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[Nissan Leaf heading south of the border to Mexico City]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/nissan-leaf-heading-south-of-the-border-to-mexico-city/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/nissan-leaf-heading-south-of-the-border-to-mexico-city/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/nissan-leaf-heading-south-of-the-border-to-mexico-city/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest addition to the ever growing list of regions signing up to support the Nissan-Renault alliance and its electric vehicle plans is Mexico City. The Mexican capital has reached an agreement with the Franco-Japanese automotive group that will see it be the first area in Latin America to get Nissan's upcoming dedicated electric car.

Due to a combination of its large, dense population and geography, Mexico City has similar pollution problems to the Los Angeles basin. The compact LEAF will be introduced in Mexico City in 2011 ahead of its general retail availability the following year. Through its Mexico City Government Green Plan, the city and, presumably, the federal government will be promoting a transition to electric vehicles, through a variety of incentives. At this rate, Nissan may be able to hit its half million EV target just selling cars to government agencies around the world.


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan Leaf heading south of the border to Mexico City

Nissan Leaf heading south of the border to Mexico City originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mexico CityMexicoCitynissannissan evNissan Leafnissan leaf carlos ghosnnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanEvNissanLeafNissanLeafCarlosGhosnNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvTue, 03 Nov 2009 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Bolivia will make its own lithium-ion batteries by 2018]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/report-bolivia-will-make-its-own-lithium-ion-batteries-by-2018/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/report-bolivia-will-make-its-own-lithium-ion-batteries-by-2018/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/report-bolivia-will-make-its-own-lithium-ion-batteries-by-2018/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Asia and Michigan, watch out. It's a long-term goal, but Bolivia is looking to capitalize on its large in-ground lithium supply by producing li-ion batteries by 2018. While lithium might not ever be in short supply, Bolivia certainly has the advantage of not needing to import the valuable material. The country's deputy minister of Science and Technology, Roger Carvajal, said this week that the basic outline of the government strategy to commercialize the lithium deposits (estimated to be about half of the world's supply) have been decided on. They include making lithium carbonate on a commercial scale in 2013 and possibly an electric car factory after that.

[Source: Latin American Herald Tribune]

REPORT: Bolivia will make its own lithium-ion batteries by 2018 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boliviali-ionLithium Ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batteryLithium-IonLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatterySat, 31 Oct 2009 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



While some think driving around the world in 80 days is a good way to promote the environmentally-friendly possibilities of electric transport, others prefer to take the slow road. In this case, three years worth of slow road. This past May, Guin Valls set out from Beijing, China on a journey powered by sunshine and sweat that won't end until he arrives in London during the Olympic Games in 2012. Aboard a specially-built electric bicycle laden with gear and pulling a small trailer, the Spaniard is using his life-long love of travel to "demonstrate and promote the use of alternative transport options that have less negative impact on our planet."

As the "Electric Bicycle World Tour" travels through more than 40 countries on 5 continents, Guin is talking to people about their lives and environmental concerns, taking pictures and video as well as recording sounds. The multimedia experience is being uploaded to his burgeoning website and you can follow along as he meets and (hopefully) surmounts the challenges that present themselves. Although he is traveling solo, there are a number of people behind the scenes helping him out and, if you'd like, you can too. He is seeking supporters who can help with everything from translations to donations. Hit the jump for a bit of video explaining his trip as well as some bonus footage of bicycling in Beijing.

[Source: Electric Bicycle World Tour]

Continue reading Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way

Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>around the world in 3 yearsAroundTheWorldIn3Yearselectric bicycleElectric Bicycle World TourElectricBicycleElectricBicycleWorldTourenvironmental awarenessEnvironmentalAwarenessGuin VallsGuinVallsWed, 14 Oct 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM mulling Tata Nano competitor in Asia]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-gm-mulling-tata-nano-competitor-in-asia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-gm-mulling-tata-nano-competitor-in-asia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-gm-mulling-tata-nano-competitor-in-asia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Chevy Spark - Click for high-res image gallery

What will the world's cheapest car, the Tata Nano, do to the auto market? Bring friends. We're hearing that General Motors could be planning a Tata Nano competitor that would go on sale in Asia for under $4,000. GM's new executive vice president for international operations, Nick Reilly, told the Wall Street Journal that offering an ultra-cheap car the low-cost space is of interest to the automaker, but only in certain markets.

The manufacturer would likely be SAIC-GM-Wuling Automotive Co., which is made up, in part, of the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Reilly made his announcement in Brazil, though, which is GM's third largest market. So we'll at least keep a tiny ear out for a cheap Latin American model, too.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark



[Source: Dow Jones Newswires via The Wall Street Journal]

REPORT: GM mulling Tata Nano competitor in Asia originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>low costlow cost carLowCostlowcost carlowcost GMLowCostCarLowcostGmnanonano competitorNanoCompetitortata nanoTataNanoMon, 17 Aug 2009 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda starts building flex-fuel City sedan in Brazil]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/honda-starts-building-flex-fuel-city-sedan-in-brazil/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/honda-starts-building-flex-fuel-city-sedan-in-brazil/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/honda-starts-building-flex-fuel-city-sedan-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Here in North America, the only non-gasoline fueled cars offered by Honda are the natural gas-powered Civic GX and the hydrogen-fueled FCX Clarity. You can buy diesel-powered Hondas in Europe and, in Brazil, ethanol is the preferred alternative. Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda has just launched production and sales of a flex-fuel version of the compact City sedan in the South American country. After September of this year, availability will spread to other South American markets, as well as Mexico. The City uses a 1.5-liter four cylinder engine with a choice of 5-speed automatic or manual transmissions. Honda expects to sell about 17,000 units in the first year. The press release is after the jump.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda starts building flex-fuel City sedan in Brazil

Honda starts building flex-fuel City sedan in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilflex fuelflex-fuelflexfuelhondahonda cityhonda city ffvHondaCityHondaCityFfvWed, 29 Jul 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: With Fiat's help, Tata could sell the Nano in Latin America]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/report-with-fiats-help-tata-could-sell-the-nano-in-latin-amer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/report-with-fiats-help-tata-could-sell-the-nano-in-latin-amer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/report-with-fiats-help-tata-could-sell-the-nano-in-latin-amer/#commentsFiled under: ,


Tata Nano - Click for high-res image gallery

We knew that the famous - and now available - $2,500 Indian car was heading to Europe and the United States. The next market where the world's cheapest car is going to be sold, thanks to help from Fiat, could be Latin America, according to a report in India Times.

As emerging markets, the countries of Latin America offer great potential for the Nano. Fiat is one of the most important auto markers working in South America and is already partnerign with Tata on engines and transmissions in India. Also, Maseratis and Ferraris (part of the Fiat Group) will be sold in India through the Tata network. What is not yet clear is exactly which model will be sold in Latin America: the U.S. version, the European one, the Indian model (unlikely, as Brazil requires mandatory airbags), or an altogether new Nano?

Gallery: Tata Nano launch close-ups


[Source: Le Blog Auto, India Times]

REPORT: With Fiat's help, Tata could sell the Nano in Latin America originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilfiat tataFiatTatananonano brazilnano in latinamericaNanoBrazilNanoInLatinamericatatatata braziltata fiattata fiat collaborationtata nanoTataBrazilTataFiatTataFiatCollaborationTataNanoSun, 26 Jul 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat's electric Fiat Palio Weekend in production in Brazil; estimated cost $70,000 (U.S.)]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/fiats-electric-fiat-palio-weekend-in-production-in-brazil-esti/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/fiats-electric-fiat-palio-weekend-in-production-in-brazil-esti/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/fiats-electric-fiat-palio-weekend-in-production-in-brazil-esti/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Fiat has been working on an electric version of its Fiat Palio Weekend in Brazil for about three years. Back in 2007, Fiat was testing 30 Palio Electricos (converted versions of the standard Palio) that were nearly full-feature vehicles: they could go 85 miles or so on a charge and could reach 65 mph. Now, Treehugger is saying that Fiat's Brazilian subsidiary will produce the EV with similar specs at its Foz do Iguazu factory in the state of Parana. The cost will be an estimated $70,000 U.S. Ouch. Currently, the car is being targeted at fleet sales, but could be made available to individuals in the future. As far as we and Treehugger know, this is the first electric vehicle made in South America.

Gallery: Fiat Palio Weekend Electrico


[Source: Treehugger]

Fiat's electric Fiat Palio Weekend in production in Brazil; estimated cost $70,000 (U.S.) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazil electric carBrazilElectricCarfiat brazilfiat paliofiat palio electricofiat palio evfiat palio weekendfiat palio weekend electricofiat palio weekend evFiatBrazilFiatPalioFiatPalioElectricoFiatPalioEvFiatPalioWeekendFiatPalioWeekendElectricoFiatPalioWeekendEvWed, 15 Jul 2009 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Ethanol Summit 2009 finds consensus on ethanol certification]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/ethanol-summit-2009-finds-consensus-on-ethanol-certification/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/ethanol-summit-2009-finds-consensus-on-ethanol-certification/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/ethanol-summit-2009-finds-consensus-on-ethanol-certification/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Brazilian city of São Paulo hosted this year's edition of the Ethanol Summit. Opened by former President Clinton, one of the main issues this year was how to certify sustainable ethanol. You know the story: The EU wants to burn more ethanol in order to curb greenhouse emissions and is committed to use 10 percent biofuels. When demand exceeds local production, EU companies use imports, requesting that the imported fuel is made using certified sustainable sources. However, many organizations state that some ethanol producers don't use sustainable methods and there are increasing questions about the benefits of ethanol as well.

Therefore, the Ethanol Summit established rules that will apply to biofuel that is labeled "sustainable ethanol." The label will be applied to fuel made by producers who voluntarily follow the sustainable guidelines, as published by BSI (Better Sugarcane Initiative). These are a set of 21 rules and 48 indicators that will be made public and available by all certified companies. Expect the first certifications to be ready for 2014

[Source: Ethanol summit (link is Portuguese)]

Ethanol Summit 2009 finds consensus on ethanol certification originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>certificationgreen certificationGreenCertificationsao pauloSaoPaulosustainability metricsSustainabilityMetricssustainable ethanolSustainableEthanolWed, 10 Jun 2009 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Clinton: don't destroy the forest to make ethanol ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/bill-clinton-dont-destroy-the-forest-to-make-ethanol/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/bill-clinton-dont-destroy-the-forest-to-make-ethanol/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/bill-clinton-dont-destroy-the-forest-to-make-ethanol/#commentsFiled under: ,



During the big Ethanol Summit 2009 down in Brazil this week, former President Clinton gave a bit of advice to that country's ethanol industry: don't destroy so much forest land just to make biofuel. Clinton said that "everybody" already knows that Brazilian ethanol made from sugar cane is the most efficient biofuel in the world. The problem isn't getting the word out, but potential negative consequences of cutting down more forest in order to plant more crops. "The world would say, if we let Brazil help us solve our problem at the price of more rainforest destruction, have we really gained anything? That's what you have to answer," Clinton said during his speech. Business leaders should see their self-interest in working with the government to help protect the forests, he said, because there are huge political negatives of a cut-and-plant strategy.

[Source: Reuters]
Photo by sskennel. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Bill Clinton: don't destroy the forest to make ethanol originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill clintonBillClintonbrazilbrazil clintonbrazil ethanolBrazilClintonBrazilEthanolclintonethanolThu, 04 Jun 2009 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[President Clinton headed to Ethanol Summit 2009]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/president-clinton-headed-to-ethanol-summit-2009/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/president-clinton-headed-to-ethanol-summit-2009/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/president-clinton-headed-to-ethanol-summit-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) has snagged former U.S. President Bill Clinton to be a speaker at the upcoming Ethanol Summit 2009. The Summit takes place in Sao Paulo, Brazil in early June. Part of Clinton's post-White House life has been running the William J. Clinton Foundation and a part of that is the Clinton Climate Initiative, which finds ways to fund progressive climate change projects in a business-oriented way.

The Ethanol Summit will coincide with this year's Brazil Ethanol Trade Show. BETS is trade show that will showcase biofuel industry technology in the world's most advanced ethanol country; this will be the first year for the show.

[Source: Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA)]
Photo by sskennel. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading President Clinton headed to Ethanol Summit 2009

President Clinton headed to Ethanol Summit 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 07 May 2009 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill clintonBillClintonbrazilbrazil clintonbrazil ethanolBrazilClintonBrazilEthanolclinton ethanolClintonEthanolethanolpresident clintonPresidentClintonThu, 07 May 2009 08:07:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: 60 Minutes challenges Chevron on Ecuador oil mess]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/video-60-minutes-challenges-chevron-on-ecuador-oil-mess/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/video-60-minutes-challenges-chevron-on-ecuador-oil-mess/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/video-60-minutes-challenges-chevron-on-ecuador-oil-mess/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Chevron, America's third largest company, may be asked to pay up to $27 billion in damages in a lawsuit arising from oil-drilling related pollution in an Ecuadorian portion of the Amazon rain forest. The damage is the result of 23 years of oil extraction by Texaco, which Chevron bought in 2001, and Petroecuador, the national oil company. A suit was first filed in 1993 in a federal court in New York and, for nine years, the oil company fought for the trial to be held in Ecuador. In a textbook example of "be careful what you wish for," Texaco won that battle but now the new owners find themselves facing big time judgment in a small court in Lago Agrio.

The case is full of claims and counterclaims and so 60 Minutes took the time to actually go to Ecuador and talk with some of the people involved and check out some of the pollution ponds that dot the area. They also sat down with Chevron's manager of global issues and policy, Silvia Garrigo, who presented their side of the story. It all makes for informative and, if you like to watch corporate mouthpieces squirm, entertaining watching. Unfortunately, even if the court does order the company to pay the full requested amount, Chevron is determined not to fork over any cash. In a news report-style video of their own that questions pretty much every aspect of the case, they say that, "...if the verdict goes against it, it will appeal in Ecuador and, if needed, will fight its enforcement." Hit the jump for the 60 Minutes video as well as the Chevron presentation.

[Source: CBS News 60 Minutes via Plug In America / YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: 60 Minutes challenges Chevron on Ecuador oil mess

VIDEO: 60 Minutes challenges Chevron on Ecuador oil mess originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 05 May 2009 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60 Minutes60MinutesAmazon rain forestAmazonRainForestChevronEcuadorSilvia GarrigoSilviaGarrigoTexacoTue, 05 May 2009 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: $6,500 Salamandra Lexion launches in Colombia]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/video-6-500-salamandra-lexion-launches-in-columbia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/video-6-500-salamandra-lexion-launches-in-columbia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/video-6-500-salamandra-lexion-launches-in-columbia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Billed as the most affordable ecological vehicle in the world, the wraps came off the $6,500 Salamandra Lexion earlier this month to reveal the three-wheeled wonder you see pictured above. Calling Colombia home, the folks behind Salamandra hope to offer people a green choice they can afford while still providing a reasonable amount of performance for a city car. The car will be available as an all-electric, gas only or electric with a 15 hp gasoline range extender. It was originally designed to have a compressed air engine, but the company says that option will have to wait for now. The vehicle is said to have an electric range of over 40 miles and the lowest end model, the Lexion X1, will have a modest top speed of 40 mph while X2 should hit 50. The deluxe X3 will go all the way up to 60 mph which, we believe, is as fast as anyone will want to go in this two-seater.

It may not be terribly fast but its designer, William Mercay, claims it has plenty of power, saying, "Unlike the Reva, this car can climb hills. It can climb 22 degree inclinations at 40 kph (25 mph) and it can run for 70 km (43 miles) before needing a recharge." Production should start in earnest this coming July and the company hopes to put some 50,000 copies on the calles (streets) over the next two years. Hit the jump for Spanish TV news coverage of the Lexion launch as well as a promotional video featuring footage of the car in motion accompanied by a funky (not in a good way) soundtrack.

[Source: Salamandra]

Continue reading VIDEO: $6,500 Salamandra Lexion launches in Colombia

VIDEO: $6,500 Salamandra Lexion launches in Colombia originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ColumbiaLexion X1Lexion X2Lexion X3LexionX1LexionX2LexionX3Salamandra LexionSalamandraLexionvehculo ecolgicoVehculoEcolgicoMon, 27 Apr 2009 16:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan adds flex-fuel version of the Versa ... in Brazil]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/18/nissan-adds-flex-fuel-version-of-the-versa-in-brazil/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/18/nissan-adds-flex-fuel-version-of-the-versa-in-brazil/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/18/nissan-adds-flex-fuel-version-of-the-versa-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In Brazil, ethanol tends to be the fuel of choice over gasoline thanks to favorable pricing and the local sugar cane feedstock. As a result most of the cars available there are offered in flex fuel variants that aren't for sale anywhere else in the world. Such is the case with the latest edition of the Nissan Versa which is sold in Brazil as the Tiida. The Tiida FFV uses the same 1.8-liter four cylinder that's in the U.S.-market Versa with a new fuel system. The FFV engine is rated at 125 hp on gasoline and 126 hp on ethanol. The 9.9:1 compression ratio remains unchanged and doesn't do anything to take advantage of the higher octane rating of the alcohol fuel. Some other manufacturers bump their alcohol engines up as high as 15:1 to get more power and efficiency. As a result, the mileage of the FFV Tiida is rated at a mediocre 16.5 mpg (U.S.) in the city and 22.6 mpg (U.S.) on the highway.

[Source: Motortips.blogspot.com]

Nissan adds flex-fuel version of the Versa ... in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilbrazil ethanolbrazil-ethanolbrazilethanolnissan tiidanissan tiida ffvnissan tiida flex fuelNissanTiidaNissanTiidaFfvNissanTiidaFlexFuelSat, 18 Apr 2009 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan launches first flexfuel model in Brazil]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/nissan-launches-first-flexfuel-model-in-brazil/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/nissan-launches-first-flexfuel-model-in-brazil/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/nissan-launches-first-flexfuel-model-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on image for a gallery of the Nissan Livina

The fact that one of the most important automakers in Brazil didn't offer a flex-fuel vehicle there is quite a surprising fact. Nissan is fixing this by offering the Nissan Livina, a compact 5-seat van (think Mazda5), with a flex-fuel engine option. The same engine can also be used in other models, so we're likely to see more flex-fuel Nissans soon. The Livina is one of Nissan's "global" cars and is a close relative to the Nissan Tiida/Versa that is also sold in South Africa, China and Indonesia. The car is built in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, a plant where Brazilian Renaults are also manufactured. Obrigado to Gustavo for the tip.

Gallery: Nissan Livina


[Source: Nisssan Brazil via Motortips]

Nissan launches first flexfuel model in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilcompact vanCompactVanlivinanissan livinaNissanLivinanisssan livinaNisssanLivinaThu, 19 Mar 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Brazilian president asks Obama to lower ethanol tariff]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/brazilian-president-asks-obama-to-lower-ethanol-tariff/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/brazilian-president-asks-obama-to-lower-ethanol-tariff/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/brazilian-president-asks-obama-to-lower-ethanol-tariff/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Even though some headlines were dominated by Brazilian economic news, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's visit to the U.S. and his meeting with President Obama over the weekend also dealt with the ethanol industry. The big biofuel news from Silva's visit was a call to end U.S. tariffs on his country's ethanol exports. Silva told an investor forum on Monday that he spoke with President Bush about this many times and will do so with Obama as well. Considering Obama's Agriculture Secretary's strong support for American corn ethanol, and Obama's own stated support for ethanol/corn subsidies, it's no surprise that Silva's pleas are not having an immediate effect.

According to the AP, Silva told the investors that, "One thing that leaves me perplexed, is in the same world where we invest in environmental policy capable of avoiding global warming ... many countries still don't place any tariff on polluting fuels while they place absurd tariffs on ethanol."

[Source: AP]
White House Photo/Pete Souza

Brazilian president asks Obama to lower ethanol tariff originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazil ethanolBrazilEthanolethanolluiz inacio lula da silvaLuizInacioLulaDaSilvaobama ethanolObamaEthanolsilva obamaSilvaObamaus brazilUsBrazilTue, 17 Mar 2009 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda to sell world's 1st bike with bio-ethanol mixed fuel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/honda-to-sell-worlds-1st-bike-with-bio-ethanol-mixed-fuel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/honda-to-sell-worlds-1st-bike-with-bio-ethanol-mixed-fuel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/honda-to-sell-worlds-1st-bike-with-bio-ethanol-mixed-fuel/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Honda CG150 Titan Mix

There are tons of flex-fuel automobiles in the world, both in the United States and abroad. Interestingly, though, before today there weren't any flex-fuel motorcycles in existence. Honda has just rectified that little oversight with its new CG150 Titan Mix, a model that will be available in Brazil for under $3,000 starting this month. As it's name suggests, the ethanol-capable bike features a 150cc single cylinder engine that's equipped with Honda's proprietary Mix Fuel Injection System which is capable of detecting the presence and concentration of ethanol and gasoline and tailoring its operation based on what it's been fed.

It's not surprising that this new model would debut first in Brazil. That country has managed to produce enough ethanol, mostly from sugarcane, to nearly displace fossil fuels from its transportation sector. Honda's Brazilian subsidiary hopes to sell 200,000 CG150 Titan Mix models per year.

Gallery: Honda CG150 Titan Mix


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda to sell world's 1st bike with bio-ethanol mixed fuel

Honda to sell world's 1st bike with bio-ethanol mixed fuel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ethanol motorcycleEthanolMotorcycleflex fuel motorcycleFlexFuelMotorcyclehondahonda cg150honda cg150 titan mixhonda flex fuelHondaCg150HondaCg150TitanMixHondaFlexFuelThu, 12 Mar 2009 08:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Brazil having a hard time selling its biodiesel in Europe]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/brazil-having-a-hard-time-selling-its-biodiesel-in-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/brazil-having-a-hard-time-selling-its-biodiesel-in-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/brazil-having-a-hard-time-selling-its-biodiesel-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Brazil's President Inázio Lula da Silva visited Europe not long ago and he promoted the benefits of Brazilian biodiesel in France and Spain. This might have seemed like a good idea, if it weren't for the fact that Spain's biggest oil company, Repsol, had just frozen the construction of a new biodiesel plant alongside the country's largest refinery in Tarragona. This leaves Brazil with just one relatively large oil company, Portugal's Galp, to distribute its biodiesel in the Old Continent. So, what about France, Europe's fourth largest biodiesel market? Brazil announced it would purchase French nuclear techology in exchange for, well, biodiesel. But France's largest oil company, Total, already produces enough for domestic needs. Perhaps Brazil should focus on the home market: Brazil will soon increase its own mandatory biodiesel blend to 4 percent (B4). The current blend is B3, and that was raised just a few months ago.

[Source: Econoticias / Econoticias]

Brazil having a hard time selling its biodiesel in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodiesel blendsBiodieselBlendsbrazilfrancegalplula da silvaLulaDaSilvapetrobrasportugalspainWed, 11 Mar 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Argentina motorbike manufacturer launches CNG bike]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/19/argentina-motorbike-manufacturer-launches-cng-bike/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/19/argentina-motorbike-manufacturer-launches-cng-bike/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/19/argentina-motorbike-manufacturer-launches-cng-bike/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Argentina's most important motorbike manufacturer, Zanella, has announced its first factory-installed CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered bike. The bike, which is a converted RX150 model, has 150 cc displacement and the conversion adds two tanks of gas for a range of approximately 200 kilometers (120 miles). The tanks can store 1.4 m3 of natural gas and are located in the same place as the fuel tank. Interestingly, a small reservoir that holds 3.5 liters of gasoline remains on board for emergencies. The CNG option costs 1,000 pesos (about $285) and the conversion kit is supplied by local manufacturer Ecopos, based in Santa Fe, Argentina.

[Source: NGV]

Argentina motorbike manufacturer launches CNG bike originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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French industry giant Group Bolloré, which we're familar with for their involvement with Pininfarina in a handful of interesting electric car projects, announced it has contacted Bolivian President Evo Morales to secure a supply of lithium in order to produce advanced batteries. Negotiations have been in the works for more than a year to guarantee access to what is estimated to be half of the total lithium resources in the world, located in Salar de Uyuni. Bolloré is competing against Japan's Mitsubishi. One of the questions that arose during these negotiations was Morales's demand that a complete EV industry be established in Bolivia, instead of just simple mining facilities. Morales is currently visiting France on an official visit.

[Source: La Voz de Galicia via Econoticias]

Bolloré courts Evo Morales and Bolivia's lithium originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue carBlueCarboliviabollorelithiumminingpininfarinaThu, 19 Feb 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Attention Wal-Mart shoppers: Electric cars marked down on aisle 6]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/attention-wal-mart-shoppers-electric-cars-marked-down-on-aisle/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/attention-wal-mart-shoppers-electric-cars-marked-down-on-aisle/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/attention-wal-mart-shoppers-electric-cars-marked-down-on-aisle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Might your next (first?) electric vehicle purchase be transacted at Wal-Mart? It's not out of realm of possibility. Mexican company, GS Motors, is already selling 3 different models from China's First Auto Works (FAW) at a so-called "big box" retail chain in Mexico and has plans to replicate the strategy north of their border. Company CEO Kathleen Ligocki says, "I think the product will be ready for the U.S. market within five years." Starting next year, the Chinese designs are expected to be assembled at a factory in Michoacan, Mexico that will be capable of building 100,000 units per annum. FAW, if you're keeping score, is the company the makes the NEV sold as the ZX40 by Miles Automotive. Now, we're not suggesting that Miles is currently involved in any talks with GS Motors, only that the connection is there.

FAW is not the only Chinese automaker looking for an American foothold either. Well known to our readers, BYD is another company with somewhat desirable electric cars and a commitment to compete in the U.S. Their retail sales strategy has yet to be revealed, but we can only imagine they would explore different options. As for the American big box stores, would they consider selling electric cars? Wal Mart said it would and Sam's already has.

Gallery: Miles ZX40 electric vehicle


[Source: Gasgoo / Automotive News sub req'd]

Attention Wal-Mart shoppers: Electric cars marked down on aisle 6 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FAWGS MotorsGsMotorsZX40Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:51:00 EST