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-gm-mulling-tata-nano-competitor-in-asia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-gm-mulling-tata-nano-competitor-in-asia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-gm-mulling-tata-nano-competitor-in-asia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Chevy Spark - Click for high-res image gallery

What will the world's cheapest car, the Tata Nano, do to the auto market? Bring friends. We're hearing that General Motors could be planning a Tata Nano competitor that would go on sale in Asia for under $4,000. GM's new executive vice president for international operations, Nick Reilly, told the Wall Street Journal that offering an ultra-cheap car the low-cost space is of interest to the automaker, but only in certain markets.

The manufacturer would likely be SAIC-GM-Wuling Automotive Co., which is made up, in part, of the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Reilly made his announcement in Brazil, though, which is GM's third largest market. So we'll at least keep a tiny ear out for a cheap Latin American model, too.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark



[Source: Dow Jones Newswires via The Wall Street Journal]

REPORT: GM mulling Tata Nano competitor in Asia originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>low costlow cost carLowCostlowcost carlowcost GMLowCostCarLowcostGmnanonano competitorNanoCompetitortata nanoTataNanoMon, 17 Aug 2009 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[CT&T wants to make e-Zone electric car around the U.S. with RAS system]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/ctandt-wants-to-make-e-zone-electric-car-around-the-u-s-with-ras/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/ctandt-wants-to-make-e-zone-electric-car-around-the-u-s-with-ras/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/ctandt-wants-to-make-e-zone-electric-car-around-the-u-s-with-ras/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

e-Zone Electric Vehicle - Click above to enlarge

The last time we heard about CT&T, the South Korean company behind the quirky looking all-electric e-Zone car, they were saying that they were considering a variety of possible locations for its North American manufacturing plants. We now have a few more details on how CT&T wants to bring its promised full range of electric vehicles to market. The company's strategy is called RAS, which sounds unappealing but stands for Regional Assembly And Sales system. The idea is to spend $8 to $10 million on each regional facility, which will allow CT&T to, "say on the leading edge of the EV market," said chairman and company founder Young Gi Lee. Lee also said in a statement that the RAS system has the potential to revolutionize the auto industry the way Toyota's just-in time parts delivery did "by regionalizing manufacturing and sales and allowing us to offer EVs at an incredibly reasonable price point." Once again, CT&T is nothing if not ambitious (CT&T has said they plan to be selling its first EVs by the fourth quarter of 2009).

Last year, CT&T said they would make and sell the e-Zone in Fiji, but as best as we can tell, the e-Zones currently used there were made elsewhere and shipped to the tropical island. Check out a promotion video for the e-Zone after the jump.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Continue reading CT&T wants to make e-Zone electric car around the U.S. with RAS system

CT&T wants to make e-Zone electric car around the U.S. with RAS system originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ct and tCtAndTctte zonee-zoneEZoneras systemrassRasSystemregional assembly and sales systemRegionalAssemblyAndSalesSystemzone electric carZoneElectricCarMon, 10 Aug 2009 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Kumho Fortis - What if a tire manufacturer made an electric SUV?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/kumho-fortis-what-if-a-tire-manufacturer-made-an-electric-suv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/kumho-fortis-what-if-a-tire-manufacturer-made-an-electric-suv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/kumho-fortis-what-if-a-tire-manufacturer-made-an-electric-suv/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Kumho Fortis concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Korean tire manufacturer Kumho, our future may be filled with SUVs after all. Unlike yesteryear's gas-guzzling behemoths, though, tomorrow's multi-purpose vehicles will be fully electric and powered by lithium ion battery packs. Being a tire company, it comes as little surprise that Kumho's Fortis concept SUV would feature body panels molded from recycled rubber for that extra eco-friendly twist. Other interesting exterior bits are the front light clusters that were inspired by Korean glass sculptures.

Underneath the SUV-shaped body sits a modular platform with one chassis-mounted 100-horsepower electric motor per wheel. This arrangement allows for an unlimited number of drivetrain possibilities - front-, rear- or all-wheel drive are all possible and traction control, stability control and hill descent control can be baked right in via the software that controls the motors.

Perhaps the coolest bit of future-tech in the Fortis design study are - surprise - the tires. When traveling off-road, the tires deflate, leaving a series of metal lugs exposed for ultimate traction. When it's time to hit the road, air cavities in the tires expand, covering the metal lugs so as not to cause harrowing spark-induced moments of panic.

Kumho claims that Rob Dolton, the mind behind the Fortis concept, is the only full-time vehicle designer currently employed by a tire company. His job is to explore future automotive technologies and to help Kumho plan next-generation tires. Note to Kumho: We'll gladly take a set of these units for our next off-road excursion.



[Source: Kumho]

Continue reading Kumho Fortis - What if a tire manufacturer made an electric SUV?

Kumho Fortis - What if a tire manufacturer made an electric SUV? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fortiskumhokumho fortiskumho fortis conceptkumho tiresKumhoFortisKumhoFortisConceptKumhoTiresrob doltonRobDoltonThu, 30 Jul 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai investing $3.3 billion in green technologies by 2013]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/hyundai-investing-3-3-billion-in-green-technologies-by-2013/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/hyundai-investing-3-3-billion-in-green-technologies-by-2013/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/hyundai-investing-3-3-billion-in-green-technologies-by-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid - Click for high-res image gallery

Korean automaker Hyundai knows how it can meet South Korea's upcoming new emissions and fuel efficiency legislation: by spending $3.3 billion between now and 2013.

About $1.8 billion of that figure will be dedicated to the development of hybrid vehicles, another $1.1 billion to improve overall engine efficiency, and the remainder will be used on energy facilities to cut emissions. Hyundai joins other local companies in meeting the government's standards. Samsung, for example, announced $4.3 billion for investing in green technologies. The South Korean government announced early this month that the country will spend two percent of its annual gross domestic product in the environmental sector.

[Source: Reuters]

Hyundai investing $3.3 billion in green technologies by 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013anti-pollution rulesAnti-pollutionRulesgreen investmentGreenInvestmentinvestmentkorean antipollution rulesKoreanAntipollutionRulessamsungsouth koreaSouthKoreaFri, 24 Jul 2009 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Suzuki CEO denies talks with VW amidst tie-up rumors]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/report-suzuki-ceo-denies-talks-with-vw-amidst-tie-up-rumors/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/report-suzuki-ceo-denies-talks-with-vw-amidst-tie-up-rumors/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/report-suzuki-ceo-denies-talks-with-vw-amidst-tie-up-rumors/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Suzuki Alto Lapin - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hear about those reports last week of a potential tie-up between Suzuki and Volkswagen for microcar development? Osamu Suzuki, Chief Executive at the automaker that bear his name, heard those rumors, too, and they apparently came as news to him. Though Suzuki falls short of denying outright that any potential deal could be struck, he told the Chunichi Shimbun Daily (via Reuters):
So far there's been absolutely no contact (with Volkswagen). Lately, we've been the victim of a lot of rumors (of equity tie-ups and cooperation deals).
Given the fact that Suzuki sells more cars - albeit tiny 660cc Kei cars - in Japan than any other automaker not named Toyota but has a limited footprint in most other markets, it's not surprising that rumors of impending partnerships are common. In this case, though, it would seem that reports of a potential deal with VW were at least a little bit premature.


[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Suzuki CEO denies talks with VW amidst tie-up rumors originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>suzukisuzuki keisuzuki volkswagenSuzukiKeiSuzukiVolkswagenvolkswagenvolkswagen keivolkswagen suzukiVolkswagenKeiVolkswagenSuzukiTue, 30 Jun 2009 09:39:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Volkswagen considering stake in Suzuki for micro-car alliance]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/report-volkswagen-considering-stake-in-suzuki-for-micro-car-alli/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/report-volkswagen-considering-stake-in-suzuki-for-micro-car-alli/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/report-volkswagen-considering-stake-in-suzuki-for-micro-car-alli/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Suzuki Alto Lapin - Click above for high-res gallery

According to reports from Reuters and Manager Magazin in Germany, Volkswagen is keen to purchase a 10 percent stake in Suzuki in order to cooperate on future small cars for emerging markets. In its home market of Japan, Suzuki is the second-largest automaker (behind Toyota) and dominates the tiny Kei car market alongside Toyota-owned Daihatsu.

These miniature 660cc vehicles are extremely popular in Japan's dense urban settings and Volkswagen reportedly believes this class of automobile holds great promise for emerging markets. In India, for example, Tata Motors has seen a great deal of success with its diminutive Nano, which is billed as the cheapest car in the world.

Suzuki already enjoys a measure of success in Tata's home turf, where its Maruti Suzuki subsidiary offers the Alto, which has been the best-selling automobile in India since 2004. At this time, both Suzuki and Volkswagen are declining comment, but VW chairman Ferdinand Piech has praised the Japanese automaker numerous times in the past.


[Source: Retuers]

REPORT: Volkswagen considering stake in Suzuki for micro-car alliance originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>suzukisuzuki keisuzuki kei carsuzuki marutisuzuki microcarSuzukiKeiSuzukiKeiCarSuzukiMarutiSuzukiMicrocarvolkswagenvolkswagen keivolkswagen suzukiVolkswagenKeiVolkswagenSuzukivw keivw suzukiVwKeiVwSuzukiThu, 25 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: S. Korea targeting Japanese li-ion products]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/report-s-korea-targeting-japanese-li-ion-products/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/report-s-korea-targeting-japanese-li-ion-products/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/report-s-korea-targeting-japanese-li-ion-products/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mitsubishi i MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The long-simmering confrontation between South Korea and Japan has affected all sorts of relationships between the two countries. While mostly peaceful over the last few decades, there remains some bad blood between the two countries. A new rule that the South Korean government will soon introduce could bring the disagreements to the electric vehicle market.

According to the Japanese newspaper the Yomiuri Shimbun, starting on July 1, South Korea will begin to regulate goods that have lithium-ion batteries. South Korea and Japan are two of the world's biggest li-ion battery makers, and the new rule "could in effect shut products using Japanese-made lithium batteries out of the South Korean market," the Yomiuri wrote. Exactly how the li-ion products are supposed to get the certification the South Koreans are requiring isn't exactly clear, one Japanese government official told the paper. How EVs might be affected is also unknown at this time. U.S. products will be exempt from the regulation starting in October.

[Source: Yomiuri via Green Car Congress]

REPORT: S. Korea targeting Japanese li-ion products originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japankorealithiumlithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion japanlithium ion korealithium japanlithium korea japanlithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonJapanLithiumIonKoreaLithiumJapanLithiumKoreaJapanMon, 22 Jun 2009 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai starts accepting orders for Avante LPI Hybrid in Korea]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/hyundai-starts-accepting-orders-for-avante-lpi-hybrid-in-korea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/hyundai-starts-accepting-orders-for-avante-lpi-hybrid-in-korea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/hyundai-starts-accepting-orders-for-avante-lpi-hybrid-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid - Click for high-res image gallery

Hyundai's Avante LPI Hybrid has been a long time coming. First discussed back in 2007, the company is finally ready to take pre-orders for the LPG-electric hybrid in Korea. According to the Korea Herald, interested buyers can raise their hand for an Avante LPI Hybrid as of today, but the exact price that they'll be paying won't be announced until the sometime before the vehicles July 8 launch date. Like it's Kia sibling, the Forte Hybrid, the Avante LPI Hybrid can burn liquefied petroleum gas (propane). The Avante uses a 1.6 liter engine alongside the lithium polymer batteries and features regenerative braking, stop/start and the ability to travel solely on electric power. Hyundai says that the hybrid gets fuel economy of 42 mpg (U.S.), and that this is equivalent 52 mpg (U.S.) in a gasoline-powered vehicle. Solid.

[Source: Korea Herald]

Hyundai starts accepting orders for Avante LPI Hybrid in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avanteavante hybridavante lpi hybridAvanteHybridAvanteLpiHybridhyundaihyundai avantehyundai avante hybridhyundai hybridHyundaiAvanteHyundaiAvanteHybridHyundaiHybridTue, 16 Jun 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota Camry Hybrid gets nip/tuck for ASEAN market intro ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/01/toyota-camry-hybrid-gets-nip-tuck-for-asean-market-intro/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/01/toyota-camry-hybrid-gets-nip-tuck-for-asean-market-intro/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/01/toyota-camry-hybrid-gets-nip-tuck-for-asean-market-intro/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Toyota Camry Hybrid for Thailand - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It may have taken a year to make it happen, but the locally-built Toyota Camry Hybrid is finally ready to go on sale in Thailand. This new version of the Camry Hybrid is the first of its kind not assembled in Japan and features unique new front and rear fascias that are derived from the Australian Aurion with a grille that's vaguely reminiscent of the three-bar chrome schnoz used by Ford in America.

Although final pricing has not yet been announced, Toyota expects to sell the new Camry Hybrid in Thailand with just a small premium over the standard model thanks to a reduced 10 percent excise tax on locally-built hybrid vehicles. Thanks to this favorable pricing situation, Toyota expects the Hybrid to make up 60-70 percent of all Camry sales in the region. Soon, the Japanese automaker will begin exporting the Thai-built Camry Hybrid to other countries in Southeast Asia.

Gallery: Toyota Camry Hybrid for Thailand


[Source: Paul Tan]

Toyota Camry Hybrid gets nip/tuck for ASEAN market intro originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asean camry hybridAseanCamryHybridasian camry hybridAsianCamryHybridthai camry hybridThaiCamryHybridthailandthailand camry hybridThailandCamryHybridtoyota camry hybridtoyota camry hybrid thailandToyotaCamryHybridToyotaCamryHybridThailandMon, 01 Jun 2009 17:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Coskata's cellulosic ethanol road show hits Thailand, China, Australia]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/coskatas-cellulosic-ethanol-road-show-hits-thailand-china-aus/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/coskatas-cellulosic-ethanol-road-show-hits-thailand-china-aus/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/coskatas-cellulosic-ethanol-road-show-hits-thailand-china-aus/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Representatives from one of the GM-backed cellulosic ethanol concerns, Coskata, have been visiting the Asia-Pacific region recently to tout their anything-into-ethanol technology. In Thailand, they recommended that the Thai government work to make "Thailand the ethanol manufacturing hub for Asia," according to the Thai newspaper The Nation. Before committing to a Thai location, though, Coskata wants the government to have "clear-cut tax regulations, lower import tariffs for machines, and support in establishing investment." Coskata's chief marketing officer, Wes Bolsen, touted a three- to four-year break-even point for investors who help the company set up an ethanol facility there by 2012.

Here in the U.S., Coskata is waiting on government aid before moving forward on a pilot plant.

[Source: The Nation (Thai newspaper)]

Coskata's cellulosic ethanol road show hits Thailand, China, Australia originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res image gallery of the C200

The Seoul Motor Show was the first place for new versions of SsangYong's C200 compact urban vehicle (CUV) to see the light of day. The C200 Eco (above) puts up a green flag with a diesel hybrid powertrain that should reduce CO2 emissions by 50 percent. The Aero version (the black model in the gallery below) can be had with either 2.0 diesel (with 175 hp) or turbocharged 1.8 litre petrol engines. "Can be had" means the C200 will go into production later in 2009. We first saw the standard versions of the C200, designed by ItalDesign, in Paris last fall. Both the Eco and Aero versions will be available with manual or automatic transmissions. Elsewhere on its stand, SsangYong displayed a diesel hybrid version of the Kyron. Diesel-electric hybrids are not cheap, but the potential for incredible MPG ratings is unmatched by any vehicle without a plug.

Gallery: SsangYong C200


[Source: SsangYong]

Continue reading SsangYong brings diesel-hybrid Eco C200 CUV to Seoul

SsangYong brings diesel-hybrid Eco C200 CUV to Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel hybridDieselHybridssangyongssangyong c200SsangyongC200Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Electric signs deal with Proton, plans 2 new electric cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/detroit-electric-signs-deal-with-proton-plans-2-new-electric-ca/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/detroit-electric-signs-deal-with-proton-plans-2-new-electric-ca/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/detroit-electric-signs-deal-with-proton-plans-2-new-electric-ca/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Last September, the revived Detroit Electric brand announced in Malaysia that it planned to produce a new line of electric vehicles by the end of 2009. At the time, nothing was official, but the electric cars on display were based on the guts of Proton Savvy and Persona sedans, leading us to wonder if there was a deal between Detroit Electric and the Malaysian automaker. Apparently, there is.

The two companies have announced that they will jointly create two electric vehicles under the Detroit Electric brand called the e46 and e63, both based on existing Proton models. Various countries in Europe and Asia will get first crack at the EVs beginning in February of 2010. U.S. sales are expected to begin 3 to 6 months later.

The least expensive model is said to have a range of about 110 miles and will reportedly cost around $23,000. The higher-spec model will boast a 200 mile range and sell for around $30K. The upstart automaker has ambitions of selling 40,000 units in its first year and 270,000 by 2012. We wish them luck.

[Source: Financial Times, Paul Tan]

Detroit Electric signs deal with Proton, plans 2 new electric cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit electricdetroit electric carsdetroit electric e46detroit electric e63DetroitElectricDetroitElectricCarsDetroitElectricE46DetroitElectricE63protonMon, 30 Mar 2009 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Sufat announces new electric scooters]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/sufat-announces-new-electric-scooters/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/sufat-announces-new-electric-scooters/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/sufat-announces-new-electric-scooters/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Looks like Vectrix could might have some competition coming its way. Sufat, apparently a major scooter manufacturer in Vietnam, has just announced plans to produce a new electric scooter that it says is capable of hitting speeds of 80 miles per hour. Acceleration is equally impressive, with the proposed electric scooter hitting 50 mph in under ten seconds. Of course, it's one thing to make exciting product announcements, and another entirely to actually put a machine into production.

The technology behind this supposed performance comes from a U.S. company called KLD Energy Technologies. The motor reportedly uses nanotechnology to keep heat low and improve conductivity and is mounted directly to the hub, eliminating the need for a transmission. So far, there's no word on battery technology. If successful, Sufat plans to assemble 50,000 electric scooter in its first year of production, which is currently scheduled for early 2010.

[Source: KLD Energy Technologies]

Continue reading Sufat announces new electric scooters

Sufat announces new electric scooters originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric scooterelectric scooter vietnamelectric scootersElectricScooterElectricScootersElectricScooterVietnamkld energykld energy technologyKldEnergyKldEnergyTechnologysufatvietnam scootersVietnamScootersTue, 10 Feb 2009 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevrolet Mini (aka Spark) to launch production in India this year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/25/chevrolet-mini-aka-spark-to-launch-production-in-india-this-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/25/chevrolet-mini-aka-spark-to-launch-production-in-india-this-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/25/chevrolet-mini-aka-spark-to-launch-production-in-india-this-year/#commentsFiled under: ,



The tiny subcompact that GM first showed as the 2007 Beat concept could start production by the end of this year in India. A report in Indian Autos Blog indicates that for the Indian market the car will be called the Mini - rather than the Spark moniker it will have when it comes to the U.S. in two years. GM's initial plan had been to the build the Mini at it's factory in Maharashtra from complete knock down kits brought in from another country (likely China or Korea). Instead, GM is tooling up for full Indian production. The Mini is expected to compete in the premium small car segment against the likes of the Hyundai i20 and Škoda Fabia. Power is expected to come from a 1.2L gas or 1.4L diesel engine. We still don't know where the U.S. market Spark will be sourced from.

Gallery: New York Auto Show: Chevy Beat Concept Live


[Source: Indian Autos Blog]

Chevrolet Mini (aka Spark) to launch production in India this year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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