Autoblog Green

Driving for Economy: Suzuki Alto gets 117 mpg in Global Green Challenge

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Suzuki

Suzuki Alto - Click above to enlarge

Proving once again that the way you drive is equally as important (and perhaps more so) than what you are driving is the Suzuki Alto. While the little Japanese runabout is certainly a fuel miser in its own right, we wouldn't have guessed that it could achieve over 100 miles per gallon no matter how light its accelerator were pressed, but that's exactly what happened at this year's Global Green Challenge.

In fact, the Suzuki Alto managed to churn out 117 miles from each and every U.S. gallon of gasoline (this equals 141 mpg in the UK with carbon emissions of 89.9 g/km). The route took the little car a total of 1,900 miles in seven days from Darwin to Adelaide in Australia. That performance was good enough that the Alto took home top awards in the Light and Small categories as well as the scoring the Best Urban Cycle trophy.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Driving for Economy: Suzuki Alto gets 117 mpg in Global Green Challenge

Driving for Economy: Suzuki Alto gets 117 mpg in Global Green Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Suzuki to put hydrogen two-wheelers into production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Suzuki, On Two Wheels

Suzuki fuel cell concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki and Intelligent Energy have been working on hydrogen fuel cell-powered two-wheelers for the last few years, with the Crosscage, their first public concept, debuting back in 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Then, earlier this year, we heard rumblings that Suzuki hoped to have its first production hydrogen cycle ready within the next 12 months.

Falling right in line with those expectations, Suzuki unveiled a new concept just last week at the most recent show in Tokyo, and instead of using a pie-in-the-sky motorcycle chassis with single-sided suspension bits that have little chance of actual production, the Japanese company placed its proprietary fuel cell and storage system in a regular old Burgman scooter.

Now, Wired reports that we can expect these hydrogen two-wheelers in production in very short order. Says Dr. Henri Winand, CEO of Intelligent Energy, "These clean fuel cell engine-powered motorcycles are not simply for motor shows, and can be widely available to everyone in the near future."

If that does indeed take place, as cool as the Crosscage may be, we'd expect the initial offering to take a form similar to the conceptual Burgman scooter. We'll know for sure soon enough.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Fuel Cell Concepts

[Source: Wired]

REPORT: Suzuki to put hydrogen two-wheelers into production originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST

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

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

Beside the SX4 FCV on display at the Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki is showing off a plug-in hybrid version of the Swift. The Swift PHEV concept pairs a 660 cc engine to a set of li-ion batteries that live between the front seats and send energy to a 54 kW motor that powers the front wheels. With Suzuki's strong place in the Japanese market - and considering all of the make and model badges that the Swift has worn over the years - seeing a plug-in powertrain in this little car could portend good things.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Swift PHEV

Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Suzuki SX4-FCV takes a break from testing

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show

Suzuki SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Suzuki SX4-FCV (Fuel-Cell Vehicle) isn't a new vehicle - they've been used for testing on Japanese streets since last year - but the colors and stickers on the model on display at the Tokyo Motor Show meant we needed to get some fresh pics to share with you. Under the new look, the SX4 FCV is the same as before, with an 80 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack from GM and a high-pressure 70 MPa (10,000 psi) hydrogen storage tank. The car reportedly can go up to 75 mph and has a 155-mile range using a 68 kW electric motor and a lightweight capacitor. The capacitor is used to not only regulate the flow of electrons to the wheels but also to retain energy collected from the regenerative brakes on the SX4 FCV. Suzuki says it wants to commercialize the technology someday, but for now is happy with the "ongoing development."

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki SX4-FCV

Tokyo 2009: Suzuki SX4-FCV takes a break from testing originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki to show off three fuel cell concepts

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:46:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Transportation Alternatives, Suzuki, On Two Wheels, Tokyo Motor Show

In addition to the plug-in series hybrid version of the Swift subcompact hatchback that Suzuki will display at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese company will also be bringing along three separate concepts powered by fuel cells.

First up is the SX4-FCV, which uses an 80 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack supplied by longtime partner GM that is paired with a Suzuki-designed hydrogen storage tank that compresses the gas at 10,000 psi. A lightweight capacitor reportedly takes the place of the more common battery pack and helps smooth out the flow of electrons to the 68 kW electric motor and aids in regenerative braking. Road testing is currently underway of the SX4-FCV in Japan.

Next on the list is a version of Suzuki's popular Burgman scooter that's propelled by an electric motor that gets its power from a small hydrogen fuel cell from Intelligent Energy and the first 700-bar storage tank in the motorcycle world. The final fuel cell-powered concept from Suzuki is a personal mobility vehicle called the MIO that uses easily replaceable methanol fuel cell cartridges in lieu of batteries. Check out all three concepts in our gallery below and hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Fuel Cell Concepts

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki to show off three fuel cell concepts

Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki to show off three fuel cell concepts originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:06:00 EST

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

_{2010 Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept - Click for high-res image gallery}

The Suzuki Swift is a competent subcompact that the Japanese marque sells both in Japan and Europe. In the latter, the little hatchback is available with a solid 1.3-liter diesel dubbed DDIS. To make things even cleaner, Suzuki has announced that it will introduce a plug-in series hybrid version of the Swift at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, and the powertrain reminds us of nothing less than a smaller Chevrolet Volt.

The model, which is just a concept at this point, uses a 660 cc engine, probably sourced from a kei car. The engine charges the lithium-ion batteries, which are placed between the front seats - we suspect they extend into the middle of the rear seat as well. The batteries power a 54 kW motor that moves the front wheels.

We'll learn more when we get to Tokyo, but for now, check out our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid

[Source: Suzuki]

Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volkswagen interested in small-car partnership with Suzuki, still

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Suzuki, Volkswagen, Renault

Suzuki Alto - Click above for high-res gallery

Just a few months back, Manager Magazin in Germany reported that Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piech was interested in procuring a small stake in Suzuki. Those rumors were subsequently denied by Osamu Suzuki, chief executive of the automaker that bears his name.

News comes today from the same source that there may have been a bit more truth to those initial rumors than Suzuki was willing to admit. Says VW Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn, "Suzuki would be an interesting partner because of its competency in small cars." As before, the German magazine suggests that Volkswagen would either purchase a 10-percent stake in Suzuki or enter into a joint venture for the production of small cars for emerging markets.

Of course, even if there have been talks between VW and Suzuki, the German automaker already has plenty on its plate at the moment in the form of a merger with longtime partner Porsche. Perhaps, then, there's room for Renault, which is also reportedly interested in working with Suzuki on future small car projects.

Gallery: 2009 Suzuki Alto

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Volkswagen interested in small-car partnership with Suzuki, still originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt preview: Suzuki lineup features more powerful, cleaner diesels, more

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Suzuki, Frankfurt Motor Show

2010 Suzuki SX4 - click to enlarge

While Suzuki readies its first gasoline-electric car - the Kizashi hybrid - for 2011, it's got some green vehicles on tap to show us in Frankfurt next month, including four that emit less than 120 grams of CO₂ per kilometer.

Later in 2010, the Minor Change SX4 will be introduced. This diesel SX4 gets more performance from a new 2.0-DDiS engine (up from the 1.9-DDiS unit) but has 18 percent lower emissions. The gas-burning 2010 SX4, with the 1.6-litre engine, gets Variable Valve Timing and the cylinder head has been modified for better efficiency and emissions that are about 10 percent lower. The SX4 also benefits from exterior appearance upgrades that improve the aerodynamics and give it greater "sporting appearance."

Suzuki's small cars - like the Alto, the Splash and the Swift - will also be on display at the IAA. More details after the jump.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Frankfurt preview: Suzuki lineup features more powerful, cleaner diesels, more

Frankfurt preview: Suzuki lineup features more powerful, cleaner diesels, more originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Suzuki Kizashi hybrid sedan tipped for 2011 sales

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, GM, Suzuki

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

Suzuki has big plans for its new Kizashi midsize sedan. Not only is the Kizaski going up against the best selling automobiles in America (that is, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord), it's also reportedly tipped to carry the Japanese automaker's environmentally-friendly ambitions to new heights here in the States.

According to Japan's Nikkei newspaper (via Bloomberg), Suzuki's new midsizer is slated to offer an optional hybrid powertrain for 2011. A gas-electric motivator has been mooted for Kizashi for some time, but this is the first time a firm timetable has been established for the vehicle. If there's any truth to the rumor, this will make the Kizashi Suzuki's first hybrid automobile.

There aren't any details on the expected powertrain, but rumor has it the technology will come from longtime American partner General Motors. That means the Kizashi will either come equipped with GM's BAS mild hybrid system or the much more sophisticated and fuel efficient (and therefore expensive) 2-Mode setup.

For it's part, Bloomberg rather ambiguously informs that Suzuki spokesman Hideki Taguchi "declined to deny the report."

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Suzuki Kizashi hybrid sedan tipped for 2011 sales originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Should Mitsubishi and Suzuki say sayonara to America?

Domenick Yoney — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Mitsubishi, Suzuki, USA

Considering their diminutive and dwindling degree of market share in the U.S., should Suzuki and Mitsubishi say sayonara to America and concentrate their efforts elsewhere? That's what some industry analysts are recommending. Says Yuuki Sakurai of Fukoku Capital Management,

"It's time for them to decide whether they pay a high price to continue business there or stop the bleeding,"

His fellow auto analyst over at Okasan Securities, Yasuaki Iwamoto, agrees and says they should just forget about America and that Suzuki, in particular, should devote its resources to the small cars that have had good success in other markets. So, are they listening?

It appears not. Suzuki, for their part, will likely release the mid-size Kazashi next year and continue their collaboration on green tech with GM. They would also seem to be betting that, as the price of gas rises, Americans may be willing to spend more time and money in their showrooms. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi's president Osamu Masuko is confident that the American market will rebound and has made his company's intentions clear stating, "We will never give up the U.S. market," It would seem they are pinning a lot of their U.S. hopes on the global version of the all-electric i MiEV since that is the only new model on the horizon. That could prove to be problematic since it remains to be seen how popular a tiny "kei-class" car like the iMiEV will be in the US market and profitability and prices of EVs will be extremely challenging.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Global i MiEV prototype

[Source: Bloomberg via Autoblog]

Should Mitsubishi and Suzuki say sayonara to America? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Suzuki hoping to continue GM collaboration for green tech

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:37:00 EST

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

Suzuki Alto Lapin - Click above for high-res gallery

It may come as a surprise to many that Suzuki, just a small niche player in the U.S. automotive market, sells more vehicles in Japan than every automaker besides Toyota. Most of Suzuki's sales, though, are of the tiny Kei car variety and therefore feature engines displacing just 660cc. As much as we'd love to see a few little Kei cars here in the States, federal crash test regulations seem unlikely to allow that any time soon.

For this reason, Suzuki is reportedly counting on its ongoing collaboration with General Motors for the development of hybrid and electric automobile technology. In addition to its hopeful partnership with The General, Suzuki is said to be investing much of its $1.1 billion budget for research and development of electric vehicles and hybrid drivetrains of its own design.

[Source: Nikkei (sub. req'd) via Green Car Advisor]

REPORT: Suzuki hoping to continue GM collaboration for green tech originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Suzuki, Green Daily

2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki is getting in on the free gas sales promotion bandwagon that Hyundai kicked off this year by launching a "Free Gas for Summer" promotion on all SX4s sold from now through August 31st. Of course, it pays to read the fine print - what the purchaser really gets is a pre-paid credit card loaded up with $270 for the SX4 Sedan or $290 for the slightly less fuel efficient SX4 Crossover.

Whether or not this incentive is really "free gas for summer" or not therefore depends on how much you plan to drive over the next three months or so. Still, it's a relatively pain-free way for Suzuki to advertise "Free Gas!" and it's still a few hundred bucks off the running costs of the car.

Along with the aforementioned sales promotion, Suzuki has also announced that it's offering $2,000 in customer cash off the price of any SX4 sold with a manual transmission, which we found to be a willing partner in eking out the most performance from the little runabout and much more desirable than the four-speed slushbox when we tested it last year.

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase

Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Suzuki CEO denies talks with VW amidst tie-up rumors

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Suzuki, Volkswagen, Asia, Japan, China, India

Suzuki Alto Lapin - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hear about those reports last week of a potential tie-up between Suzuki and Volkswagen for microcar development? Osamu Suzuki, Chief Executive at the automaker that bear his name, heard those rumors, too, and they apparently came as news to him. Though Suzuki falls short of denying outright that any potential deal could be struck, he told the Chunichi Shimbun Daily (via Reuters):

So far there's been absolutely no contact (with Volkswagen). Lately, we've been the victim of a lot of rumors (of equity tie-ups and cooperation deals).

Given the fact that Suzuki sells more cars - albeit tiny 660cc Kei cars - in Japan than any other automaker not named Toyota but has a limited footprint in most other markets, it's not surprising that rumors of impending partnerships are common. In this case, though, it would seem that reports of a potential deal with VW were at least a little bit premature.

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Suzuki CEO denies talks with VW amidst tie-up rumors originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volkswagen considering stake in Suzuki for micro-car alliance

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Suzuki, Volkswagen, Asia, Japan, China, India

Suzuki Alto Lapin - Click above for high-res gallery

According to reports from Reuters and Manager Magazin in Germany, Volkswagen is keen to purchase a 10 percent stake in Suzuki in order to cooperate on future small cars for emerging markets. In its home market of Japan, Suzuki is the second-largest automaker (behind Toyota) and dominates the tiny Kei car market alongside Toyota-owned Daihatsu.

These miniature 660cc vehicles are extremely popular in Japan's dense urban settings and Volkswagen reportedly believes this class of automobile holds great promise for emerging markets. In India, for example, Tata Motors has seen a great deal of success with its diminutive Nano, which is billed as the cheapest car in the world.

Suzuki already enjoys a measure of success in Tata's home turf, where its Maruti Suzuki subsidiary offers the Alto, which has been the best-selling automobile in India since 2004. At this time, both Suzuki and Volkswagen are declining comment, but VW chairman Ferdinand Piech has praised the Japanese automaker numerous times in the past.

[Source: Retuers]

REPORT: Volkswagen considering stake in Suzuki for micro-car alliance originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro NCAP finds small cars offer plenty of protection

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 28 May 2009 19:18:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, Honda, Hyundai, Suzuki, Peugeot, Europe/EU

Europe's crash testing authority, Euro NCAP, has published a series of new tests that includes the latest small and fuel efficient models offered there. The top scorers in the small car segment, with five star results, were the Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20 and Kia Soul. The Audi Q5 and the Peugeot 3008 also scored the maximum in their category. What Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP, said that the findings should help combat the false feeling that only large cars are safe: "Many claim that the weight and size of a car is the only criteria for safety. We believe that there are other aspects of safety that are just as important. The smaller cars we tested whose results are released today show that size should not stand in the way of all-round safety," he said.

[Source: Euro NCAP]

Euro NCAP finds small cars offer plenty of protection originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 28 May 2009 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Top Gear electric car build-off, Aussie rules

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:09:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Suzuki, Pacific Region, Holden

While they might lack the comedic punch of their seasoned British co-frères, the presenters at Top Gear Australia don't seem to have any electric car "issues." Indeed, in a recent episode they even held their own battery-powered build-off. Presenters Warren Brown and Steve Pizzati each took a car of their choosing, stripped out all the combustive components and inserted a rough and (mostly) ready electric drivetrain, before meeting up on a racetrack to compete for bragging rights.

Realizing that a decent electric vehicle shouldn't be too heavy, Pizzati decided to go with the featherweight Suzuki MightyBoy while his competitor settled on that great Australian classic, the HZ Holden Kingswood. This hulking station wagon weighs in somewhere between the QEII and the state of New Hampshire. While we won't tell you which conversion won straight out, we will throw out the hint that the triumphant strains of "Football meat pies kangaroos electric cars" could be heard coming from the passenger compartment of the conquering contestant. Hit the break for the segment in two parts - as well as a bonus video of a very nice MightyBoy conversion.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear electric car build-off, Aussie rules

VIDEO: Top Gear electric car build-off, Aussie rules originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 28 May 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki and Intelligent Energy only one year of releasing fuel cell motorcycles?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 23 May 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Suzuki, On Two Wheels

Suzuki Crosscage - Click above for an image gallery

It's been a little while since we last heard from Suzuki regarding its planned hydrogen fuel cell motorcycle, but apparently the Japanese company has been hard at work getting the machine ready for production. According to Ivar Kvadsheim over at MC24.no, teams from both Suzuki and Intelligent Energy were present at the EVS24 event in Stavanger, Norway, with their fuel cell-powered machines.

Over the last few years, Intelligent Energy has reportedly managed to increase the output of its fuel cell from 1 kW to 1.8 kW, and both its ENV bike and Suzuki Crosscage will use this same power source. That's great, but the real issue holding up production is the bike's hydrogen storage tank. It seems the two companies were planning to use a tank from BMW, but later found out that unit was only approved for automotive use and couldn't be legally used in a motorcycle.

Dennis Hayter from Intelligent Energy expects the storage tank issue to be worked out within the next four months and for both bikes to hit the market in less than a year with a price of around 8,000 euros ($11,200 at current exchange rates). Range with a full tank of hydrogen will be around 160 miles. After the successful introduction of these two machines, the two companies plan to begin working on a hydrogen-powered version of the Suzuki Burgman scooter.

UPDATE: Our Norwegian needs a bit of help. We got the following email from Ivar:

You've done a good job translating my norwegian story :)
There are a couple of detalis that needs correcting, though. Intelligent Energy was at the EVS24 showing their fuel cells, but none of the bikes and no Suzuki-team.
The ENV and Crosscage use the same fuell cell and motor, so they're both waiting for the same hydrogen tank.
The fuel cell on the picture of Payter is the one they're using for the ENV/Crosscage. In addition to increasing the output the cell is also lighter than the "first edition".

Gallery: Suzuki Crosscage in Action

[Source: MC24.no]

Suzuki and Intelligent Energy only one year of releasing fuel cell motorcycles? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 23 May 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Renault, Europe/EU, Germany

Modern compact SUVs don't need to drink fuel at quite the rate of their larger, more easily spotted cousins (HUMMER, Range Rover, we're looking at you). Over in Europe, drivers have opened their arms to compact SUVs as an alternative to sedans and mini vans. Current offerings share car platforms and can be found with the decent-mileage diesel engines. How frugal are these mid-size SUVs, really? Follow us after the jump and you will see the 20 most economical compact SUVs available in Germany (check out last year's CO₂-based list here).

Gallery: Toyota Urban Cruiser

[Source: Auto News]

Continue reading 20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany

20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 07 May 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki announces hybrids and CNG vehicles for India

Xavier Navarro — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:52:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Suzuki, Natural Gas, India

Maruti Suzuki in India has announced ambitious plans for alternative powertrains for three or four models in the Indian market. Although the company aims for an all-electric model in the long run, the short term will see bi-fuel natural gas/gasoline powertrains available to take advantage of India's improved nationwide network of CNG-filling stations. The company already has LPG conversions available for the Maruti 800 and Wagon R (pictured above) models. When it comes to hybrid plans, Suzuki is already testing a fuel cell version of the SX4 in Japan but it's the hybrid Wagon R, previously tested, which could potentially arrive in India. Maruti says that at the current levels, EV ranges aren't competitive for this low-cost manufacturer.

[Source: Business Standard]

Suzuki announces hybrids and CNG vehicles for India originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Suzuki discovers why SUVasaurus went extinct

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, MPG, Suzuki, Green Daily

Click above to watch video after the jump

As part of Suzuki's recent "Live Large. Drive Small" advertising campaign, the automaker has released a video called SUVasaurus. We've pasted it after the break and it's definitely worth a watch. The video is very well done and attempts to explain why the full-size SUV has gone the way of the dinosaur - extinct that is. Those pesky gas prices strike again. Of course, Suzuki believes that it has the answer to this particular conundrum in its Grand Vitara, which we recently got the chance to drive.

For 2009, the Grand Vitara gets two brand-new engine options that replace last year's lone and very lackluster V6. One is a Suzuki-designed 2.4-liter four-cylinder that will also see duty in the upcoming Kizashi sedan. It offers up 166 horses and can be mated with either a standard five-speed manual or, unfortunately, an automatic with only four forward ratios. An optional 3.2-liter V6 engine shares its architecture with GM's high-feature V6 family and produces a very willing 230 horsepower paired with a five-speed automatic.

We're not ready to call the GV the second coming of the SUV, but it definitely has plenty to offer those who need a real sport utility vehicle. Our angst is directed more at SUV pretenders that don't offer anything more than a typical station wagon or hatchback, and that's not the GV. As the only vehicle in its class that offers true four-wheel drive and an independent rear suspension, we can accept the GV as a vehicle with a purpose. Plus, that four cylinder engine can still tow 3,000 pounds and gets decent mileage, for a non-hybrid SUV, at 19 city and 23-26 highway. We do feel kinda bad for the poor SUVasauruses in the video... it's not their fault.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading VIDEO: Suzuki discovers why SUVasaurus went extinct

VIDEO: Suzuki discovers why SUVasaurus went extinct originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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