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[Mahindra Reva E2O unveiled in New Delhi, headed to Iceland]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/mahindra-reva-e2o-unveiled-in-new-delhi-headed-to-iceland/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/mahindra-reva-e2o-unveiled-in-new-delhi-headed-to-iceland/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/mahindra-reva-e2o-unveiled-in-new-delhi-headed-to-iceland/#commentsFiled under: , ,

mahindra reva e2o

Mahindra Reva has been making slow and steady waves with the all-electric E2O city car, taking the previous Reva model - the G-Wiz - into the modern age with the production version of the Reva NXR concept.

The E2O has a range of just 62 miles from its lithium-ion batteries, and recharges in five hours. The E2O is connected to a smartphone app, and has Reva's patented REVive technology, which means, "In the rare event of running low on charge, you can use the app on the smart phone to remotely activate the reserve energy that can get you going again." No, the phone doesn't charge your phone. Instead, the connected car can unlock a bit of reserve power when it's absolutely necessary. Fans of the Think City - and Lego - will appreciate the ABS (plastic) body panels. We're most impressed with where Mahindra found room for the spare tire. If you don't have an engine taking up space, might as well stuff some rubber there, right? The E2O will cost 5.96 lakhs (around $11,000 US, after local subsidies) and the car goes on sale this month. Mahindra says it can make up to 30,000 units a year.

Those with excellent memories will not be surprised that Gisli Gislason was at the E2O's unveiling in India. In 2009, after the car was unveiled in Frankfurt, Gislason's Northern Lights Energy (now called EVEN, the Icelandic EV Association) made an order for 100 Reva NXRs. Last week, Gisli told AutoblogGreen that, EVEN was originally expecting the NXR to arrive in the summer 2010, "but after Mahindra bought the company, this was postponed (story of my life). But now they are ready with a much better car, the E2O." The new plan is to get the first cars in Iceland in December 2013 or January 2014.

Continue reading Mahindra Reva E2O unveiled in New Delhi, headed to Iceland

Mahindra Reva E2O unveiled in New Delhi, headed to Iceland originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e2oelectric vehiclegisli gislasonindiamahindramahindra reva e2orevareva evMon, 25 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20508697/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20508697/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/mahindra-reva-e2o-unveiled-in-new-delhi-headed-to-iceland/20508697/article-detail.xml 20508697 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mahindra-reva-e2o-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mahindra-reva-e2o-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mahindra Reva promises E2O electric car will go on sale this month]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/mahindra-reva-promises-e2o-electric-car-will-go-on-sale-this-mon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/mahindra-reva-promises-e2o-electric-car-will-go-on-sale-this-mon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/mahindra-reva-promises-e2o-electric-car-will-go-on-sale-this-mon/#commentsFiled under: ,

mahindra reve

Mahindra Reva is determined to launch its E2O electric microcar in India this month, despite the end of federal subsidies that lower the purchase price for consumers. Although the Indian government chose to end buyer discounts, subsidies for manufacturers like Reva to buy components such as batteries remain in effect. According to The Economic Times, there already are as many as seven million EVs on Indian roads, although these are largely made up of two-wheelers and buses.

Despite the incentive setback, Mahindra is still hoping to sell 30,000 E2O units by 2015-2016, half of them for export. The vehicles are manufactured at a recently-opened factory in Bengalaru which is capable of churning out 30,000 cars a year. The E2O microcar is reported to have a top speed of 60 miles per hour and a range of 60 miles on a full charge.

Mahindra Reva's main competition in the segment is the Manuti Suzuki Swift and Hyunda i20.
Mahindra & Mahindra is India's largest truck and tractor manufacturer, and Reva is its electric car division. The company was founded in 1994 by Chetan Maini, a former Bosch India engineer, and named for his wife, Reva. Mahindra & Mahindra purchased a controlling interest in 2010.

Mahindra Reva promises E2O electric car will go on sale this month originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e20e2oelectric vehicleindiamahindramahindra and mahindrarevaTue, 12 Mar 2013 15:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20488081/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20488081/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/mahindra-reva-promises-e2o-electric-car-will-go-on-sale-this-mon/20488081/article-detail.xml 20488081 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mahindra-reva-e2o1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mahindra-reva-e2o1.jpg <![CDATA[Maruti Suzuki may make India's first light-duty hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/maruti-suzuki-may-make-indias-first-light-duty-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/maruti-suzuki-may-make-indias-first-light-duty-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/maruti-suzuki-may-make-indias-first-light-duty-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Suzuki Swift extended-range plug-in

Maruti Suzuki could make the first light-duty hybrid-electric vehicle produced in India by collaborating with its sister Suzuki affiliate in Japan, the International Business Times reports. Maruti Suzuki is looking to tread where competitors Toyota and Honda have failed; neither company has had success bringing hybrids to India.

Maruti Suzuki is pondering the move in response to India's National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020, which is pushing for greener transportation as a way to cut emissions and pollution by the end of the decade. No launch date has been set.

As for Suzuki, that company showed off its Swift EV extended-range plug-in at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2011, but is has been awfully quiet in green-car circles since then. That model was thought to be able to go up to 18 miles on electric-only power.

Maruti Suzuki may make India's first light-duty hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>extended rangehybridindiamarutiplug-in hybridsuzukiswiftFri, 01 Feb 2013 07:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20443719/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20443719/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/01/maruti-suzuki-may-make-indias-first-light-duty-hybrid/20443719/article-detail.xml 20443719 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/suzukiswift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/suzukiswift.jpg <![CDATA[Mahindra E2O, new version of the Reva EV, unveiled in India]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/mahindra-e2o-new-version-of-the-reva-ev-unveiled-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/mahindra-e2o-new-version-of-the-reva-ev-unveiled-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/mahindra-e2o-new-version-of-the-reva-ev-unveiled-in-india/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mahindra e2o

UK alt-rock icons The Smiths famously asked, "How soon is now?" But with India-based Mahindra announcing its new electric vehicle this week, we're left to ask: "How now is soon?"

Mahindra, which has been making its Reva EV since 1994, this week announced that the name of the Reva successor would be E2O, and said the EV would be made at a new Bangalore factory that can produce as many as 30,000 vehicles a year.

The E2O can be charged from a 15-amp plug and, more importantly, can go about 62 miles on a full charge, the company says. As for the vehicle seeing the light of day, Mahindra says that will happen "soon," without elaborating on the timeframe. Mahindra's press release is available below.

Mahindra is launching the electric vehicle as the Indian government pushes for more electric-drive vehicles as a way to reduce pollution. The government has said it would like six million EVs to have been sold in India by 2020. For now, though, EV adoption there has been slow. Just 2,500 Reva EVs have sold since 1994, a rate that is well, well below Mahindra's new factory capacity. Furthermore, India faces issues with providing consistent electricity to its citizens, further hindrance to EV adoption. Last July, about 600 million people had to deal with two-day blackouts throughout the country.

Continue reading Mahindra E2O, new version of the Reva EV, unveiled in India

Mahindra E2O, new version of the Reva EV, unveiled in India originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bangaloree2oelectric vehicleindiamahindrarevaWed, 09 Jan 2013 17:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20423883/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20423883/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/09/mahindra-e2o-new-version-of-the-reva-ev-unveiled-in-india/20423883/article-detail.xml 20423883 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/e2o_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/e2o.jpg <![CDATA[India's grid not exactly ready for plug-in vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/grid-in-india-not-exactly-ready-for-plug-in-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/grid-in-india-not-exactly-ready-for-plug-in-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/grid-in-india-not-exactly-ready-for-plug-in-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: ,

mahindra reva nxr

Charging infrastructure, higher vehicle costs and less-than-desired single-charge range estimates are among the hurdles to more plug-in vehicles in the US - having the necessary juice from the grid is pretty much a foregone conclusion. Not so in India, apparently.

Recent power shortages have given India-based vehicle makers like electric-bicycle producer Ampere, e-scooter maker Hero Electric and electric-car producer Mahindra reasons for concern because of consumers' lack of confidence that the country will be able to consistently provide the necessary electricity for dependable transportation, the New York Times reports.

Specifically, a May 2012 power shortage cut average daily electricity supply in the Indian state of Tamil Dadu by about 40 percent. Two months later, 600 million people faced blackouts for about two days because of power mismanagement.

Despite these potential issues, the Indian government is pushing for broader plug-in vehicle adoption as away to curb pollution, with a goal of having six million plug-ins on India's roads by the end of the decade. As for existing electric-car production, Mahindra has sold about 2,500 of its all-electric Reva vehicles since 1994, and more recently tagged the next generation (pictured) of the vehicle as the E20. The company says it will be able to produce as many as 30,000 EVs a year out of its Bangalore plant.

India's grid not exactly ready for plug-in vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ampereblackoutelectric vehiclegridheroindiamahindrapower supplyTue, 08 Jan 2013 14:22:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20420937/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20420937/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/08/grid-in-india-not-exactly-ready-for-plug-in-vehicles/20420937/article-detail.xml 20420937 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mahindra-reva-nxr-c628-1357663050_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mahindra-reva-nxr-c628-1357663050.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Mahindra Reva NXR electric car spotted in India]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/next-gen-mahindra-reva-nxr-electric-car-spotted-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/next-gen-mahindra-reva-nxr-electric-car-spotted-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/next-gen-mahindra-reva-nxr-electric-car-spotted-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mahindra Reva NXR

It's near the end of 2012, and the Mahindra Reva NXR electric car has yet to be launched. Still, Mahindra has confirmed that the launch will be happening before the end of the year. In the meantime, take a look at the spy shot above.

The car has been spotted in India - in Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru. Engineers and testers have been working around the clock in South India to meet the deadline. It's been years in the making and is powered by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack.

"Action Kumar," a loyal reader of IndianAutosBlog, posted a comment on the page after spotting the car at a Mahindra service center in Chennai. Action said it was similar in size to the Tata Nano, and thinks its build and looks are better.

Reportedly, the Reva NXR will be renamed as E2O to align itself with traditional Mahindra models, It's said to be in the final phase of testing. The car made its public debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and was showcased at the New Delhi Auto Expo earlier this year.

Special thanks to Shrawan Raja for the update and the pictures in the gallery. Raja said that Mahindra Reva has just inaugurated a new facility for manufacturing electric vehicles in Bengaluru city, situated in the state of Karnataka, India.

Next-gen Mahindra Reva NXR electric car spotted in India originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carindiamahindramahindra reva nxrnxrreva nxrspy shottata nanoTue, 20 Nov 2012 07:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20381001/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20381001/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/20/next-gen-mahindra-reva-nxr-electric-car-spotted-in-india/20381001/article-detail.xml 20381001 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/mahindra-e2o-spotted-at-a-mahindra-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/mahindra-e2o-spotted-at-a-mahindra-628.jpg <![CDATA[Reva NXR could compete with Leaf in India, then launch globally]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/reva-nxr-could-compete-with-leaf-in-india-then-launch-globally/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/reva-nxr-could-compete-with-leaf-in-india-then-launch-globally/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/reva-nxr-could-compete-with-leaf-in-india-then-launch-globally/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Mahindra Reva, an electric vehicle company based in India, is rolling out an all-new version of its Reva NXR, this one capable of seating four adults comfortably in the small car, compared to the previous version that seated two.

Reva, a subsidiary of Mahindra Group, exhibited the Reva NXR concept model at the 2012 Auto Expo held in New Delhi and is slated to potentially launch at the end of this year (after a big delay). The two-door electric hatchback, which will be available with either a lithium-ion or lead-acid battery pack. The lithium-ion battery powered NXR will cover a distance of 160 km on a full battery charge. The Reva NXR is expected to compete with the upcoming Nissan Leaf in India.

The Indian government has set up a subsidy for electric cars that are assembled within the country, allowing the automaker to cut the price of the car. The government is still working out the details on how the policy will be enforced, which may explain why Reva has been vague about the exact launch date.

The electric NXR is part of Mahindra Reva's strategy of selling about 30,000 electric vehicles in markets around the world within the next three to four years. The vehicles will be built at the company's plant in Bangalore. Whether or not that global strategy includes U.S. sales is yet to be revealed. Parent company Mahindra already has its hands full dealing with angry U.S. auto dealers who signed agreements with the company to provide the dealer network, but have yet to see any of these vehicles show up.

Reva NXR could compete with Leaf in India, then launch globally originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevindianewsnissan leafreva nxrreva nxr evFri, 24 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20307685/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20307685/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/reva-nxr-could-compete-with-leaf-in-india-then-launch-globally/20307685/article-detail.xml 20307685 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/reva-nxr-electric-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/reva-nxr-electric-car.jpg <![CDATA[Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ratan Tata and Nano

When India's Tata introduced the Nano in 2009 at about $2,500, it was a hot-seller. It was expected to set the world on fire with demand for cheap wheels. In fact, a year after its rollout, the Nano almost did set the world on fire after at least three units burned to a crisp. Sales plummeted to a record low of 509 in November, 2010.

Ratan Tata has run the company for 20 years and plans to retire at the end of this year. But before he leaves the company, he hopes to revive sales of the little car he helped develop.

"The Nano is something I would love to make successful because I don't think it's exploited its full potential right now," Tata said in an interview with Bloomberg TV India. "There has to be another push to make Nano what it can be."

Extended warranties for current Nano owners, as well as promises that the fires were only isolated incidents, were the first step at restoring confidence in the Nano. A new version of the Nano came out in November with a larger engine, and July sales totaled 5,485. In all of last year it sold 74,527. By comparison, Suzuki sold 491,389 examples of its competing Maruti brand.

In the video below, Ratan Tata talks a bit about the company's purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover and of his upcoming retirement.

Continue reading Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video]

Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indiajaguarland rovernanoratan tatatatatata nanoFri, 24 Aug 2012 09:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20308151/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20308151/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/20308151/article-detail.xml 20308151 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ratan-tata-interview-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ratan-tata-interview-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mahindra Pickup - rear three-quarter view, silver

With apologies to the Beatles, it's been a long and winding road for those waiting to get their hands on the steering wheel of a small, diesel-powered pickup from Mahindra. Here's the good news: Something definitive has finally been heard from the Indian automaker. Here's the bad news: It's bad news.

According to Reuters, Mahindra "recently decided not to proceed further with the project due to changes in the U.S. regulatory and market situation." In other words, the truck we've long been expecting isn't going to happen. That said, "M&M will continue to monitor the U.S. situation and remain flexible with its approach to this market."

We won't outline all the sordid details on what happened between Global Vehicles, Mahindra and its would-be dealer base - read all about it on these pages - but suffice it to say delays were felt, feelings were hurt and lawsuits were filed.

Some analysts quoted by Reuters suggest Mahindra may regroup and focus on bringing its Korean Ssangyong subsidiary to the States in lieu of its rugged pickup and SUV wares, but we're not holding our breath for either.

Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel pickupglobal vehiclesindiamahindramahindra and mahindramahindra pickupmahindra tr20mahindra tr40tr20tr40Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20276184/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20276184/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/20276184/article-detail.xml 20276184 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mahindra-pickup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mahindra-pickup.jpg <![CDATA[Tata works with French company on sub-$20,000 EV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/tata-works-with-french-company-on-sub-20-000-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/tata-works-with-french-company-on-sub-20-000-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/tata-works-with-french-company-on-sub-20-000-ev/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tata eMO

Yes, the car will still cost less than $20,000. No, we still don't know when it's coming out.

India-based Tata Motors is working with France-based Dassualt Systems at developing more technology for the eMO ("electric mobility") electric vehicle that's so far only appeared in concept form, the Hindu Business Line reported.

The two companies are working on design touches that will keep both the cost and weight of the vehicle as low as possible in order to reach the goal of selling a vehicle with a 100-mile single-charge range for less than $20,000, according to the publication. But there's still no word on how much Tata's investing or when a production model will see the light of day.

Tata Technologies' President of Vehicle Programs and Development Kevin Fisher, speaking at the North American Auto Show in Detroit in January, called the eMO "a giant business card" that the automaker was using to pitch its new technologies, though he wasn't specific on if or when the car would be made.

Tata has said the eMO's 18.4 kilowatt-hour battery pack can provide as many as 100 miles on a single charge. The car's design aspects include "suicide" rear doors and no B-pillar to allow for a larger opening, which will make up for the fact that the car will have no rear hatch.

Tata, which acquired Jaguar Land Rover from Ford for $2.3 billion four years ago, continues to show signs of entering the electric-drive vehicle market. Tata had planned to start selling its Tata Vista Indica electric vehicle in India last year, though that model has yet to debut. Tata has said the 74-horsepower Vista Indica EV has a top speed of 71 miles per hour as well as a 100-mile single-charge range.

Tata works with French company on sub-$20,000 EV originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dassault systemeselectric vehicleemotatatata emotata evMon, 02 Jul 2012 18:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20270496/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20270496/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/02/tata-works-with-french-company-on-sub-20-000-ev/20270496/article-detail.xml 20270496 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/tataemo0702_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/tataemo0702.jpg <![CDATA[Ford EcoSport bows at the Delhi Auto Expo]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ford-ecosport-bows-at-the-delhi-auto-expo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ford-ecosport-bows-at-the-delhi-auto-expo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ford-ecosport-bows-at-the-delhi-auto-expo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford EcoSport Concept

Ford has officially unveiled the EcoSport ahead of the Delhi Auto Expo. The vehicle wears a CUV version of the company's Kinetic design language with a large octagonal grille and discreet headlights. Despite its concept looks, Ford says the vehicle could be in production in as little as six months.

Under the hood, the EcoSport boasts the smallest Ecoboost engine ever created. The turbocharged 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine is good for around 118 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, though a small-displacement diesel option may bow in the future.

The EcoSport will be built in India and Brazil and is likely to play a large role in growing the Ford presence worldwide. The vehicle will head to 100 markets globally and is slated to be the second of eight new Ford products headed to India by 2015. That doesn't mean we'll be seeing the CUV on our soil anytime soon, however.

Ford EcoSport bows at the Delhi Auto Expo originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delhidelhi auto expoecosportfordford ecosportnew delhiWed, 04 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140586/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140586/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/ford-ecosport-bows-at-the-delhi-auto-expo/20140586/article-detail.xml 20140586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-ford-ecosport-iab-live-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-ford-ecosport-iab-live-628.jpg <![CDATA[Next Ford EcoSport now playing at New Delhi Auto Expo]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ford-ecosport-concept-new-delhi-auto-expo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ford-ecosport-concept-new-delhi-auto-expo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ford-ecosport-concept-new-delhi-auto-expo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford EcoSport concept - 2012

While we've been consumed with the ramp-up to next week's Detroit Auto Show, there's a more pressing matter on the international car events calendar - this week's New Delhi Auto Expo. Ford Motor Company isn't overlooking the burgeoning biennial show, and it's taking the opportunity to reveal its first-ever world debut at the show, the next Ford EcoSport.

Debuting with a sliver of show-only frosting (check out those glitzy headlamps), the tiny crossover is about the same size as the Fiesta five-door, and it's built on the Blue Oval's new global B-Car architecture. Ford isn't revealing much in the way of powertrain specifics for this thinly disguised model, but our sources tell us the EcoSport will see the first application of the company's new 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine in India (yes, that means there will be an EcoSport EcoBoost), and presumably there will be an ethanol variant as well.

The upright CUV has been designed with emerging markets in mind, namely portions of Asia and South America, so we're unlikely to see it in North America (we'd be more likely to receive the B-Max MPV), though our sources tell us that an eventual European market appearance is not out of the question. Roughly 90 percent of cars in those markets are B-Segment or smaller, and the previous generation of the Brazilian-built EcoSport has sold some 750,000 units since hitting the market nine years ago.

While the original EcoSport sold almost exclusively in Brazil, the new model will spread its wings to take on a more global role as part of the company's One Ford agenda. To be assembled in both India and Brazil, the EcoSport represents the first time that Ford's team in Camacari, Brazil has taken the lead in conceiving a global product, another indication of the market's growing importance. The new EcoSport will be a lynchpin for the Blue Oval, who expect the Asia Pacific region to swallow up to one out of every three Ford vehicles sold by 2020 (it's just one in six today).

Want more proof of India's rise in importance? Officials tell us that Ford plans to treat the Delhi show as a first-tier show going forward, on par with Detroit, the Frankfurt Motor Show, and so on. Ostensibly, the show will replace a Tokyo Motor Show presence for the Dearborn automaker, as Ford was absent from last month's show in Japan.

Next Ford EcoSport now playing at New Delhi Auto Expo originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford ecosportcamacaridelhi auto expoecoboostecosportnew delhinew delhi auto expoWed, 04 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20139822/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20139822/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/ford-ecosport-concept-new-delhi-auto-expo/20139822/article-detail.xml 20139822 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-ford-ecosport-debut-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-ford-ecosport-debut-628.jpg <![CDATA[Polaris may sell electric vehicles in India]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/polaris-may-sell-electric-vehicles-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/polaris-may-sell-electric-vehicles-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/polaris-may-sell-electric-vehicles-in-india/#commentsFiled under: ,

Polaris
Polaris, the all-terrain vehicle maker that acquired neighborhood electric vehicle maker Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) from Chrysler last year, may start selling electric vehicles in India as a way to benefit from the growing vehicle market in that country, automotive news website CarTradeIndia reported.

Polaris hasn't decided whether the EVs earmarked for India will be on-road or off-road vehicles, the website said, citing Polaris India Managing Director Pankaj Dubey. The company is looking to boost revenue from India to about 5 billion rupees (about $94 million U.S. at current exchange rates) by 2016.

By selling EVs in India, Polaris would be looking to benefit from demand in an Asia-Pacific region that's most likely to be the fastest growing when it comes to plug-in vehicle sales over the next few years. Globally, cumulative plug-in vehicle sales, including battery-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, will surge to 5.2 million in 2017 from 114,000 in 2011, according to green-technology research firm Pike Research. The Asia-Pacific region will account for about 617,000 electric-drive vehicles sold in 2017, almost double North America's total, Pike Research Senior Analyst Dave Hurst told AutoblogGreen.

Polaris last year acquired GEM from Chrysler for a purchase price that wasn't disclosed. GEM, which was founded in 1998 and had about $30 million in revenue in 2010, sells six lines of neighborhood-electric vehicles. Those vehicles are legal on roads with posted speeds of 35 miles per hour or less, and are typically used by local, state and national government agencies and on closed campuses like resorts and universities.

Polaris in November also acquired closely held France-based Goupil Industrie SA, which makes commercial electric vehicles. Goupil, whose purchase price wasn't disclosed, generated $25 million in revenue in 2010. Through the first three quarters of last year, Polaris boosted revenue by 37 percent from a year earlier to $1.87 billion, largely on the jump in on-road vehicle sales from the company's acquisitions of GEM and Indian Motorcycle Co.

Polaris may sell electric vehicles in India originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclesevgemglobal electric motorcarsindiaoff roadpolarispolaris industriesTue, 03 Jan 2012 18:05:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20139213/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20139213/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/03/polaris-may-sell-electric-vehicles-in-india/20139213/article-detail.xml 20139213 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/polaris-1325611600_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/polaris-1325611600.jpg <![CDATA[Bajaj RE60 may take World's Cheapest Car title from Tata Nano]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/bajaj-re60-worlds-cheapest-car-tata-nano/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/bajaj-re60-worlds-cheapest-car-tata-nano/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/bajaj-re60-worlds-cheapest-car-tata-nano/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Tata Nano may not be the runaway sales success the vehicle's Indian manufacturers had hoped, but that hasn't stopped other automakers from eying India's blooming inexpensive vehicle segment. The country's largest manufacturer of three wheelers is set to dip a toe into the automotive manufacturing with an all-new vehicle. The Bajaj RE60 features a water-cooled 200cc engine with around 20 horsepower, and as a result, the vehicle has a top speed of just 43 mph. That may not be quick, but the company says there's room for up to four people indoors or up to 14.1 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded flat.

The Bajaj RE60 weighs in at a mere 880 pounds, and the company plans to offer several fuel variants. Gasoline, liquid propane gas and compressed natural gas versions will all be available, though buyers won't be able to get their hands on an RE60 with a diesel engine. So far, there's no word on price, but we're guessing it'll have to undercut the Tata.

Hit the jump for the press release and check out the gallery of photos provided by our friends at Indian Autos Blog.

Continue reading Bajaj RE60 may take World's Cheapest Car title from Tata Nano

Bajaj RE60 may take World's Cheapest Car title from Tata Nano originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 delhi2012 new delhibajajbajaj re60delhi 2012delhi auto expodelhi motor showinexpensive carre60Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20139585/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20139585/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/03/bajaj-re60-worlds-cheapest-car-tata-nano/20139585/article-detail.xml 20139585 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-bajaj-re60-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-bajaj-re60-opt.jpg <![CDATA[BRIC consumers ready to go with electric vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/bric-consumers-ready-to-go-with-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/bric-consumers-ready-to-go-with-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/bric-consumers-ready-to-go-with-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chinese Manufacturer BYD's HEV / EV

The BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) are rapidly moving from stars of the emerging market to major players in any market you want to name. With that transition, automobile ownership in these nations is increasing rapidly, but will BRIC become the rising tide that lifts the electric vehicle boat?

Potential owners of automobiles in these countries are flexible when it comes to considering their options. The same Deloitte survey that showed that only a small number of Americans are willing to put up with the limitations of today's electric vehicles also showed that over 85 percent of consumers in Brazil, India and China are willing to consider electric vehicles for their next purchase. Consumers in these markets were also more satisfied with the capabilities of today's batteries and vehicles, and 50 percent considered a range of 100 miles acceptable. Considering the size of each market, electric vehicles could easily find millions of new homes.

However, the price of electric vehicles was much less acceptable to these potential owners. Even with subsidies, high battery prices put EVs out of reach for most of those interested. Without sharp reductions in costs, EVs could find themselves priced out of a large market willing to deal with current limitations.

BRIC consumers ready to go with electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilbricchinaelectric vehicleevIndiaFri, 21 Oct 2011 17:28:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20086562/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20086562/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/21/bric-consumers-ready-to-go-with-electric-vehicles/20086562/article-detail.xml 20086562 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/byd-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/byd-hybrid.jpg <![CDATA[Honda launches $8,018, 47-mpg Brio minicar in India]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/honda-launches-8-018-47-mpg-brio-minicar-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/honda-launches-8-018-47-mpg-brio-minicar-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/honda-launches-8-018-47-mpg-brio-minicar-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Honda Brio
The India arm of Honda Motor has officially launched its fuel-sipping Brio minicar, joining its Japanese rivals in the fight for a chunk of India's lucrative minicar segment. Toyota launched its Etios Liva in April of 2011 and Nissan rolled out its Micra in mid-2010.

The no-frills Brio starts at 395,000 rupees ($8,018 U.S. at today's exchange rate), compared with 390,000 rupees ($7,904) for the Liva and 398,000 rupees ($8,079) for the barebones Micra. Takashi Nagai, chief executive of Honda India, states:
We have been able to launch the Brio at a competitive price due to our concerted efforts to control costs, maximize production efficiencies and minimize impact of currency fluctuations. We have achieved this through pure localization.
On the fuel efficiency front, the Brio sports Honda's Euro 4-compliant 1.2-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC engine with 90 horsepower on tap. This high-revving mill returns approximately 47 miles per gallon (U.S.). The Brio joins Honda's Jazz, City, Civic, Accord and CR-V in India.

Honda launches $8,018, 47-mpg Brio minicar in India originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>briohondahonda briohonda brio indiaindiaminicarminivehicleThu, 29 Sep 2011 09:10:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20067463/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20067463/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/29/honda-launches-8-018-47-mpg-brio-minicar-in-india/20067463/article-detail.xml 20067463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-brio-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-brio-630.jpg <![CDATA[Pike Research predicts 68% jump in global CNG vehicle sales by 2016]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/pike-research-predicts-68-jump-in-global-cng-vehicle-sales-by-2/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/pike-research-predicts-68-jump-in-global-cng-vehicle-sales-by-2/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/pike-research-predicts-68-jump-in-global-cng-vehicle-sales-by-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 honda civic gx

Annual worldwide sales of natural gas vehicles will jump 68 percent to 3.2 million vehicles in 2016 from 1.9 million in 2010, according to Pike Research. The surge, says Pike, will be driven mainly by fleets looking to cut petroleum dependency and reduce operating costs.

In the U.S., annual natural gas vehicle sales will almost quadruple to 33,000 vehicles in 2016, up from an estimated 8,400 in 2012. Among individual countries, India will overtake Iran as the world's leading user of natural gas vehicles by 2016. Oil-rich Iran will apparently turn more and more to natural gas as a fuel because using petroleum means that the nation would turn less profit from selling the crude to foreign countries.

Even if the U.S.' use of natural gas does quadruple, it will continue to account for a near-meaningless percentage of worldwide natural gas vehicles. This, says Pike, is due to a lack of infrastructure. As of September 1, there were an estimated 946 operational natural gas fueling stations in the U.S., compared to 3,200 public-access electric vehicle charge points and nearly 125,000 gas stations. Lack of infrastructure aside, the fact that only one production passenger vehicle sold in the U.S. is capable of burning natural gas - the 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas - is quite a bottleneck.

Continue reading Pike Research predicts 68% jump in global CNG vehicle sales by 2016

Pike Research predicts 68% jump in global CNG vehicle sales by 2016 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cngcng vehiclenatural gasnatural gas vehiclespikepike researchstudyMon, 26 Sep 2011 11:46:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20048721/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20048721/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/26/pike-research-predicts-68-jump-in-global-cng-vehicle-sales-by-2/20048721/article-detail.xml 20048721 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2012-honda-civic-gx-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2012-honda-civic-gx-630.jpg <![CDATA[From London to New Delhi in a rickshaw?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/from-london-to-new-delhi-in-a-rickshaw/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/from-london-to-new-delhi-in-a-rickshaw/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/from-london-to-new-delhi-in-a-rickshaw/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rickshaw

A three-wheeled, 175-cc rickshaw hardly seems adequate for the 6,338-mile trip from London to New Delhi, India, but that's precisely the type of vehicle Sanjay Sharma, a 44-year-old IT professional from the UK, choose for his epic journey.

Dubbed the Flying Rani - a black and yellow rickshaw purchased by Sharma in 2008 - the three-wheeler forged up steep hills and over countless potholes with only one minor mishap: a flat tire.

Sharma's journey was attempted, at least in part, to prove that rickshaws are a cheap and reliable alternative to four-wheeled taxis. But the true goal of Sharma's trek was to raise money for cancer patients.

Setting out on July 14, Sharma and two others plotted a course from London to India's capital city of New Delhi. Although Sharma's quest left him with a sore bottom, he expects to raise nearly four million rupees ($81,800 U.S. at the current exchange rate) - and perhaps become the holder of a rickshaw world record. We suspect few others have the time and dedication needed to best Sharma's 6,338-mile trip.

From London to New Delhi in a rickshaw? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indialondonrickshawrickshawssanjay sharmasharmathree wheelerSun, 25 Sep 2011 16:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20050571/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20050571/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/25/from-london-to-new-delhi-in-a-rickshaw/20050571/article-detail.xml 20050571 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/800px-autorickshawbangalore_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/800px-autorickshawbangalore.jpg <![CDATA[Gasoline vehicles soon to be overtaken by CNG, diesel in India]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/gasoline-vehicles-soon-to-be-overtaken-by-cng-diesel-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/gasoline-vehicles-soon-to-be-overtaken-by-cng-diesel-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/gasoline-vehicles-soon-to-be-overtaken-by-cng-diesel-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tata Indigo e-CS

At a time when gasoline prices frequently fluctuate, cheap compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel have started to climb the fuel-of-choice charts over in India.

According to The Times of India, CNG is so hot that it will soon overtake gasoline as the fuel that powers the majority of vehicles in India. Of course, CNG's rise to the top is not related to saving the environment but to the fact that it's far cheaper than gasoline.

The Times of India reports that a growing number of vehicle owners convert their gas-fueled automobiles into CNG-burnin' machines out of necessity to save a couple of dollars per fill up. Automakers have taken note of this trend towards CNG and diesel in India and have responded by flooding the nation with small vehicles - including India's most fuel-efficient sedan, the 54-mpg diesel-sipping Tata Indigo e-CS - that burn the now-popular alternative fuels.

Gasoline vehicles soon to be overtaken by CNG, diesel in India originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cngdieselgasgas pricesgasolineindianatural gasWed, 21 Sep 2011 11:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20045738/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20045738/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/21/gasoline-vehicles-soon-to-be-overtaken-by-cng-diesel-in-india/20045738/article-detail.xml 20045738 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/indigo-2-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/indigo-2-630.jpg <![CDATA[Rajasthan, India offering free Tata Nano in exchange for your sterilization]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/07/05/rajasthan-india-offering-free-tata-nano-in-exchange-for-your-st/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/07/05/rajasthan-india-offering-free-tata-nano-in-exchange-for-your-st/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/07/05/rajasthan-india-offering-free-tata-nano-in-exchange-for-your-st/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tata nano
2011 Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a 2011 census, India has a population of 1,210,193,422 people. That's 17.47 percent of the world's population living on just 2.3 percent of the planet. The only place more crowded is a new In-N-Out at lunch time. Health officials in India are looking for novel ways to drum up interest in sterilization clinics, and one in particular has resorted to prize giveaways. The top draw? A new Tata Nano.

According to The Times of India, Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan is offering a variety of prizes for men who come into their clinic and put the clamps on their own private ball state swim team. Besides the Nano, prizes include motorcycles, TVs and kitchen stand mixers.

[Source: The Times of India | Images: Photos copyright 2011 Rex Roy / AOL]

Rajasthan, India offering free Tata Nano in exchange for your sterilization originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free nanoindiaindia populationindia sterilization clinicjhunjhunuoverpopulationrajasthansterilizationsterilizetatatata nanoTue, 05 Jul 2011 19:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19981677/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19981677/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/05/rajasthan-india-offering-free-tata-nano-in-exchange-for-your-st/19981677/article-detail.xml 19981677 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lead1tatanano2011qs-1279869138_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lead1tatanano2011qs-1279869138.jpg -1 2