Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan working on Tata Nano-like cheap car strategy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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

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

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

[Source: drive.com.au]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cheap NissanCheapNissannissannissan cheap carnissan chinanissan intimanissan nanonissan thailandNissanCheapCarNissanChinaNissanIntimaNissanNanoNissanThailandtata nanoTataNanoMon, 02 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata increases Nano production to keep up with strong demand]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/report-tata-increases-nano-production-to-keep-up-with-strong-de/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/report-tata-increases-nano-production-to-keep-up-with-strong-de/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/report-tata-increases-nano-production-to-keep-up-with-strong-de/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Autocar in the UK, Tata has a success story on its hands in the form of the diminutive Nano microcar, which is currently for sale in India and is the least expensive new automobile in the world. Says Rajiv Dube, head of Tata's passenger car business:
In the last three months, we have been averaging about 2,500 Nano [sales] per month. We are gearing up for a higher number and we are ramping up our production capacity by 20 percent from this month.
For those keeping track of such things, the production increase should allow Tata to build 3,000 Nanos per month. You may recall that demand was so high when the little car first went on sale that only half of the 2,000 customers that applied for a Nano were awarded a car with the help of a lottery system.

Previous reports indicate that the Indian automaker has its sights set on the European and American markets, possibly by 2011. Company head Ratan Tata has said that hybrids, diesels and all-electric models may be in the offing.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Tata increases Nano production to keep up with strong demand originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ratan tataRatanTatatataTata Motorstata nanotata productiontata salestata-motorstata-nanoTataMotorsTataNanoTataProductionTataSalesWed, 14 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[MotoCzysz + Bajaj = dream?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/motoczysz-bajaj-dream/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/motoczysz-bajaj-dream/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/motoczysz-bajaj-dream/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When last we had word of MotoCzysz, the company had just finished a marathon struggle to design, build and race an electric motorcycle at the TTXGP. The epic E1pc was built and shipped to the Isle of Man where it participated in the practice runs but tragically suffered a motor failure at the beginning of the actual race. Fast-forward a few months and things seem to be looking up for the American innovator as word comes of a new relationship with Bajaj, the Indian maker of motorcycles and all things tuk tuk. Sounds like it could be a good match. MotoCzysz comes to the table with good knowledge of electro-mechanical engineering and product design while its new partner has lots of low-cost manufacturing capacity.

The exact type of vehicle they will work on is a bit of a question mark though. Referred to as a "Dream" project, the joint venture aims to produce nothing less than the next-generation automobile. Will it feature an electric drive-train with swappable batteries like the E1pc or will it have a fossil fuel engine like the quaint three-wheelers, or both? We do expect that it will be car-like (i.e., have four wheels) and likely to be the super-efficient Bajaj vehicle had said they wanted to build to compete with the Tata Nano. Will it be the most efficient car in the world? We'll just have to wait and see. Press release after the break.


[Source: Plugbike]

Continue reading MotoCzysz + Bajaj = dream?

MotoCzysz + Bajaj = dream? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BajajDreamIndiaMichael CzyszMichaelCzyszMotoCzyszSun, 04 Oct 2009 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[GM India and Reva announce electric vehicle partnership]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/gm-india-and-reva-announce-electric-vehicle-partnership/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/gm-india-and-reva-announce-electric-vehicle-partnership/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/gm-india-and-reva-announce-electric-vehicle-partnership/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Reva NXG - Click above for high-res image gallery

GM India and Reva have announced a partnership to develop an affordable electric car for the Indian market. Both companies have started feasibility studies that would use GM small car platforms to host co-developed drivetrains and control systems. The partnership is supported by the Indian Government, which is very interested in keeping under control the country's expected increase in oil demand thanks to new low-cost cars such as the Tata Nano and a complete array of announced competitors, including a model by GM itself. Nevertheless, further details about the result of this partnership and a possible prototype are to be unveiled "soon," with production expected to start in 2010. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Reva NXG

Continue reading GM India and Reva announce electric vehicle partnership

GM India and Reva announce electric vehicle partnership originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gm revagm reva partnershipGmRevaGmRevaPartnershipindia evIndiaEvindian evIndianEvjoint-venturerevaThu, 24 Sep 2009 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Electric Chevy Spark to get its fire from....Reva?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/report-electric-chevy-spark-to-get-its-fire-from-reva/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/report-electric-chevy-spark-to-get-its-fire-from-reva/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/report-electric-chevy-spark-to-get-its-fire-from-reva/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Chevy Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery

Reva, the little electric car company from India whose product has withstood ridicule from the likes of automotive entertainer Jeremy Clarkson, seems to be working very hard of late to turn those jeers into cheers. Not only will it be showing off two new models with fancy telematic systems and a "wireless charging" setup in Frankfurt next week, but news now comes it may be supplying GM India with the drivetrain components necessary to electrify the Chevy Spark. According to The Economic Times, if the Detroit headquarters gives the green light, the sub-continent subsidiary will enter into a joint venture with Reva Electric Car Company in what would be the first such deal for The General since those pesky bankruptcy problems.

If the deal does go ahead, we hope GM will use the 2010 version of the Spark rather than the current incredibly mediocre-looking re-badged Daewoo Matiz version. Looks count, and it would be embarrassing if the global Goliath racked up lower sales numbers than the David with which it had partnered. However it works out for GM, the agreement would be a boon to Reva, adding revenue and perhaps even allowing it to say arrivederci to their Rodney Dangerfield reputation. Thanks to Aviv for the tip!


Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark


[Source: The Economic Times]

REPORT: Electric Chevy Spark to get its fire from....Reva? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevy SparkChevySparkelectric Chevy SparkElectricChevySparkGM IndiaGmIndiaRevaReva Electric Car CompanyRevaElectricCarCompanySat, 12 Sep 2009 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahindra introduces Hy-Alfa hydrogen-powered three-wheeler, plans demo fleet]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/mahindra-introduces-hy-alfa-hydrogen-powered-three-wheeler-plan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/mahindra-introduces-hy-alfa-hydrogen-powered-three-wheeler-plan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/mahindra-introduces-hy-alfa-hydrogen-powered-three-wheeler-plan/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's anything but uncommon to see three-wheeled vehicles running around the streets in India. Generally, though, these machines are either human-powered or they run on gasoline, often using highly polluting two-stroke powerplants. Mahindra, a major vehicle manufacturer that operates in a number of industries in India, has its sights set on a cleaner, more environmentally friendly alternative with a rickshaw that burns compressed hydrogen gas in an internal combustion engine.

Introduced at the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention 2009 in Delhi, Mahindra says its Hy-Alfa hydrogen-powered three-wheeler is the first of its kind. According Dr. Mathew Abraham, General Manager at the Mahindra & Mahindra R&D Center:
The Hy-Alfa... runs on nothing but compressed hydrogen gas and is incredibly engineered to run with absolutely zero emissions, which makes it a pleasure to drive on congested city roads. Hydrogen is, in fact, the technology and fuel of tomorrow and is the long term solution to pollution, energy security & CO2 emission related concerns.
It's certainly true that tailpipe emissions from this hydrogen-burning three-wheeler are incredibly clean. Mahindra and its partners plan to launch a demo fleet of 15 units next year in New Delhi. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Mahindra via Indian Autos Blog]

Continue reading Mahindra introduces Hy-Alfa hydrogen-powered three-wheeler, plans demo fleet

Mahindra introduces Hy-Alfa hydrogen-powered three-wheeler, plans demo fleet originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mahinda three-wheelerMahindaThree-wheelermahindramahindra 3-wheelermahindra and mahindramahindra hy-alfamahindra hyalfamahindra hydrogenmahindra my alfamahindra rickshawMahindra3-wheelermahindraandmahindraMahindraHy-alfaMahindraHyalfaMahindraHydrogenMahindraMyAlfaMahindraRickshawThu, 27 Aug 2009 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: U.S. Mahindra pickup stalled until February]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/u-s-mahindra-pickup-reportedly-stalled-until-february/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/u-s-mahindra-pickup-reportedly-stalled-until-february/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/u-s-mahindra-pickup-reportedly-stalled-until-february/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mahindra Pik-Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's apparently tougher than Mahindra first thought to break into the American pickup truck market. According to a report on PickupTrucks.com, Pawan Goenka, Mahindra's president of automotive operations, told reporters in India, "We will start production of Mahindra 'Pik-up' utility vehicle by December this year for the U.S., and by end-February next year, the vehicle will be sold there."

For those keeping track, this is the second major delay announced by Mahindra and it puts the truck in the United States just about a year later than originally planned. Even Global Vehicles, the chosen distributor of the trucks in the States, was caught off guard by the decision. Still, we agree that a delay is certainly more palatable than a botched launch attempt.

When it finally does hit in February of 2010, expect the truck to come in both TR20 (two-door) and TR40 (four-door) styles and come equipped with a standard 2.2-liter four cylinder diesel engine that should return 30 miles per gallon and tow up to 1.3 tons. Pricing will be announced in September. Reportedly.



[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

REPORT: U.S. Mahindra pickup stalled until February originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mahindramahindra and mahindramahindra appalachianmahindra pickupmahindra pik-upmahindra truckmahindra usamahindra-and-mahindraMahindraAndMahindraMahindraAppalachianmahindrapickupMahindraPik-upmahindratruckMahindraUsaFri, 07 Aug 2009 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[First Tata Nano delivered to customer in Mumbai]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/first-tata-nano-delivery-scheduled-for-today/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/first-tata-nano-delivery-scheduled-for-today/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/first-tata-nano-delivery-scheduled-for-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tato Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The first customer to get a Tata Nano has taken delivery of the world's cheapest car today. Tata Motors delivered the car to Mr. Ashok Raghunath Vichare of Mumbai who paid just 100,000 rupees ($2,053 U.S.) for the car. The Nano went on sale earlier this year and has been a source of endless discussion since it was announced in early 2008. While incredibly cheap, other numbers for the tiny car are also impressive: the Automotive Research Association of India rated the Nano at 56 mpg U.S. and it produces emissions of just 101 grams of CO2 per km.

The Indian market is only the first step for the Nano. A Euro-spec model recently passed European crash tests and the car is still scheduled to come to the U.S. at some point.

UPDATE: see pics of the handover here.

Gallery: Tata Nano launch close-ups


[Source: Reuters]

Continue reading First Tata Nano delivered to customer in Mumbai

First Tata Nano delivered to customer in Mumbai originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nanotatatata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanoFri, 17 Jul 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-tesla-planning-to-launch-2011-roadster-in-more-right-han/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-tesla-planning-to-launch-2011-roadster-in-more-right-han/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-tesla-planning-to-launch-2011-roadster-in-more-right-han/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the long-anticipated right-hand-drive Roadster is coming in the first quarter of 2010 and will be available in both standard and Sport guise. The first market that's slated for electrification is, as you would expect, the United Kingdom, and Tesla's first European showroom has already opened up in Knightsbridge.

In addition to the UK, Musk has also indicated that Japan, Australia and India are seen as important right-hand-drive markets for the automaker to pursue in short order. The switch from LHD to RHD is surely made easier by the fact that the Lotus Elise, which shares a large portion of its chassis with the Roadster, was initially designed as a wrong right-hand vehicle.

Interestingly, there's already a lone Tesla Roadster in Australia, but that left-hand-drive car was imported by a man named Simon Hackett for his own personal use at a cost of about $200,000 Australian dollars - nearly twice what a Roadster costs in the States. Click past the break to watch a short video segment featuring that car.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Go Auto]

Continue reading REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets

REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>right hand drive teslaright-hand-drive teslaRight-hand-driveTeslaRightHandDriveTeslateslatesla australiatesla indiatesla japantesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaAustraliaTeslaIndiaTeslaJapanTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTue, 07 Jul 2009 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Suzuki CEO denies talks with VW amidst tie-up rumors]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/report-suzuki-ceo-denies-talks-with-vw-amidst-tie-up-rumors/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/report-suzuki-ceo-denies-talks-with-vw-amidst-tie-up-rumors/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/report-suzuki-ceo-denies-talks-with-vw-amidst-tie-up-rumors/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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

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


[Source: Reuters]

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

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


Suzuki Alto Lapin - Click above for high-res gallery

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

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

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


[Source: Retuers]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>suzukisuzuki keisuzuki kei carsuzuki marutisuzuki microcarSuzukiKeiSuzukiKeiCarSuzukiMarutiSuzukiMicrocarvolkswagenvolkswagen keivolkswagen suzukiVolkswagenKeiVolkswagenSuzukivw keivw suzukiVwKeiVwSuzukiThu, 25 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[LPG-fueled Chevy Spark launched in India]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/lpg-fueled-chevy-spark-launched-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/lpg-fueled-chevy-spark-launched-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/lpg-fueled-chevy-spark-launched-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Chevrolet has just launched a factory LPG conversion of the little Spark in the Indian market. The Spark is re-badged version of the Daewoo Matiz sold in most of Asia. While there are a number of after-market conversions available, this is the first factory installation. Like most such installations, this is a bi-fuel setup that allows the driver to switch between running on LPG or gasoline depending on what is available.

The LPG Spark gets a new sequential port fuel injection for its 1.0-liter engine and is available in two trim levels. The factory installation means the car qualifies for the standard 3 year/60,000 mile warranty. Chevrolet is also offering three years of free maintenance for the new models. When running on LPG, the Spark has lower emissions than it does on gasoline, although no information is available about performance or efficiency. Thanks to Jaz for the tip!

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark


[Source: IndianAutosBlog.com]

LPG-fueled Chevy Spark launched in India originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy sparkchevy spark lpgChevySparkChevySparkLpgindiaFri, 05 Jun 2009 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata may add diesel engine and three-door version to the Nano]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/30/tata-adds-diesel-engine-and-3-door-version-to-the-nano/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/30/tata-adds-diesel-engine-and-3-door-version-to-the-nano/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/30/tata-adds-diesel-engine-and-3-door-version-to-the-nano/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tata Nano - Click above for a high res image gallery

After 203,000 firm orders, Indian automaker Tata found out that most buyers had opted for the more expensive variants of the Nano: only 20 percent of orders have been placed for the base model. The consequence is that Tata is considering a new strategy for the Nano, introducing new variants to make it even more attractive for the local market. One of the most important features will be the introduction of a new 0.8-liter diesel engine, developed by German company FEV. A three-door version of the Nano, an idea that was originally rejected, is also in the works. Plans for the European versions are, so far, unchanged, but will surely benefit from the diesel variant.

Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Autoblog en Español]

REPORT: Tata may add diesel engine and three-door version to the Nano originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 30 May 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-door nano3-doorNanodiesel nanoDieselNanoindiatata dieseltata motorstata nanoTataDieselTataMotorsTataNanoSat, 30 May 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Engineering students from India create air-powered motorcycle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/09/engineering-students-from-india-create-air-powered-motorcycle/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/09/engineering-students-from-india-create-air-powered-motorcycle/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/09/engineering-students-from-india-create-air-powered-motorcycle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the break

Just over a year ago, we reported on an air-powered moped that was built using carbon fiber tanks originally intended for firefighting use. Apparently, the idea has occurred to a few other people as well, as a group of engineering students from India have just completed another compressed air-powered motorcycle using a small 100 cc motorcycle as a starting point. Arshdeep Singh, one of the Air Bike's designers, says:
"Our professors had asked us to create something which nobody has done so far and is also pollution free. Something which is economical and affordable to a common man. So we thought of inventing a bike, which runs on air. There is no combustion in this bike as it does not use any petrol, diesel or anything."
At this point, the bike isn't all that practical. Top speed is limited to just 18 kilometers per hour, but the team hopes to improve on the figure in future versions. Want to see and hear it run? Click past the break for a video.

[Source: Green Launches]

Continue reading Engineering students from India create air-powered motorcycle

Engineering students from India create air-powered motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 09 May 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air bikeair powered bikeair-poweredair-powered bikeAir-poweredBikeAirBikeAirPoweredBikeSat, 09 May 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata receives 203,000 bookings for Nano, twice what they can initially fulfill]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/tata-receives-203-000-bookings-for-nano-twice-what-they-can-ini/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/tata-receives-203-000-bookings-for-nano-twice-what-they-can-ini/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/tata-receives-203-000-bookings-for-nano-twice-what-they-can-ini/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tata Nano - Click above for a high res image gallery

About a month ago, Tata Motors began accepting pre-orders (through a lottery/booking slip form) for the World's Cheapest Car, the Nano. In the first week, Tata announced it had sold over 81,000 booking forms but Tata has even better news to report this week: 203,000 fully paid bookings. Now that the pre-order window has closed, Tata will use a computer to randomly pick the first 100,000 people who will get to take possession of tiny car in July.

The 203,000 bookings represent sales of almost $101 million (U.S.) for the Indian company, and not everyone who orders a Nano is opting for the cheapest of the cheap. Tata Motors says that the Nano Standard makes up 20 percent of the bookings, while the Nano CX snagged 30 percent, leaving the remaining 50 percent of the orders for the top-end Nano LX. The LX apparently offers metallic paint as well as power windows, fog lamps, air conditioning and heater. Thanks to Gustavo for the tip!

Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: MotorTips, Green Car Congress]

Continue reading Tata receives 203,000 bookings for Nano, twice what they can initially fulfill

Tata receives 203,000 bookings for Nano, twice what they can initially fulfill originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 05 May 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheapest carCheapestCarindianano lxNanoLxtata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanoTue, 05 May 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Indian electric vehicle companies request Federal Government help]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/indian-electric-vehicle-companies-request-federal-government-hel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/indian-electric-vehicle-companies-request-federal-government-hel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/indian-electric-vehicle-companies-request-federal-government-hel/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The sorry state of the global economy is hurting industries all over the world, including in India where electric vehicle makers are experiencing slow sales of both two- and four-wheeled machines. Compounding the problem are low fuel prices that make EVs a tough financial sell. For these reasons, Indian automakers and cycle manufacturers are urging the government to step in with incentives aimed at reducing the cost of electric vehicles.

According to Sohinder Gill, chief executive of Hero Electric, "This (industry) has to be seeded by the government by incentivizing people to buy our products." Specifically, Gill is calling for a subsidy of at least 25 percent on the purchase of EVs for two to three years along with a drop in VAT from 12.5-percent to just 4-percent. Another suggestion is to set an artificial floor on fuel prices using an adjustable tax, though we somehow doubt that would be an attractive prospect to India's politicians.

[Source: Live Mint via Green Car Advisor]

Indian electric vehicle companies request Federal Government help originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 05 May 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicle subsityElectricVehicleSubsityhero electricHeroElectricindiaindia electric vehicleIndiaElectricVehicleTue, 05 May 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata Motors look to Scandinavian companies to raise eco-awareness]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/tata-motors-look-to-scandinavian-companies-to-raise-eco-awarenes/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/tata-motors-look-to-scandinavian-companies-to-raise-eco-awarenes/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/tata-motors-look-to-scandinavian-companies-to-raise-eco-awarenes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Tata Nano - Click above for a high res image gallery

Executives at India's Tata Motors admit that their company is a bit behind the times when it comes to environmental awareness when compared to established players in Europe. "We are behind as far as the world is concerned. There are many Scandinavian companies because they are more conscious of this than the rest of us," says JJ Irani, a director for Tata's automotive business. He adds, "We are not shy of learning."

For this reason, Irani and a few of his colleagues are currently visiting a number of large European companies in an attempt to pick up a few pointers on how to improve their eco-credentials. In addition, the group has plans to meet with executives at some of the world's largest oil companies. Irani hopes these meetings will allow Tata to "catch up faster" than if they were on their own.

What's the big deal? For one, the Tata Nano promises to be one of the most popular vehicles in the world due to its extremely low price and decent performance. This car is going to need huge new plants created for its assembly, and these meetings will hopefully help Tata build the new car with as little impact to the environment as possible.

Gallery: Tata Nano: The People's Car


[Source: Financial Times]

Tata Motors look to Scandinavian companies to raise eco-awareness originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>tatatata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanoTue, 21 Apr 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Suzuki announces hybrids and CNG vehicles for India]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/suzuki-announces-hybrids-and-cng-vehicles-for-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/suzuki-announces-hybrids-and-cng-vehicles-for-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/suzuki-announces-hybrids-and-cng-vehicles-for-india/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Maruti Suzuki in India has announced ambitious plans for alternative powertrains for three or four models in the Indian market. Although the company aims for an all-electric model in the long run, the short term will see bi-fuel natural gas/gasoline powertrains available to take advantage of India's improved nationwide network of CNG-filling stations. The company already has LPG conversions available for the Maruti 800 and Wagon R (pictured above) models. When it comes to hybrid plans, Suzuki is already testing a fuel cell version of the SX4 in Japan but it's the hybrid Wagon R, previously tested, which could potentially arrive in India. Maruti says that at the current levels, EV ranges aren't competitive for this low-cost manufacturer.

[Source: Business Standard]

Suzuki announces hybrids and CNG vehicles for India originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indiamarutisuzukisuzuki cngsuzuki hybridsuzuki indiaSuzukiCngSuzukiHybridSuzukiIndiaMon, 20 Apr 2009 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata says it sells over 51,000 Nano "booking forms" in five days]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/tata-says-it-sells-over-51-000-nano-booking-forms-in-five-days/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/tata-says-it-sells-over-51-000-nano-booking-forms-in-five-days/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/tata-says-it-sells-over-51-000-nano-booking-forms-in-five-days/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high res image gallery of the Tata Nano

Tata knew pent-up demand for its super-cheap Nano would be so high in advance of its official delivery date that the Indian automaker set up an unique pre-ordering system allowing potential customers to sign up with booking forms. After all these forms have been collected, a computer will randomly choose the first 100,000 people to take possession of tiny Nano in July.

That process began just five days ago, on April 1st, and Tata has already sold over 51,000 booking forms to its dealer network and individual customers, with another 30,000 or so being taken from a number of Tata partners. Each order form is being sold for 300 Rupees, which is about $6 in U.S. funds. Prices for individual Nanos are reportedly ranging from between 95,000 and 145,000 Rupees ($1,880 to $2,780), which officially makes this the World's Cheapest Car.

One thing seems sure: Tata is going to sell a ton of these cars. Whether or not that's a good thing depends on your particular viewpoint. It's almost a certainty that people will be safer in the four-wheeled enclosed Nano than on the little scooters and cycles they are currently riding, but a number of environmental groups have voiced concerns over the impact this many new cars will have on their surroundings. Regardless of how this ultimately plays out, this is only the beginning.

Gallery: Tata Nano: The People's Car


Gallery: Tata Nano launch close-ups


[Source: Economic Times]

Tata says it sells over 51,000 Nano "booking forms" in five days originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nano ordersNanoOrderstatatata motorstata nanotata nano booking formstata nano order formstata nano ordersTataMotorsTataNanoTataNanoBookingFormsTataNanoOrderFormsTataNanoOrdersTue, 07 Apr 2009 19:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Bajaj planning most fuel efficient car in the world]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/bajaj-planning-most-fuel-efficient-car-in-the-world/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/bajaj-planning-most-fuel-efficient-car-in-the-world/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/bajaj-planning-most-fuel-efficient-car-in-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've been hearing about a planned rival for the recently-launched Tata Nano from fellow Indian automaker Bajaj and corporate partner Renault/Nissan for nearly a year. According to reports, the project is still moving forward, though Bajaj isn't planning to compete directly with the Nano on price alone. Instead, the automaker will attack the Tata Nano from a fuel efficiency angle with what will supposedly be the most fuel efficient car in the world (not counting hybrids, which are invariably much more expensive).

According to Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director for Bajaj Auto, "We can share with you that we have targeted the fuel economy in excess of 30 km/litre and I think we are on our way to achieve that. Big change as far as fuel efficiency on road is concerned and we are equally confident for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. We will be way below 100g/km of CO2."

That would put the upcoming vehicle at over 70 miles per gallon U.S. If all goes to plan, the new fuel efficient supermini will be ready by 2011, with our without the assistance of corporate partner Renault/Nissan.

[Source: Money Control]

Bajaj planning most fuel efficient car in the world originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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