Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/green.autoblog.com/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/<![CDATA[Beware the biodiesel-ready Scorpion! 2011 Ford Super Duty gets all new 6.7-liter diesel V8]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/beware-the-biodiesel-ready-scorpion-2011-ford-super-duty-gets-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/beware-the-biodiesel-ready-scorpion-2011-ford-super-duty-gets-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/beware-the-biodiesel-ready-scorpion-2011-ford-super-duty-gets-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Ford "Scorpion" Power-Stroke 6.7-liter diesel V8 - click above for high-res image gallery

Ford's ongoing issues with its long-time heavy duty diesel engine supplier, Navistar, will soon be coming to an end. The 2011 edition of the Ford Super Duty pickups will get an all-new, in-house designed diesel V8 code-named Scorpion. So, now, if Ford has any durability issues with its big diesels it will have no one to blame but itself.

Officially the Scorpion retains the Power Stroke badge, but that and eight cylinders in a V-configuration are all that are carried over. The Scorpion engine picks up a variety of technologies that have been appearing on other recent engines both gas and diesel fueled, as well as adding a few new tricks, particularly the turbocharger. The biggest change for the architecture is the move to an inside-out layout. Since the early days of the V-engine configuration, most examples have had the intake system mounted in the valley between the banks with the exhaust on the outside. Like BMW's new turbocharged gas V8 and GM's currently-on-the-shelf Duramax 4500, the Scorpion switches this around. Read on after the jump to learn more.


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Beware the biodiesel-ready Scorpion! 2011 Ford Super Duty gets all new 6.7-liter diesel V8

Beware the biodiesel-ready Scorpion! 2011 Ford Super Duty gets all new 6.7-liter diesel V8 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b20biodieselbreakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsfeaturefordford power strokeford scorpionford scorpion diesel v8ford super dutyford super duty dieselford super duty pick...ford super duty pickupsford super-dutyford superdutyford superduty 2011FordPowerStrokeFordScorpionFordScorpionDieselV8FordSuper-dutyFordSuperDutyFordSuperduty2011FordSuperDutyDieselFordSuperDutyPick...FordSuperDutyPickupsscorpionscorpion diesel v8ScorpionDieselV8super dutysuper duty dieselsuper duty fordsuper duty pickupSuperDutySuperDutyDieselSuperDutyFordSuperDutyPickupMon, 31 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking: Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid reborn as new Buick crossover]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/breaking-saturn-vue-plug-in-hybrid-reborn-as-new-buick-crossove/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/breaking-saturn-vue-plug-in-hybrid-reborn-as-new-buick-crossove/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/breaking-saturn-vue-plug-in-hybrid-reborn-as-new-buick-crossove/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Buick "Vue" Two-Mode hybrid - click above for high res gallery

GM CEO Fritz Henderson may not believe in re-badging Pontiacs for other GM brands, but it looks like at least one Saturn model will live on. The mid-size Vue crossover will become a Buick in 2011, and a plug-in hybrid will be part of the program. The Two-mode hybrid system that was originally scheduled to launch in the Vue last November will be installed in the Buick-badged version along with an 8 kWh lithium ion battery pack. The pack will use the same LG Chem cells going into the Volt and, as originally planned, the PHEV will be paired with the direct injected 3.6-liter V6.

According to GM, testing so far shows that the PHEV can run over 10 miles batteries alone at low speeds. Since this is a conversion-type plug-in essentially retaining the standard two-mode hybrid system, it isn't capable of running on electricity at any speed (like the Volt). Unlike any other current hybrid, the PHEV will be flex-fuel capable. Badging the PHEV as a Buick makes sense since it sells at a higher price point than the Saturn and it will also likely be available in China. GM expects this to be the first commercially-available PHEV SUV, beating Ford's first offering which is due in 2012.

GM spokesman Brian Corbett tells ABG there won't be a non-plug hybrid version of the Buick "Vue" available. The new Buick will be available with the same direct injected 2.4-liter four and 3.0-liter V6 found in the new Equinox.

Gallery: Buick Plug-in hybrid crossover


Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saturn Vue Green Line PHEV


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Breaking: Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid reborn as new Buick crossover

Breaking: Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid reborn as new Buick crossover originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsbuickbuick crossoverbuick crossover plug in hybridbuick cuvbuick cuv phevbuick vueBuickCrossoverBuickCrossoverPlugInHybridBuickCuvBuickCuvPhevBuickVuephevplug inplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridpluginpluginstwo mode hybridtwo mode phevTwoModeHybridTwoModePhevThu, 06 Aug 2009 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford gets first DoE loan, Nissan and Tesla expected winners]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/ford-gets-first-doe-loan-nissan-and-tesla-expected-winners/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/ford-gets-first-doe-loan-nissan-and-tesla-expected-winners/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/ford-gets-first-doe-loan-nissan-and-tesla-expected-winners/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ford Focus EV Mule - Click above for high-res gallery

The U.S. Department of Energy will finally announce the first recipient of low interest loans under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program. The first winner is Ford, and analysts expect the DoE to announce Nissan and Tesla Motors, as well. Ford applied for up to $11 billion in loans, but the amount it will get has not been disclosed and will likely only be a small fraction of that in this first round. The Dearborn-based automaker will use the money to fund its electric vehicle program that will launch a battery-powered version of the Transit Connect in 2010 followed by a C-segment car in 2011.

Nissan wants to add production of its upcoming electric car and lithium ion batteries at its assembly complex in Smyrna, Tennessee. Tesla, however, would be the big winner this round, as the money it may receive will allow the fledgeling EV maker to proceed with completing development and production of the Model S. Recent investment in the company by Daimler was probably a big help in getting the loan approved, since companies had to demonstrate viability. And since the ATVM program favors re-tooling of older existing plants, Tesla will probably look at acquiring a closed factory from another company. Recent rumors had the company possibly getting a former McDonnell-Douglas factory in Long Beach, although there are plenty of other properties available.

The current Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings at General Motors and Chrysler made those companies ineligible in the current round. It's not known if any announcements will be made about loans for battery makers like A123 or EnerDel.


Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Ford gets first DoE loan, Nissan and Tesla expected winners originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvmatvmlpAutoblogGreenbreakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsdoe loandoe loansDoeLoanDoeLoansfordnissanteslatesla model stesla motorsTeslaModelSteslamotorsMon, 22 Jun 2009 19:23:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Martin Eberhard sues Elon Musk and Tesla for libel, slander and breach of contract]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/martin-eberhard-sues-elon-musk-for-libel-slander-and-breach-of/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/martin-eberhard-sues-elon-musk-for-libel-slander-and-breach-of/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/martin-eberhard-sues-elon-musk-for-libel-slander-and-breach-of/#commentsFiled under:



The only thing surprising about Martin Eberhard's latest move is that it took so long to happen. Eberhard was co-founder of Tesla Motors along with Mark Tarpenning, and he was ousted from the company in November 2007 by then-chairman Elon Musk. Musk has never been one to hide his feelings about other people (or much of anything) - and comments he has made about Eberhard and his role in the company have clearly not gone over well.

To nobody's surprise, Eberhard has filed a lawsuit in California Superior Court in San Mateo against Musk and Tesla Motors. In the suit, Eberhard accuses Musk of slander and libel, along with breaching the contracts that he and the company had with Eberhard. At 146 pages, we haven't yet had time to digest the entire complaint (though we do find it interesting that our coverage is mentioned in the lawsuit), but we have a sneaking suspicion this one is going to get ugly. You can read the filing in PDF form by clicking here.

ABG reached out to Tesla for comment, and spokeswoman Rachel Konrad provided the following statement:
"This lawsuit is a fictionalized, inaccurate account of Tesla's early years -- it's twisted and wrong, and we welcome the opportunity to set the record straight. Incidentally, Tesla will also be filing counterclaims and in the process present an accurate account of the company's history."
More as it happens...

[Source: San Mateo California Superior Court]

BREAKING: Martin Eberhard sues Elon Musk and Tesla for libel, slander and breach of contract originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsdefamationdefamationlawsuitelon muskelon-muskElonMusklawsuitmartin eberhardmartin eberhard firedMartinEberhardMartinEberhardFiredtesla motorsTeslaMotorsWed, 10 Jun 2009 22:50:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Tesla may announce new strategic investor this week]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/video-tesla-may-announce-new-strategic-investor-this-week/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/video-tesla-may-announce-new-strategic-investor-this-week/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/video-tesla-may-announce-new-strategic-investor-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

A keen observer happened to note the presence of a Tesla Roadster outside a Mexican restaurant somewhere the other day and as he was snapping some pics, the owner walked up. The owner offered to take this civilian for a ride around the block in the Roadster, which said passenger video-taped on his cell phone camera. In panning around the camera caught the Founders Series badge on the bulkhead between the seats, meaning that the car owner is an investor in Tesla.

We all know about Tesla's financial problems and difficulty raising money since the market collapse last fall. According to the car owner, an announcement is expected to be made today or tomorrow about a new strategic investor in Tesla. No other information is available right now on whether this is a private investor, other automaker or the DOE loans, but we'll be looking into it further. In the meantime check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Tesla Motors Club, Youtube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tesla may announce new strategic investor this week

VIDEO: Tesla may announce new strategic investor this week originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsteslatesla motor investortesla motorsTeslaMotorInvestorTeslaMotorsMon, 11 May 2009 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler headed into bankruptcy as debt talks fail]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-chrysler-headed-into-bankruptcy-as-debt-talks-fail/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-chrysler-headed-into-bankruptcy-as-debt-talks-fail/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-chrysler-headed-into-bankruptcy-as-debt-talks-fail/#commentsFiled under:



It looks like the concessions and government intervention aren't going to be enough to keep Chrysler out of bankruptcy. The AP is reporting that talks between Chrysler's lenders and the Treasury Department have broken down, meaning the company will not be able to reduce its $6.9 billion in secured debt. That debt reduction was seen as one of the last pieces of the puzzle in keeping Chrysler out of bankruptcy following the union concessions that had been made earlier this week.

Although the four banks that hold 70 percent of Chrysler's debt had agreed to wipe it off the books for a cool $2 billion, the snag came from the remaining 30 percent of the debt which is held by 46 hedge funds. Although the government had added an additional $250 million to the debt cancellation cause, the hedge funds apparently felt they could do better.

The groups had been given a deadline of 6PM Wednesday to settle the matter, but that deadline has passed. The Treasury Department decided to end talks around midnight because there was no central authority, and bargaining with 46 funds was too much.

There is still a midnight deadline today, but it is believed President Obama will allow Chrysler to go into bankruptcy protection, with a judge determining how much creditors will get. Chrysler would continue to operate, however, likely with Fiat leadership. It is widely believed that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne will replace Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli.

[Source: AP via CBS News Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler headed into bankruptcy as debt talks fail originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcybreakingbreaking newsBreakingNewschryslerchrysler bankruptchrysler bankruptcychrysler llcChryslerBankruptChryslerBankruptcyChryslerLlcreportThu, 30 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla to unveil Model S on March 26, hopes for DOE money by summer]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/tesla-to-unveil-model-s-on-march-26-hopes-for-doe-money-by-summ/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/tesla-to-unveil-model-s-on-march-26-hopes-for-doe-money-by-summ/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/tesla-to-unveil-model-s-on-march-26-hopes-for-doe-money-by-summ/#commentsFiled under: ,



In a newsletter distributed today by Tesla Motors, CEO Elon Musk provides an update on the business including an announcement that a driveable prototype of the Model S would be unveiled on March 26. The Model S reveal will take place at the Southern California headquarters of Musk's other company, Space-X, which is where Tesla's design studio is located. According to ex-Tesla SVP Darryl Siry who refused to show us images of the car no matter how much we begged before his departure, "the Model S a very beautiful car." As long as it doesn't have a hump back like the new Porsche Panamera we're looking forward to seeing it.

However, before it becomes anything more than a prototype, Tesla will need a lot more cash to pay for engineering and a factory to build it. As Musk told us when we talked to him in Detroit last month, he fully expects the company to be profitable by mid-year thanks to price increases and cost reductions for building the Roadster. Even if that proves to be true, which will be difficult when considering the current economy, it's unlikely to be anywhere near the required cash flow to cover the cost of the Model S. Learn more about how Tesla hopes to fund the Model S after the jump, where you can also see the full text of the newsletter.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster



Photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Tesla Motors]

Continue reading Tesla to unveil Model S on March 26, hopes for DOE money by summer

Tesla to unveil Model S on March 26, hopes for DOE money by summer originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvmatvmlpbreakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsdoe loandoe loansDoeLoanDoeLoanselon muskElonMuskrachel konradRachelKonradteslatesla model stesla motorstesla roadstertesla-roadsterTeslaModelSteslamotorsTeslaRoadsterWed, 11 Feb 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: GM reportedly cancels construction contracts on Flint engine plant]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/breaking-gm-reportedly-cancels-construction-contracts-on-flint/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/breaking-gm-reportedly-cancels-construction-contracts-on-flint/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/breaking-gm-reportedly-cancels-construction-contracts-on-flint/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Chevy Cruze and its new 1.4L Turbo engine

In yet another blow to both General Motors and the hard-hit city of Flint MI, it appears that the automaker has canceled construction contracts on its new Flint MI engine plant. Local TV station WJRT-12 reported the news late last night and we're still waiting on a comment from GM. The plant was scheduled to produce a new 1.4L four cylinder engine to be used in the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt beginning int 2010. Work on the factory had already been suspended in mid-December in an effort to cut spending.

The plant was announced last September just before the financial crisis hit in full force and even sales of small cars collapsed. GM spokeswoman Sharon Basel told the TV station that other facilities are being considered for production of the engines. An existing version of the 1.4L "Family 0" engine is already being produced overseas and if world-wide auto sales continue to lag over the next 18-24 months, those factories would likely have sufficient capacity to supply engines for both the Cruze and Volt in 2010. We'll update this story as we learn more. Thanks to Donny for the tip!

Update: We just spoke with Sharon Basel at GM. Basel told ABG that the Flint plant was never planned to be ready for Job 1 of the Cruze in spring 2010 and Volt later in the year. It was always planned for initial engine supplies to be provided from European engine plant that builds the Family 0 engines. That plan continues and the events in Flint will not affect program timing for either Cruze or Volt. The intention is still to add Family 0 production in Flint with timing being dependent on economic conditions. The contract cancellations came at a time when GM would have had to commit to spending more capital that it doesn't have right now. This allowed GM to avoid paying out more money for the plant that it was not ready to proceed with yet.

Related:

Gallery: GM Flint Powertrain 1.4L engine


[Source: WJRT-TV 12]

BREAKING: GM reportedly cancels construction contracts on Flint engine plant originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewschevychevy voltchevy-voltChevyVoltflintflint michiganflintmichiganvoltWed, 28 Jan 2009 06:46:00 EST<![CDATA[It's official! Fiat gets 35% stake in Chrysler for small cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/breaking-its-official-fiat-gets-35-stake-in-chrysler-for-sma/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/breaking-its-official-fiat-gets-35-stake-in-chrysler-for-sma/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/breaking-its-official-fiat-gets-35-stake-in-chrysler-for-sma/#commentsFiled under: ,


Yesterdays rumors are today's reality: Chrysler and Fiat are hitching up. Chrysler's majority owner Cerberus will GIVE nearly half of its stake in Chrysler to Fiat. That's give as in, "please take it!" Fiat will will not pay Cerberus any cash in this deal. Instead Fiat will provide its small car platforms, powertrains and other systems to Chrysler with the hope that fleshing out its model line will allow it to become a viable automaker. Fiat will also provide distribution channels in overseas markets for Chrysler-branded vehicles. Chrysler will also get business planning help from Fiat with the hope of moving the viability plan that it must submit to the government forward.

According to the press release, Fiat isn't committing to provide any ongoing funding for Chrysler, likely because it doesn't really have the cash to spare, either. For Fiat, this could potentially provide the means that it has been looking for to get back into the U.S. market. Fiat had been considering a North American manufacturing site for Alfa Romeo cars for this market and now has access to plenty of Chrysler facilities. For Chrysler, it could use platforms like the Fiat 500 and Punto to create new, efficient small cars. The question is can they get something to market quick enough to maker a difference. The full press release is after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading It's official! Fiat gets 35% stake in Chrysler for small cars

It's official! Fiat gets 35% stake in Chrysler for small cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewschrysler fiat alliancechrysler llcChryslerFiatAllianceChryslerLlcTue, 20 Jan 2009 08:13:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Detroit 2009 - GM building Volt battery packs with LG Chem cells]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/breaking-detroit-2009-gm-will-build-volt-battery-packs-with-lg/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/breaking-detroit-2009-gm-will-build-volt-battery-packs-with-lg/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/breaking-detroit-2009-gm-will-build-volt-battery-packs-with-lg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



After showing off its latest cars and concepts yesterday at the Detroit Auto Show, General Motors reserved its second press conference today for battery news. As has been rumored for months, South Korea's LG Chem has been selected to supply the lithium-ion cells that will power the Chevy Volt. However, LG Chem and its U.S. subsidiary will not be supplying full packs to GM. Instead, GM has decided to keep the pack production in-house along with the battery management systems and all the power electronics. The automaker will be building a pack assembly facility here in Michigan, with LG Chem only supplying the cells.

GM is currently working on finalizing the site selection and working with local and state officials on the approvals. The site of the factory is expected to be announced soon with site preparation starting early this year. Tooling of the factory should be completed by early 2010 with production starting soon afterward.

GM also announced a new partnership with the University of Michigan to create the Advanced Battery Coalition for Drivetrains (ABCD). ABCD will focus on researching batteries and integration issues with a specific focus on vehicle applications. Press release after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading BREAKING: Detroit 2009 - GM building Volt battery packs with LG Chem cells

BREAKING: Detroit 2009 - GM building Volt battery packs with LG Chem cells originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewschevy voltchevy volt batterychevy volt muleschevy volt productionChevyVoltChevyVoltBatteryChevyVoltMulesChevyVoltProductionlg chemLgChemvoltMon, 12 Jan 2009 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: Live reveal of the MINI E]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/la-2008-live-reveal-of-the-mini-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/la-2008-live-reveal-of-the-mini-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/la-2008-live-reveal-of-the-mini-e/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the MINI E for more shots of the car

This afternoon BMW representatives took the wraps off the first "production" MINI E, #1 of a run of 500 that will be leased to customers in the southern California and metro New York areas starting in January. Dr. Friederich Eichiner presented the electric car to the press on the roof top terrace at the Beverly Wilshire hotel explaining the purpose of the program. BMW has built these cars as the first stage of "Project I" where I stands for either ideas or innovation. Eichiner told the media that "individual mobility will still play a key role" going forward and with increased urbanization electrically driven vehicles like this one will be increasingly important. BMW and other manufacturers have to learn how to reconcile that need for mobility with environmental concerns and plug-in vehicles are just one element of that. BMW is using the MINI E as a means to learn how these vehicles are used and how they work in the real world. Learn more about the MINI E program after the jump.

Related:

Gallery: MINI E live reveal


Gallery: MINI E

Continue reading LA 2008: Live reveal of the MINI E

LA 2008: Live reveal of the MINI E originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsfeaturedla auto showla auto show 2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008mini emini evMiniEMiniEvTue, 18 Nov 2008 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt program shelved? Absolutely not!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/chevy-volt-program-shelved-absolutely-not/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/chevy-volt-program-shelved-absolutely-not/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/chevy-volt-program-shelved-absolutely-not/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Some of you may have noticed a story posted elsewhere on the interwebs late last evening about the Chevy Volt. As the story goes, a friend of a friend of a friend, etc told the writer that the Volt program was being put on indefinite hold due to the company's money troubles. With GM releasing its third quarter results in a couple of hours and a huge loss expected, virtually every program at GM is being cut back or delayed. The one exception to that (so far at least) remains the Volt. We checked with the primary spokesman for the Volt program at GM Rob Peterson first thing this morning on this rumor. Peterson tells us that "there's no truth in that statement whatsoever." So the Volt remains on track but GM is expected to announce some other big cuts this morning including lay offs among engineering staff (not related to the E-Flex program).

[Sources: General Motors, Jalopnik]

Chevy Volt program shelved? Absolutely not! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewschevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet-voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt productionchevy-voltChevyVoltChevyVoltProductionFri, 07 Nov 2008 08:19:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Changes coming at Tesla, Musk to be CEO, Drori to Vice Chairman]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/breaking-changes-coming-at-tesla-musk-to-be-ceo-drori-to-vice/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/breaking-changes-coming-at-tesla-musk-to-be-ceo-drori-to-vice/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/breaking-changes-coming-at-tesla-musk-to-be-ceo-drori-to-vice/#commentsFiled under: ,



Changes are afoot at Tesla Motors as the reality of running a carmaker takes hold in San Carlos. When we got wind of a story on Valleywag this morning about layoffs and executive changes at Tesla, our first call was to SVP Marketing Darryl Siry. Not surprisingly Siry told us that Valleywag was less than totally accurate. There are are indeed some lay-offs happening at Tesla as well as changes among the executive staff. Chairman and chief architect Elon Musk will be taking a more hands on role as he takes over the position of CEO from Ze'ev Drori. That makes Musk the fourth CEO of Tesla in one year. Drori will get the title of Vice Chairman. As for the layoffs, there are some although we are still awaiting details. Siry has promised an update this morning and as soon as it's ready we'll let you know.

Update 3:30PM EST: Tesla has yet to release details of the changes and hasn't commented yet on our latest question. Tesla had been planning either an IPO or debt issue by early 2009 to raise funds that would be used to pay for the development of the Model S sedan and the factory to build it. Given the recent upheavals (or should that be downheavals?) in the capital markets, the chances of Tesla raising any more cash right now seem slim to none. In light of that, layoffs among the staff and delays to the program seem inevitable.

Update 4pm: Tesla has just published a blog post outlining what is going on and as suspected it is partially due to the financial market issues that have been going on. Musk is stepping in to take over day to day control of the company from Drori. In addition, for the near term, Tesla is going to focus on Roadster production and powertrain sales in order to generate some revenue and try to get cash flow positive in the next 6-9 months. That means that development work on the Model S is being scaled back for now and the Auburn Hills MI engineering office will be shut down. An indeterminate number of lay offs will also occur. Model S work will be consolidated in California and ramp back up again after the company gets approval for a low cost DOE loan. That will only happen after they get environmental approval for the new San Jose headquarters site, expected in Q2 2009. Model S production has now been pushed back to at least mid 2011.

[Source: Tesla Motors]

BREAKING: Changes coming at Tesla, Musk to be CEO, Drori to Vice Chairman originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsWed, 15 Oct 2008 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially, official: Chrysler's late 2010 electric vehicle lineup!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/officially-official-chryslers-late-2010-electric-vehicle-line/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/officially-official-chryslers-late-2010-electric-vehicle-line/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/officially-official-chryslers-late-2010-electric-vehicle-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click the Dodge EV for a high res gallery

Chrysler is playing a massive game of catchup in the electric drive sweepstakes right now and today is rolling out four different vehicles that it's working on. Three of the four take ideas from the company's 2008 Detroit Show concepts and are currently badged simply as Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep EV. Like the Dodge ZEO, the Dodge is a lithium battery powered sports car. The EV begins with a Lotus Europa and dispenses with the 2.0L four cylinder engine and transmission in favor of a 268 hp electric motor. In much the same fashion as a certain Silicon Valley based start-up, the only way to fuel up the EV is with a plug. It will take 4 hours to charge up from a 220V outlet or twice that long if only half the voltage is available.

The other two concepts that Chrysler showed were both ER-EVs. The EcoVoyager used a fuel cell to keep a sufficient quantity of electrons available while the Jeep Renegade used a small diesel engine driving a generator. Since neither of these vehicles is ready for production yet, Chrysler's ENVI team has chosen the closest analogs they have as the basis for production models. Both the Town and Country and Wrangler Unlimited EVs are supposed to be able to move their occupants up to 40 miles without any direct combustion. Once the battery packs have reached depletion level an range extender kicks in to keep the fun going. Read on after the jump for more information.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler EVs


[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Officially, official: Chrysler's late 2010 electric vehicle lineup!

Officially, official: Chrysler's late 2010 electric vehicle lineup! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreaking-newsbreakingnewschrysler EVChryslerEvdodge evDodgeEver-evextended range electric vehicleextended range vehicleExtendedRangeElectricVehicleExtendedRangeVehiclejeep evJeepEvlotododgeTue, 23 Sep 2008 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Toyota to announce plug-in deal next week, possibly for batteries]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2007/09/02/breaking-toyota-to-announce-plug-in-deal-next-week-possibly-fo/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/09/02/breaking-toyota-to-announce-plug-in-deal-next-week-possibly-fo/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/09/02/breaking-toyota-to-announce-plug-in-deal-next-week-possibly-fo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

edf Toyota and French electric utility EDF (Electricite de France) will team up next week to develop recharging stations according to the Financial Times. The agreement is "to develop electricity infrastructure to serve the plug-in cars Toyota plans to roll out in a few years' time." The deal could include several countries as EDF owns utilities in German, Italy and Britain.

Recently, Toyota showed off a plug-in Prius they are road testing in Japan. Ford also started plug-in trials with a California power company. GM plans to be the first to market with a plug-in, releasing a model next year. GM has also announced the E-Flex platform, which is a plug-in model.

This is not the first time we have written about EDF. They have a connection to a company that makes batteries for electric cars. Toyota may just have a battery deal as well. Stay tuned. We are sure to stay on top of this one.

[Source: Financial Times]

BREAKING: Toyota to announce plug-in deal next week, possibly for batteries originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 02 Sep 2007 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsedfplug inPlugIntoyotaSun, 02 Sep 2007 14:34:00 EST