AutoblogGreen

Suzuki e-Let's electric scooter coming to Japan, Panasonic supplies drivetrain

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Suzuki, On Two Wheels, Japan

Suzuki has been testing its e-Let's electric scooter around its hometown of Hamamatsu for the past year and is now ready to send it out into the real world. Or, at least, the Japanese portion of the real world. While it doesn't have the kind of range that would prompt you to pen a letter home - 30kms (18.6 miles) at 30 km/h (18.6 miles per hour) - it does feature some pretty nice packaging and looks like a practical machine for commuting and errand running.

It's interesting to note is that Suzuki's first electric two-wheeler for consumers not only gets its Sanyo batteries supplied by Panasonic Group, but also its in-wheel motor, controller and charger that the two companies collaborated in developing. The battery has a built in management system, is stored under the seat and easily removable. The charger has the same form as the battery and can be brought along as well.

When the Suzuki e-Let's goes on sale on the 9th of January, the price tag will read ¥312,900 ($4,029 at today's rates) though if you want to get an extra battery, the "W" package will cost ¥396,900 ($5,110). Hit the jump for video of the e-Let's in action as well as press releases from both Panasonic and Suzuki.

Continue reading Suzuki e-Let's electric scooter coming to Japan, Panasonic supplies drivetrain

Suzuki e-Let's electric scooter coming to Japan, Panasonic supplies drivetrain originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki debuts range-extended Swift EV Hybrid

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show

Suzuki hit the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show with a small flotilla of green-minded vehicles, including the Swift EV Hybrid. According to the company, most Swift buyers travel between 12 and 18 miles per day, so engineers designed this range-extended EV to cover that distance on pure electric power. A small-displacement internal combustion engine remains on hand to take over charging duties should the driver deplete the vehicle's batteries, just like in the Chevrolet Volt. Suzuki says that the design has several advantages over a traditional electric vehicle.

For starters, the system uses a significantly smaller battery than a full EV, which means the Swift EV Hybrid uses fewer resources and costs less. It also takes less time to charge than a full EV as well. While we don't expect to see this doorless wonder on the streets any time soon, Suzuki may apply the range-extender technology to production models in the future.

Suzuki debuts range-extended Swift EV Hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki Q Concept is long on cute, short on range

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show

If this year's Tokyo Motor Show is going to live up to its reputation for wacky, it's because of the Suzuki Q Concept. Looking like an oversized portable CD player rolling around on two sets of Apple earbuds, the electric Q is nothing if not cute.

It's also different, with seating that's configurable for two adults in tandem fashion, or an adult up front with two kids in the back. Or you can ditch the backseat altogether and use the space for cargo. Suzuki says the Q is part car and part motorcycle, but we think a more apt description of the 98-inch-long oddity would be part moped, part Segway.

With a range of just over six miles, the Q isn't much of a car, but it could make a nice runabout for city-dwellers. Or a stylish way to get down your driveway to get the mail when it's raining for the average American. Read the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Suzuki Q Concept is long on cute, short on range

Suzuki Q Concept is long on cute, short on range originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi set to launch Minicab-MiEV in Japan, will share with Suzuki

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Japan

Good news! Mitsubishi Motor Company is finally ready to follow up its i-MiEV (sold simply as the "i" here in the U.S.) with a second all-electric offering. The 8th of December will see the Minicab-MiEV hit dealerships across Japan in both 100-km (62-mile) and 150-km (93-mile) flavors with an MSRP ranging from ¥2,400,000 to ¥2,971,000 ($30,870 to $38,210 U.S. at today's exchange rates). Figure in the Japanese eco-car subsidy, and the price for consumers gets knocked down to about ¥1,730,000 and ¥2,020,000 ($22,260 and $25,990).

Similar to the badge-swapping deal MiMoCo worked out with Nissan, the company is also working with Suzuki to supply it with examples to sell through its dealerships starting in February. The arrangement should help boost production volumes and aid costs. It also gives Suzuki its first all-electric vehicle.

Mitsubishi plans on building 4,000 units in the first year of production and we know they've already sold at least 100 of them. Hit the jump for the official press release with all the specs as well as a bit of video featuring the Minicab-MiEV in (slow-moving) action.

Continue reading Mitsubishi set to launch Minicab-MiEV in Japan, will share with Suzuki

Mitsubishi set to launch Minicab-MiEV in Japan, will share with Suzuki originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki gets small and funky for Tokyo with Regina compact, Q-Concept, Swift EV Hybrid

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show

For their home turf show, Japanese automakers often bring out the best and quirkiest. To cite just a few examples, how about the three different Nissan Pivo concepts, the Honda EV-N and the Nissan Land Glider. Suzuki continues the trend this year with a full slate of world premieres of unusual designs wrapped around some eco-friendly powertrains.

The theme seems to be that small is good, and the "big" star is the Regina (above), Suzuki's "vision of a next-generation global compact car" that gets 75 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the JC08 test cycle. The usual efficiency suspects - lightweighting and improved aerodynamics - help out here. The Regina weighs just 1,609 pounds (730 kg) and emits just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Then we have the Q-concept, because apparently having one funky Japanese car defined by a single letter (the Mitsubishi i) isn't enough. The Q is the bright orange My First Discman thing you see above left, and it's a small city vehicle that's only 2.5 meters long and seats two in tandem style. The interior arrangement can be adapted to fit more kids - or delivery goods - in the back. Suzuki doesn't specify, but we assume it's powered by electricity since there is no tailpipe and the automaker says the car (?) is "ideal for everyday journeys within a radius of about 10km."

The most normal-looking vehicle that Suzuki will display at Tokyo Big Sight is the Swift EV Hybrid. A plug-in electric with an "engine-driven generator," the Swift EV Hybrid (also called the Swift Range Extender) can easily go between 20 and 30 kilometers (12 and 18 miles), at least, on battery power and then go further using liquid fuel. Exact details on the battery size and all-electric range will have to wait until the show starts in Japan at the end of the month. In 2009, Suzuki showed off the Swift Plug-In Hybrid.

Suzuki will also display a new Swift Sport and a flotilla of two-wheelers, including some powered by fuel cells and batteries. Read more about them after the jump.

Continue reading Suzuki gets small and funky for Tokyo with Regina compact, Q-Concept, Swift EV Hybrid

Suzuki gets small and funky for Tokyo with Regina compact, Q-Concept, Swift EV Hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall wins fuel economy shootout... with 6.2-liter VXR8

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:12:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, GM, Suzuki

It's not out of the question to think that Vauxhall could win a shootout for the best fuel economy. But you'd figure the honors would be taken by something like the Ampera plug-in hybrid or one of its EcoFlex models, not the VXR8 muscle sedan, what with its huge 6.2-liter V8 engine. But it's precisely the VXR8 that took the prize at the end of the day.

The Fleet World MPG Marathon doesn't just measure overall fuel economy, but how much of an improvement over its combined city/highway rating they can eke out of a given car. The goal is to demonstrate just how much a driver and his/her driving style can effect the amount of fuel consumed.

By that standard, the VXR8 was a shocker: the vehicle is rated (on the European cycle) at 21 miles per gallon, but with Top Gear online editor Chris Mooney behind the wheel and Vauxhall's own Andrew Duerden coaching from the front passenger seat, they managed to squeeze out a much more pump-friendly 32.14 mpg - a remarkable 53 percent improvement.

Second place went to a likelier candidate in the Suzuki Swift DDiS, which managed to get an astounding 86.4 miles per (diesel) gallon on a 67.3 mpg rating for a 28.3 percent improvement over specification. Follow the jump for both press releases.

Continue reading Vauxhall wins fuel economy shootout... with 6.2-liter VXR8

Vauxhall wins fuel economy shootout... with 6.2-liter VXR8 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thailand pushes to be an eco-car production powerhouse

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Asia

Quick, name the 12th largest automotive manufacturing country in the world. Since we kind of gave the answer away in the headline, we're not too surprised that you just answered Thailand. But did you also know that 1.6 million vehicles were produced in Thailand last year and that the country is an export powerhouse? Over half of those vehicles (55 percent) were exported to countries/areas like Australia, Malaysia, Philippines and the Middle East, and that makes what happens in the Southeast Asian country important to the entire region. This is why it's a good thing that the country is trying to encourage foreign automakers to build cleaner, more efficient vehicles there. As Siriporn Nurugsa, the director of Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI), New York, recently told AutoblogGreen, Thailand has to import a lot of oil, so it knows why small and fuel efficient vehicles are important.

Let's go over some numbers. There are 16 car and motorcycle production companies in Thailand, and almost 700 Tier 1 suppliers, both Thai and foreign-owned. The key green vehicle program was the BOI's Eco-Car Promotion, which has five companies taking part: Honda, Suzuki, Nissan, Toyota and Mitsubishi. The total "eco car" production capacity of these five companies is 585,000 vehicles per year, and the plans call for the export of more than 400,000 units this year, the first year when production is really ramping up. What makes a car an eco car? According to the BOI, these factors:

The engine size cannot exceed 1.3 liters (for gasoline engines) or 1.4 liters (diesel), and
The vehicle's energy consumption must be equal to or higher than one liter of fuel to move the car 12.4 miles (equivalent to 29 47 miles per gallon), and
The car cannot emit more than 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.

(Continue reading...)

[Source: Thailand Board of Investment]

Continue reading Thailand pushes to be an eco-car production powerhouse

Thailand pushes to be an eco-car production powerhouse originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki Every electric van hits the streets of Japan

Eric Loveday — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:11:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Suzuki, Japan

Following the launch of the electric Mitsubishi Minicab i-MiEV, Suzuki decided to enter the fray with its battery-powered Every van. Suzuki has reportedly manufactured 13 of the electrified vans, which will be handed out to its dealerships in Japan on a trial basis. This, according to Integrity Exports, will allow Suzuki to test out its electrified people-moving machine ahead of the automaker's launch of a mass-produced battery-powered vehicle.

The electric Every EV comes fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged in five hours and provides up to 62 miles of range, more than enough for a typical delivery vehicle in Japan. Going electric means the Every gains 441 pounds over the gas-fueled model (pictured above), but the load capacity remains unchanged at 551 pounds. At this time, there's no indication that Suzuki will mass-produce the electric Every, but who really knows what the future holds?

[Source: Integrity Exports | Image: Tennen-Gas - C.C. License 2.0]

Suzuki Every electric van hits the streets of Japan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Suzuki looks to Fiat for 30,000 1.6-liter diesel engines a year

Eric Loveday — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Suzuki, Fiat, Europe/EU, Japan

2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack by RoadRace Motorsports - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki has extended its alliance with Fiat SpA with the announcement that it will turn to the Italian automaker to supply it with 1.6-liter diesel engines. According to the Nikkei (sub. req.), Fiat will reportedly provide Suzuki with up to 30,000 1.6-liter oil-burning engines a year. Suzuki intends to use the downsized mill to power its SX4, a vehicle developed by both Fiat and Suzuki.

Since the 1.6-liter diesel engine already complies with current environmental regulations, Suzuki's decision will eliminate costs of developing its own clean-burning mill and, thankfully, will allow Suzuki to price the diesel-engined SX4 more competitively. For Fiat, the deal means that the Italian automaker has secured a long-term client. The two automakers kicked off their vehicle and engine development partnership back in 2005.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Nikkei - sub. req. via Green Car Congress]

Report: Suzuki looks to Fiat for 30,000 1.6-liter diesel engines a year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Suzuki to launch Swift plug-in hybrid in 2013

Eric Loveday — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:07:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Suzuki, Japan

Suzuki Swift PHEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been awhile since we've come across reports related to Suzuki's Swift plug-in hybrid concept that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show way back in 2009, but now the Nikkei (sub. req.) claims that Suzuki is looking to launch the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle as early as 2013.

The Nikkei says that the concept Swift plug-in is powered by a 55 kW (73.8 horsepower) motor and packs a 2.66 kWh lithium-ion battery. The plug-in's 660 cc engine is reportedly quite the fuel sipper, with combined fuel consumption listed at 37.6 kilometers per liter (88.4 miles per gallon U.S.) on Japan's JC08 cycle. The plug-in Swift supposedly boasts an electric-only range of up to 19 miles. How much will it cost? We're not sure, but the Nikkei says that it will probably be around 500,000 yen ($6,220 U.S. at the current exchange rate) higher than the standard Swift, and nor more than two million yen ($24,882 U.S.) all told. Suzuki apparently hopes to sell "several thousand" in Japan before starting exports. With Suzuki's prominent position in Japan, the plug-in Swift could quickly become one of the island nation's must-have vehicles.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Swift PHEV

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

[Source: Nikkei - sub. req. via Green Car Congress]

Report: Suzuki to launch Swift plug-in hybrid in 2013 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2011: Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept shows us what we wish existed

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Suzuki, New York Auto Show

Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

For a car that doesn't exist - yet - the Suzuki Kizashi hybrid certainly rears its head an awful lot. The rumor had been that Suzuki wanted to release the car in 2011, but this plan was apparently canceled last year. Earlier this year, we heard that Suzuki might dip into the Volkswagen parts bin for both diesel and hybrid powertrains (VW owns 20 percent of Suzuki).

Now, at the New York Auto Show, Suzuki is proudly displaying the hybrid Kizashi EcoCharge concept, which uses a lithium-ion battery and a 2.0-liter inline-four engine - along with start/stop technology, regenerative brake and low-rolling resistance tires - to boost the standard Kizashi's 30-mile-per-gallon (highway) rating by an estimated 25 percent. So, that would be around 37.5 mpg. Not bad. Oh, and we forgot one important word up there. This is the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept, which means that this car still doesn't officially exist. Drat.

Seeing the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept on the show floor, though, we're reminded why we keep wanting to believe. The standard Kizashi is fine enough, but a more efficient version with some of the concept's design touches would be most welcome. The "charge" part of the concept's name is a bit misleading - there is no plug here - but we'll forgive this transgression if we can find one of these on the road sometime soon.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

New York 2011: Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept shows us what we wish existed originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maruti Suzuki fires up dual fuel Wagon R Duo website

Eric Loveday — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Suzuki, India

Maruti Suzuki, one of India's leading automakers, has launched a website dedicated to its upcoming Wagon R Duo, a dual fuel model that burns either gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Maruti's site highlights the model's factory-fitted LPG tank and its unique dual ECU setup, which allows the vehicle to seamlessly switch, by pressing a dashboard-mounted button, between gasoline and LPG.

Modifying the Wagon R's 1.0-liter K-Series engine to run on both fuels required replacement of some parts that could not cope with the corrosiveness of LPG. Additionally, the Wagon R Duo is outfitted with an LPG filling nozzle, which is incorporated into the vehicle's main filler cap.

Maruti Suzuki claims that the Wagon R Duo returns a best-in-class fuel economy rating of 33.9 miles per gallon in LPG mode and 44 mpg when burning gasoline, though it's unclear which testing methods Maruti used to calculate those numbers. The Wagon R Duo's release date has not been officially announced. Hat tip to Shrawan!

[Source: Indian Autos Blog, Maruti]

Maruti Suzuki fires up dual fuel Wagon R Duo website originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese automakers focus on fuel-efficient subcompact cars

Eric Loveday — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota

2011 Nissan Micra/March - Click above for high-res image gallery

The drive to develop fuel-sipping subcompact cars has taken over in Japan, according to a report released by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). JAMA declares that "a fascinating new form of competition seems to be brewing" claiming that "the trend towards ever better fuel economy is set, and these latest fuel-sipping offerings in Japan show how fast the technology is moving."

JAMA's report explains that Japanese automakers have targeted matching the fuel efficiency of the Toyota Prius, the "king of the hill" in terms of miles per gallon with a rating of 89 mpg in Japan's 10-15 test cycle. Of course, the Prius is a compact hybrid vehicle, but that hasn't deterred Japan's automakers from striving to develop gasoline-fueled subcompacts that come close to matching the Prius' fuel-sipping abilities.

For example, the non-hybrid Honda Fit posts a fuel efficiency rating of 58 mpg and the Nissan Micra/March returns 61 mpg in Japan's 10-15 test cycle. The Daihatsu Move, with its 0.66-liter engine, boasts an even more impressive 64 mpg rating. However, Mazda, with the introduction of its SkyActiv-G-equipped Demio (Mazda2) scheduled for later this year, will likely claim first place in Japan's subcompact, gasoline-fed, fuel efficiency wars with a rating of 71 mpg.

As JAMA's report concludes, "the competition is quickening" and Japan's subcompact cars continue to "set extraordinary new standards for fuel efficiency." This is a fight we can get behind.

[Source: Ward's Auto - sub. req.]

Japanese automakers focus on fuel-efficient subcompact cars originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Suzuki Kizashi to receive VW hybrid, diesel powertrain?

Eric Loveday — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Suzuki, Volkswagen

2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back when Volkswagen announced that it was teaming up with Suzuki, the discussion focused mainly on the development of small cars for emerging markets. Now, the rumormill is blazing with speculation that Suzuki is looking to secure a VW powerplant for use in its midsize Kizashi sedan.

Suzuki feels that the Kizashi's only engine, a 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder that cranks out 185 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, lacks sufficient power to push the Kizashi to be a top performer in its class and doesn't allow Suzuki's sedan to compete in the fuel efficiency wars in the midsize hybrid segment.

Apparently, this is where VW steps in. According to rumors swirling around, VW could supply Suzuki with a punchy V6 engine, a hybrid powertrain or even a diesel mill for use in the Kizashi. While there's no indication that Suzuki is officially interested in sourcing a couple of powertrains from its new partner, we'd venture to guess that a V6 engine, or even a gas-electric setup, would make the midsize Kizashi more competitive and could potentially lead to additional sales.

Photos copyright (C)2011 John Neff / AOL

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Rumormill: Suzuki Kizashi to receive VW hybrid, diesel powertrain? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki to introduce 660cc, 63.5 mpg engine in minicar lineup

Eric Loveday — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Suzuki, Lightweight, Japan

For the first time in almost 16 years, Suzuki has developed a brand-new engine for its minicar lineup. This 660cc mill is equipped with stop/start technology and is expected to deliver a fuel efficiency rating of nearly 63.5 miles per gallon (U.S.), - a boost of approximately 20 percent versus the automaker's current three-cylinder, 660cc engine. The addition of this high-tech engine would position Suzuki's minicars to achieve a fuel economy rating comparable to that of Daihatsu's Move, which hit the Japanese market last month.

Suzuki will invest a total of 20 billion yen ($246 million U.S. at the current exchange rate) over the course of the next three years to ready its Sagara factory in Shizuoka Prefecture for mass production of the all-new 660cc engine. The automaker plans on equipping all of its minicars, including the Wagon R and the Alto, with the stop/start-capable engine. Suzuki's MR Wagon, slated to hit the market later this month, will be the automaker's first vehicle to feature this new mill.

[Source: Green Car Congress]

Suzuki to introduce 660cc, 63.5 mpg engine in minicar lineup originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maruti Suzuki SX4 to feature Fiat-supplied 1.3-liter turbodiesel

Eric Loveday — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Suzuki, India

Maruti Suzuki, India's leading automaker, announced that its SX4 sedan will be offered with an optional 1.3-liter turbocharged diesel engine starting early next year. The oil-burning mill, supplied by Fiat, is expected to be one of the most fuel-efficient engine options ever offered in a production SX4.

Maruti Suzuki managing executive officer, M. M. Singh, told a news agency in India that production of the diesel-fueled SX4 is scheduled like this:

The production of a 1.3-liter diesel engine with turbo charger is going on and we will start assembling it in SX4 once our plants reopen on January 3 next year. After the annual weekly maintenance shutdown.

In addition to the launch of a diesel version of the SX4, Maruti Suzuki is reportedly considering dropping an oil-burner in its multi-purpose vehicle concept, the R3, and may debut that diesel-fueled model by the end of 2012.

[Source: The Economic Times]

Maruti Suzuki SX4 to feature Fiat-supplied 1.3-liter turbodiesel originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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India's largest automaker, Maruti Suzuki, now offers CNG option on 5 popular models

Eric Loveday — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Suzuki, Natural Gas, Green Daily, India

Maruti Suzuki, India's largest automaker, has unveiled a lineup of CNG-powered vehicles that run the gamut from entry-level compacts to sedans and right on up to MPVs. The company's factory-fitted CNG engine technology, dubbed "intelligent-Gas Port Injection" (i-GPI), will be immediately available on five popular models, including the SX4, Eeco, Wagon R, Estilo and Alto. According to Maruti Suzuki:

[i-GPI] bi-fuel technology offers an intelligent ride. Intelligent, as it ensures more power vis-à-vis retro-fitted CNG vehicles and offers a peppier ride experience on par with that of a petrol-fueled engine, while achieving high fuel efficiency at the same time.

Initially, the five CNG-powered models will be offered in Delhi, Mumbai and Gujrat, but as India's government expands its rapidly developing CNG infrastructure, Maruti Suzuki hopes to offer all five vehicles nationwide. The company states that its "launch of CNG technology vehicles will help the eco system by using a clean and cost-effective fuel in India." While this statement may be supported by some, it remains questionable at best. Follow the jump for more info.

[Source: Maruti Suzuki]

Continue reading India's largest automaker, Maruti Suzuki, now offers CNG option on 5 popular models

India's largest automaker, Maruti Suzuki, now offers CNG option on 5 popular models originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Only in Japan: World's most (only?) fuel efficient Shelby Cobra

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., MPG, Suzuki, Green Daily, Japan

Baby Cobra replica - Click above for high-res image gallery

Shelby Cobra. A mere mention of the car is enough to send enthusiasts' hearts aflutter and cause the minds of those lucky enough to have piloted such a beast to reel with fast-paced memories. Unless, of course, you are talking about the untold gallons of fuel the (up to) 7.0-liter V8 engines of these venomous snakes guzzle.

But does it have to be that way? Is is possible to have your cake and eat it too? Well, that depends on what exactly you are looking to recreate. If you're feeling a real need for speed and nothing but a fire-breathing monster will do, we have bad news for you. But, if you just want to look like you're piloting a vintage race car, you may be in luck.

In standard form (which isn't very cheap at over $40,000 U.S. or £27,724), the so-called Baby Cobra from Japan is powered by a tiny 660cc engine (yes, that's less than a tenth of the size of the original 427 cubic incher with fewer than half as many cylinders) yanked from a Suzuki Cappuccino microcar.

A hefty options list can reportedly drive that price much higher into the stratosphere, but something tells us even the turbocharged, 720cc mill with 158 horsepower will still post significantly improved fuel efficiency over its forebear. Yes, it's completely ridiculous... and yes, we're completely smitten with it.

Gallery: Baby Cobra from Japan

[Source: Baby Cobra via Auto Express]

Only in Japan: World's most (only?) fuel efficient Shelby Cobra originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 17 May 2010 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki will begin testing 61 mpg-Swift plug-in hybrid in Japan this fall

Eric Loveday — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:46:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Suzuki, Holidash

Suzuki Swift PHEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

We were first introduced to the Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid (PHEV) at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. There was little to go on at the time and virtually no information about the likelihood of production. Now there's an indication that Suzuki is starting to get serious since real-world testing will kick-off at dealerships in Japan this fall now that the Japanese government has given the Swift PHEV full certification for road use.

Powered by a 0.7-liter engine and an electric motor that combine to churn out 75 horsepower, the Swift PHEV will not win drag races, but its anticipated 61 miles per gallon rating makes up for its lack of grunt. The Japanese Ministry testing shows that the plug-in Swift can go for about 10 miles under battery power alone, courtesy of a lithium-ion pack supplied by Sanyo. Though none of the numbers here are remarkable, the Suzuki Swift and its derivatives have always drawn quite the following in Japan and this plug-in should carry on that tradition.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Swift PHEV

Photos by Jonathon Ramsey / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Suzuki will begin testing 61 mpg-Swift plug-in hybrid in Japan this fall originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 14 May 2010 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: India's "King of the Road" being retired due to stricter emissions regulations

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Suzuki, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, India

The Ford Model T, Volkswagen Beetle and Fiat 500 are all fondly remembered by the populations of the countries that spawned them - the United States, Germany and Italy respectively - as the vehicles that finally made the masses mobile. You can add the Maruti Suzuki 800 that that list as well. The little hatchback from India was first introduced in 1983, and it quickly became known as the "King of the Indian Road." To date, over 2.5 million Maruti 800s have been sold.

That enviable streak is reportedly set to end in very short order. It seems that India is rolling out a new set of emissions standards that the old 800 is simply unable to achieve. Though it could be retrofitted to meet whatever standards are thrown its way, Maruti has said it has no plans to upgrade the car, choosing instead to slowly phase it out as newer designs take over in its place. Cars like the Tata Nano, perhaps? Time will tell.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Report: India's "King of the Road" being retired due to stricter emissions regulations originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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