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: Renault and Mercedes to team up on small car platform]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-renault-and-mercedes-to-team-up-on-small-car-platform/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-renault-and-mercedes-to-team-up-on-small-car-platform/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-renault-and-mercedes-to-team-up-on-small-car-platform/#commentsFiled under: ,

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

According to a report in UK magazine AutoCar, Mercedes-Benz and Renault are planning to collaborate on a new modular micro-car platform. The new architecture would form the basis of the next generation of Smart cars as well as the new Twizzy electric vehicle from Renault. Like the current Smart ForTwo, the new platform will be rear engine and rear wheel drive but it will be able to accomodate a stretched wheelbase for a new ForFour. The two seater would arrive in 2013 and the four seater a year later. The last ForFour was actually a completely different front wheel drive car based on a Mitsubishi platform. Mercedes is developing all new three cylinder gas and diesel engines for the next Smarts and could also supply those to Renault. The thoroughly unloved semi-automatic gearbox in today's ForTwo is expected to be supplanted by a new 7-speed dual clutch unit. Finally Mercedes will carry on with electric drive versions of the Smart but it is unknown if they will collaborate with Renault on electric systems.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Renault Twizy, Zoe, Kangoo and Fluence EVs


[Source: AutoCar]

Report: Renault and Mercedes to team up on small car platform originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesMercedes Benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzmicro carmicro carsMicroCarMicroCarsrenaultrenault twingo zerenault twizyrenault Twizy Z.ERenaultTwingoZeRenaultTwizyRenaultTwizyZ.esmartsmart carsmart forfoursmart fortwosmart-fortwoSmartCarSmartForfourSmartFortwoWed, 25 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Small piece of history: 1936 Mercedes 260D, the first successful diesel passenger car]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/#commentsFiled under: , ,


1936 Mercedes 260D - Click on image for full high-resolution gallery

Rudolf Diesel filed the patent for his signature engine in 1893. However, its installation in a passenger car didn't occur until 1933, when Citroën installed a diesel engine into a Rosalie bay, although this car was never authorized to run on roads. Not until 1936, when Mercedes showed off the 260D, can we talk about the first successful diesel car on the road. Based on the 200 model, the 260 used a 2.4-liter I-4 engine named OM 138 mated to a Bosch mechanical injection pump. The ensemble allowed the car to produce 45hp of power at 3,200 rpm. Almost 2,000 units were built through 1940. The car initially has a 3-speed gearbox; and was upgraded with electric coil ignitors in 1938.

One of the diesel powerplant's main benefits - then as now - was reduced fuel consumption. The 260D burned 9 l/100 km (26 mpg U.S.) compared to 13 l/ 100 km (18 mpg U.S.) in the gasoline counterpart. Another bonus: at the time, diesel was half the price of gasoline, so the motorists saved a lot of cash at the pump.


Gallery: 1936 Mercedes 260 D


[Source: Mercedes-Benz via Diariomotor]

Small piece of history: 1936 Mercedes 260D, the first successful diesel passenger car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first diesel carfirst diesel passenger carFirstDieselCarFirstDieselPassengerCarhistorysecond diesel carSecondDieselCarFri, 20 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz to get €9M from German government for electric vans]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/mercedes-benz-to-get-9m-from-german-government-for-electric-van/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/mercedes-benz-to-get-9m-from-german-government-for-electric-van/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/mercedes-benz-to-get-9m-from-german-government-for-electric-van/#commentsFiled under: ,



The German environment ministry has awarded Mercedes-Benz a grant of up to €9 million a field test of battery electric Sprinter vans. The money will be used to fund the research and development of the vans as well as the construction and deployment. Mercedes will produce up to 50 plug-in Sprinters that have no internal combustion powertrain at all. The vans will use lithium ion batteries and, among other things, Mercedes will be studying the performance of the batteries under varying temperature conditions.

The vans will be going into service with fleet customers starting in 2010. Vans are proving to be a particularly popular application for electric drive since absolute range is less of an issue and the frequent stops allow the vehicles to make use of regenerative braking. Mercedes hopes to move this technology to affordable commercial production in the near future.

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz to get €9M from German government for electric vans

Mercedes-Benz to get €9M from German government for electric vans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vanElectricVanLithium Ionlithium ion batteriesLithium-IonLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesMercedes Benzmercedes benz sprintermercedes benz sprinter evmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesBenzSprinterMercedesBenzSprinterEvThu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 is available for lease starting this week here in the U.S., but it will be making its auto show debut in production form in Los Angeles the week after next. The two-mode hybrid provides similar performance to the V8 powered ML550 but with a 46 percent boost in fuel efficiency.

Also on tap for LA will be the new generation F-Cell. This is the latest iteration of the hydrogen fuel cell-powered B-Class that Mercedes will be putting into low volume series production. It is equipped with the latest generation of the fuel cell stack that has increased efficiency and improved cold weather performance. Mercedes claims the new F-Cell can run up to 240 miles on a fill-up, the equivalent of 86.6 mpg on gasoline. Mercedes will be leasing 200 F-Cells to customers in Europe and the U.S. starting in 2010.

Finally, the new SLS AMG will be shown for the first time at a U.S. show. While the car on display will be the ridiculously fast gasoline-powered version, Mercedes has promised a battery electric version of the SLS in the next few years.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell

LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz f-cellMercedes Benz MLmercedes benz ml450mercedes benz ml450 hybridmercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgMercedes-benzSlsAmgMercedesBenzMercedesBenzF-cellMercedesBenzMlMercedesBenzMl450MercedesBenzMl450HybridThu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler debuts next-gen Citaro fuel cell bus in Hamburg, cuts fuel consumption in half]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/daimler-debuts-next-gen-citaro-fuel-cell-bus-in-hamburg-half-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/daimler-debuts-next-gen-citaro-fuel-cell-bus-in-hamburg-half-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/daimler-debuts-next-gen-citaro-fuel-cell-bus-in-hamburg-half-th/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

Daimler this week unveiled the first of its new generation Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid transit buses. Thirty of these new buses will be going into service in 2010 with the first 10 going to Hamburg Germany where previous-generation fuel cell buses have already been in service for several years. The new buses use the latest iteration of Daimler's fuel cell drive system which consists of a modular stack design. By building the fuel cell stack in modules, it can be scaled for different applications with the same hardware used in the bus and the new series of B-class F-Cell cars. Twenty of the fuel cell B-Classes will also be going to Hamburg for use by the transit company.

The combination of the new stack design and a hybrid configuration using lithium ion batteries allows the fuel cells to operate at a more constant output with the batteries taking care of the transient acceleration needs. The result is that fuel consumption is cut in half compared to the older buses and the new buses have a range of 155 miles. The bus deployment is part of the Clean Energy Partnership which will see four new public hydrogen filling stations constructed in Hamburg.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid bus


[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Daimler debuts next-gen Citaro fuel cell bus in Hamburg, cuts fuel consumption in half

Daimler debuts next-gen Citaro fuel cell bus in Hamburg, cuts fuel consumption in half originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fuel Cellfuel cell busfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellBusFuelCellshydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellMercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-HybridMercedes-benzCitaroFuelcell-hybridTue, 17 Nov 2009 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid launches next week for lease only]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/mercedes-benz-ml450-hybrid-launches-next-week-for-lease-only/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/mercedes-benz-ml450-hybrid-launches-next-week-for-lease-only/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/mercedes-benz-ml450-hybrid-launches-next-week-for-lease-only/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

Monday will see the launch of the first European-branded vehicle equipped with the two mode hybrid system that was co-developed between GM, Daimler, BMW and Chrysler. The Mercedes-Benz ML450 edges out the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid in getting to showrooms but it actually shares much with the BMW. Mercedes is building the re-packaged two-mode transmission that is being installed in both vehicles. And while the vehicles bear German nameplates, both are actually built in the southeastern United States.

Unlike the BMW, Mercedes has tuned the ML for improved fuel efficiency compared to its conventionally-powered siblings. While the BMW uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 to achieve 17/19 mpg ratings. The ML450 instead uses an Atkinson cycle version of Mercedes 3.5-liter V6 to achieve up to 335 hp and 381 pound-feet of torque in combination with the electric motors. The result is a boost in mileage compared to the V8 ML550 to 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. That compares with the ML350 Bluetec diesel which is rated at 18/25 mpg.

Interestingly, Mercedes has opted not to sell the ML450, instead offering it only for lease for either 36 or 60 months at $659 or $549 per month, respectively. According to Mercedes USA spokesman Rob Moran, "We are offering this vehicle as lease only due to a limited supply of batteries available. We felt a lease only program offered the best option for customers."

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid launches next week for lease only

Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid launches next week for lease only originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesMercedes BenzMercedes Benz MLmercedes benz ml450mercedes benz ml450 hybridmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesBenzMlMercedesBenzMl450MercedesBenzMl450HybridSat, 14 Nov 2009 12:11:00 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[Spanish Basque Country gets EV recharging network alongside some gas pumps]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/spanish-basque-country-gets-ev-recharging-network-alongside-some/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/spanish-basque-country-gets-ev-recharging-network-alongside-some/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/spanish-basque-country-gets-ev-recharging-network-alongside-some/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Basque Government in Spain has announced an agreement with Repsol to install recharging points for EVs at gasoline refueling stations. These EV stations would be safely separated from gasoline pumps but will be installed near already existing infrastructure. The plan was announced by Repsol's CEO Antoni Brufau, the Basque Prime Minister Patxi López and the Director of the Basque Institute of Energy, Bernabé Unda. Repsol is Spain's largest gasoline distributor and the world's 15th largest oil company. The Basque country is also the site of one of Mercedes' van manufacturing facility in the city of Vitoria. The Basque government also announced that Mercedes was set to build all-electric vans in this factory.

[Source: EITB]

Spanish Basque Country gets EV recharging network alongside some gas pumps originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basque countryBasqueCountryeuskadiev charging networksEvChargingNetworkspublic ev chargingpublic promotedPublicEvChargingPublicPromotedrepsolspainTue, 03 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler to open alt-fuel R&D center in Redford, MI]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/daimler-to-open-alt-fuel-randd-center-in-redford-mi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/daimler-to-open-alt-fuel-randd-center-in-redford-mi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/daimler-to-open-alt-fuel-randd-center-in-redford-mi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

With the end of the two-mode hybrid co-development partnership, Daimler has decided that it will not completely withdraw its hybrid engineering back to Germany. Instead, the company will be opening a new engineering office in Redford Township, MI west of Detroit. The new facility will expand its focus beyond just hybrids to all manner of alternative powertrains, including electric drive. The center will be co-located on the same campus with Detroit Diesel which is also owned by Daimler.

The state of Michigan gave Daimler $7.5 million in tax breaks with Redford kicking in some more in order to get the facility. Daimler declines to say how many people will be employed in Redford but the Detroit Free Press previously reported that it would be over 220 engineers and technicians over the next several years.

Gallery: New York 2009: Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Daimler to open alt-fuel R&D center in Redford, MI originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlermercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz hybrid llcmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesBenzHybridLlcredfordMon, 02 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Two-mode hybrid joint development disbanded; Ram hybrid coming in 2010]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/two-mode-hybrid-joint-development-disbanded-ram-hybrid-coming-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/two-mode-hybrid-joint-development-disbanded-ram-hybrid-coming-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/two-mode-hybrid-joint-development-disbanded-ram-hybrid-coming-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



The big joint development program formed several years ago between General Motors, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW to develop the two-mode hybrid system for light duty vehicles is over. With all four automakers now having launched or about to introduce versions of the hybrid system, the joint program is being wound down and the Troy, Michigan office where engineers from each company collaborated will be closed by the end of this year. Most of the joint work actually ended last June and many of the staff have already been relocated to other facilities.

The Mercedes ML450 hybrid and BMW X6 ActiveHybrid are both going into production about now using a version of the two mode transmission built by Daimler.

Chrysler, which briefly built a version of the Durango and Aspen SUVs with the hybrid system last year, remains committed to re-launching the system in the Ram pickups in 2010. At this point however, it looks unlikely the planned light duty hybrid will launch anytime soon in the Ram 1500.

[Source: Detroit News]

Two-mode hybrid joint development disbanded; Ram hybrid coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge ram hybridDodgeRamHybridtwo modetwo mode hybridtwo mode hybrid towingtwo mode ramTwoModeTwoModeHybridTwoModeHybridTowingTwoModeRamTue, 27 Oct 2009 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes GL350 BlueTec wins best SUV at Texas Truck Rodeo]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/mercedes-gl350-bluetec-wins-best-suv-at-texas-truck-rodeo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/mercedes-gl350-bluetec-wins-best-suv-at-texas-truck-rodeo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/mercedes-gl350-bluetec-wins-best-suv-at-texas-truck-rodeo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec - click above for high-res image gallery

Every autumn, the Texas Auto Writers Association holds a two-day truck rodeo to determine the best in class in all of the different segments of the truck market. Out of all of this year's SUV competitiors, the auto writers (do they actually sell any cars in Texas?) picked out the updated Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec.

The big GL was among 16 SUVs put to the test by the 41 journalists and was the first ever European model to win the category. The GL's 210 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque help it get a 7,500 pound tow rating, The EPA rates the GL350 at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg although on a recent stint with the GL, we averaged just over 23 mpg combined, easily topping our best results to date with any of the GM hybrid SUVs. Besides best overall SUV, the GL350 also earned an honor as the best full-size luxury boat.

Gallery: Mercedes Benz GL350 Bluetec


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes GL350 BlueTec wins best SUV at Texas Truck Rodeo

Mercedes GL350 BlueTec wins best SUV at Texas Truck Rodeo originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesMercedes Benzmercedes-benzmercedes-benz gl350 bluetecMercedes-benzGl350BluetecMercedesBenzSUV of the YearSuvOfTheYeartexas truck rodeoTexasTruckRodeotruck of texasTruckOfTexasTue, 27 Oct 2009 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler launches €600 million small car investment, A-Class BEV in 2010]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/daimler-launches-600-million-small-car-investment-a-class-bev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/daimler-launches-600-million-small-car-investment-a-class-bev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/daimler-launches-600-million-small-car-investment-a-class-bev/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After at least two years of trying to determine what it was going to do about its next-generation Mercedes-Benz A and B-class compacts, Daimler has announced that it will commit €600 million to update and expand the factory that builds them. We still don't know what platform Mercedes will use for the new small cars, but they will start production at the Rastatt factory in late 2011. Part of the updates to the factory will include a 710,000 square foot body shop to produces the shells of the new models. Mercedes has already started construction of a stamping facility in nearby Kuppenheim to produce the panels that will be welded at the Rastatt body shop.

The next-generation compacts will also add two new body configurations in addition to the current hatchback body styles. No information has been provided but the most likely candidates are some sort of taller wagon/MPV to compete against the likes of the VW Touran or Ford C-Max or a sedan which could mean the introduction of the small cars to the U.S. market.

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche also announced that low-volume production of a battery electric A-Class E-Cell will start in late 2010. We contacted Tesla spokeswoman Rachel Konrad to see if they will be supplying batteries or other components for the A-Class BEV as they are for the smaller Smart ED but she declined to comment on the matter. Given Daimler's investment in Tesla, it would certainly make sense to the have the California company provide those systems. If so, that could help Tesla keep revenues flowing (Roadster sales have apparently slowed) until the Model S comes on stream.

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Daimler launches €600 million small car investment, A-Class BEV in 2010

Daimler launches €600 million small car investment, A-Class BEV in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesmercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz a-classmercedes benz a-class e-cellmercedes-benzmercedes-benz b-classMercedes-benzB-classMercedesBenzMercedesBenzA-classMercedesBenzA-classE-cellSat, 24 Oct 2009 14:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Medic! Spanish bifuel ambulances curb emissions, disappoint drivers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/medic-spanish-bifuel-ambulances-curb-emissions-disappoint-driv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/medic-spanish-bifuel-ambulances-curb-emissions-disappoint-driv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/medic-spanish-bifuel-ambulances-curb-emissions-disappoint-driv/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A Spanish ambulance company in the city of Zaragoza, Ambuibérica, is trying out bifuel vehicles to transport patients. The 10 Mercedes-sourced vehicles use bifuel powertrains that can burn both natural gas and gasoline. Turns out, the drivers aren't too happy with these models: they criticize the van's short, 250-km range (about 140 miles), lack of natural gas availability in town and lower speed compared to the diesel counterparts. While the city of Zaragoza itself has some natural gas fueling stations, the rest of the Aragon region doesn't have any, so the company isn't exactly eager to expand the bifuel experience to rural parts of Aragon. The picture above shows a diesel ambulance in the city of Tarragona.

[Source: El Periódico de Aragón]

Medic! Spanish bifuel ambulances curb emissions, disappoint drivers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulancearagonbifuelemergency vehicleEmergencyVehiclespainzaragozaSat, 10 Oct 2009 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid qualifies for tax credit worth up to $1,150]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/mercedes-benz-s400-hybrid-qualifies-for-tax-credit-worth-up-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/mercedes-benz-s400-hybrid-qualifies-for-tax-credit-worth-up-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/mercedes-benz-s400-hybrid-qualifies-for-tax-credit-worth-up-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz S400, the first production hybrid to use lithium-ion batteries, has been declared eligible for the IRS' Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit as a Qualified Hybrid Motor Vehicle. For the S400, this credit is worth up to $1,150. This puts the S400 near the bottom of the list, with vehicles like the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD worth $3,000 and the Nissan Altima Hybrid getting $2,350.

In addition to the li-ion battery pack, the S400 offers auto-start-stop, electric assist, and regenerative braking capabilities. The EPA rates the S400 at 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid


[Source: Green Car Congress]

Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid qualifies for tax credit worth up to $1,150 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>S400s400 bluehybrids400 hybrids400 irss400 taxs400 tax creditS400BluehybridS400HybridS400IrsS400TaxS400TaxCreditTax CreditTaxCreditFri, 09 Oct 2009 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr. Z: BEVs and hybrids for the near term, fuel cells for the long haul]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/dr-z-bevs-and-hybrids-for-the-near-term-fuel-cells-for-the-lo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/dr-z-bevs-and-hybrids-for-the-near-term-fuel-cells-for-the-lo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/dr-z-bevs-and-hybrids-for-the-near-term-fuel-cells-for-the-lo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like pretty much every major automaker, Daimler is preparing to launch battery electric vehicles in the next few years. However, again like many of its competitors, the German automaker remains unconvinced that batteries will see the kind of technical progress needed to make them a truly viable long-term mainstream option. Like Honda, Toyota, General Motors and Hyundai, (and to lesser degrees, Ford, Nissan and others) Daimler sees the hydrogen fuel cell as the best option for the end game.

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche spoke with Automotive News during the Frankfurt Motor Show and acknowledged that both battery and fuel cell electric vehicles need infrastructure. The fuel cell doesn't have the range or re-energizing time constraints that a battery does. Both directions will require work to get the cost down comparable to existing vehicles, but Zetsche seems unconvinced that batteries will ever get there. Zetsche is also confident that a hydrogen fueling network will be put in place in Europe in the coming years.

Zetsche isn't declaring a winner yet, but highlights the modularization that vehicle electrification brings with it. Because battery and fuel cell vehicles all use the same motors and power electronics for propulsion, it is possible to follow parallel paths while sharing much of the underlying technology.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell


[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]

Dr. Z: BEVs and hybrids for the near term, fuel cells for the long haul originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery electric vehicleBatteryElectricVehicleDieter ZetscheDieterZetscheFuel CellFuelCellhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellMercedes Benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMon, 05 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler wins award for Citaro FuelCELL bus development]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/daimler-wins-award-for-citaro-fuelcell-bus-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/daimler-wins-award-for-citaro-fuelcell-bus-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/daimler-wins-award-for-citaro-fuelcell-bus-development/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Along with a number of other automakers, Daimler has been working diligently to bring fuel cell technology to the road in real applications, including testing the Citaro FuelCell bus. Since 2003, a fleet of 36 first-generation hydrogen Citaros has been operating with transit authorities across Europe. In that time, the buses have accumulated 135,000 hours of operation and over 1.2 million miles.

Daimler is currently preparing to build a new fleet of 30 examples of its next-generation Citaro FuelCELL. In recognition of these efforts, the environmental ministry of the German state of Baden-Württemberg have presented Daimler with an award for its work. The award was presented at a fuel cell conference in Stuttgart earlier this week. The new buses use the same series hybrid architecture as the Citaro G Bluetec hybrid. The rear wheels are driven by hub motors with a lithium ion battery. The fuel cell operates at constant output, keeping the battery pack charged.

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Daimler wins award for Citaro FuelCELL bus development

Daimler wins award for Citaro FuelCELL bus development originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz citaro fuel cell busmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesBenzCitaroFuelCellBusSat, 03 Oct 2009 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz launches BlueEfficiency Sprinter van]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/mercedes-benz-launches-blueefficiency-sprinter-van/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/mercedes-benz-launches-blueefficiency-sprinter-van/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/mercedes-benz-launches-blueefficiency-sprinter-van/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency Sprinter - click above for high res image gallery

Over the past year, Mercedes-Benz has been rolling out high mileage BlueEfficiency versions of several passenger car models and has now expanded the eco-tweaks to their commercial vehicles. Effective immediately, two different Sprinter BlueEfficiency variants are available with different engines.

The first is powered by a new 2.2-liter four cylinder common rail diesel engine that is available in 95, 129 and 163 hp variants. Torque ranges from 184 lb-ft to 265 lb-ft. Electric on-demand control of auxiliary systems like the oil pump, alternator and oil spray nozzles allows the loads to be managed to reduce parasitic losses.

The Sprinter is also available with a 156 hp natural gas fueled four cylinder engine. Natural gas Sprinters can be had as either CNG-only or bi-fueled versions that can also run on gasoline. Both engines are paired up with a new wide-ratio ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission. The gearbox incorporates automatic start-stop functionality to shut the engines down when the van stops.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter BlueEfficiency


[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz launches BlueEfficiency Sprinter van

Mercedes-Benz launches BlueEfficiency Sprinter van originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselfalsemercedesmercedes benzmercedes benz sprintermercedes benz sprinter blueefficiencymercedes-benzmercedesbenzMercedesBenzSprinterMercedesBenzSprinterBlueefficiencynatural gasnatural gas vehiclesNaturalGasNaturalGasVehiclesWed, 30 Sep 2009 18:07:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Mercedes-Benz plans to lease 100 hydrogen F-Cell cars in U.S.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/mercedes-benz-plans-to-lease-100-hydrogen-f-cell-cars-in-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/mercedes-benz-plans-to-lease-100-hydrogen-f-cell-cars-in-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/mercedes-benz-plans-to-lease-100-hydrogen-f-cell-cars-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz officially introduced the world to its latest hydrogen fuel cell-powered car this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and it's wasting little time getting the F-Cell into limited-scale production. In this case, "limited-scale" means 200 vehicles, and Daimler R&D chief Thomas Weber tells Automotive News (sub. req'd) about half of those cars are headed to the United States to be leased by the public.

Naturally, those hundred F-Cell drivers are going to need a place to refuel their hydrogen cars, and there's currently a woeful lack of fueling stations here in the States. This being the case, it's not surprising that Mercedes-Benz plans to send the majority of its F-Cell hatchbacks to California, the state with the most widespread hydrogen infrastructure.

According to Mercedes-Benz, a three-minute refuel will allow its F-Cell to travel for 250 miles. Check out our live shots of the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell below.



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

REPORT: Mercedes-Benz plans to lease 100 hydrogen F-Cell cars in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellmercedesmercedes benzmercedes benz f-cellmercedes-benzmercedes-benz f-cellMercedes-benzF-cellMercedesBenzMercedesBenzF-cellThu, 17 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz now shipping the S400 hybrid to U.S. dealers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/mercedes-benz-now-shipping-the-s400-hybrid-to-us-dealers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/mercedes-benz-now-shipping-the-s400-hybrid-to-us-dealers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/mercedes-benz-now-shipping-the-s400-hybrid-to-us-dealers/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid - click above for high res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has apparently begun shipping the new S400 BlueHybrid sedan to its U.S. dealer network. One of our readers spotted one and grabbed a photo of the window sticker. The S400 is Mercedes' first production hybrid vehicle and utilizes the mild hybrid system it developed in conjunction with BMW. While BMW is going whole hog for performance with its ActiveHybrid 7, Mercedes is going more for efficiency. The Stuttgart brand has opted use its 3.5-liter V6 with the hybrid system along with the first lithium ion battery used in such an application. The 120 V battery is actually nearly the same size as a traditional lead acid starter battery and takes its place in the engine compartment so no trunk space is lost compared to the standard car.

The S400 Hybrid gets an EPA rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That compares to 15/23 mpg for the V8-powered S550. The base price on the S400 starts at $87,950 and the car spotted by our reader had a bottom line of $93,775. You can configure your own S400 at the Mercedes USA site. Thanks to USCGTO for the tip!








Mercedes-Benz now shipping the S400 hybrid to U.S. dealers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 mercedes benz s400 hybrid2010MercedesBenzS400Hybridhybridhybrid carhybrid carsHybridCarHybridCarshybridsmercedes benzmercedes benz s400 blue hybridmercedes benz s400 bluehybridmercedes benz s400 hybridmercedes-benzmercedesbenzMercedesBenzS400BluehybridMercedesBenzS400Hybrids400 bluehybrids400 bluetec hybrid auto show de los ngeless400 hybridS400BluehybridS400BluetecHybridAutoShowDeLosNgelesS400HybridThu, 17 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell rids the show floor of tailpipe emissions]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/frankfurt-2009-mercedes-benz-f-cell-in-tailpipe-emissions-out/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/frankfurt-2009-mercedes-benz-f-cell-in-tailpipe-emissions-out/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/frankfurt-2009-mercedes-benz-f-cell-in-tailpipe-emissions-out/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell - Click above for high-res image gallery

As promised, Mercedes-Benz trotted its hydrogen fuel cell-powered F-Cell in front of the crowds at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and we were on hand to snap off a series of images. It's easy to spot the B-Class sheetmetal and underpinnings of the compact hatch, which goes to show how well the German automaker was able to integrate its space-age hydrogen drivetrain.

A 100 kW electric motor provides motive force to the front wheels, and MB claims the F-Cell will have similar performance to a 2.0 liter gas engine while returning the equivalent of 86.6 mpg on the European combined cycle. Mercedes has promised to begin leasing its new hydrogen-powered five-door hatchback in early 2010, and it's reportedly coming to America to fulfill all our zero-emission fantasies. Now, if we could just get that pesky hydrogen infrastructure problem sorted out...



Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell rids the show floor of tailpipe emissions originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f-cellfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowgreenmercedesmercedes benzmercedes benz f-cellmercedes-benzmercedes-benz f-cellMercedes-benzF-cellMercedesBenzMercedesBenzF-cellThu, 17 Sep 2009 10:03:00 EST