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[Kia gets carbon footprint certification for 2011 Cadenza sedan: 29.5 tons over 80,000 miles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/kia-gets-carbon-footprint-certification-for-2011-cadenza-sedan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/kia-gets-carbon-footprint-certification-for-2011-cadenza-sedan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/kia-gets-carbon-footprint-certification-for-2011-cadenza-sedan/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Kia Cadenza - click above for high-res image gallery

Several years ago, Kia decided to adopt total lifecycle analysis (LCA) for the carbon footprint of all future products. LCA takes into account the greenhouse gas emissions that accrue from the production and disposal of cars as well as the time the customers use the vehicles. The first new Kia product to get a carbon footprint label from the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) is the Cadenza mid-size sedan, which just launched in its home market.

According to the LSA, production the raw materials for the Cadenza causes the emission of 3.48 tons of carbon dioxide with another 0.531 tons coming during actual vehicle production with 0.012 tons during recycling. The bulk of the total 29.5 tons is emitted during driving, with 25.5 tons being produced during 80,000 miles of driving.

The Cadenza gets more efficient engines than the outgoing Optima along with reduced weight, lower rolling resistance tires and better aerodynamics. We'll get the Cadenza in North America for 2011.


[Source: Kia]

Kia gets carbon footprint certification for 2011 Cadenza sedan: 29.5 tons over 80,000 miles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 kia cadenza2011KiaCadenzacadenzacarbon footprintCarbonFootprintkiakia cadenzaKiaCadenzalife cycle analysisLifeCycleAnalysisMon, 14 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Win $1,000 for creating the coolest (and maybe greenest) Kia online]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/win-1-000-for-creating-the-coolest-and-maybe-greenest-kia-onl/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/win-1-000-for-creating-the-coolest-and-maybe-greenest-kia-onl/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/win-1-000-for-creating-the-coolest-and-maybe-greenest-kia-onl/#commentsFiled under:



Kia knows how to have fun with the Soul, and now it's your turn. The company and Antenna Magazine are partnering up to let people design their perfect car in a contest called Soul Xpression. Based on the the vehicles that have been submitted by recognized design houses and other entrants, the contest is trending hip and urban, with a bit of eco-chic thrown in. Some of the submissions include reclaimed tiles used in the exterior design, solar panels for recharging electronics, and a Soul ID card, which could be used in a car sharing situation so that when you get into a Soul, it reconfigures itself to your settings. There are eight examples up on the contest site, and Kia is looking for yours.

If your idea is particularly eco-friendly but there's no way to represent this in the pictures, Antenna also allows a short written segment. The winner will walk away with $1,000 and the deadline is December 11th. One fun line in the official rules: "only images of your own non-damaged Kia Soul vehicles may be submitted as part of an Expression." Non-damaged? What happened to require this bit of legalese?

[Source: Antenna Magazine via Treehugger]

Win $1,000 for creating the coolest (and maybe greenest) Kia online originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kia soulKiaSoulsoulsoul xpressionSoulXpressionThu, 12 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Kia offering 6-month fuel cell test drives in Korea]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/kia-offering-6-month-fuel-cell-test-drives-in-korea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/kia-offering-6-month-fuel-cell-test-drives-in-korea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/kia-offering-6-month-fuel-cell-test-drives-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kia Borrego FCEV - click above for high-res image gallery

Kia is getting ready to conduct its own smaller scale version of Project Driveway, the GM fuel cell vehicle field test. The South Korean automaker will be giving five drivers the opportunity to drive a fuel cell-powered version of the Borrego (sold as the Mohave in its home market) FCEV. Interested testers can fill out an application at Kia's domestic market website www.kia.co.kr between now and Halloween for a chance at a six-month test. To be eligible, you have to live in the vicinity of Seoul and be over 20 years old. A valid license is, of course, also a must. The winners will be announced November 12. Kia and parent company Hyundai have been testing fuel cell powertrains in a number of different platforms, including the Tucson and Santa Fe, for several years. Hyundai-Kia are on the third generation of their own in-house developed stack and have announced that they plan to launch series production of fuel cell vehicles within the next three years.

Gallery: Kia Borrego FCEV


[Source: Kia]


Kia offering 6-month fuel cell test drives in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiakia borrego fcevkia fuel cellkia mohavekia mohave fuel cellKiaBorregoFcevKiaFuelCellKiaMohaveKiaMohaveFuelCellTue, 06 Oct 2009 10:52:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Kia working on diesel hybrids, electric vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-kia-working-on-diesel-hybrids-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-kia-working-on-diesel-hybrids-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-kia-working-on-diesel-hybrids-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Last week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Kia showed off a hybrid version of its new 2011 Sorento powered by a twin turbocharged diesel engine displacing 1.6 liters mated up to a dual clutch gearbox. While the Korean automaker didn't give any official indication that the powertrain could make it to production, an unnamed source reportedly told Autocar in the U.K.:
Diesel hybrids are certainly the way we'd like to go with our alternatively powered vehicles in the future... The powertrain seen in the Sorento has a strong chance of making production, be it in that model or others such as the Cee'd. All manufacturers have to work to get their emissions down and we think this is one our best chances of getting there.
In addition to diesel hybrids, the source also suggests that electric cars are in Kia's near future as well. Since Kia and Hyundai are corporate partners, it makes sense that Hyundai's future electric car plans would filter down to Kia as well, and that's exactly the scenario presented by Autocar's source.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Kia working on diesel hybrids, electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diesel hybridDieselHybridkiakia diesel hybridkia hybridkia sorentokia sorento hybridKiaDieselHybridKiaHybridKiaSorentoKiaSorentoHybridKiaSorrentosorentoWed, 23 Sep 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt Preview: Kia to show cee'd and Sorrento Hybrid concepts]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/frankfurt-preview-kia-to-show-ceed-and-sorrento-hybrid-concept/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/frankfurt-preview-kia-to-show-ceed-and-sorrento-hybrid-concept/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/frankfurt-preview-kia-to-show-ceed-and-sorrento-hybrid-concept/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In addition to the production version of Kia's new Venga and ECO-dynamics range of automobiles, the Korean automaker has announced plans to show off two new concept vehicles, each with a different hybrid powertrain. First up is the cee'd Hybrid, which will pair a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine running on gasoline to a powertrain very similar to the recently-released Forte LPI Hybrid that will also be in attendance.

Next up - and arguably more interesting - is a hybrid version of the new 2010 Sorento. Powering the 'ute will be a twin-turbocharged four cylinder engine displacing 1.6 liters and offering up 161 horsepower. That engine is hooked to an electric motor, and both power sources send their horses through a dual-clutch transmission to the front wheels. Kia says carbon emissions come in at 119 g/km.

Kia's two new hybrid platforms will be tested throughout Europe "over many thousands of miles." The Korean automaker says that the data recorded by these testbeds will be used to mold future hybrid production vehicles. Click past the break for the official press release.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Kia to show cee'd and Sorrento Hybrid concepts

Frankfurt Preview: Kia to show cee'd and Sorrento Hybrid concepts originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowkiakia ceedkia ceed hybridkia hybridkia sorentokia sorento hybridKiaCeedKiaCeedHybridKiaHybridKiaSorentoKiaSorentoHybridThu, 03 Sep 2009 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt Preview: Kia moves up from No 3 to Venga]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/frankfurt-preview-kia-moves-up-from-no-3-to-venga/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/frankfurt-preview-kia-moves-up-from-no-3-to-venga/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/frankfurt-preview-kia-moves-up-from-no-3-to-venga/#commentsFiled under: ,


Kia Venga - click above for high-res image gallery

When we saw the Kia No 3 concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March, it was largely agreed that the in spite of a dumb name, it looked like a pretty decent little vehicle. As we move on to Frankfurt next month, we'll be seeing it again but now in production form and badged as the Venga. Judging from these first photos released today by Kia, the concept was made from a prototype Venga body shell that went through relatively few changes. The biggest differences for the road-going version are the front fascia and the lights, which loose the cool neon look in favor of something more conventional. The windshield header that ran diagonally across the roof is now replaced by a conventional version as well.

Under the hood, the 13.35 foot long Venga gets a choice of 1.4-liter gas or 1.6-liter diesel engines, both with automatic start-stop. Unfortunately, Kia is only planning to sell the Venga in Europe, which is too bad. It would make an interesting addition to the burgeoning B-Segment in the U.S. market.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Venga



Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Kia moves up from No 3 to Venga

Frankfurt Preview: Kia moves up from No 3 to Venga originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowkiakia n 3kia no 3kia no 3 productionkia no3kia vengaKiaN3KiaNo3KiaNo3ProductionKiaVengaMon, 17 Aug 2009 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Prius, Insight and Soul earn IIHS Top Safety Pick awards]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/2010-prius-insight-and-soul-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick-awards/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/2010-prius-insight-and-soul-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick-awards/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/2010-prius-insight-and-soul-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick-awards/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

IIHS 2010 small car crash tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

News comes today by way of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that the 2010 Kia Soul, Toyota Prius and Honda Insight have all earned the group's coveted Top Safety Pick Award. That means each of the three vehicles managed to score the agency's highest rating of good in front, side, and rear tests and are equipped with electronic stability control (standard on the Prius and Soul, optional on the Insight).

Of course, this news also means that hybrid vehicle shoppers can rest assured knowing that whichever hybrid hatchback happens to be on their wish list is a safe bet. See below for our complete galleries of the Kia Soul and Honda Insight being crash tested by the IIHS. No photos of the Prius were available from the IIHS.



[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

2010 Prius, Insight and Soul earn IIHS Top Safety Pick awards originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 honda insight crash test2010 kia soul crash test2010 toyota prius crash test2010HondaInsightCrashTest2010KiaSoulCrashTest2010ToyotaPriusCrashTestiihsiihs 2010 honda insightiihs 2010 kia souliihs 2010 toyota priusiihs honda insightiihs insightiihs kia souliihs small cariihs toyota priusIihs2010HondaInsightIihs2010KiaSoulIihs2010ToyotaPriusIihsHondaInsightIihsInsightIihsKiaSoulIihsSmallCarIihsToyotaPriusinsurance institute for highway safetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyFri, 14 Aug 2009 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt Preview: 'Intelligent Stop and Go' ECO-dynamics Kia cee'd with lowered CO<sub>2</sub> emissions]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/frankfurt-preview-intelligent-stop-and-go-eco-dynamics-kia-ce/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/frankfurt-preview-intelligent-stop-and-go-eco-dynamics-kia-ce/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/frankfurt-preview-intelligent-stop-and-go-eco-dynamics-kia-ce/#commentsFiled under: , ,


ECO-dynamics Kia cee'd - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia will introduce a refreshed version of its best-ever selling C-segment car during the Frankfurt Motor Show next month with the new ECO-dynamics cee'd. The new cee'd gets slapped with Kia's new ECO-dynamics branding because it uses the new new 'Intelligent Stop and Go' (ISG) system which drops CO2 emissions to 110 grams per kilometer . In the new cee'd, ISG makes an appearance on Kia's 1.6 liter diesel engine for the first time. The entire cee'd line-up gets a emissions cut of about five percent, Kia says. On the style and function front, the new cee'd's front grille, suspension and dozens of other interior and exterior aspects have been tweaked and updated. Pricing and other details will be announced closer to the new cee'd's on-sale date in the UK, which is October 1.

Gallery: ECO-dynamics Kia cee'd

100809-a-kia-100809-b-kia-100809kia-

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: 'Intelligent Stop and Go' ECO-dynamics Kia cee'd with lowered CO2 emissions

Frankfurt Preview: 'Intelligent Stop and Go' ECO-dynamics Kia cee'd with lowered CO2 emissions originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceedceed co2CeedCo2eco-dynamicsfalsefrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShowkia ceedkia ceed eco-dynamicskia co2kia ukKiaCeedKiaCeedEco-dynamicsKiaCo2KiaUkuk ceedUkCeedMon, 10 Aug 2009 18:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai investing $3.3 billion in green technologies by 2013]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/hyundai-investing-3-3-billion-in-green-technologies-by-2013/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/hyundai-investing-3-3-billion-in-green-technologies-by-2013/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/hyundai-investing-3-3-billion-in-green-technologies-by-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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

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

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

[Source: Reuters]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013anti-pollution rulesAnti-pollutionRulesgreen investmentGreenInvestmentinvestmentkorean antipollution rulesKoreanAntipollutionRulessamsungsouth koreaSouthKoreaFri, 24 Jul 2009 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Kia: Mass-produced fuel cell cars would cost $50,000 today]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/kia-mass-produced-fuel-cell-cars-would-cost-50-000-today/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/kia-mass-produced-fuel-cell-cars-would-cost-50-000-today/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/kia-mass-produced-fuel-cell-cars-would-cost-50-000-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Kia Borrego FCEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's face it: Hydrogen technology still has a ways to go before there's any real chance that we'll all be driving fuel cell cars in lieu of electric or fossil fuel-burning machines. Chief among the issues confronting the widespread adoption of hydrogen for automotive use is cost, though that obstacle is currently being worked on. According to Byung Ki-Ahn, general manager of Kia's Mabuk-ri site, "Even if we were producing 50,000 fuel cell cars a year, they would currently have to cost $50,000 each."

While it would be easy for hydrogen proponents to latch on to this statement as good news - and, if true, that pricing is considerably better than we would have predicted - there's more to overcome than just the pricey fuel cell stack. For instance, even if Kia were indeed building 50,000 fuel cell cars per year, there would need to be an adequate infrastructure to support those vehicles. Further, a low cost and eco-friendly process for capturing, storing and transporting large amounts of hydrogen still needs to be developed.

Regardless, it's clear that Kia, along with corporate cousin Hyundai, believe these issues will be worked out in time. When asked where the Korean automaker currently sits on a production-ready hydrogen vehicle, Ki-Ahn said, "On a scale of one to 10, I'd say we we're at six or seven. Before 2020, many people will be hearing about fuel cell vehicles made by Hyundai-Kia."


Gallery: Kia Borrego FCEV


[Source: Galway Independent via Hydrogen Discoveries]

Kia: Mass-produced fuel cell cars would cost $50,000 today originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hydrogenhydrogen carhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenCarHydrogenFuelCellhyundaihyundai fuel cellhyundai kiaHyundaiFuelCellHyundaiKiakiakia fuel cellkia hydrogenKiaFuelCellKiaHydrogenThu, 23 Jul 2009 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Kia plans UK hybrids within three years, but favors hydrogen in long-term]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/18/kia-plans-uk-hybrids-within-three-years-but-favors-hydrogen-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/18/kia-plans-uk-hybrids-within-three-years-but-favors-hydrogen-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/18/kia-plans-uk-hybrids-within-three-years-but-favors-hydrogen-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Kia Borrego FCEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia's first hybrid vehicle recently went on sale in the automaker's home market of Korea and, according to Simon Hetherington, Kia's UK marketing director, the company plans to launch a range of hybrid vehicles in the United Kingdom within three years. Interestingly, though, Kia doesn't necessarily see hybrids as the way of the future. Speaking to Channel 4, Hetherington said:
Kia is committed to bringing a range of new technologies to UK consumers as soon as is viable. It will not be too long before we have hybrid vehicles but we see this as a step on the way to a fuel-cell powered future. This is the real answer to the problem of automotive pollution - even fully electric cars just push the pollution problem further up the chain to the generators. Hydrogen offers a real long-term solution to the challenge of individual mobility coupled with environmental sustainability.
Having driven the Kia Borrego FCEV ourselves, we know that the Korean automaker has come a long way toward realizing the goal of a practical hydrogen-powered vehicle. Of course, there remains a number of wide-ranging hurdles to overcome before hydrogen vehicles are ready for the market, not the least of which are finding efficient ways of capturing the energy carrier, storing it for future use and developing an infrastructure capable of supporting tens of thousands of vehicles. No problem, right?


Gallery: First Drive: Hyundai FCEV


[Source: Channel 4]

Kia plans UK hybrids within three years, but favors hydrogen in long-term originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiakia borregokia borrego fcevkia fuel cellkia hybridKiaBorregoKiaBorregoFcevKiaFuelCellKiaHybridSat, 18 Jul 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma Sunset, Converj, BlueSport Roadster win Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/fisker-karma-sunset-cadillac-converj-vw-bluesport-roadster-win/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/fisker-karma-sunset-cadillac-converj-vw-bluesport-roadster-win/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/fisker-karma-sunset-cadillac-converj-vw-bluesport-roadster-win/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Fisker Karma Sunset Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fisker's undeniably gorgeous Karma Sunset concept was named the 2009 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year at the North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards last night at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Detroit. Organized by the South East Automotive Media Organization, the jurors also lauded VW's Concept BlueSport Roadster as the 2009 Concept Car of the Year and named the Cadillac Converj
"The Fisker Karma Sunset is just drop dead gorgeous" - juror Michael Bettencourt
the Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2009. The Kia Soul'ster won Concept Truck of the Year.

Aside from the Soul'ster, the winners combine an alternative fuel powerplant (plug-in hybrid, diesel or ER-EV) with lust-worthy design. We'll see if this does anything to dispense with the myth that green = fugly. The jury considered 23 concepts and 11 production preview vehicles that were introduced during the 2009 auto show season before selecting the top cars. See more pictures of the winners after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Fisker Karma S


[Source: Southeast Automotive Media Organization, Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker Karma Sunset, Converj, BlueSport Roadster win Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards

Fisker Karma Sunset, Converj, BlueSport Roadster win Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluesportcadillac converjcadillac converj conceptCadillacConverjCadillacConverjConceptconverjfisker karmafisker karma conceptfisker karma hybridfisker karma sFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaConceptFiskerKarmaHybridFiskerKarmaSkarma skarma sunsetkarma sunset conceptKarmaSKarmaSunsetKarmaSunsetConceptkia soulsterKiaSoulstersoulstervw bluesportvw bluesport conceptVwBluesportVwBluesportConceptWed, 24 Jun 2009 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: hydrogen-powered Kia Borrego FCEV and Nissan X-Trail FCV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/first-drive-hydrogen-powered-kia-borrego-fcev-and-nissal-x-trai/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/first-drive-hydrogen-powered-kia-borrego-fcev-and-nissal-x-trai/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/first-drive-hydrogen-powered-kia-borrego-fcev-and-nissal-x-trai/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Kia Borrego FCEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's hard to learn much about a car in 10 minutes, but when that's all you've got, you study quick. During the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009 conference in Vancouver, British Columbia last week, we got to spend a few minutes in both the Nissan X-Trail FCV and the Kia Borrego FCEV. Both of these large vehicles participated in the 1,700-mile Hydrogen Road Tour but were rearing and ready to go when we took to the streets of downtown Vancouver for a quick spin. The Borrego performed a bit better than the X-Trail, but both managed to impress us with their zero-emission* selves. Find out why after the jump.

Gallery: Kia Borrego FCEV

Continue reading First Drive: hydrogen-powered Kia Borrego FCEV and Nissan X-Trail FCV

First Drive: hydrogen-powered Kia Borrego FCEV and Nissan X-Trail FCV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredkia borregokia borrego fcevkia borrego suvkia hydrogenKiaBorregoKiaBorregoFcevKiaBorregoSuvKiaHydrogennissan hydrogennissan x-trailnissan x-trail fcvNissanHydrogenNissanX-trailNissanX-trailFcvTue, 09 Jun 2009 19:53:00 EST<![CDATA[20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/20-fuel-sipping-diesel-suv-cuv-crossovers-available-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/20-fuel-sipping-diesel-suv-cuv-crossovers-available-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/20-fuel-sipping-diesel-suv-cuv-crossovers-available-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Modern compact SUVs don't need to drink fuel at quite the rate of their larger, more easily spotted cousins (HUMMER, Range Rover, we're looking at you). Over in Europe, drivers have opened their arms to compact SUVs as an alternative to sedans and mini vans. Current offerings share car platforms and can be found with the decent-mileage diesel engines. How frugal are these mid-size SUVs, really? Follow us after the jump and you will see the 20 most economical compact SUVs available in Germany (check out last year's CO2-based list here).

Gallery: Toyota Urban Cruiser


[Source: Auto News]

Continue reading 20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany

20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 07 May 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoverdiesel suvDieselSuveuropean suvsEuropeanSuvsfuel sipping suvsFuelSippingSuvsThu, 07 May 2009 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Kia Soul Hybrid spotted ahead of Shanghai debut]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spy-shots-kia-soul-hybrid-spotted-ahead-of-shanghai-debut/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spy-shots-kia-soul-hybrid-spotted-ahead-of-shanghai-debut/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spy-shots-kia-soul-hybrid-spotted-ahead-of-shanghai-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Kia Soul Hybrid spy shots - Click above for an image gallery

Last year at the Paris Motor Show, Kia showed off a version of the Soul mini CUV that was equipped with a transparent hood and floorpan so show-goers could see the inner-working of the Korean automaker's hybrid drivetrain. At that time, the hybrid Soul wasn't yet in its final form. That all seems to have been rectified based on these spy shots of what appears to be a production-ready a Soul Hybrid, which were reportedly snapped ahead of the official start of the Shanghai Motor Show.

The story that accompanies these photos is woefully short on any actual data about the car, but the concept in Paris was equipped with a 1.6L four cylinder engine mated up with a 15kW electric motor. The dual powerplans send their horses through a CVT transmission to the front wheels to offer up an estimated 48 miles per gallon and CO2 emissions of just 117 g/km.

Gallery: Shanghai Motor Show: Kia Soul Hybrid spy shots


[Source: Auto.Sohu.com]

Spy Shots: Kia Soul Hybrid spotted ahead of Shanghai debut originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 05:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kia soulkia soul hybridKiaSoulKiaSoulHybridshanghai motor showShanghaiMotorShowMon, 20 Apr 2009 05:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy shots: Kia No 3 concept headed for the road as the c'eed plus]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/spy-shots-kia-no-3-concept-headed-for-the-road-as-the-ceed-plu/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/spy-shots-kia-no-3-concept-headed-for-the-road-as-the-ceed-plu/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/spy-shots-kia-no-3-concept-headed-for-the-road-as-the-ceed-plu/#commentsFiled under:

It looks like the No 3 concept that Kia unveiled at the Geneva Motor show last month will soon be headed to the streets. Judging by the looks of the lightly camouflaged prototype caught by a spy photographer, the c'eed plus will stay very true to the concept inside and out. The one major concept element that, not surprisingly, goes away is the unusual diagonal windshield header that goes from the passenger side A-pillar to the driver's side B-pillar.

The new mini MPV is built on the European market c'eed compact and is expected to be powered by a choice of 1.6-liter gas or diesel engines. Considering how finished the prototype looks, the production model could debut as soon as this fall's Frankfurt Motor Show.


[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy shots: Kia No 3 concept headed for the road as the c'eed plus originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kia ceedkia ceed pluskia no 3kia no 3 productionkia no3KiaCeedKiaCeedPlusKiaNo3KiaNo3ProductionThu, 16 Apr 2009 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Kia's Aero-Soul takes advantage of the wind, reduces fuel consumption]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/kias-aero-soul-takes-advantage-of-the-wind-reduces-fuel-consum/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/kias-aero-soul-takes-advantage-of-the-wind-reduces-fuel-consum/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/kias-aero-soul-takes-advantage-of-the-wind-reduces-fuel-consum/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res image gallery of the wind-powered Kia Soul

Kia has finally seen the light wind and will be offering a new Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line system option for the Soul (above), starting today. The system reduces fuel consumption by capturing energy from the wind passing by the car to provide extra forward momentum or to act as a type of parachute to slow the car down. Kia says this option can make its cars greener - in Kia's tests, the system reduced fuel consumption by up to 25 percent in windy weather - without adding too much to the vehicle's cost. Current Kia owners needn't worry, since Kia will offer the system as a bolt-on pack for those interested (but prices have not yet been announced). Initially available on the Soul, the Air Propulsion system will soon be available on all Kia vehicles. More details available after the jump.

Gallery: Kia Air Soul


[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia's Aero-Soul takes advantage of the wind, reduces fuel consumption

Kia's Aero-Soul takes advantage of the wind, reduces fuel consumption originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april foolsAprilFoolskiakia soulKiaSoulwind powerWindPowerWed, 01 Apr 2009 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Kia introduces production Forte LPI Hybrid in South Korea]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/24/kia-introduces-production-forte-lpi-hybrid-in-south-korea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/24/kia-introduces-production-forte-lpi-hybrid-in-south-korea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/24/kia-introduces-production-forte-lpi-hybrid-in-south-korea/#commentsFiled under: ,


Kia Forte LPI hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia has just introduced its first mass production hybrid model based on the new Forte compact sedan in its home market of South Korea. The Forte LPI hybrid uses a smaller 20-hp version of the hybrid system that Hyundai showed at the LA Auto Show last November. That system uses a pancake motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission for electric drive and boost as well as regenerative braking. A separate, integrated starter generator handles auto start-stop duties.

The Forte hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine fueled by liquefied petroleum gas (propane) and is the first production vehicle to use a lithium polymer battery. The new battery was developed by LG Chem and will also be used in the Sonata Hybrid when it debuts next year. Along with the hybrid Forte, Kia rolled out new eco-Dynamics branding for its more efficient vehicles including hybrids.

While it's unlikely we'll ever see an LPG-equipped car from Kia in the U.S. market, it does seem likely that a Forte hybrid with a gas engine will arrive at some point. We've contacted Kia for comment on that but have yet to get a response. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Update: Kia spokesman Alex Fedorak got back to us on US plans for the Forte hybrid. Unfortunately at this time there aren't any.

Gallery: Kia Forte LPI Hybrid


[Source: Kia-World]

Kia introduces production Forte LPI Hybrid in South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forte hybridForteHybridkia forte hybridkia forte lpi hybridkia hybridKiaForteHybridKiaForteLpiHybridKiaHybridTue, 24 Mar 2009 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Kia c'eed hybrid and ISG]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/geneva-2009-kia-ceed-hybrid-and-isg/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/geneva-2009-kia-ceed-hybrid-and-isg/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/geneva-2009-kia-ceed-hybrid-and-isg/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Kia is showing off two new and fuel-efficient variants of its compact c'eed here in Geneva this week. The first, which is going on sale immediately, is the c'eed ISG, or Idle Stop and Go. The ISG, as the name implies, features an auto start-stop system that is claimed to improve urban fuel efficiency by up to 15 percent. As with other such systems, it simply shuts down and restarts the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and resumes. The ISG setup is available on 1.4L and 1.6L engines in all three c'eed body styles.

The second variant is a hybrid model of the c'eed using a system similar to that shown at the LA Auto Show for the next generation Sonata. The main difference is the use of a 15 kW motor rather than the 30 kW unit used for the Sonata, along with a CVT in place of the conventional automatic transmission. Otherwise, the lithium polymer battery remains for the test fleet that will run in Europe with estimated fuel efficiency of 48.9 mpg (U.S.).

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Kia c'eed hybrid and ISG

Geneva 2009: Kia c'eed hybrid and ISG originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2009geneva auto salongeneva auto showgeneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaAutoSalonGenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShowkia ceedkia ceed hybridkia ceed isgKiaCeedKiaCeedHybridKiaCeedIsgMon, 02 Mar 2009 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Popular Mechanics compares fuel efficiency of Nissan Cube, Kia Soul and Scion xB]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/popular-mechanics-compares-fuel-efficiency-of-nissan-cube-kia-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/popular-mechanics-compares-fuel-efficiency-of-nissan-cube-kia-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/popular-mechanics-compares-fuel-efficiency-of-nissan-cube-kia-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res galleries of the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube

The latest generation of the Scion xB - the car that kicked off the currently popular "box-it-came-in" styling trend - may be a perfectly fine vehicle with a few welcome improvements over the first edition, but we still miss the size, shape and fuel economy that the old model was able to deliver. Now that the 2009 Nissan Cube and 2010 Kia Soul are on their way to U.S. shores, drivers may finally get to choose what size they want their brick-like vehicles to come in.

Popular Mechanics managed to snag one of each of these triplets and they took the opportunity to drive them back-to-back through city slogs, canyon curves and the highway superslabs in between. Not surprisingly, all three vehicles seem to have offered something to recommend them over their competitors, but only one machine could come out on top, and it was the one that also managed to post the best fuel efficiency. We won't steal their thunder, though, click here for the full story.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Popular Mechanics compares fuel efficiency of Nissan Cube, Kia Soul and Scion xB originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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