AutoblogGreen

Daimler ramping up Smart Fortwo Electric Drive prodution to meet "high" demand

Danny King — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Manufacturing/Plants, SEAT, Daimler

Like Ford in the US, Daimler makes vehicles with different kinds of powertrains in one plant. Over in Hambach, France, around 750 Daimler ~~elves~~ workers put out all the Smart Fortwos in the world, over 1.4 million and counting. Daimler now also makes the Fortwo Electric Drive there, the first series production EV made in Europe. Daimler invested over 200 million euros to expand the plant for the EV model and future products. So far, over 1,000 electric Smarts have been built and Smart head Annette Winkler said that "production is now being continuously ramped up to meet the high customer demand worldwide."

It's not that surprising that people want this EV, since Daimler is making sure the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive will be crazy affordable (for an electric vehicle) when it goes on sale. The car will start at just $25,000 before any federal tax credits when it comes to the US in the spring, and it is available at a low cost with a battery lease in Europe (details below). We like this tiny EV - as you can read here, it's a big improvement over the previous generation - and if you can live with the size limitations, it's a good way to get your EV toes wet.

Continue reading Daimler ramping up Smart Fortwo Electric Drive prodution to meet "high" demand

Daimler ramping up Smart Fortwo Electric Drive prodution to meet "high" demand originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Seat testing three electric cars in Barcelona (yes, just three)

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:12:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, Europe/EU, SEAT

Seat continues on its snail's pace to make electric vehicles by the middle of the decade by sending three - three! - Altea XL Electric Ecomotive EVs to the city of Barcelona, Spain for tests. The Barcelona City Hall will use its all-electric vehicle in its municipal car fleet for the next six months, and Seat will get information about how the cars are working and "assess performance prior to mass production of electric vehicles." A note to our long-time readers: we apologize if this sounds like a rehash from the 2008 AutoblogGreen archives.

Still, something electric is better than nothing, and Seat is at least pushing its home auto industry forward (we hear Spain has a somewhat big financial problem going on these days, too). Ramon Paredes, Seat's executive vice president for governmental and institutional relations, said in a statement that, "we are the only brand with the capacity to think through, develop and produce an electric vehicle in Spain." Aside from city hall, Endesa and the Catalan Energy Institute (ICAEN) will each get an e-Altea (as well as a Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive) for testing.

The e-Altea can go up to 84 miles an hour and has a range of 84 miles. There are solar panels on the roof to help cool the cabin, but not to help power the vehicle. Read more about the cars here.

Continue reading Seat testing three electric cars in Barcelona (yes, just three)

Seat testing three electric cars in Barcelona (yes, just three) originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Seat's new plug-ins: Altea XL Electric Ecomotive, Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:13:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, SEAT

Seat hasn't exactly been at the forefront of the plug-in vehicle movement, but the company has just unveiled two new vehicles that show it won't be left completely in the zero-emission dust. Until now, the Volkswagen brand has been happy to focus on reducing CO2 emissions from its vehicles through its Ecomotive line. That has now changed to include cars with plugs in addition to more efficient liquid fuel vehicles.

The two models are the Altea XL Electric Ecomotive and the Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive, a plug-in hybrid. The EV has an estimated range of 84 miles and a "limited top speed" of 84 miles per hour. The powertrain puts out 115 horsepower (85 kW) and 270 Newton-meters of torque. Throw in some roof-mounted solar panels to keep the cabin cool on hot, sunny days and you've got yourself a car similar to those shown by other automakers for years now. Matthias Rabe, Seat's executive vice president for R&D, said in a statement that the company has just been keeping quiet about how advanced its plug-in cars are: "Seat has its electric future assured. With the electric Altea XL we are showing just how mature our technology is."

The Leon TwinDrive, on the other hand, goes around 32 miles on electric power before the gasoline engine kicks in. If both power sources are engaged, the expected consumption rate is 1.7 liters or 18.5 kWh per 100 km (or around 138 mpge). Seat says this is "the equivalent of a rock-bottom 39 g/km of CO2," and that number is, indeed, darn low. Seat used to get excited about 99 g/km.

The two prototypes will be tested by governmental institutions in Catalonia and Madrid in the coming months, with an eye towards actually building them by the middle of the decade. Seat says it could start making the plug-in hybrid Leon TwinDrive at its solar-powered Martorell plant starting in 2015, with the all-electric Altea coming some time after that.

Continue reading Seat's new plug-ins: Altea XL Electric Ecomotive, Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive

Seat's new plug-ins: Altea XL Electric Ecomotive, Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Seat Exeo 2.0-liter diesel returns remarkable 54.7 mpg

Eric Loveday — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:47:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe/EU, SEAT

Revamped for 2012, the stylish Seat Exeo has shown the world its fresh new face at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The automaker says the refreshed Exeo has a more stylized front end, a freshened interior and LED daytime running lights. The 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine offers improved fuel efficiency with reduced CO2 emissions, thanks, at least in part, to stop-start technology. Seat says the common-rail, direct-injected, 143-horsepower TDI engine in the base version of the Exeo emits just 129 grams per kilometer of CO2, meaning that the sedan's fuel efficiency rating checks in at an impressive 54.7 miles per gallon (U.S.).

The revised Exeo sedan and wagon were both unveiled in Frankfurt. While the Exeo won't be coming to the States, you can check out Seat's Audi A4 look-alike in our live-from-the-show high-res image gallery.

Continue reading 2012 Seat Exeo 2.0-liter diesel returns remarkable 54.7 mpg

2012 Seat Exeo 2.0-liter diesel returns remarkable 54.7 mpg originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks... appliance white

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, SEAT

SEAT IBX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Geneva Motor Show is in high gear, and Volkswagen subsidiary SEAT has no intentions of sitting on the sidelines during the massive European show, as the IBX crossover clearly illustrates.

The IBX was penned to show the Spanish brand's future design direction, as well as the company's commitment to environmentally friendly technology. Power for the front-wheel-drive concept comes from a Chevrolet Volt-like mixture of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery pack. SEAT hasn't provided many details about the powertrain, only mentioning that the vehicle could travel 45 kilometers (28 miles) on an electricity alone, with the range-extending gas or diesel engine kicking in once electro-juice is exhausted. SEAT says that the engine could come courtesy of one of the gas or diesel offerings already available in its lineup.

On the design front, this little ute's two-door design carries some coupe-inspired lines while still
aiming for the roominess of a crossover. The overall form is clean and attractive, if a bit nondescript (an impression no doubt enhanced by its relentlessly white paint). Chief designer Luc Donckerwolke says in the company's press release that the IBX represents the footprint of future SEAT design, adding that "this design DNA will have a profound impact on every one of our models." Hit the jump to read over the official press release, and peruse the high-res images of the IBX concept by clicking on the galleries below.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks... appliance white

Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks... appliance white originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Paris 2010: Seat Ibe concept, the zero-emissions sports coupe of the future

Eric Loveday — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Daily, Paris Motor Show, SEAT

Seat Ibe concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

By unveiling the Ibe all-electric sports coupe concept at the Paris Motor Show, automaker Seat showed that it's about ready to go toe-to-toe with some of the big dogs in the world of dreamy battery-powered machines. The low-slung four-seater oozes with style befitting a proper sports coupe and, in red, it's oh so delicious to look at. In concept form, the Ibe lacks the necessary go power that's needed to convince the performance-oriented buyer that it's a real contender in the sports coupe category, but what the Ibe gives up in grunt, it more than makes up for in style.

On to the goods we go. At less than 13 feet in length, the Ibe's smallish size significantly contributes to its low, 2,425-pound curb weight. With a max of 102 horsepower and around 148 pound-feet of torque provided by its electric motor, the Ibe's performance capabilities are very much determined by the vehicle's mass. The battery-powered 2+2 sports coupe runs 0-60 a few ticks shy of 10 seconds and tops out at 100 miles per hour. The lithium-ion battery, with a rated capacity of 18 kWh, should provide an honest 81 miles of range.

Seat describes the Ibe as the "super-compact sports coupe for urban mobility in the near future," and we find no reason to argue with that. Hit the jump for more on Seat's battery-powered Ibe sports coupe concept and your day just wouldn't be complete without browsing the high-res image gallery of live shots that just came in from Paris.

Gallery: Seat Ibe concept

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Seat]

Continue reading Paris 2010: Seat Ibe concept, the zero-emissions sports coupe of the future

Paris 2010: Seat Ibe concept, the zero-emissions sports coupe of the future originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: SEAT to produce IBE electric coupe

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Volkswagen, SEAT

SEAT IB^Econcept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen's Spanish outpost at SEAT snuck out a battery-powered concept at Geneva last week called the IBE. It now appears that SEAT is intent on moving forward with production of the IBE. Just before the show, Volkswagen announced its intent to move forward with production of hybrid and plug-in vehicles over the next several years. The Spanish government has also been a major proponent of vehicle electrification (e.g., this and this).

Since SEAT shares its powertrain technology with the rest of the VW Group, it's not at all surprising that the Spanish division would want to take advantage of the capabilities in the rest of the company. In addition to a pure electric vehicle, SEAT is likely to launch hybrids of both the plug-in and non-plug varieties based on the next-generation Golf platform.

Gallery: SEAT IBE Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Report: SEAT to produce IBE electric coupe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2010: SEAT IB^Econcept is stylin' [w/VIDEO]

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Geneva Motor Show, Europe/EU, SEAT

SEAT IB^Econcept - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo (or "SEAT" as it's known in popular parlance) may not have a lot of soul-stirring designs in its stable, a little electric coupé on display at the 80th Geneva Motor Show may presage a pleasing shift. The IB^E concept presents as a sweet styling study with an emissions-free drivetrain that should provide clues as to the future direction of the Volkswagen subsidiary.

Looking at the low-slung 4-seater whose glowing LED lights seem to suggest evil intent, we can only wish there was a snowball's chance in Suriname it was heading toward production. At least, that is, if it offered the performance its sporty look implies. Not that its 9.4 second 0-60 time is totally snail-like but a sub-six performance would be so much more satisfying. As currently constructed, it holds a 75 kW (100 horsepower) motor under its hood powered by an 18 kWh lithium pack located at the rear of the mean-looking machine. Although the small pack wouldn't allow for an amazing range, it does keep its total weight to just 1000 kilograms (2,205 pounds). Hit the jump for the official press release and watch it do its little turn on the catwalk in the accompanying video.

Gallery: SEAT IBE Concept

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading Geneva 2010: SEAT IB^Econcept is stylin' [w/VIDEO]

Geneva 2010: SEAT IB^Econcept is stylin' [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEAT starts installing solar panels on Martorell factory roof

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:52:00 EST

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, Solar, Europe/EU, SEAT

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 AutoblogGreen on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Austrian hyper-miler beats his own record when driving a Seat Ibiza Ecomotive to 100 mpg

Xavier Navarro — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:48:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Europe/EU, Germany, SEAT

Last May, Austrian Gerhard Plattner took a Seat Ibiza Ecomotive and drove it from the factory where it was built, in Martorell (near Barcelona), Spain, and drove it a distance of 970.6 miles using just 2.9 liters of fuel per 100 km. This comes to 81.1 mpg (U.S.), an impressive figure. But, since there's always room for improvement, Plattner repeated the test. This time, he completed a 1,910-km (1,187-mile) tour that used just 44.8 liters of gas. That means Plattner managed to improve his average consumption figure to 2.34 liters per 100 km (100 mpg U.S.). The government fuel consumption rating for the model is 3.7 l /100 km (64 mpg).

Plattner's route wound its way through the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and France on the way to Germany, where the car was to be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Seat Ibiza Ecomotive is powered by a 1.4-liter diesel engine featuring a diesel particulate filter that puts out 80hp. That's plenty when you're getting 100 mpg.

[Source: Auto News]

Austrian hyper-miler beats his own record when driving a Seat Ibiza Ecomotive to 100 mpg originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt preview: SEAT extends Ecomotive line, León CO₂ emissions drop to 99 g/km

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe/EU, SEAT

Along with the arrival of the next-generation TDI engines to the Spanish automaker SEAT's lineup, the company's Ecomotive high-milers get updated with an all-new 1.6-liter common-rail diesel to go with the 1.4-liter 3-cylinder for the Ibiza. The León, Altea and Altea XL all get the new engine and the reduced emissions that come along with it. The León, which SEAT's equivalent to the Golf, gets additional low CO₂ emissions treatment to reach the 99 g/km mark. This is 20 grams per kilometer less than the current 1.9-liter version. The Altea and Altea XL family haulers get the same engine, but emissions are higher at 119 g/km, still respectable and under the 120 level so important for various European regulations. The three models include features such as Auto Stop&Start, low-rolling resistance tires and aerodynamical improvements.

[Source: Seat]

Frankfurt preview: SEAT extends Ecomotive line, León CO₂ emissions drop to 99 g/km originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: how the Up! might find a home in the new array of VW-group offerings

Xavier Navarro — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:12:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT

_{VW Up! concept - Click above for high-res image gallery}

Regular readers are surely aware of the new city car model that Volkswagen is preparing called the Up! Until now, European shoppers looking for a relatively cheap VW, could only get an imported Fox from Brazil that dosen't have too much of an appeal, but the Up! could come as a solution if it is reincarnated as the next-generation VW Lupo, as has been rumored. Of course, the Up/Lupo might or might not find its way to sibling companies Seat, which already had a Lupo clone called Arosa in the line up, and Škoda, which could rename the car the Joyster. The three sibling models would all be under 3.5 meters long and weigh under 800kg. Some reports say the VW could be priced at about €8,500, with the Škoda version for emerging markets priced under €5,000. All models are to be built at a plant near Bratislava, Slovakia. The Up!/Lupo/Arosa/Joyster will then very likely spawn into other variants from 2011 onwards, with a longer 5-door version, a minivan, a convertible and an ultra-efficient and shortened two-seater. Finally, there is an all-electric Audi version likely to come from this platform in 2014.

Gallery: Volkswagen up! concept

[Source: Auto News]

REPORT: how the Up! might find a home in the new array of VW-group offerings originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Seat Brisa and Duna concepts point the way to solar power

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:22:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Solar, Green Daily, SEAT

Seat Brisa and Duna concepts - Click above for a high-res image gallery

At this point, vehicles covered in solar panels aren't yet able to offer a viable alternative to the fossil fuel-powered cars and trucks that we currently rely on. There's hope that this fact will someday change, but that date's still a way off in the future. Regardless, we can still have some fun with the idea, and that's exactly what Spanish design student Miguel-Angel Iranzo Sanchez has done.

Sanchez put pen to paper to design two interesting concept vehicles that would be powered solely by the sun's rays. First up is the Seat Brisa, a low-slung three-wheeled sportscar with a floorpan made from laminated plywood. Sanchez also penned a concept called the Seat Duna, which is an electric dune buggy that would be based on the Volkswagen Up! concept. Eco-friendly touches include rocker panels fashioned from laminated cedar wood.

Both concept vehicles would feature body panels made from a translucent elastomer with photovoltaic cells embedded within, which would send power to an electric motor.

Gallery: Seat Brisa and Duna concepts

[Source: Car Body Design]

Seat Brisa and Duna concepts point the way to solar power originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 07 May 2009 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Austrian hyper-miler gets 81.1 mpg in Seat Ibiza Ecomotive

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 04 May 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Green Daily, SEAT

Once upon a time when drivers went driving across multiple countries, it was in pursuit of doing it in the least amount of time. These days, it seems to be just as often that drivers are still going for the least, but now it's about minimizing fuel consumption. After a team of drivers ran over 1,400 miles on a tank of petrol in a Fusion hybrid last week, an Austrian driver took the road in a Seat Ibiza Ecomotive. Gerhard Plattner set out from the Seat factory in Martorell, Spain and traversed Spain, France and Germany ending up in Göttingen.

Along the way, he consumed a mere 12.03 gallons (U.S.) over a distance of 970.6 miles. For the mathematically challenged among you, that comes out 2.9 l/100 km or 81.1 mpg (U.S.). The Ibiza is Seat's B-segment five door hatchback that shares a platform with the VW Polo. The Ecomotive version adds some aerodynamic tweaks, low rolling resistance tires and an optimized 80 hp 1.4-liter TDI four cylinder diesel.

[Source: Seat]

Continue reading Austrian hyper-miler gets 81.1 mpg in Seat Ibiza Ecomotive

Austrian hyper-miler gets 81.1 mpg in Seat Ibiza Ecomotive originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 04 May 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New TDI engines spread through VW family

Xavier Navarro — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:46:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Europe/EU, SEAT

The all-new generation of Volkswagen TDI engines, fitted with common-rail technology instead of pump-injectors, is spreading through the corporate family. Next June, Seat is getting the new 1.6-liter diesel engines under the hoods of the Ibiza. The new 90hp version, which is the detuned version found in the Golf BlueMotion, reduces the Ibiza's fuel consumpting from 4.5 to 4.2 l/100 km (52.3 to 56 mpg U.S.), and has a Diesel Particulate Filter as standard. The new engine reduces CO₂ emissions down to 109 g/km, which makes the car exempt from registration tax under the Spanish legislation, and it's also Euro V compliant. Prices start at €14,480 in Spain.

[Source: Autoblog en Español]

New TDI engines spread through VW family originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Audi announces production of the Q3, looking for low-CO₂ help

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, Audi, SEAT

Audi's new subcompact crossover, the Q3, will be built in Seat's plant in Martorell, near Barcelona, in Spain. After a €100 million subsidy from Spanish institutions, the plant will be able to keep 1,200 jobs. Production will begin in 2011 with an annual production capacity of up to 80,000 units. The Q3 is the smallest of Audi's SUVs, coming in under the Q7 and the Q5. According to Audi, the Q3 is a "coupé-like five-door SUV with seat positions, wheel size, and ground clearance characteristic of a typical SUV" that is intended to offer "supremely sporty driving experience." The Q3 is aimed to be a competitor to BMW's X1 and will help lower the CO₂ average figure of the German manufacturer. The picture above shows the Cross Concept. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi announces production of the Q3, looking for low-CO₂ help

Audi announces production of the Q3, looking for low-CO₂ help originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Seat León FR TDI: heaps of diesel power without the VW price

Xavier Navarro — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen, Europe/EU, SEAT

If you think that the Volkswagen Golf GTD is a tad expensive, take a look at the León FR TDI. VW's Spanish company, Seat, offers most of the Golf GTD's package, including the same engine, a 2.0-liter unit able to produce 170hp, at a slightly lower price. The sad part is that this engine, fitted with common-rail diesel technology, is the only one in the León line-up that is currently Euro V compliant. In the León FR TDI, drivers get performance along with a few benefits at the pump: when packed together with the dual clutch DSG gearbox, the León manages the same performances as the Golf: 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.2 seconds. On the EU combined test cycle, the FR TDi gets 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 mpg U.S.) with CO₂ emissions of 139 g/km.

[Source: Auto News]

Seat León FR TDI: heaps of diesel power without the VW price originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW Up! may be too expensive for ?koda and Seat

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:10:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Volkswagen, SEAT

Click above for a high-res gallery of the up!

Volkswagen's NSF (new small family) concepts, the up! series, has been on our radar since appearing at auto shows in late 2007. Last fall, VW committed to bringing these vehicles to production models, and we heard that the leading candidate for a production site was the Škoda factory in Vrchlabi, in the Czech Republic because the up! production versions are supposed to be low cost vehicles. Automotive News Europe (subs req'd) is reporting that some engineers at VW group members Škoda and SEAT are worried that the components in the up! would be too expensive for them to sell. Axles, transmissions and engines will be the same throughout the NSF range; the differences will be in body styles and price tags. The VW group is hoping to sell a half-million of these NSF vehicles a year, and low-cost versions are pretty vital to that strategy. The Volkswagen up! should be on sale in late 2010. An Audi up! makes a lot more sense now as a way to recoup costs.

Gallery: Volkswagen up! concept

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

VW Up! may be too expensive for ?koda and Seat originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2009: Seat Leon Ecomotive with 99 g/km of CO₂ and 62 mpg U.S.

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Geneva Motor Show, SEAT

Click above for a high res gallery of the SEAT Leon Ecomotive Concept

Amid all of the fanciful green concept cars debuting in Geneva like the Rinspeed iChange and the Magna Steyr Mila EV comes something a little more standard looking: the SEAT Leon Ecomotive concept. As you can see from the large lettering all over the car, this concept seats four while emitting just 99 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. The low emissions come from a 105 PS 1.6-litre TDI common rail engine with a particulate filter paired with automatic stop-start technology. But the "automatic" part of that requires a little bit of work:

Among the new features debuting on the Leon is an Auto Start/Stop function. When the car comes to a halt - for instance at a traffic light - and the driver selects neutral and takes his foot off the clutch, the Start/Stop function automatically switches off the engine. As he prepares to move off again and depresses the clutch, the engine is re-started and the car can be driven as normal.

The concept also uses "a form of brake energy recovery." SEAT says that this concept car is the next step in building range-extended electric vehicles. See more details after the jump. The SEAT Leon Ecomotive concept gets a combined fuel economy rating of 74.3 mpg (62 mpg U.S.) on the European cycle. We'll have live pics from Geneva up soon.

Gallery: SEAT Leon Ecomotive Concept

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Seat Leon Ecomotive with 99 g/km of CO₂ and 62 mpg U.S.

Geneva 2009: Seat Leon Ecomotive with 99 g/km of CO₂ and 62 mpg U.S. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spain announces $5.3 billion in aid for domestic auto industry

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:51:00 EST

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, Europe/EU, SEAT

_{Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Seat Ibiza Ecomotive}

The United States, the United Kingdom and France have already announced plans to stimulate the ailing automakers and suppliers that do business in their countries, so it's not too surprising to hear that Spain has joined in the ranks as well. Like those other bailout packages, the Spanish government is highlighting the need to invest in eco-friendly automotive technologies.

According to data provided by the Spanish government, 350,000 people are employed in auto-related industries in Spain and 6 percent of the country's GDP is related to the automotive market. Last year, new car sales in Spain dropped by about 28 percent, which seems to be about the average slump worldwide.

The European Union has requested additional information from Spain regarding the plan before it will sign off on the aid package. Some European countries have complained that France's plan amounts to illegal protectionism.

Gallery: 2009 Seat Ibiza Ecomotive

[Source: International Herald Tribune]

Spain announces $5.3 billion in aid for domestic auto industry originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

AutoblogGreen

Daimler ramping up Smart Fortwo Electric Drive prodution to meet "high" demand

Seat testing three electric cars in Barcelona (yes, just three)

Seat's new plug-ins: Altea XL Electric Ecomotive, Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive

2012 Seat Exeo 2.0-liter diesel returns remarkable 54.7 mpg

Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks... appliance white

Paris 2010: Seat Ibe concept, the zero-emissions sports coupe of the future

Report: SEAT to produce IBE electric coupe

Geneva 2010: SEAT IBEconcept is stylin' [w/VIDEO]

SEAT starts installing solar panels on Martorell factory roof

Austrian hyper-miler beats his own record when driving a Seat Ibiza Ecomotive to 100 mpg

Frankfurt preview: SEAT extends Ecomotive line, León CO2 emissions drop to 99 g/km

REPORT: how the Up! might find a home in the new array of VW-group offerings

Seat Brisa and Duna concepts point the way to solar power

Austrian hyper-miler gets 81.1 mpg in Seat Ibiza Ecomotive

New TDI engines spread through VW family

Audi announces production of the Q3, looking for low-CO2 help

Seat León FR TDI: heaps of diesel power without the VW price

VW Up! may be too expensive for ?koda and Seat

Geneva 2009: Seat Leon Ecomotive with 99 g/km of CO2 and 62 mpg U.S.

Spain announces $5.3 billion in aid for domestic auto industry

Geneva 2010: SEAT IB^Econcept is stylin' [w/VIDEO]

Frankfurt preview: SEAT extends Ecomotive line, León CO₂ emissions drop to 99 g/km

Audi announces production of the Q3, looking for low-CO₂ help

Geneva 2009: Seat Leon Ecomotive with 99 g/km of CO₂ and 62 mpg U.S.