AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 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[BMW exec: Germans should shrug off 'angst' and just buy electric vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bmw-exec-germans-should-shrug-off-angst-buy-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bmw-exec-germans-should-shrug-off-angst-buy-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bmw-exec-germans-should-shrug-off-angst-buy-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BMW i3 EV

Honda once told Americans to "respect the van" in its effort to sell its Odyssey minivans. Now, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer is telling his fellow Germans to "embrace the plug."

Reithofer cited "German angst" to explain a potential sales roadblock for the German automaker's new "i" sub-brand, which officially debuts later this year with the i3 battery-electric vehicle, Bloomberg News reports. Reithofer says Bimmer has taken a leap of faith of sorts by investing in plug-in drivetrain technology, and now needs to encourage the German public to do the same. BMW will also start selling its i8 plug-in hybrid next year.

Whether Germans will follow suit remains in question. Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive Management at Germany's University of Applied Sciences, tells Bloomberg that plug-ins may account for as much as three percent of Germany's new-vehicle market by the end of the decade, and says Germans remain in a "phase of disenchantment" when it comes to plug-in technology.

Reithofer has previously made a different type of appeal, recently calling European emissions standards for 2020 "impossible to meet" and lobbying for funding from the German government to help with the necessary technological improvements.

BMW exec: Germans should shrug off 'angst' and just buy electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angstbmwelectric vehiclei3norbert reithoferplug-inFri, 17 May 2013 11:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20571456/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20571456/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/bmw-exec-germans-should-shrug-off-angst-buy-electric-vehicles/20571456/article-detail.xml 20571456 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmwi3-1368730610_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmwi3-1368730610.jpg <![CDATA[BMW says European CO2 targets are 'impossible to meet' *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bmw-says-european-co2-targets-impossible/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bmw-says-european-co2-targets-impossible/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bmw-says-european-co2-targets-impossible/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW i3

Volkswagen and former nemesis Greenpeace recently kumbaya'd to pledge to meet the European Union's strict 2020 emissions standards. Not everyone is feeling the love.

BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer says the standards, which would require about a 30-percent improvement over current levels, are "impossible to meet." That is, they are impossible to meet without huge technology investments that will require extra help from government, Australia's Drive website reports.

Reithofer accused the EU of playing politics and said the 2020 standards were set without sufficient analysis. He also added that, when compared to China and the US, the EU undercredits makers of advanced powertrain vehicles in their efforts to meet emissions standards.

This doesn't mean BMW isn't trying to make cleaner vehicles. The company will start selling the i3 electric vehicle, the successor to the lease-only ActiveE, later this year, while the i8 plug-in hybrid goes on sale next year. BMW also showed off a coupe concept version of the i3 at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November. Automotive News recently reported that the i3 will be priced at about $40,000, about the same as a well-equipped 3 Series gas-powered sedan.

*UPDATE: Reithofer's full quote, which puts everything into context, is as follows:

As always, companies need the most reliable framework possible in order to plan for the future. But this can only be achieved with parameters that are based on sound analysis. One example where this is clearly not the case is the recent proposal by the European Parliament to tighten CO2 limits in Europe from 2025 on. This proposal was politically motivated and published without conducting any kind of technical feasibility study. The EU's 95-gram CO2 target for 2020 is already impossible to meet without the use of alternative drive technology. The European Union must decide - as other countries have - whether or not it wants to combine reductions in emissions and fuel consumption with boosting incentives for technological advancements. It is hard to understand why alternative drive trains should only be credited with a factor of 1.5 in Europe - while the same drive train technology is credited with a factor of five in China and a factor of two in the United States. This is not only counterproductive for the industrial base in Germany but also in Europe. And Europe is not currently in a strong enough position to isolate itself from global competition in this way. Automotive markets are already developing unevenly.

BMW says European CO2 targets are 'impossible to meet' *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 May 2013 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwco2emissionseueuropean unionnorbert reithoferThu, 09 May 2013 13:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562926/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562926/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/bmw-says-european-co2-targets-impossible/20562926/article-detail.xml 20562926 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmwi3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmwi3.jpg <![CDATA[VW sustaniability report shows emissions, production progress]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/vw-sustaniability-report-shows-emissions-production-progress/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/vw-sustaniability-report-shows-emissions-production-progress/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/vw-sustaniability-report-shows-emissions-production-progress/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The most recent companywide sustainability report from Volkswagen comes in at a tidy 168 pages. Here's hoping not too many folks took out trees by printing the whole thing out.

Europe's biggest automaker said it has reduced the amount of both energy and water required to make each vehicle by 10 percent during the past two years. Additionally, average new-car emissions on Volkswagen's European fleet has dropped about seven percent during that time.

VW, which so far has turned more to diesel than to electric-drive for fuel-efficiency gains, is looking to boost its environmental credibility, even going as far as making nice with Greenpeace after a couple years of salvos, mostly from Greenpeace. Last month, Volkswagen Chairman Martin Winterkorn and Greenpeace Chief Executive Director Brigitte Behrens met for the first time to pledge collective support of Europe's tightening emissions standards.

Read VW's press release below and get access to the link to the report here.

Continue reading VW sustaniability report shows emissions, production progress

VW sustaniability report shows emissions, production progress originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emissionsfactorysustainabilityvolkswagenvwSun, 28 Apr 2013 15:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20550121/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20550121/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/vw-sustaniability-report-shows-emissions-production-progress/20550121/article-detail.xml 20550121 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-co2-emissions-timeline_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-co2-emissions-timeline.png <![CDATA[BMW offers guilt-free EV charging with Solarwatt; runs EV hackathon this weekend]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/bmw-ev-charging-solarwatt-hackathon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/bmw-ev-charging-solarwatt-hackathon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/bmw-ev-charging-solarwatt-hackathon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Germany-based Solarwatt is partnering with BMW

BMW, which last year struck up an agreement with a Colorado company to facilitate solar-powered charging for its upcoming plug-in vehicles, has done the same with a company from its homeland.

Dresden, Germany-based Solarwatt is working with Bimmer on a partnership for providing solar-panel systems on the home roofs and carports of the i3 and i8 plug-ins. The partnership's 360° ELECTRIC-branded systems make for an "aesthetic solution with innovative glass-glass modules" that efficiently garner sunlight and turn it into vehicle juice, Solarwatt says.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the planet, BMW will team up with ChargePoint and DriveNow this weekend for the Bay Area Sustainability Hackathon to "build apps, mobile apps and hacks to address some of the issues surrounding electric vehicles and EV charging." We're thinking a Dr. Horrible-style app to steal wonderflonium.

BMW's is on track to start selling its i3 battery-electric, the successor to the lease-only ActiveE, later this year, while the i8 plug-in hybrid will start sales in 2014. BMW also unveiled a coupe concept version of the i3 at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November. Check out Solarwatt's press release below.

BMW and utility company Green Mountain Energy cut a deal last May with Colorado-based Real Goods Solar to provide discounts on solar-energy systems for drivers of BMW's ActiveE battery-electric vehicles. Drivers from California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York were eligible for discounts of up to 35 percent.

Continue reading BMW offers guilt-free EV charging with Solarwatt; runs EV hackathon this weekend

BMW offers guilt-free EV charging with Solarwatt; runs EV hackathon this weekend originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery-electricBMWdresdeni3i8plug-insolarsolarwattSat, 27 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20549347/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20549347/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/bmw-ev-charging-solarwatt-hackathon/20549347/article-detail.xml 20549347 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/solarwatt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/solarwatt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen chief says fuel-cell vehicles not possible at a "reasonable cost"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/volkswagen-chief-fuel-cell-vehicles-not-possible/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/volkswagen-chief-fuel-cell-vehicles-not-possible/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/volkswagen-chief-fuel-cell-vehicles-not-possible/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hydrogen refueling

The head of Europe's biggest carmaker says the prospects for hydrogen vehicles are vanishing into thin air. Yes, when recently asked about fuel-cell technology, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn said it's nearly impossible to build those vehicles at a "reasonable cost."

As Automotive News reports, VW will keep on conducting research into fuel cells, but the company's focus recently has been on ramping up a broadened line of hybrid and battery-electric vehicles. Earlier this month, VW unveiled the XL1 diesel plug-in car at the Geneva Motor Show. Volkswagen says that model will get a whopping 261 miles per gallon.

Automakers like Toyota, Honda and Hyundai are preparing to debut their first production hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (albeit in small numbers) in 2015, and they're not the only ones. In late January, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, Ford and Nissan announced a partnership to develop a "common" fuel cell drivetrain for vehicles that will be introduced as soon as 2017. Daimler has long pushed fuel-cell technology and announced last June that it was working with the German Federal Ministry of Transportation and Linde at more than tripling Germany's hydrogen fueling stations to at least 50 in 2015, an increase from the 15 that were installed as of last year.

Volkswagen chief says fuel-cell vehicles not possible at a "reasonable cost" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellh2hydrogenvolkswagenvwwinterkornSat, 16 Mar 2013 15:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20504990/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20504990/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/16/volkswagen-chief-fuel-cell-vehicles-not-possible/20504990/article-detail.xml 20504990 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hydrogen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hydrogen.jpg <![CDATA[German automakers building own wind, natural gas plants; to get away from nuclear]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/german-automakers-building-own-wind-natural-gas-plants-to-get/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/german-automakers-building-own-wind-natural-gas-plants-to-get/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/german-automakers-building-own-wind-natural-gas-plants-to-get/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



German automakers are caught in a quandary - how can they pay more for a clean energy surcharge tax when automotive sales are down. The problem stems from German Chancellor Angela Merkel's move to take the country further away from nuclear and toward using more renewables to power the electricity grid.

For automakers, it can therefore make more sense to generate their own energy than to pay taxes on renewables made by commercial producers. "Generating your own power is not only cheaper in most cases, it could also protect you from grid failures," Sebastian Bolay, an energy policy analyst at DIHK, told Bloomberg.

BMW is funding four wind turbine towers that will soon supply almost a quarter of the power used at its Leipzig plant. It's there that the automaker builds its X1 sport-utility vehicle and will soon make the i3 electric car. Overall, the company generated 28 percent of its power from renewables in 2011 and wants to eventually reach 100 percent. BMW wants to meet two targets - cutting its carbon output and achieving cost savings from anticipated falling prices for wind and solar energy.

Daimler and Volkswagen are changing over to gas-powered plants to reduce energy costs. Daimler will be opening a gas-fired plant to supply power and heat to its truck factory in Woerth, reducing energy costs about 26 percent and carbon emissions 15 percent compared to its previous energy supply. Volkswagen will also open a 70-megawatt, gas-powered station at a component plant in Kassel, and may add at least five more generators in coming years.

This year, a 47-percent hike in the clean-energy surcharge will be implemented in Germany, which could add as much as 254 million euros (about $332 million) to the combined power bills of automakers and parts suppliers in Germany. The surcharge has gone up sixfold since 2006 and the German government estimates it will cost about 550 billion euros (about $719 billion US) for plant and grid upgrades during the switch away from nuclear. That cost will be covered in part by raising power surcharges.

All of this takes place during a period of declining auto sales in Europe. Demand in Europe is going into its sixth consecutive annual decline in 2013, and last year experienced its lowest level in nearly two decades. In Germany, automakers are paying more for energy and in labor costs than competitors in other European nations.

Chancellor Merkel's plan was proposed after Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant meltdown nearly two years ago, and it relies on expanded use of wind and solar power. Along with the surcharges, renewable energy fluctuates based on ideal weather conditions, which increases the risk of power outages. This risk and cost factors have motivated automakers to invest in their own power generators.

German automakers building own wind, natural gas plants; to get away from nuclear originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwdaimlereuropegermanynuclearrenewable energyvolkswagenwind powerTue, 05 Mar 2013 07:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20481393/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20481393/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/german-automakers-building-own-wind-natural-gas-plants-to-get/20481393/article-detail.xml 20481393 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/wind-power_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/wind-power.jpg <![CDATA[Visio.M all-electric prototype tested near Munich [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/visio-m-all-electric-prototype-tested-near-munich/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/visio-m-all-electric-prototype-tested-near-munich/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/visio-m-all-electric-prototype-tested-near-munich/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Visio.M urban EV prototype

The Visio.M urban electric vehicle, launched last year by BMW and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, is on the road. Well, test site roads anyway, where a prototype of the lightweight EV is being evaluated near Munich.

The car uses carbon fiber and other composite materials to provide what Visio.M's partners say is "the best of both worlds." That means materials that can make a car light enough to minimize electric-power needs but safe enough to drive around the city streets. An anti-lock braking system, specially designed seatbelts and a drivetrain system that cuts weight by about 15 percent are among the car's advancements.

Last spring, BMW and Daimler launched the Visio.M urban EV project with the help of German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF), which provided about $14 million in startup funding. The goal was to develop EVs whose power maxed out at about 20 horsepower and which tipped the scales at less than 1,000 pounds. Check out Visio's press release below.

Continue reading Visio.M all-electric prototype tested near Munich [w/video]

Visio.M all-electric prototype tested near Munich [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwdaimlerelectric vehicleevgermanyurbanvisio.mThu, 14 Feb 2013 13:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20461328/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20461328/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/14/visio-m-all-electric-prototype-tested-near-munich/20461328/article-detail.xml 20461328 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/visiofront_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/visiofront.jpg <![CDATA[Germany could have a million plug-in vehicles by 2020]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/germany-could-have-1-million-plug-ins-by-2020/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/germany-could-have-1-million-plug-ins-by-2020/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/germany-could-have-1-million-plug-ins-by-2020/#commentsFiled under: ,

BMW i3 coupe concept

Germany may only have a quarter the population of the US, but that won't stop the country from being on America's heels when it comes to electric-drive vehicle adoption.

The country's Germany Trade & Invest publication, citing a Horvath & Partners study, estimates that there will be about a million plug-in vehicles on Germany's roads by the end of the decade, five short years after President Obama has said the US plug-in vehicle count will hit that threshold. There's a good chance the US will not hit that target, but we'll see.

Germany will have about 150,000 publicly accessible charging stations by 2020. Such stations will be a boon for drivers of cars like the BMW i3 plug-in vehicle and the plug-in hybrid versions of the Volkswagen Golf and Passat, which are among the models that will debut during the next couple of years. For a general comparison, the US has about 5,200 publicly accessible charging stations today.

Germany's plug-in adoption will be a major topic of conversation at the Advanced Automotive Batteries Conference in Pasadena, CA, next week. Check out the press release below.

Continue reading Germany could have a million plug-in vehicles by 2020

Germany could have a million plug-in vehicles by 2020 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 03 Feb 2013 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleeuropeevgermanyplug-in hybridSun, 03 Feb 2013 16:22:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20445473/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20445473/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/03/germany-could-have-1-million-plug-ins-by-2020/20445473/article-detail.xml 20445473 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/bmwi3vid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/bmwi3vid.jpg <![CDATA[Audi to produce e-gas, its own synthetic fuel using wind, solar and captured CO2]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/audi-to-produce-e-gas-synthetic-fuel-wind-solar-co2/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/audi-to-produce-e-gas-synthetic-fuel-wind-solar-co2/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/audi-to-produce-e-gas-synthetic-fuel-wind-solar-co2/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Audi is constructing a huge synthetic natural gas plant in Germany that demonstrates its commitment to renewable energy just as it provides some valuable R&D to help prove e-gas is economically and environmentally possible. The 44,000-square-foot plant is in Werlite, a small town in northwestern Germany near the North Sea, 217 miles north of company headquarters in Ingolstadt, near Munich.

The goal is carbon-free fuel, and it sounds far from easy. Wind turbines generate electricity to manufacture hydrogen by electrolysis, which then is used, along with CO2 captured from the air, to produce methane. Audi calls it e-gas.

Audi will be plugging into the power produced by a massive wind farm two miles off the coast of Zingst, a resort town along the North Sea. The synthetic gas would be distributed through existing CNG pipelines to gas stations. The e-gas plant is set to absorb nearly 3,000 metric tons of CO2 from the air annually, and feed 1,000 metric tons of e-gas into Germany's public natural gas network.

The demonstration plant, with what Audi is calling a Methanation reactor, is set to begin a test run in spring 2013. Audi also is marketing an A3 Sportback, designated as a TCNG, to run on the synthetic natural gas. The A3 Sportback TCNG arrives in dealerships in Germany late in 2013.

Generating your own power, or manufacturing your own fuel, seems to be the new thing for automakers. Last week, VW plugged in its huge solar park, which will power its LEED-certified factory in Chattanooga, TN to make the fuel-efficient Passat.

Continue reading Audi to produce e-gas, its own synthetic fuel using wind, solar and captured CO2

Audi to produce e-gas, its own synthetic fuel using wind, solar and captured CO2 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuelaudiAudiA3cnghydrogenwind powerThu, 31 Jan 2013 07:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20439847/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20439847/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/audi-to-produce-e-gas-synthetic-fuel-wind-solar-co2/20439847/article-detail.xml 20439847 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/audi-e-gas-delivery-trucks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/audi-e-gas-delivery-trucks.jpg <![CDATA[BMW expands all-electric ActiveE testing in Leipzig]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/bmw-expands-all-electric-activee-testing-in-leipzig/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/bmw-expands-all-electric-activee-testing-in-leipzig/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/bmw-expands-all-electric-activee-testing-in-leipzig/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Since too much information isn't exactly possible in some situations, BMW is continuing its electric vehicle user study in Leipzig, Germany. The automaker is working with TU Chemnitz (University of Technology) and Stadwerke Leipzig municipal utility to conduct an electromobility study with long-distance commuters in 15 BMW ActiveE EVs in the Leipzig area.

The project is funded as part of the German federal government's "Electromobility Connects" Bavaria-Saxony. The test will track daily commutes of between 40 and 100 kilometers (25-62 miles) in five phases of 12 weeks each. Test drivers are required to install a charging station at home or work.

BMW has also worked with Chemnitz University to develop a special data logger for vehicles, merging this objective data with subjective answers to a battery of questions. BMW has already collected data from more than 16 million km (10 million miles) of tests of its Mini E and about five million km (three million miles) with its second electric model, the ActiveE. Drivers in US test markets have participated - in Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.

Testing is sure to continue with its third EV project - the i3 - later this year. The i3 with be the first series production electric car produced by the German automaker.

BMW expands all-electric ActiveE testing in Leipzig originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activeebmwcharging stationsdriverselectric vehicleeuropeevgermanyleipzigtest driveWed, 23 Jan 2013 14:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20430772/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20430772/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/bmw-expands-all-electric-activee-testing-in-leipzig/20430772/article-detail.xml 20430772 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/bmw-activee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/bmw-activee.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz ML250 BlueTex, B200 CNG named "most environmentally friendly" in class]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/mercedes-benz-m-class-b-class-named-most-environmentally-frien/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/mercedes-benz-m-class-b-class-named-most-environmentally-frien/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/mercedes-benz-m-class-b-class-named-most-environmentally-frien/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Two Mercedes-Benz models, the ML 250 BlueTec 4Matic and the Mercedes-Benz B200 Natural Gas Drive, have been named the most eco-friendly cars in their class by the popular German auto magazine Auto Test, which awarded them the title "Winners in Green."

The environmental car ranking, published annually, is based on a dozen criteria, including fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, manufacturing, recycling and the environmental systems of the manufacturer.

This is the second straight year the ML 250 BlueTec 4Matic has earned the top spot for an SUV, for its energy efficient direct-injection, turbocharged, four-cylinder, 204-horsepower diesel engine. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in nine seconds and get 40 miles per gallon while emitting just 158 g/km of CO2 (combined). It has a range of just over 1,000 miles. 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class models are priced between $81,400 and $177,900.

The Mercedes-Benz B200 Natural Gas Drive features a 156-hp engine that is more than 16 percent more efficient than its predecessors. The model also includes a three-gallon gas tank, which extends the 350-mile range of the natural gas tank. If the natural gas tank goes empty, the vehicle switches automatically to run on regular gas.

The B200 Natural Gas wagon debuted at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. The B200 is available with a manual transmission or the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission. It is due to arrive in dealerships in Europe at the beginning of 2013.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz ML250 BlueTex, B200 CNG named "most environmentally friendly" in class

Mercedes-Benz ML250 BlueTex, B200 CNG named "most environmentally friendly" in class originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 30 Dec 2012 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4maticauto testb200blueteccngdieselmercedes-benzml250natural gasSun, 30 Dec 2012 09:35:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20412161/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20412161/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/30/mercedes-benz-m-class-b-class-named-most-environmentally-frien/20412161/article-detail.xml 20412161 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-mercedes-benz-mlclass628p_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-mercedes-benz-mlclass628p.jpg <![CDATA[Hiriko 'folding' EV will be produced for German car-sharing project next year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/hiriko-folding-ev-will-be-produced-for-german-car-sharing-proj/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/hiriko-folding-ev-will-be-produced-for-german-car-sharing-proj/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/hiriko-folding-ev-will-be-produced-for-german-car-sharing-proj/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hiriko Fold

Hiriko's "folding" electric vehicle has been in the works for about two years but the momentum is picking up. The company has reached an agreement with the operator of the German railway network to start testing the vehicles within a car-sharing network in Berlin starting early next year.

Railway operator Deutche Bahn and Hiriko will start a pilot project in 2013, with plans for a broader rollout of the vehicle the following year. Deutche Bahn called Hiriko an "ideal partner to complement its extensive railway network."

Hiroko consists of a Basque consortium of auto suppliers and engineers from MIT. The company, whose name loosely means "from the city" in Basque, has about an $87 million budget and has built about 20 vehicles for testing purposes, the New York Times reported in August. The Fold is the first of three versions that will be put out by Hiriko. There are also plans for the Alai (convertible) and Laga (truck).

The car is about eight feet long, about a foot shorter than Daimler's Smart Fortwo, in regular form, and can be folded to a length of about five feet. The car's four wheels can also rotate at a 60-degree angle. Check out Hiriko's press release below.

Continue reading Hiriko 'folding' EV will be produced for German car-sharing project next year

Hiriko 'folding' EV will be produced for German car-sharing project next year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berlincar-sharingdeutsche bahnelectric vehicleevfolding cargermanyhirikohiriko foldrailwayFri, 21 Dec 2012 13:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20407934/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20407934/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/21/hiriko-folding-ev-will-be-produced-for-german-car-sharing-proj/20407934/article-detail.xml 20407934 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hiriko_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hiriko.png <![CDATA[German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Audi clean-diesel SUV

Germany's largest automakers are renewing their pitch for their clean-diesel vehicles in the US as a way for consumers to combat high gas prices without having to resort to the (often) even pricier hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen, along with auto-component supplier Bosch, have joined together in a campaign titled: "Clean Diesel. Clearly Better." The project, developed with the German Association of the Automobile Industry (VDA), includes the website Clearly Better Diesel, which outlines the advantages of diesel powertrains in light-duty vehicles, and will be fully unveiled at Detroit's North American International Auto Show next month.

While clean-diesel sales have more than doubled in the US since 2009, they still account for less than three percent of new-car sales in the US. In Western Europe, more than half of the new cars sold are oil burners. In the US, through November of this year, Volkswagen's clean-diesel sales have jumped 32 percent from 2011 to 82,981 units, while Audi's diesel sales are actually down slightly to 6,555 vehicles. Last month, Audi said it will add a clean-diesel option to its A6, A7, A8 sedans as well as its Q5 crossover. Those models are getting a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel that will deliver 240 horsepower. The A8 diesel will start sales in the US next spring, while the others will debut by the end of 2013. The VDA's press release is available below.

Continue reading German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US

German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwboschcampaignclean dieseldaimlerdieselmercedes-benzvolkswagenThu, 13 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20401484/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20401484/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/20401484/article-detail.xml 20401484 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audidiesel-1355346600_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audidiesel-1355346600.jpg <![CDATA[Ebuggy electric vehicle trailer wins navigation award]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/ebuggy-electric-vehicle-trailer-wins-navigation-award/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/ebuggy-electric-vehicle-trailer-wins-navigation-award/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/ebuggy-electric-vehicle-trailer-wins-navigation-award/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ebuggy battery-toting trailer

When we see an electric Volkswagen Beetle - aka, the Bug - towing the newfangled electric-powered range extender called an ebuggy, we'll be really impressed. In the meantime, we'll have to be satisfied that the Stuttgart-based ebuggy has been feted for its satellite navigation capabilities, according to Hybrid Cars.

In this case, ebuggy has won the European Satellite Navigation Competition 2012 for the Hessen region. Nokia, the European Space Agency and the German Aerospace Centre are among sponsors of the competition. Germany's Ministry of Economics and Technology helped fund the first ebuggy prototype.

Ebuggy was first promoted a few months ago as a way to provide "unlimited range" for electric vehicles on long highway journeys. Each battery-toting trailer, which can be swapped out at a network of relay stations, can more their electric vehicle to around 240 miles a pop. And the company's satellite navigation system helps manage the buggy fleet. Customers are billed based on energy used per month.

Ebuggy electric vehicle trailer wins navigation award originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ebuggyelectric vehicleev trailergermanystuttgartMon, 03 Dec 2012 10:07:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20391501/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20391501/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/ebuggy-electric-vehicle-trailer-wins-navigation-award/20391501/article-detail.xml 20391501 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ebuggy_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ebuggy.png <![CDATA[Electric charger standardization remains question, hurdle in Europe's EV adoption]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/02/electric-charger-standardization-remains-question-hurdle-in-eur/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/02/electric-charger-standardization-remains-question-hurdle-in-eur/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/02/electric-charger-standardization-remains-question-hurdle-in-eur/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EV charger

The electric vehicle charging-station standardization issue that's viewed as a major hurdle to mass EV adoption goes far beyond SAE vs. CHAdeMO, apparently. European nations are also divided about which standard the European Union should use in its effort to build out the infrastructure necessary to ease away-from-home charging of plug-in vehicles, Ward's Auto reports, citing auto industry analysts at a Brussels conference.

Specifically, most European auto makers and auto suppliers are standing behind the Type-2 charging system backed primarily by Germany just as the European Commission starts an impact assessment for charging infrastructure, according to Ward's. Meanwhile, France is backing the Type-3 system, as Type-2 lacks a so-called "shutter" cover that's supposed to help prevent electrocution.

The issue is a major one as automakers such as France-based Renault look to spur plug-in vehicle sales, which have been slower than expected. Meanwhile, the UK has about 1,000 charging stations, while France has about 1,300 and Germany and Spain each have almost 900.

As it is, automakers from Japan are promoting a different on-board charging standard than one backed by European and US automakers. Nissan, Toyota and Mitsubishi are supporting the CHAdeMO standard, which was launched in 2010 and is used in 1,500 stations worldwide. US and European automakers like BMW, General Motors, Ford and Volkswagen are standing behind the less-established SAE Combo standard, which is being promoted as simpler since it requires just one charging port for standard- and fast-charging connections.

Electric charger standardization remains question, hurdle in Europe's EV adoption originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charging stationsecelectric vehicleeueuropeeuropean commissioneuropean unionfrancegermanytype 2type 3Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20392325/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20392325/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/02/electric-charger-standardization-remains-question-hurdle-in-eur/20392325/article-detail.xml 20392325 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/charger-1351648338_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/charger-1351648338.jpg <![CDATA[Furtive eGT EV reaches 149 mph in Germany]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/furtive-egt-ev-reaches-149-mph-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/furtive-egt-ev-reaches-149-mph-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/furtive-egt-ev-reaches-149-mph-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Furtive eGT

That sounds fun.

Exagon Motors' Furtive eGT battery-electric sports car, which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2010, hit speeds of 149 miles per hour at Nürburgring's North Loop (Nordschleife), courtesy of racecar driver Sabine Schmitz, according to Green Car Congress.

The car, which is powered by two electric motors made by Siemens and batteries by Saft, puts out about 400 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Each of the Furtive's electric motors weigh just 115 pounds. The Furtive eGT will go into production next year and will have a single-charge range of between 178 and 224 miles, depending on who's doing the measuring. There is also a range-extending option.

In August, Schmitz referred to the Furtive as "just brilliant" after testing the car, adding that it's like "floating on a cloud." With a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, we agree that sounds most heavenly.

Furtive eGT EV reaches 149 mph in Germany originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleexagonfurtivefurtive egtNurburgringNurburgringNordschleifesabine schmitzsabine Schmitz NürburgringMon, 22 Oct 2012 17:46:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20356849/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20356849/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/22/furtive-egt-ev-reaches-149-mph-in-germany/20356849/article-detail.xml 20356849 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/furtive_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/furtive.jpg <![CDATA[Germany questioning EV subsidy support. Sound familiar?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/germany-questioning-ev-subsidy-support-sound-familiar/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/germany-questioning-ev-subsidy-support-sound-familiar/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/germany-questioning-ev-subsidy-support-sound-familiar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

reichstag germany

Germany is joining the ranks of countries (e.g., US, UK, France, Japan, China, and India) that are debating the value of government subsidies and showing frustration with the turtle-like sales pace of electric vehicles (EVs). Germany has plans to subsidize EVs after its next general election to meet its target of one million (sound familiar?) units sold by 2020, but support may be waning. "The question of how we will tackle this during the next legislative period (starting late 2013) and whether one needs more incentives - that will be decided when the time has come," said Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The German government has committed to invest 1 billion euros ($1.3 billion US at current exchange rates) of federal research spending on electric cars and battery technology. The government is looking at additional options such as granting vehicle tax exemptions for 10 years to owners who buy their fossil fuel-free cars before December 31, 2015.

There could be more political infighting over the ambitious one million EV plan, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. There's been a report from the Ministry for Education and Research floating around that may recommend that the one million EV plan be scrapped. A spokesman from the ministry acknowledged the report's existence, but wouldn't confirm its content.

The newspaper says that other ministries share the skepticism surrounding the timeline, with Environment Minister Peter Altmaier acknowledging problems with EVs. Economy Minister Philipp Roesler has also refused to support incentives. The German government seems to be experiencing what other countries with big automotive economies are going through. They're no longer having a crush on the first wave of EVs, and long-term commitment is in question.

Germany questioning EV subsidy support. Sound familiar? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleelectric vehiclesevsgermanygovernment subsidiesincentivesplug inplug-in hybridsubsidiesSun, 14 Oct 2012 09:10:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20339945/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20339945/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/14/germany-questioning-ev-subsidy-support-sound-familiar/20339945/article-detail.xml 20339945 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/reichstag-germany_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/reichstag-germany.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes debuts battery-electric 'Crewbus,' Sprinter EV prototype]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Mercedes-Benz will start selling a passenger version of its Vito E-CELL utility vehicles in Europe after unveiling a battery-electric Sprinter van at the International Motor Show in Hanover, Germany.
The Vito E-CELL Crewbus, which the Daimler AG division calls the world's first seven-seat mass-produced battery-electric vehicle, has a single-charge range of about 80 miles and top speed of about 55 miles per hour. The vehicle will be available for four-year, 50,000-mile leases in more than 15 countries throughout Europe, including Finland, Spain and the UK.
The original Vito E-CELL utility vehicle started sales two years ago. Mercedes-Benz says the 230 Vito E-CELLS sold in Germany have been collectively driven more than 400,000 miles.
The battery-electric Sprinter van prototype at the Hanover show will be able to deliver 94 horsepower, with 134 horsepower in short spurts. The vehicle's two lithium-ion batteries provide 35.2 kilowatt hours combined. The Sprinter E-CELL prototype will have a 50-mile-per-hour top speed and a payload capacity of more than 2,600 pounds.
Check out Mercedes-Benz's quite lengthy press release below.

Continue reading Mercedes debuts battery-electric 'Crewbus,' Sprinter EV prototype

Mercedes debuts battery-electric 'Crewbus,' Sprinter EV prototype originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crewbusdaimlere-cellelectric vehiclehanovermercedes-benzsprintervitoSun, 23 Sep 2012 09:18:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20329494/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20329494/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/20329494/article-detail.xml 20329494 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mb1-1348243567_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mb1-1348243567.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes gives details on B 200 Natural Gas Drive]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/mercedes-gives-details-on-b-200-natural-gas-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/mercedes-gives-details-on-b-200-natural-gas-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/mercedes-gives-details-on-b-200-natural-gas-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz B 200 Natural Gas Drive

Ooh la la!

That's the response Mercedes-Benz is shooting for when it unveils its natural-gas powered B 200 vehicle at the Paris Motor Show later this month.

Mercedes is pitching a five-seater that will cost half as much to refuel as its gas-powered equivalent while emitting 16 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the 156-horsepower B 200 Natural Gas Drive will get the equivalent of about 56 miles per gallon and have a full-tank range of about 300 miles, all while delivering a 0-62 miles per hour acceleration time of 9.1 seconds.

Additionally, the vehicle will feature what Benz calls its "Energy Space" modular body concept, where part of the floor beneath the back seat can be removed to clear more space for natural-gas containers. Mercedes will start selling the Mercedes-Benz B 200 Natural Gas Drive in Europe early next year, though it didn't announce a price. We do have more details in the press release below.

Continue reading Mercedes gives details on B 200 Natural Gas Drive

Mercedes gives details on B 200 Natural Gas Drive originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b 200five-seatmercedesnatural gasparis motor showFri, 07 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20317997/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20317997/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/07/mercedes-gives-details-on-b-200-natural-gas-drive/20317997/article-detail.xml 20317997 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/b-class-natural-gas_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/b-class-natural-gas.jpg <![CDATA[German Olympic team gets decked-out Audi A1 e-tron plug-in hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/german-olympic-team-gets-decked-out-audi-a1-e-tron-plug-in-hybri/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/german-olympic-team-gets-decked-out-audi-a1-e-tron-plug-in-hybri/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/german-olympic-team-gets-decked-out-audi-a1-e-tron-plug-in-hybri/#commentsFiled under: , ,

german olympic team audi etron

The German Olympic team may be trailing the Chinese and Americans in London when it comes to medal count, but at least it has a cool ride. Audi has presented the team with an A1 e-tron decked out in German colors, to promote the automaker's plug-in vehicles.

The 102-horsepower extended-range plug-in can sprint along at 80 miles per hour and includes an on-board gas-powered engine/range-extender that provides about 150 miles of range after the initial electrons are used up. As fun as that might be, for now, the car's being used for nothing more than a shuttle between the Olympic Village and the MS Deutschland cruise ship.

The German automaker has been busy publicizing its work on its e-tron group recently, including posting a video of its e-tron Quattro in June and operating a pilot project with its battery-electric version of its A3 hatchback in Colorado.

German Olympic team gets decked-out Audi A1 e-tron plug-in hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1e-tronelectric vehicleextended rangelondonolympicsplug-inplug-in hybridshuttleFri, 03 Aug 2012 16:16:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20292372/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20292372/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/03/german-olympic-team-gets-decked-out-audi-a1-e-tron-plug-in-hybri/20292372/article-detail.xml 20292372 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-etron-german-olympic-team-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-etron-german-olympic-team-628.jpg -1 2