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[China turns to methanol for flex-fuel cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/china-turns-to-methanol-for-flex-fuel-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/china-turns-to-methanol-for-flex-fuel-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/china-turns-to-methanol-for-flex-fuel-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,


Methanol is an unusual alcohol. For one thing, it can be used in fuel cells instead of hydrogen. It is also used by homebrewers to make biodiesel. Alternatively, it can be used in internal combustion engines instead of gasoline (see: drag racing). In China, methanol has just been approved by the ministry for standards for use as a motor vehicle fuel. Like ethanol in the U.S., China now permits the chemical to be added to pure gasoline so that it makes up to 85 percent of the mixture. The U.S. has E85, China has M85. It's possible to make methanol from natural gas, wood, and coal. The downside? Methanol is less efficient than either gasoline or ethanol. For example, a car that gets 10 l/100 km (23.5 mpg) using gasoline would get 12.5 l / 100 km (18 mpg) on ethanol and 15 l / 100 km (15.5 mpg) on methanol.

Green Car Advisor notes that one of the first automakers to prepare a powertrain that can burn methanol is Geely, which makes some of the cheapest cars in the world.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

China turns to methanol for flex-fuel cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinamethanolmethanol chinamethanol ethanolmethanol fuel cellMethanolChinaMethanolEthanolMethanolFuelCellTue, 10 Nov 2009 18:57:00 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[REPORT: BYD still having technical troubles with plug-in cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/report-byd-still-having-technical-troubles-with-plug-in-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/report-byd-still-having-technical-troubles-with-plug-in-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/report-byd-still-having-technical-troubles-with-plug-in-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of BYD's problems is that it F3DM plug-in hybrid is not exactly super popular. Another, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, is that the upcoming e6 all-electric car - due to go on sale of the U.S. next year - is currently "rough" and "squishy." These are the thoughts of an unnamed "tech chief of a global automaker" who recently drove the car. He added that he was "truly astonished that they plan to sell such a half-baked car" in China later this year. This might just have been a business opponent trying to talk down a competitor's product, but the WSJ noted that, "BYD doesn't have a good track record in keeping promises on product launches, and some industry observers suspect there may be technical glitches plaguing its green cars." Is this the kind of car people will want to spend $40,000+ on?

[Source: Wall Street Journal via HybridCars]

REPORT: BYD still having technical troubles with plug-in cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bydBYD F3DMbyd phevBydF3dmBydPhevf3dmF3DualModeWed, 28 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: BYD only sells 100 plug-in F3DM hybrids in eight months]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/report-byd-only-sells-100-plug-in-f3dm-hybrids-in-eight-months/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/report-byd-only-sells-100-plug-in-f3dm-hybrids-in-eight-months/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/report-byd-only-sells-100-plug-in-f3dm-hybrids-in-eight-months/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid went on sale in China last December. In the first eight months that the car has been on sale, only 100 have been sold, according to a new report from Gasgoo. This is well below the company's original stated goal of selling 10,000 in the first year, although they do have another four months to turn things around. Gasgoo says BYD changed its sales estimate to 3,000 to 4,000 units in the first 12 months earlier this year. In June, the F3DM went on sale in Hong Kong.

While the plug-in F3DM hasn't sold as well as expected, BYD is still planning on offering the all-electric e6 in China later this year. Overall, BYD sold 176,795 vehicles in the first half of 2009, an increase of 176 percent compared to the first six months of 2008.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid


[Source: Gasgoo via Green Car Congress]

REPORT: BYD only sells 100 plug-in F3DM hybrids in eight months originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>build your dreambuild your dreamsBuildYourDreamBuildYourDreamsbydbyd autobyd f3dmBydAutoBydF3dmMon, 21 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[California mine may benefit from Chinese rare earth metal "hoarding"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/california-mine-may-benefit-from-chinese-rare-earth-metal-hoard/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/california-mine-may-benefit-from-chinese-rare-earth-metal-hoard/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/california-mine-may-benefit-from-chinese-rare-earth-metal-hoard/#commentsFiled under: , ,



China's decision to begin hoarding using it's rare earth metal resources to bolster productivity in Mongolia may have Toyota bracing itself (and making use of its long-term plans) but the news is music to the ears of Molycorp Minerals LLC. They are the company with plans to re-open a Mountain Pass, California mine containing the world's richest proven reserves of rare earth metals. The open-pit quarry had been closed, along with similar operations around the world, after China began producing and exporting large amounts of the resource in the 1990s and causing a steep decline in prices.

It will still take a while before before the neodymium (used in windmills and hybrid motors) and lanthanum (used in nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries) starts flowing again. The pit is currently covered in so much rock and water that it will require a couple years to get going in earnest. Molycorp seems to be making good use of the intervening time, having recently signed a joint venture deal with Arnold Magnetic Technologies Corp to make magnets and perfecting an extraction process they say will double the amount of metal they can remove from the bastnaesite ore. While the mine should eventually be able to supply most of the world's needs, other companies are exploring rare earth mining opportunities in Canada and Australia.

[Source: Reuters]

California mine may benefit from Chinese rare earth metal "hoarding" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arnold Magnetic Technologies CorpArnoldMagneticTechnologiesCorplanthanumminingMolycorp Minerals LLCMolycorpMineralsLlcneodymiumrare earth metalsRareEarthMetalsTue, 08 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: China not hoarding rare earth metals, just wants them to be used in Inner Mongolia]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/report-china-not-hoarding-rare-earth-metals-just-wants-them-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/report-china-not-hoarding-rare-earth-metals-just-wants-them-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/report-china-not-hoarding-rare-earth-metals-just-wants-them-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A coal mine in Mongolia

Reports of the death of rare earth metals might have been greatly exaggerated. While it remains true that China mines almost all (i.e., more than 95 percent) of the rare earth minerals that are taken out of the earth, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that recent news saying that China may begin hoarding these minerals - needed for today's hybrids, among many other high-tech products - are false. Instead, a senior Chinese official told the WSJ, the export controls are being put in place in order to get more high-tech firms to move to Inner Mongolia. Of course, if companies are building fancy gadgets using the metals in Mongolia, that does effectively hoard them, in that they won't be available for export. This means that fears of a price increase in the metals is not out of the question.

[Source: Wall Street Journal via Green Car Advisor]
Photo by Wolfiewolf. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.


REPORT: China not hoarding rare earth metals, just wants them to be used in Inner Mongolia originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinafalsemongoliarare earth metalrare earth metalsRareEarthMetalRareEarthMetalsThu, 03 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: China pondering hoarding precious metal exports used in hybrids and EVs by banning exportation ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/report-china-pondering-hoarding-precious-metal-exports-used-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/report-china-pondering-hoarding-precious-metal-exports-used-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/report-china-pondering-hoarding-precious-metal-exports-used-in/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ever hear of neodymium? How about dysprosium or yttrium? Thulium or lutetium? These are just some of the metals that China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is considering either banning for export or at least severely limiting the amount that it will let leave the country. These precious metals are used in manufacturing new, sometimes green, technologies, and China wants keep the good available for domestic use.

Neodymium, in particular, is required for making the electric motor in hybrid cars, and every Toyota Prius you've ever seen contains 25 pounds of rare earth elements. iPods, Blackberries and countless other items also require these rare earth minerals.

Right now, China mines more than 95 percent of the rare earth minerals that are taken out of the earth. While some might see the export limits as an act of aggression by China, an Australian rare metals expert told the Telegraph that, "This isn't about the China holding the world to ransom. They are saying we need these resources to develop our own economy and achieve energy efficiency, so go find your own supplies." Does this mean BYD will one day have a big, big advantage?

[Source: Telegraph via China Car Times | Image: Martin Bernetti/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: China pondering hoarding precious metal exports used in hybrids and EVs by banning exportation originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinafalsehybridhybridslutetiumneodymiumpriusrare earthrare earth elementsrare earth mineralsRareEarthRareEarthElementsRareEarthMineralsthuliumTue, 25 Aug 2009 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[BYD does deal to supply major Chinese auto group with batteries]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/byd-does-deal-to-supply-major-chinese-auto-group-with-batteries/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/byd-does-deal-to-supply-major-chinese-auto-group-with-batteries/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/byd-does-deal-to-supply-major-chinese-auto-group-with-batteries/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery

Taking it name to heart, BYD is building their dreams ever bigger and will likely be the source of even more billions for Warren Buffet in the near future. They haven't really started selling their first hybrid, the F3DM, in earnest yet but they've just reached a deal that will see them supplying lithium batteries to one of the Chinese big three auto groups. Although the arrangement was confirmed by sales manager Wang Jianjun, the name of the battery buyer is being withheld for now due to "professional secrecy." What's not secret is that BYD and Volkswagen signed a memorandum of understanding just last May that would likely see the two in a battery-bound relationship and Volkswagen has joint ventures with two of the biggest auto groups in China, SAIC and FAW, and could very well have facilitated the deal

The batteries in question are said by the company to be good for 2,000 charge and discharge cycles which would power a car for up to 375,000 miles. With overall vehicle sales that have been doubling each year and could reach 700,000 in 2010, BYD is becoming a major automotive force in its own right. Its F3DM hybrid and all-electric e6 may well become the emeralds in its clean-tech crown and the extra battery production resulting from this deal should help them lower their costs.


Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid


[Source: Gasgoo via Green Car Congress]

BYD does deal to supply major Chinese auto group with batteries originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery supplierbattery supply dealBatterySupplierBatterySupplyDealBYDFAWsaicVolkswagenMon, 17 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Buffett reportedly rakes in $1B profits on BYD in less than a year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/report-buffett-rakes-in-1b-profits-on-byd-in-less-than-a-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/report-buffett-rakes-in-1b-profits-on-byd-in-less-than-a-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/report-buffett-rakes-in-1b-profits-on-byd-in-less-than-a-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery

You don't get to hold the title of The Richest Person in the World - a title oft-owned by either Bill Gates or Warren Buffett at any given time - without knowing how to make sound financial decisions. While not all of Warren Buffett's investments end up raking in tons of money, his procurement of a ten-percent stake in Chinese automaker BYD less than one year ago has already earned his Berkshire Hathaway Inc. some $1 billion.

Driving the rapid rise in BYD's value are its investments in hybrid automobiles like the plug-in F3DM and, even more importantly, high-tech lithium iron phosphate batteries. A recent partnership with Volkswagen and possible tie-ups with Ford and others have proven the worth of that energy storage technology for automotive use and the company is already China's largest producer of rechargeable batteries for portable electronics.

BYD Chief Executive Officer Wang Chuanfu has publicly stated his company's plan to more than double global sales this year with new models and additional export deals, which could include the United States as early as 2011. With all of this in mind, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Buffett bolstered his investment Sunday night by acquiring an additional 225 million shares of BYD stock.


Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid


[Source: Bloomberg]

Warren Buffett reportedly rakes in $1B profits on BYD in less than a year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berkshire hathawayBerkshireHathawaybydbyd autobyd e6byd f3byd f3dmbyd f6BydAutoBydE6BydF3BydF3dmBydF6warren buffettWarrenBuffettTue, 04 Aug 2009 09:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan wants to bring its EVs to China in 2011]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/11/nissan-wants-to-bring-its-evs-to-china-in-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/11/nissan-wants-to-bring-its-evs-to-china-in-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/11/nissan-wants-to-bring-its-evs-to-china-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Nissan EV-02 prototype - click above for high res image gallery

A local Nissan official has announced that the company wants to start selling its upcoming electric vehicles in China in 2011. Yasuaki Hashimoto, president of Nissan (China) Investment Co., Ltd. announced that Wuhan, in central China, would likely be the first market for the lithium ion-powered cars. Nissan is apparently looking for an enormous uptake of the EVs because Hashimoto said that the electric cars could be produced in China. That would make it the fourth region to build the new cars in addition to Japan, United States and Europe. Considering the new dedicated EV won't be seen publicly until August and it will be some time before we can see how well they perform in the real world, Nissan's confidence is surprising.

Gallery: Quick Drive: Nissan EV-02 prototype


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

[Source: Trading Markets]

Nissan wants to bring its EVs to China in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nissannissan electricnissan electric carnissan electric carsnissan evnissan ev chinanissan ev-02NissanElectricNissanElectricCarNissanElectricCarsNissanEvNissanEv-02NissanEvChinaSat, 11 Jul 2009 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Zap!, ABAT sign battery distrubution deal for new electric vehicles, will start with scooters]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/11/zap-abat-sign-battery-distrubution-deal-for-new-electric-vehic/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/11/zap-abat-sign-battery-distrubution-deal-for-new-electric-vehic/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/11/zap-abat-sign-battery-distrubution-deal-for-new-electric-vehic/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Zap Alias - Click above image for gallery

Since 2007, Zap and ABAT (Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc.) have been working together in China on advanced batteries for electric vehicles like the Xebra. This week, ABAT's wholly owned subsidiary Wuxi Zhongqiang Autocycle Co., Ltd., announced it has signed a distribution agreement with Zap to use those batteries. Zap says the packs could be used in Zap's current line-up of vehicles as well as it's new pickup and the ever-forthcoming Alias. The first vehicles to get the new battery types will be Zap's Zappy3 scooters. For the curious, there's an unsurprisingly self-congratulatory press release after the jump.

Gallery: AFVI Zap solar truck


[Source: Zap!]

Continue reading Zap!, ABAT sign battery distrubution deal for new electric vehicles, will start with scooters

Zap!, ABAT sign battery distrubution deal for new electric vehicles, will start with scooters originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abatabat batteryabat chinaAbatBatteryAbatChinazapzap abatzap abat dealzap batteryZapAbatZapAbatDealZapBatterySat, 11 Jul 2009 16:13:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: former Brilliance chairman looking to make clean cars in Alabama]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/11/report-former-brilliance-chairman-looking-to-make-clean-cars-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/11/report-former-brilliance-chairman-looking-to-make-clean-cars-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/11/report-former-brilliance-chairman-looking-to-make-clean-cars-in/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Brilliance EV Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's a set of words you don't often see together: exiled Chinese automobile tycoon, clean-tech cars, and Alabama.

They all come from a news report on Yang Rong, the former chairman of Brilliance China Automotive Holdings. Rong, who left China after he was accused of "economic crimes" (what are those, exactly?), now lives in California and is thinking of setting up shop in the Southern U.S. state with a new company. An insider told Reuters that Rong "is preparing to launch an ambitious plan to make clean-tech cars in the United States." Apparently, Al Gore is in support of Rong's plan. Rong's new company is asking for DOE money.

In April, Brilliance unveiled a new EV concept at the Shanghai Motor Show. Another new automaker, V-Vehicle Company, recently announced it would build clean vehicles in Louisiana.

Gallery: Shanghai 2009: Brilliance EV concept


[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: former Brilliance chairman looking to make clean cars in Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alabamabrilliancebrilliance alabamabrilliance autoBrillianceAlabamaBrillianceAutoyang rongYangRongSat, 11 Jul 2009 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[China raises fuel prices by 10%]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/china-raises-fuel-prices-by-10/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/china-raises-fuel-prices-by-10/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/china-raises-fuel-prices-by-10/#commentsFiled under: ,

For the third time in recent months, drivers in China are finding themselves shelling out more each time they fill the tank. In China, retail fuel prices are regulated, just as other aspects of life are. As of this week, gasoline is at $3 per gallon in China, bringing it above prices in the United States.

For many years, the Chinese government has held gas prices down to avoid hurting economic growth in the country. The prices are regulated by the National Development and Reform Commission. Prices jumped 6-7 percent a month ago and 3-5 percent in March.

Increasing fuel prices may hurt overall sales of new cars but it may also stimulate demand for more efficient cars. This could help to address some of the severe pollution problems that afflict China's big cities.

[Source: Gasgoo]

China raises fuel prices by 10% originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>china fuel pricesChinaFuelPricesrising fuel costsrising fuel price chinaRisingFuelCostsRisingFuelPriceChinaThu, 02 Jul 2009 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA["New energy car" classifications revised by Chinese government]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/new-energy-car-classifications-revised-by-chinese-government/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/new-energy-car-classifications-revised-by-chinese-government/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/new-energy-car-classifications-revised-by-chinese-government/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery

In China, the government tries to keep a tight reign on what companies can produce and sell. For example companies aren't allowed to get into the car business without prior approval from Beijing which is why the company trying to buy Hummer from General Motors is having a tough time right now. Companies that are already in the car business also have to get approval for new types of products like hybrids and EVs.

The authorities in Beijing have just revised the rules governing classification of some types of so-called "new energy" vehicles. There are now three main categories: mature technology, developing, and start-up technology. Mature technology includes hybrids with NiMH or lead acid batteries and these are now being treated as conventional products and can be produced at will. Developing technologies like lithium ion hybrids can now be produced but approval is required before they can actually be sold, which seems a bit odd. Why produce them if you can't sell them? Start-up tech includes fuel cells which are still largely at the research phase in China. The Chinese government wants five percent of all new vehicles sold in 2011 to include some kind of alternative drive system.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid


Gallery: Detroit 2009: BYD F6DM and F3DM


[Source: Caijing]

"New energy car" classifications revised by Chinese government originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese regulationsChineseRegulationsnew energy vehiclesNewEnergyVehiclesTue, 30 Jun 2009 14:07:00 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.

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Tong Jian S11 - Click above for image gallery

Somehow, we managed to miss China's first-ever hybrid sports car at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year. The car is called the S11 from Tong Jian - which incidentally also seems to be the name of a popular Chinese figure skater - but details on the car's hybrid powertrain are extremely scarce. China Car Times reports that all four wheels are powered in some manner, but that's about all we know.

It's obvious that the S11's designers looked to the Audi R8 and any number of recent Ferraris for design inspiration, both inside and out. As far as we can tell, the resulting mashup isn't all that bad - minus the one-size-too-small alloy rims and those awkward Audi-esque blades on either side.

If CCT's sources are correct, design work on the Tong Jian S11 has been completed and the hybrid sports car should be headed for production at an unknown plant in Changchun city in short order.

Gallery: Shanghai 2009: Tong Jian S11 hybrid sports car


[Source: China Car Times]

Tong Jian S11 hybrid sports car attempts to channel inner Audi and Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinese hybrid sports carChineseHybridSportsCarhybrid sports carhybrid sportscarHybridSportsCarshanghai 2009shanghai motor showShanghai2009ShanghaiMotorShowtong jiantong jian s11TongJianTongJianS11Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:01:00 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[$6.5 billion Chinese hybrid-electric car plant for Mississippi up in the air]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/6-5-billion-chinese-hybrid-electric-car-plant-for-mississippi-u/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/6-5-billion-chinese-hybrid-electric-car-plant-for-mississippi-u/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/6-5-billion-chinese-hybrid-electric-car-plant-for-mississippi-u/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Might a $6.5 billion hybrid-electric car factory be coming to Mississippi? Depending on what happens with a lawsuit that has shone light on the previously unknown deal, we think it's a definite maybe. Or maybe not (c'mon, we're bloggers, not soothsayers). Apparently, quiet plans had been afoot to begin building on a 3,500 acre site this year that would have had hybrids rolling off the line as early as 2011. By 2015, it was to be in full production and employing some 25,000 people in the Magnolia state.

So what went wrong? According to the civil suit, the CEO and CFO of Hybrid Kinetic Automotive Corp., Charles Wang and Jack Deng respectively, attempted to wrangle the company away from the parent, Hybrid Kinetic Automotive Holdings Inc. The founder and chairman of the venture, Rong "Benjamin" Yeung, was the man behind Brilliance China Automotive and could be a little sensitive about these types of issues since, a few years back, any ownership of that company was stripped away from him by the Liaoning Provincial Government (PDF). The judge summed the current situation down nicely, saying that the partnership "has broken down in rather spectacular fashion." As for the car, no details have yet been released. Thanks to Mart for the tip!

[Source: commercialappeal.com]

$6.5 billion Chinese hybrid-electric car plant for Mississippi up in the air originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brilliance China AutomotiveBrillianceChinaAutomotiveCharles WangCharlesWanghybrid car plant MississippiHybrid Kinetic Automotive CorpHybrid Kinetic Automotive Holdings IncHybridCarPlantMississippiHybridKineticAutomotiveCorpHybridKineticAutomotiveHoldingsIncJack DengJackDengRong Benjamin YeungRongBenjaminYeungYang RongYangRongThu, 25 Jun 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chevy Volt will be built, sold in China]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/report-chevy-volt-will-be-built-sold-in-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/report-chevy-volt-will-be-built-sold-in-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/report-chevy-volt-will-be-built-sold-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Chevrolet Volt Integration prototype - click above for high res image gallery

The Chevy Volt is, as has been repeatedly said, the car that could save GM. With the auto market in China poised for expansion (at some point), it's no surprise that The General is thinking of making and selling the extended-range electric vehicle (ER-EV) there. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that GM will indeed build the Chevy Volt in China, but that all the Volts built in China will remain in China. Think of it as the Vegas of car sales. After initial production begins at GM's Hamtramck plant and export demand exceeds production there, GM will likely build Volts around the world for local markets. In the meantime, engineering and pre-production work on the Volt is taking place ahead of schedule.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Chevy Volt will be built, sold in China originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltchevy volt chinachevy volt productionChevyVoltChevyVoltChinaChevyVoltProductionvolt chinaVoltChinaThu, 25 Jun 2009 12:43:00 EST