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[How Fisker's Delaware plant helps the local UAW]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/how-fiskers-delaware-plant-helps-the-local-uaw/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/how-fiskers-delaware-plant-helps-the-local-uaw/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/how-fiskers-delaware-plant-helps-the-local-uaw/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Fisker signed an agreement in late October to build the Nina project car plug-in hybrid sports car at a Wilmington, Delaware assembly plant that formerly belonged to GM, we mentioned that United Auto Workers Local 435 president was on hand, hinting that the plant would remain unionized. This is not typical for a startup auto plant, but Fisker's entry into the Diamond State was a real lifesaver for the UAW members, who "looked like goners" earlier in the summer.

That phrase comes from a report on Delaware Online about Fisker's investment in the plant and how it could create 5,000 jobs in the U.S. (including 3,000 at suppliers). It's looking like about 2,500 jobs will be at or near the plant. Fisker and the UAW hope to have a deal by March.


Gallery: Fisker Karma

fisker_karma006bfisker_karma016image003-fkfisker_karma_1747refisker_karma_1798re-3

[Source: Delaware Online]

How Fisker's Delaware plant helps the local UAW originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delawarefiskerfisker delawarefisker ninafisker uawFiskerDelawareFiskerNinaFiskerUawproject ninaProjectNinauawuaw delawareuaw fiskerUawDelawareUawFiskerMon, 21 Dec 2009 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler announces $179 million investment in Dundee plant to build Fiat Multiair engines]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/chrysler-announces-179-million-investment-in-dundee-plant-to-bu/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/chrysler-announces-179-million-investment-in-dundee-plant-to-bu/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/chrysler-announces-179-million-investment-in-dundee-plant-to-bu/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In a none-too-shocking announcement, Chrysler has said it will invest $179 million to convert its engine plant in Dundee, Michigan, from building the so-called World Engine to Fiat's 1.4-liter Fully Integrated Robotized Engine. Back in September, Chrysler bought out its former partners Hyundai and Mitsubishi so that it could utilize the Dundee facilities to build the new Multiair powerplants.

Both Chrysler and Fiat are likely to use powerplants built at the facility, with the first application being the diminutive Fiat 500 that's slated for North American production by the end of 2010. Fiat's Multiair technology is said to increase power by up to 10 percent while offering a similar reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. Later, a turbocharged unit will be built at the plant that will offer V6-level power using 25 percent less fuel. Multiair technology will eventually be added to the rest of the Chrysler engine lineup, including the new Pentastar V6.

Chrysler promises that the Dundee plant will add 573 new jobs to the local economy, including 155 directly at the Dundee plant for a single shift of engine production. That was enough to earn a series of incentives from the state of Michigan and tax credits from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Village of Dundee that could add up to $4.6 million over the next 10 years. For more, click past the break for a pair of press releases from Chrysler.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler announces $179 million investment in Dundee plant to build Fiat Multiair engines

Chrysler announces $179 million investment in Dundee plant to build Fiat Multiair engines originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler multiairChryslerMultiairDundeedundee facilitydundee midundee plantDundeeFacilityDundeeMiDundeePlantfiatfiat multiairfiat multiair chryslerFiatMultiairFiatMultiairChryslerMultiAirMultiair Enginemultiair fiat chryslermultiair technologyMultiairEngineMultiairFiatChryslerMultiairTechnologyThu, 17 Dec 2009 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi to add solar power to Ingolstadt headquarters factory]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/audi-to-add-solar-power-to-ingolstadt-headquarters-factory/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/audi-to-add-solar-power-to-ingolstadt-headquarters-factory/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/audi-to-add-solar-power-to-ingolstadt-headquarters-factory/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Automotive factories tend to be very large buildings, more often than not on a single level in order to aid internal logistics. A byproduct of such a configuration is a large, flat roof. Such a surface can be be ideally suited to the installation of solar power generation. With that in mind, Audi has decided that 124,861 square feet of roof space at its Ingoldstadt, Germany headquarters campus will be made available for the installation of photovoltaic cells.

The solar modules will be installed on the roofs of the toolmaking shop, the parking garage at the technical development center and one additional building. The installations are being performed by Münich-based Green City Energy and are expected to generate 1,000 MWh of electricity annually.

Audi is also considering solar installations at the Neckarsulm campus, its second-largest facility. Neckarsulm could get as much as 355,209 square feet for solar installations, all of which will help reduce Audi's manufacturing carbon footprint.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi to add solar power to Ingolstadt headquarters factory

Audi to add solar power to Ingolstadt headquarters factory originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi factoryaudi solarAudiFactoryAudiSolarIngolstadtsolarsolar panelssolar powersolar-powerSolarEnergySolarPanelsSolarPowerWed, 16 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Think restarts production in Finland, first deliveries scheduled before Christmas]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/think-restarts-production-in-finland-first-deliveries-scheduled/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/think-restarts-production-in-finland-first-deliveries-scheduled/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/think-restarts-production-in-finland-first-deliveries-scheduled/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Th!nk City - Click above for high-res image gallery

A little later than anticipated, Think has re-started production of the City electric vehicles at Valmet Automotive's plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The first vehicles - at least 2,300 have been ordered -- will be delivered to customers before Christmas. Most of these customers are municipal authorities and utility partners. While they wait to take delivery of their electric cars, Think will expand its marketing and sales efforts throughout Europe and beyond.

Valmet also makes or will make the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, the Fisker Karma, and the Garia golf cart in Uusikaupunki. On Twitter, Think says, "We look forward to start delivering the long awaited Think City to our customers." That's great, but what about the promised announcement of a U.S. plant?

UPDATE: Think just tweeted: "Lots of questions about US availability of the THINK City. Expect a production site announcement likely in January; limited US sales Q4'10."

Gallery: Think City production


[Source: Think]

Continue reading Think restarts production in Finland, first deliveries scheduled before Christmas

Think restarts production in Finland, first deliveries scheduled before Christmas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingthinkthink citythink evthink evsThinkCityThinkEvThinkEvsValmetvalmet automotiveValmet Automotive of Finlandvalmet city evValmetAutomotiveValmetAutomotiveOfFinlandValmetCityEvThu, 10 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Some Chevy Volts to arrive early thanks to a $100 million bonus?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-some-chevy-volts-to-arrive-early-thanks-to-a-100-millio/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-some-chevy-volts-to-arrive-early-thanks-to-a-100-millio/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-some-chevy-volts-to-arrive-early-thanks-to-a-100-millio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res gallery

Might the Chevy Volt get coaxed into customer hands earlier than November 2010? Could be, if a new deal to the Volt team worth $100 million from GM's large cash fund (seriously, GM apparently has $46.2 billion to spend) works as planned. The idea is to spend the $100 million not to get the cars ready for sale in October or earlier - GM is happy with their long-announced November deadline - but to build more cars earlier than scheduled in order to let customers test drive them before full manufacturing starts. Jon Lauckner, GM's vice president for global product planning, told the New York Times that, "Our date with destiny is November of 2010, but it could be useful for us to have the money to get some vehicles to consumers earlier than that." Considering GM has spent $1.7 billion on the Volt's development and manufacturing infrastructure, a $100 million to do more testing seems just making sure the big Volt bet pays off as well as it can.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: New York Times via GM-Volt]

REPORT: Some Chevy Volts to arrive early thanks to a $100 million bonus? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltchevy volt productionChevyVoltChevyVoltProductionvoltWed, 09 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chevrolet Malibu to join Volt in Detroit-Hamtramck plant]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-chevrolet-malibu-to-join-volt-in-detroit-hamtramck-plant/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-chevrolet-malibu-to-join-volt-in-detroit-hamtramck-plant/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-chevrolet-malibu-to-join-volt-in-detroit-hamtramck-plant/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's long been presumed that the Chevrolet Volt (and its Opel/Vauxhall Ampera twin) would not be the only car rolling out of General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant after late 2010. After all, Volt volumes are unlikely to be sufficient in the first several years to justify an entire plant. However, when a future product plant was leaked out after the 2007 UAW contract was signed, it was assumed the new Chevy Orlando would join the Volt. After all, the Orlando shares the Delta platform with the Volt and Cruze.

Following the announcement Monday of the investment in the Detroit factory to build the Volt, The Detroit News believes it has learned that the next-generation Malibu will also be built in Detroit. The new Malibu is slated to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. Current Malibu assembly takes place in Fairfax, Kansas. The General's Orion, Michigan plant had also been building the mid-sized sedan, but it is now being re-tooled build the next generation Aveo. With Fairfax now also building the Buick LaCrosse, a second plant may be needed to meet demand if the new model is successful.



[Source: The Detroit News]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

REPORT: Chevrolet Malibu to join Volt in Detroit-Hamtramck plant originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Chevrolet Volt2011ChevroletVoltchevroletchevrolet malibuChevrolet VoltChevroletMalibuChevroletVoltchevychevy malibuchevy voltChevy-VoltChevyMalibuChevyVoltDetroitdetroit hamtramckDetroitHamtramckHamtramckWed, 09 Dec 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ford looking to invest up to $500 million in Michigan hybrid, EV plants]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-ford-looking-to-invest-up-to-500-million-in-michigan-hy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-ford-looking-to-invest-up-to-500-million-in-michigan-hy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-ford-looking-to-invest-up-to-500-million-in-michigan-hy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

After GM's announcement this week that it would invest $336 million in its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant to build the Volt, there are noises from Ford about a similar investment. Automotive News is reporting that the Blue Oval is weighing putting $300 to $500 million into hybrid and electric vehicle plants in Michigan - if they can get the tax credits from the state. Ford is asking for $85 million in credits between 2012 and 2014 and another $35 million after 2014.

If the plants get the public money injection, Ford would have a place to assemble li-ion battery packs and consolidate production of hybrid vehicles Ford's director of global electric strategy, Nancy Gioia, told AN. Currently, the battery packs for Ford's top-selling Fusion (and Mercury Milan) hybrids are put together by Delphi Holdings in Mexico.

Michigan has, in the last year, approved over $550 million for advanced battery manufacturers who build plants in the state. Ford says 1,000 jobs would be created in the state (and lost elsewhere?) if the hybrid and plug-in plants relocate here.

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

REPORT: Ford looking to invest up to $500 million in Michigan hybrid, EV plants originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford hybridford hybrid plantford hybridsFordHybridFordHybridPlantFordHybridsWed, 09 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault-Nissan announces location of lithium battery plant in Portugal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/renault-nissan-announces-location-of-lithium-battery-plant-in-po/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/renault-nissan-announces-location-of-lithium-battery-plant-in-po/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/renault-nissan-announces-location-of-lithium-battery-plant-in-po/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Renault and Nissan made it known many months ago that they intended to build lithium ion battery plants in Europe to supply all of the electric vehicles that they will be introducing in the next several years. The first battery plant will be going to Portugal and will be located at an existing Renault complex 155 miles north of Lisbon. The plant will have an initial capacity of supplying packs for 50,000 vehicles a year from 2012.

The alliance partners will spend €160 Million on the battery plant and create 200 new jobs. The automakers will start supplying electric vehicles in Portugal in early 2011 and the government there will install a network of 1,300 public charging stations. Construction of the facility will start in mid-2010. This marks the third location for Renault-Nissan battery production; the others are in Japan and Smyrna, Tennessee. No launch date for U.S. construction or production has been announced.


Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault-Nissan announces location of lithium battery plant in Portugal

Renault-Nissan announces location of lithium battery plant in Portugal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lithium Ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batterylithium ion battery manufacturinglithium ion battery packlithium ion productionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatteryLithiumIonBatteryManufacturingLithiumIonBatteryPackLithiumIonProductionportugalrenaultrenault nissanrenault nissan alliancerenault nissan evRenaultNissanRenaultNissanAllianceRenaultNissanEvTue, 08 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota finally ready to finish U.S. plant in Tupelo, Miss]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-toyota-finally-ready-to-finish-u-s-plant-in-tupelo-mis/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-toyota-finally-ready-to-finish-u-s-plant-in-tupelo-mis/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-toyota-finally-ready-to-finish-u-s-plant-in-tupelo-mis/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In a move to reduce the impact of the yen's strength against the dollar, Toyota is planning to finish off its recently-built plant in Tupelo, Mississippi. The plant was started way back in 2006 but had been put on indefinite hold last December. At this time, only the building shell has been completed and there is no actual car-building equipment installed. According to the Nikkei newspaper in Japan (via Automotive News), production is slated to begin by March 31, 2011.

For its part, Toyota spokesperson Barbara McDaniel says, "Nothing has changed on that project. We continue looking at our options, but there has been no decision on when that project will resume." In any case, when the plant eventually does come online, it's expected that Toyota will finally build the Prius hybrid here in the States.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Toyota finally ready to finish U.S. plant in Tupelo, Miss originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>toyotatoyota plantToyotaPlanttupelotupelo mississippitupelo toyotaTupeloMississippiTupeloToyotaTue, 08 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[GM invests $336 million into Detroit plant to build Volt]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/breaking-gm-invests-336-million-into-detroit-plant-to-build-vo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/breaking-gm-invests-336-million-into-detroit-plant-to-build-vo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/breaking-gm-invests-336-million-into-detroit-plant-to-build-vo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

The production of the Chevrolet Volt marks an important transition for General Motors. It marks the first plug-in electric drive vehicle that the automaker is building for sale to anyone that wants one. No more of the limited lease-only deals that were done with the EV1 a decade ago. To demonstrate its commitment to transforming transportation, GM decided to build the Volt on its home ground right in Detroit.

Today, GM is announcing that it's spending $336 million to re-tool the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant to build it. The factory, which had been building the Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne, is being refurbished for the Volt. GM will start building pre-pilot Volts on the assembly iine in about March of 2010 to verify production processes. The Hamtramck plant will also build the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera beginning later in 2011 for European consumption.

The Hamtramck investment is part of $700 million being invested in Michigan facilities to produce the Volt and its components. That includes a new engine line at the Flint South engine plant and the battery pack assembly plant in Brownstown Township south of Detroit.


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

Continue reading GM invests $336 million into Detroit plant to build Volt

GM invests $336 million into Detroit plant to build Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assembly plantAssemblyPlantbreakingchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltdetroit hamtramckDetroitHamtramckvolt assemblyVoltAssemblyMon, 07 Dec 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker: VP Biden not the reason we chose Delaware]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/fisker-vp-biden-not-the-reason-we-chose-delaware/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/fisker-vp-biden-not-the-reason-we-chose-delaware/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/fisker-vp-biden-not-the-reason-we-chose-delaware/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

What does Joe Biden have to do with Fisker Automotive? On the surface, the answer would seem to be nothing at all.. or at least it did until the Vice President himself revealed the startup automaker's plans to introduce a new series of electric vehicles under the Project Nina banner. Not only that, Fisker just so happens to have decided to build cars in Biden's home state of Delaware. Coincidence?

According to Fisker spokesman Russel Datz, coincidence is exactly what it is. There were a number of good reasons to choose the former GM plant in Wilmington, Deleware, and the fact that it's Biden's home state is not one of them. First, the plant is relatively new and hasn't been shuttered for a long period of time, meaning that it's in good shape.

Second, the plant is about the size Fisker was looking for. Further, the plant is already set up to install GM's 2.0-liter Ecotec engine, which is what will be installed in the Karma sedan and convertible. Moving along, GM had recently upgraded the plant's paint shop, leading to the quality kind of paint jobs that Fisker is looking for. Finally, the plant has easy access to shipping lanes and a UAW workforce that will require very little training.


Gallery: Fisker Karma


[Source: The Car Connection]

Fisker: VP Biden not the reason we chose Delaware originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bidenbiden fiskerBidenFiskerfiskerfisker delawarefisker karmafisker ninaFiskerDelawareFiskerKarmaFiskerNinajoe bidenJoeBidenFri, 04 Dec 2009 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Initial Chevy Volt launch will be in select U.S. markets only]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/report-initial-chevy-volt-launch-will-be-in-select-u-s-markets/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/report-initial-chevy-volt-launch-will-be-in-select-u-s-markets/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/report-initial-chevy-volt-launch-will-be-in-select-u-s-markets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Undoubtedly, the Chevy Volt is one of the most hotly anticipated new model launches in Chevrolet's long and storied history, and it will likely be seen as a halo model of sorts for the entire General Motors lineup. As we saw first hand when we got the chance to slide behind the wheel of a preproduction Volt the other day, the car is well on its way to becoming a production reality, but actually getting the vehicle into the hands of customers will be another matter entirely.

According to a report from Automotive News, GM is currently in the process of selecting which markets will get first crack at the Volt when it finally goes on sale in just under one year's time. Chevrolet division President Brent Dewar said that the automaker is looking at a number of factors to determine those unannounced target markets, including the existence of an EV charging infrastructure and available tax credits. After this initial launch, the rest of the country's inhabitants will get its chance to see the USA in an electric Chevrolet.



[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Initial Chevy Volt launch will be in select U.S. markets only originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt launchchevy volt productionChevyVoltChevyVoltLaunchChevyVoltProductionvoltWed, 02 Dec 2009 08:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Mainland Chinese automakers look to Taiwan for EV expertise]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/mainland-chinese-automakers-look-to-taiwan-for-ev-expertise/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/mainland-chinese-automakers-look-to-taiwan-for-ev-expertise/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/mainland-chinese-automakers-look-to-taiwan-for-ev-expertise/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



More electric car news from Taiwan. Two Chinese automakers are ready to develop and sell electric cars there. Chery, for instance, has announced the creation of an R&D center in the upcoming "Green Energy Intelligent Vehicle Innovation Park (EV Park)" in central Taiwan. This would give Chery access to Taiwan's EV technology. Geely Auto has announced sales in Taiwan of the electric version of the Panda model (pictured above) thanks to Yulon Motor Co, which would develop the EV with lithium-ion batteries. The model, to be ready for 2011, will be sold under Yulon Motor's Tobe brand.

[Source: Gasgoo and Gasgoo]

Mainland Chinese automakers look to Taiwan for EV expertise originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherychina-taiwangeelytaiwantobeyulonThu, 26 Nov 2009 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese government sets ambitious battery production goals]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/chinese-government-sets-ambitious-battery-production-goals/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/chinese-government-sets-ambitious-battery-production-goals/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/chinese-government-sets-ambitious-battery-production-goals/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

New regulations for the production of batteries, both nickel-hydrogen and lithium-ion, have been submitted to China's State Council, according to Wang Shulin, a National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)'s expert. China's current production figures for batteries are expected to exceed 140,000 kWh (nickel) and 900,000 kWh (lithium) by the end of this year. These figures are expected to reach 360,000 kWh and 4 million kWh, respectively, for 2010. Bearing in mind that an average EV might use a 30 kWh battery (see some examples here), up to 150,000 EVs could be powered by these new packs. Still, the NDRC predicts there will be 100,000 electric cars by 2012 and 4 million in 2020.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid


[Source: Gasgoo]

Chinese government sets ambitious battery production goals originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery productionBatteryProductionchina battery production figureschina battery production previsionsChinaBatteryProductionFiguresChinaBatteryProductionPrevisionsNational Development and Reform CommissionNationalDevelopmentAndReformCommissionnrdcThu, 26 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Downey, CA mayor claims Tesla Model S plant deal 99.9% done]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-downey-ca-mayor-claims-tesla-model-s-plant-deal-99-9-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-downey-ca-mayor-claims-tesla-model-s-plant-deal-99-9-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-downey-ca-mayor-claims-tesla-model-s-plant-deal-99-9-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tesla Model S - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Tesla Motors does get around to building its second product, the Model S, it intends to build the body and chassis in-house unlike the Roadster that is largely assembled by Lotus. To do that, the company has been looking for a location for a factory, and it may have finally done that.

Mario Guerra, mayor of Downey, California - a place rumored to be a possibility for the plant - said on Monday that the deal is 99.9 percent done. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said on several occasions that the most likely plant location is somewhere in southern California and Downey is midway between Los Angeles and Long Beach. The proposed location is a former movie studio. The one possible issue with this plan is that Tesla would be using funds from the DOE-administered ATVM program. That program was intended to help pay for the redevelopment of existing car plants to build new clean vehicles. The fact that the Downey location is not an existing plant may or may not be a problem. The Downey city council is expected to vote on the plan on Tuesday.

Gallery: Tesla Model S in motion

tesla-model-s-large-4tesla-model-s-large-2tesla-model-s-large-1tesla-model-s-large-3tesla-model-s-large-5

[Source: The Downey Patriot]

REPORT: Downey, CA mayor claims Tesla Model S plant deal 99.9% done originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingtesla model stesla model s plantTesla Motortesla motorstesla motors factoryTeslaModelSTeslaModelSPlantTeslaMotorTeslaMotorsTeslaMotorsFactoryTue, 24 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Lancia to create the new Ypsilon on the Fiat 500 Giardinera platform]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/lancia-to-create-the-new-ypsilon-on-the-fiat-500-giardinera-plat/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/lancia-to-create-the-new-ypsilon-on-the-fiat-500-giardinera-plat/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/lancia-to-create-the-new-ypsilon-on-the-fiat-500-giardinera-plat/#commentsFiled under: , ,



One of Lancia's achievements with the Y10, later called Ypsilon, was creating the urban chic supermini well before the new Minis or Smarts were on the road. Although not the most successful car in the segment, the Ypsilon has been a Lancia staple since its introduction in 1996. Since the current version is starting to look outdated, the Italian marque is planning to launch an updated based on the future Fiat 500 Giardinera, aka station wagon, that will use an enlarged platform from the current Fiat 500 / Ford Ka. This is a remarkable change, since the current Ypsilon is based on the Fiat Punto model. Expect all the engines installed in the Fiat 500 to appear under the Ypsilon's hood, including the upcoming 0.9 liter Multiair.

[Source: Auto Week]

Lancia to create the new Ypsilon on the Fiat 500 Giardinera platform originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiat 500Fiat500giardineralanciay10ypsilonMon, 23 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[BAIC launches green subsidiary with all-electric model]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/baic-launches-green-subsidiary-with-all-electric-model/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/baic-launches-green-subsidiary-with-all-electric-model/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/baic-launches-green-subsidiary-with-all-electric-model/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


China's fifth-largest automotive group, Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co (BAIC), has launched a subsidiary called the Beijing New Energy Automotive Company with which it plans to produce as many as 40,000 electric and hybrid cars by 2011. The new company celebrated its birth by showing off an electric sedan dubbed the BE701 that it hopes to sell under its very own "Beijing" brand. The lithium iron phosphate-powered car is said to have a range of 124 miles and is able to reach 100 mph. Using a permanent magnet synchronous motor bolted to a 4-speed automatic transmission, the BE701 can saunter on up to 60 mph in under 15 seconds. The model that attended the ceremony was no mock-up, and Science and Technology Minister Wan Gang got to take the wheel for his own personal test drive (photo here).

The new company, which will also be responsible for green R&D and charging systems, got its own new digs on the outskirts of Beijing. The $334 million facility should have the capacity to crank out up to 100,000 vehicles a year and BAIC is hoping the venture will be add $2.197 billion to their order book by 2015. Pretty ambitious stuff, but the money already invested shows this company is serious. No word yet on whether they will try to sell any models outside of China but with that country now the largest auto market in the world, it may not have too.

[Source: Reuters UK / Science and Technology Daily]


BAIC launches green subsidiary with all-electric model originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co BAICBeijing BE701Beijing New Energy Automotive CompanyBeijingAutomotiveIndustryHoldingsCoBaicBeijingBe701BeijingNewEnergyAutomotiveCompanyChinese electric carChineseElectricCarMon, 16 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[SEAT starts installing solar panels on Martorell factory roof]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/seat-starts-installing-solar-panels-on-martorell-factory-roof/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/seat-starts-installing-solar-panels-on-martorell-factory-roof/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/seat-starts-installing-solar-panels-on-martorell-factory-roof/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As we announced, SEAT is trying to maximize the possibilities of the sunny Mediterranean climate for its factory in Martorell, near Barcelona, Spain. SEAT's plan is ambitious, and could allow the plant to be able to function almost off the grid. The factory will use 320,000 m2 of solar panels on the roof, the equivalent of 10 MW of electric power. Annually, the plant could generate 13 million kWh. That's enough to power 3,000 homes and will save up to 6,200 metric tons of CO2. The first project will start working next year, and will be Spain's second largest photovoltaic installation. Now let's see if solar power can be used for the Brisa and Duna models

[Source: SEAT]

SEAT starts installing solar panels on Martorell factory roof originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>martorellphotovoltaicphotovoltaic plantPhotovoltaicPlantsolar factorysolar panelssolar panels roofSolarFactorySolarPanelsSolarPanelsRoofFri, 13 Nov 2009 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Sagging SUV sales, weak dollar could bring Mercedes C-class production to U.S.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-sagging-suv-sales-weak-dollar-could-bring-mercedes-c-cl/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-sagging-suv-sales-weak-dollar-could-bring-mercedes-c-cl/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-sagging-suv-sales-weak-dollar-could-bring-mercedes-c-cl/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mercedes-Benz C-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the past two years, sales of SUVs from virtually all automakers have sagged deeply as fuel prices have risen and the economy has gone into the dumper. Mercedes-Benz is no exception, as sales of its ML, GL and R-class have dropped from a combined 152,500 in 2008 to just over 83,000 so far this year. At the same time, the U.S. dollar has lost significant value against most world currencies, including the Euro. The declining dollar makes it increasingly difficult for companies importing cars to the U.S. to make a profit, especially on low end models.

For Mercedes, this may be the perfect time to shift some production of its smallest model currently offered in the U.S. to its American plant, the sole global source of the aforementioned SUVs. The plant in Vance, Alabama could soon add production of the C-Class which is also the company's top seller in this market. At a media briefing in New York Thursday, CEO Dieter Zetsche acknowledged that a decision on U.S. production of the C-Class would be made soon. If it happens, it will give Mercedes a significant cost advantage on those cars. That cost advantage could allow Mercedes to reintroduce smaller, four-cylinder engines in the C, which is currently only offered with a V6 in the U.S.



[Source: Automotive News]

REPORT: Sagging SUV sales, weak dollar could bring Mercedes C-class production to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c class productionCClassProductionmercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz c classmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesBenzCClassVance AlabamaVanceAlabamaFri, 13 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault Fluence EV to be assembled in Turkey]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/renault-fluence-ev-to-be-assembled-in-turkey/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/renault-fluence-ev-to-be-assembled-in-turkey/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/renault-fluence-ev-to-be-assembled-in-turkey/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Renault Fluence ZE concept - click above for high res image gallery

Renault this morning made the production announcement for the fourth and final of its upcoming electric vehicles the Fluence sedan (see also: Twizy EV, Zoe Z.E., and Kangoo Z.E.). The battery-powered version of the compact sedan will be rolling off the same line as the gas and diesel versions at Renault's factory in Bursa, Turkey. The Fluence will be the model that Renault offers in Israel and Denmark in conjunction with Better Place. Along with charging from 220 V or 400 V outlets, the Fluence will feature the so-called QuickDrop capability for fast battery swaps. The Fluence will also be offered in other markets, although its not clear if any of those other locations will offer any kind of battery swapping capability.

Production of the Fluence ZE will kick off in the first half of 2011.

Gallery: Renault Fluence ZE concept


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault Fluence EV to be assembled in Turkey

Renault Fluence EV to be assembled in Turkey originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbursa turkeyBursaTurkeyElectric carElectricCarrenaultrenault fluencerenault fluence evRenault Fluence Zero EmissionRenault Fluence Zero EmissionsRenault Fluence Zero Emissions ConceptRenault Z.E.Renault ZERenault Zero EmissionRenaultFluenceRenaultFluenceEvRenaultFluenceZeroEmissionRenaultFluenceZeroEmissionsRenaultFluenceZeroEmissionsConceptRenaultZ.e.RenaultZeRenaultZeroEmissionFri, 13 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST