Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Alfa Romeo introduces LPG-powered MiTo]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/19/alfa-romeo-introduces-lpg-powered-mito/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/19/alfa-romeo-introduces-lpg-powered-mito/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/19/alfa-romeo-introduces-lpg-powered-mito/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola - Click for complete gallery

Alongside the recently-launched MultiAir MiTos, Alfa Romeo has launched a dual-fueled LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) version of the Turbo 1.4-liter engine in the sexy hatchback. This model benefits from tax exemptions in many European countries, since it reduces CO2 emissions down to 131 g/km. The engine retains the standard 120 hp and still makes 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8.8 seconds. The 39-liter LPG reservoir is placed in the spare tire well and, together with the standard gasoline tank, allows the dual-fuel MiTo to run for 1,200 km (745 miles) non-stop. Prices start at €13,900 in Italy, thanks to €4,500 from the state.



[Source: Diario del Motor]

Alfa Romeo introduces LPG-powered MiTo originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa rome mitoAlfaRomeMitodual fuelDualFuelgplItalyliquiefied petroleum gasLiquiefiedPetroleumGaslpgmitoThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[3-Euro-cent-per-km mileage tax might become law in the Netherlands]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/3-euro-cent-per-km-mileage-tax-might-become-law-in-the-netherlan/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/3-euro-cent-per-km-mileage-tax-might-become-law-in-the-netherlan/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/3-euro-cent-per-km-mileage-tax-might-become-law-in-the-netherlan/#commentsFiled under: ,

A mileage tax has been in discussion here in the U.S., but doesn't look likley to become law. The situation is very different in the Netherlands, where the Dutch cabinet approved legislation that would replace ownership and sales taxes on automobiles with a 3 Euro cent (about 4.5 U.S. cents) fee per kilometer starting in 2012. The next step is for Parliament to pass the law, something that is very likely. If approved, the fee would climb to 6.7 Euro cents (10 U.S. cents) in 2018. What's the point of doing this? The Dutch Transport Ministry believes that these pay-as-you-go fees will result in a ten percent drop in CO2 emissions and congestion reduced to half of what it is today.

One question with schemes like this is how to calculate how far people are driving. GPS is a simple solution, but then the government knows where your car is, which doesn't sit well with some people. A mileage tax test in Oregon used a limited GPS-tracking system to determine payment rates. From the looks of it, the system in the Netherlands will use GPS data that will be sent to a collection agency. Thanks to Mark F. and Alef A. for the tips!

[Source: AFP via Wired]

3-Euro-cent-per-km mileage tax might become law in the Netherlands originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dutch mileage taxDutchMileageTaxmileage taxMileageTaxnetherlands mileage taxNetherlandsMileageTaxMon, 16 Nov 2009 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo's DRIVe vehicles go from UK to Italy on one tank, win award, drive virtual Facebook miles]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/volvos-drive-vehicles-go-from-uk-to-italy-on-one-tank-win-awar/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/volvos-drive-vehicles-go-from-uk-to-italy-on-one-tank-win-awar/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/volvos-drive-vehicles-go-from-uk-to-italy-on-one-tank-win-awar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volvo C30 DRIVe - click above for a high-res image gallery

Volvo's DRIVe range, which have lower CO2 emissions compared to standard models, have managed to win the person responsible for the range, Ulf Nordström, Talentia's "Intrapreneur of the Year" award. What's so good about these vehicles? Well, Volvo recently showed off how frugal they are by having European journalists drive the two new diesel DRVEe models, the V70 and S80, from Volvo UK's HQ in Marlow to Milan, Italy on one 70-liter (18.5 U.S. gallon) tank of fuel. The distance between these two points? 814 miles, which would mean real-world fuel economy of at least 44 mpg. With a few smart choices regarding cruise control and when to apply the brakes, this mission was accomplished.

Interested in navigating a Volvo DRIVe C30 around the world using absolutely no fuel? It can't be done in real life, but you can try on Facebook, where Volvo is sponsoring a charity contest to use your connections to drive virtual miles and then pass it off to your friend, who does the same. The winning team will get money donated in their name to offset one person's lifetime CO2 emissions. Let's see if this turns out to be more popular than Ford's Fusion Hybrid app.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Volvo DRIVe models


[Source: Volvo, Global Post]

Continue reading Volvo's DRIVe vehicles go from UK to Italy on one tank, win award, drive virtual Facebook miles

Volvo's DRIVe vehicles go from UK to Italy on one tank, win award, drive virtual Facebook miles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ulf nordstromUlfNordstromVolvovolvo c30volvo drivevolvo efficiencyvolvo facebookvolvo mpgVolvo S80volvo v70VolvoC30VolvoDriveVolvoEfficiencyVolvoFacebookVolvoMpgVolvoS80VolvoV70Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[SEAT starts installing solar panels on Martorell factory roof]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/seat-starts-installing-solar-panels-on-martorell-factory-roof/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/seat-starts-installing-solar-panels-on-martorell-factory-roof/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/seat-starts-installing-solar-panels-on-martorell-factory-roof/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As we announced, SEAT is trying to maximize the possibilities of the sunny Mediterranean climate for its factory in Martorell, near Barcelona, Spain. SEAT's plan is ambitious, and could allow the plant to be able to function almost off the grid. The factory will use 320,000 m2 of solar panels on the roof, the equivalent of 10 MW of electric power. Annually, the plant could generate 13 million kWh. That's enough to power 3,000 homes and will save up to 6,200 metric tons of CO2. The first project will start working next year, and will be Spain's second largest photovoltaic installation. Now let's see if solar power can be used for the Brisa and Duna models

[Source: SEAT]

SEAT starts installing solar panels on Martorell factory roof originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>martorellphotovoltaicphotovoltaic plantPhotovoltaicPlantsolar factorysolar panelssolar panels roofSolarFactorySolarPanelsSolarPanelsRoofFri, 13 Nov 2009 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Coming to a highway near you? Tapered semi-trailers]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/coming-to-a-highway-near-you-tapered-semi-trailers/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/coming-to-a-highway-near-you-tapered-semi-trailers/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/coming-to-a-highway-near-you-tapered-semi-trailers/#commentsFiled under: ,


Semi-trucks are constantly cruising the highways of America, delivering everything from organic basil to La-Z-Boy recliners. All the miles that truckers put on these modern beasts of burden use a lot of gasoline, but the European public-private consortium behind Platform for Aerodynamic Road Transport could be here with a fairly simple and elegant solution: tapered rear ends.

PART claims that the six-foot device that hangs off the rear end of the trailer can improve fuel efficiency up to 7.5 percent. That's not a terrible increase for the Prius. On ultra-low MPG vehicles like these, it's a huge deal. PART has been testing these tails for two years, and also has a lot of other aerodynamic ideas for large trucks: side panels, aero mirrors, and even aerodynamic mud flaps. Put everything together on one truck, PART says, and you'll see fuel economy improvements of more than 20 percent. Almost makes us want to become truckers.

[Source: PART via Gas 2.0]

Coming to a highway near you? Tapered semi-trailers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dutch semiDutchSeminetherlandstapered semitapered trailerTaperedSemiTaperedTrailerFri, 13 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Thrifty Dutch Hyundai onwers can win up to €10,000 in free gas]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/thrifty-dutch-hyundai-onwers-can-win-up-to-10-000-in-free-gas/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/thrifty-dutch-hyundai-onwers-can-win-up-to-10-000-in-free-gas/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/thrifty-dutch-hyundai-onwers-can-win-up-to-10-000-in-free-gas/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Thrifty Dutch Hyundai owners have been given a chance to enter a contest where the prize is the equivalent of five years' worth of gas, estimated at €10,000. The package goes to whoever is the most frugal at the wheel. Anyone registering for the contest at Dutch Hyundai dealers is also entered to win a €500 fuel card. The fuel challenge will be conducted in December and there's more information at the official site. A local Dutch auto publication is also offering another €500 card. Because nothing says conserve your fuel like giving drivers three independent chances to win free gas.

[Source: AutoNL]

Thrifty Dutch Hyundai onwers can win up to €10,000 in free gas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contesthypermilinghyundai blueHyundaiBluenetherlandsthrifty driverThriftyDriverFri, 13 Nov 2009 09:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford launches eco-driving campaign in Portugal]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/ford-launches-eco-driving-campaign-in-portugal/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/ford-launches-eco-driving-campaign-in-portugal/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/ford-launches-eco-driving-campaign-in-portugal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Lusitánia, the Portuguese importer of The Blue Oval's vehicles, is currently promoting the Projecto Eco-Condução Portugal. The project includes a contest and a campaign to promote a small set of eco-driving tips.

The contest takes 20 motorists, selected from 150 finalists, who are being tested as they drive their cars to see who uses the least amount of fuel. The eco-driving campaing focus on 6 common green driving tips: anticipate traffic, drive using low rpm, don't rev up and then quickly slowing down, keep the car properly tuned and analsye your driving to try and identify ways to burn less fuel. Ford partners for this campaing are the ACAP, BP, IMTT-Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes Terrestres, Instituto Superior Técnico and CarChip.

[Source: Ford of Portugal]

Ford launches eco-driving campaign in Portugal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford lusitaniaford of portugalFordLusitaniaFordOfPortugalportugalprojecto eco-conducaoProjectoEco-conducaoThu, 12 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Reva partners with Northern Lights Energy to bring NXR electric car to Iceland]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/reva-partners-with-northern-lights-energy-to-bring-nxr-electric/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/reva-partners-with-northern-lights-energy-to-bring-nxr-electric/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/reva-partners-with-northern-lights-energy-to-bring-nxr-electric/#commentsFiled under: ,

2009 Reva NXG (left) and NXR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Reva Electric Car Company and Northern Lights Energy signed a deal today to bring electric vehicles to Iceland. Reva, as regular readers will know, is the Indian EV company that was once best known for the G-Wiz, a quadricycle that Jeremy Clarkson did not like. In September, Reva revealed its NXG and NXR models at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and it is these newer, better looking vehicles that are destined for Iceland.

Starting in the second half of next year, Northern Lights Energy will begin marketing and selling the NXR and plans to deliver the first vehicles to customers by the end of 2010. The NXR can go about 100 miles per charge (which takes 90 minutes from a dedicated quick charger, eight hours from a standard outlet). Top speed is 65 mph. While Reva builds the cars, Northern Lights will develop a charging infrastructure in Iceland, where nearly 100 percent of the electricity is made from renewable resources (hydropower and geothermal, mostly), as part of its Project 2012. The NXG could follow the NXR to Iceland in 2011.

Reva also recently signed an agreement with GM India to develop and market an "affordable electric car," an electric Chevy Spark, in India. Reva is also working on a plan to build EVs in New York.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Reva NXG


[Source: Reva]

Continue reading Reva partners with Northern Lights Energy to bring NXR electric car to Iceland

Reva partners with Northern Lights Energy to bring NXR electric car to Iceland originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingicelandnorthern lights energyNorthernLightsEnergyrevaReva Electric Car Companyreva evreva icelandreva nxgreva nxrRevaElectricCarCompanyRevaEvRevaIcelandRevaNxgRevaNxrThu, 12 Nov 2009 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Citroën C-Zero ready to be tested [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/citroen-c-zero-ready-to-be-tested-w-video/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/citroen-c-zero-ready-to-be-tested-w-video/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/citroen-c-zero-ready-to-be-tested-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Citroen C-Zero - click above for high res image gallery

British and French motorists will be able to try the Citroën C-Zero before it goes on sale. Citroën has launched a website for interested drivers to ask for a test drive of the badge-engineered Mitsubishi-based car and to get all kinds of information about the model. As announced yesterday, the C-Zero is based on the Mitsubishi iMiEV and uses a standard European 220V plug to fill the batteries in about 6 hours. The website also offers up a nice video which you can watch right after the jump. It's in French, but the message is pretty obvious.

[Source: Citroën via Le Blog Auto]

Continue reading Citroën C-Zero ready to be tested [w/VIDEO]

Citroën C-Zero ready to be tested [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-zerocitroen c-zeroCitroenC-zeroimievionmievmitsubishi mievMitsubishiMievpeugeot ionPeugeotIonpsaWed, 11 Nov 2009 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Sartre uses road trains to save fuel on the highway]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/project-sartre-uses-road-trains-to-save-fuel-on-the-highway/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/project-sartre-uses-road-trains-to-save-fuel-on-the-highway/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/project-sartre-uses-road-trains-to-save-fuel-on-the-highway/#commentsFiled under: ,



Do you get bored when driving along the interstate? Ever wish you could just pull out your laptop and check Facebook on a long straightaway? If a EU-funded project called Sartre ever becomes a reality, you could. Sartre is a sort of drafting software that would use wireless controls to group up to 8 cars together into a train that would follow a truck or bus driven by a professional driver. The software uses GPS-based technology to control the distance between cars and keeps them moving at a constant speed, always guided by the lead vehicle. Road trains would be great for long-distance commuters who don't want to pay attention to the road and would also help with by saving fuel, since they are estimated to reduce fuel costs up to 20 percent since the truck would do most of the job of pushing air out of the way. Science fiction? We'll find out soon when a test on public roads in Spain takes place.

[Source: BBC]

Project Sartre uses road trains to save fuel on the highway originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guided drivingGuidedDrivingproject sartreProjectSartreroad trainsRoadTrainssartreTue, 10 Nov 2009 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[EICMA 2009: First electric Ducati to hit the show floor?]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/eicma-2009-first-electric-ducati-to-hit-the-show-floor/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/eicma-2009-first-electric-ducati-to-hit-the-show-floor/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/eicma-2009-first-electric-ducati-to-hit-the-show-floor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Italwin Ducati City Pearl - Click above for high-res image gallery

Question: When is a Ducati not really a Ducati? Answer: When it's an electrically-assisted pedal bike made by the Italwing Group. The machine is known as the City Pearl, and it will be available in both men's and women's (with a dropped top tube) styles when it goes on sale in January at selected Ducati dealerships in Europe.

There is a precedent set for a pedal-powered Ducati. The famed Italian marque's first two-wheeler was known as the Cucciolo, which was really just a small four-stroke engine that attached to a bicycle frame. Still, we do wish that there was a bit more of a direct connection between Ducati and the City Pearl - as it stands, it seems Italwin is merely trying to capitalize on the Ducati name.

In any case, the specifications for the City Pearl are right in line with other comparable electric bicycles. Power comes from a six-volt 9Ah Panasonic lithium ion battery pack and motivation comes from a front-mounted 250W brushless electric motor that's capable of propelling the bike to 24 kilometers per hour (about 15 mph). A seven-speed Nexus hub from Shimano sends human power to the rear wheel. See both versions in our image gallery below.


Gallery: Italwin Ducati City Pearl


[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading EICMA 2009: First electric Ducati to hit the show floor?

EICMA 2009: First electric Ducati to hit the show floor? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city pearlCityPearlducatiducati city pearlDucatiCityPearleicmaeicma 2009Eicma2009italwinitalwin city pearlitalwin ducati city pearlItalwinCityPearlItalwinDucatiCityPearlTue, 10 Nov 2009 07:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault announces 2011 production of all-electric Kangoo van]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/renault-announces-2011-production-of-all-electric-kangoo-van/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/renault-announces-2011-production-of-all-electric-kangoo-van/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/renault-announces-2011-production-of-all-electric-kangoo-van/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kangoo be bop Z.E. - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week, Renault announced it will build the Twizy EV in Spain starting in 2011 and plug-in vehicle batteries and the Zoe Z.E. in France in 2012. But Renault's push to bring electric cars to market soon don't stop there, they've got a trinity to complete. Today, Renault said it build the all-electric Kangoo Van in early 2011 in Northern France. The Kangoo will be built at Renault's M.C.A. (Maubeuge Construction Automobile plant where the automaker also builds standard Kangoos and Renault has been building vans for twenty years.

The production van won't look like the concept be bop version that Renault unveiled in May (above), but it "will be designed for professionals, primarily for urban and suburban use," Renault says. The Kangoo, along with the sporty Zoe and the city-dwelling Twizy, gives Renault a varied collection of all-electric vehicles that, possiblye, everyday drivers will be able to buy in two or three years. Throw in alliance partner Nissan's Leaf and you're looking at the most-developed EV line-up around.

Gallery: Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E.


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault announces 2011 production of all-electric Kangoo van

Renault announces 2011 production of all-electric Kangoo van originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingkangooKangoo Be Bop ZEkangoo bebopkangoo vanKangoo ZEKangoo ZE ConceptKangooBebopKangooBeBopZeKangooVanKangooZeKangooZeConceptrenaulttwizyTwizy Z.E. ConceptTwizy ZETwizy Zero Emission ConceptTwizyZ.e.ConceptTwizyZeTwizyZeroEmissionConceptMon, 09 Nov 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Citroën's entry in the medium-large car segment is the C5. This sedan, which competes against offerings such as the VW Passat, gets updated with a couple of Euro V-compliant powertrains that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. First, the C5 gets the 1.6-liter THP turbo gasoline engine, which was co-developed with BMW and can be found in other PSA offerings as well as the Mini. This 163 hp unit replaces the 2-liter 143 hp unit and burns 7.1 l/100 km (33 mpg U.S.). The new diesel features a particulate filter and is a 2-liter 163 hp unit that manages to burn just 5.6 l/100 km (42 mpg U.S.) when mated to a manual gearbox and 6.9 l/100 km (34 mpg U.S.) when mated to an automatic.

[Source: Motor Pasión]

Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c5citroen c5CitroenC5clean dieselCleanDieseldpfeuro vEuroVfappsaThu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[SAM begins rebirth as Re-Volt in Poland]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/sam-begins-rebirth-as-re-volt-in-poland/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/sam-begins-rebirth-as-re-volt-in-poland/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/sam-begins-rebirth-as-re-volt-in-poland/#commentsFiled under: ,

SAM Re-Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you harbor a fondness for bizarre-looking three-wheeled electric vehicles and are looking for a good excuse to visit Poland, this may be your lucky day. The re-engineered SAM is now for sale in that Central European Republic and has been dubbed the Re-Volt. Those familiar with the project might remember it was expected to be available through the SAM website a couple months back but, for whatever reason, that site is not yet live.

The price to start turning heads (and possibly create panic) on the streets of Warsaw is now set at 60,200 Polish zlotych ($20,780, about 14,000 Euros). That figure includes, among other things, the 7 kWh Kokam lithium ion battery as well as an on-board charger, electric locks and heat. For a reasonable number of extra zlotychs you can upgrade the audio system to a Blaupunkt, get heated seats, a reverse camera with LCD display and alloy wheels. If you want to try before you buy, you can sign up on their website for up to 2 hours of wheel time. If you do go for a test drive, you can expect to get about 60 miles (100 km) of range and a top speed of 55 mph (90 km/h). The Re-Volt also features a two-stage brake regeneration system that kicks in lightly when the foot is removed from the accelerator and more forcefully when the brake pedal is depressed. If you can't make it to Poland in the near future, you can at least content yourself with an ample gallery of pics below. Enjoy!


Gallery: SAM Re-Volt


[Source: Re-Volt]

SAM begins rebirth as Re-Volt in Poland originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric city carElectricCityCarIATImpact Automotive TechnologiesImpactAutomotiveTechnologiesKokamPolandRe-VoltSAMthree-wheelerWed, 04 Nov 2009 18:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially, Official: Fisker chooses Emil Frey Group for European distribution]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/officially-official-fisker-chooses-emil-frey-group-for-europea/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/officially-official-fisker-chooses-emil-frey-group-for-europea/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/officially-official-fisker-chooses-emil-frey-group-for-europea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Speculation that Fisker's new big dealership partner in Europe would be the Emil Frey Group has turned out to be correct. The start-up automaker announced today that Emil Frey will be its largest partner to import, market and service the company's plug-in hybrid cars in Europe, starting with the Karma. Emil Frey's operations span six countries - Switzerland, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland - and over 100 stores offering a variety of brands. Fisker already has distribution deals in place with the Nellemann Group in Copenhagen, Denmark and GP Supercars in Merano, Italy.


Gallery: Fisker Karma

fisker_karma006bfisker_karma016image003-fkfisker_karma_1747refisker_karma_1798re-3

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Officially, Official: Fisker chooses Emil Frey Group for European distribution

Officially, Official: Fisker chooses Emil Frey Group for European distribution originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfiskerFisker Automotivefisker europeFisker Karmafisker karma hybridFiskerAutomotiveFiskerEuropeFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridWed, 04 Nov 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker picks large distributor for European Karma sales, nearing UAW deal]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/fisker-picks-large-distributor-for-european-karma-sales/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/fisker-picks-large-distributor-for-european-karma-sales/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/fisker-picks-large-distributor-for-european-karma-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Further cementing its worldwide distribution plans, Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker said today that his company has selected "a large distributor" for European sales of its Karma plug-in hybrid and is also investigating a similar deal with "several importers" in China. The unnamed dealer has over 100 dealerships in Europe, Fisker told Reuters, adding that the distributor would be named soon, possibly tomorrow at the Zurich Auto Show. For more on Fisker's dealership strategy, especially in comparison to Tesla's, read this.

Fisker's future plans include making the $87,000 Karma in Finland and selling about 15,000 a year, half in the U.S. and half in other markets. The first Karmas should be delivered by mid-2010. The company recently purchased an unused GM plant in Delaware to build their next model, a $39,000 PHEV. The company also announced that a deal with the UAW regarding that plant should be in place before the end of the year. Thanks to Roy B. for the tip!

Gallery: Fisker Karma

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[Source: Reuters]

Fisker picks large distributor for European Karma sales, nearing UAW deal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Basque Government in Spain has announced an agreement with Repsol to install recharging points for EVs at gasoline refueling stations. These EV stations would be safely separated from gasoline pumps but will be installed near already existing infrastructure. The plan was announced by Repsol's CEO Antoni Brufau, the Basque Prime Minister Patxi López and the Director of the Basque Institute of Energy, Bernabé Unda. Repsol is Spain's largest gasoline distributor and the world's 15th largest oil company. The Basque country is also the site of one of Mercedes' van manufacturing facility in the city of Vitoria. The Basque government also announced that Mercedes was set to build all-electric vans in this factory.

[Source: EITB]

Spanish Basque Country gets EV recharging network alongside some gas pumps originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some people love their profession so much they decorate their cars to show the world how they earn their beans. Such is the case of the owner of a New York taxi company who lives near Monaco and operates mostly hybrid taxis in the Big Apple. Apparently, he has a few beans to show off. The car in question has been painted in the iconic yellow and black taxi cab colors and was exhibited at the French Côte d'Azur where it caused a bit of a sensation. It won't be used to ferry customers around, but that option might still be coming some day to Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Tesla Taxi would be fun to ride in, but it's just for show originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cote dazurCoteDazurny taxiNyTaxitaxitaxi paintTaxiPaintteslatesla roadsterTeslaRoadsterSun, 01 Nov 2009 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero MX bests Quantya, takes 3rd in class in French regional races]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/23/zero-mx-bests-quantya-everything-else-in-france/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/23/zero-mx-bests-quantya-everything-else-in-france/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/23/zero-mx-bests-quantya-everything-else-in-france/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Despite a supplier problem delaying the deliveries of its Zero S and a recent recall of its Zero X and MX, Zero Motorcycles has managed to make good in one of the arenas that counts for a lot with vehicle manufacturers: the race track. The French Motorcycle Federation (FFM) just held its annual motocross event at Gironville, France, and for the first time included rankings for electric machines. It had looked like only riders astride Quantya bikes would be racing but two weeks before flags were dropped, Zero Motorcycles' European importer caught wind of the competition and managed to put together a team featuring Thomas Aubrey aboard a Zero MX. You may recall that the first meet up between the two brands didn't go so well for the Santa Cruz company. This rematch would certainly even the score.

The electrics ran amongst a field of about 40 bikes, mostly 250 and 450cc's, in two qualifiers and two races with the MX easily ranking ahead of the Quantya Tracks in the electric category with Julien Bréant and Adrien Goguet taking 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the first heat, none of the battery-powered machines finished due to a very short period between warm-up and the start that left little time to charge up their packs.

As the day wore on though, results steadily improved and the electrics were moved up to class "D" from "E". In the second heat Aubrey finished in top half of the field in 13th place, but as his position vis-a-vis his electric competitors became more clear, he seemed to become more relaxed and really hit his stride. The first of the final races saw him take 5th place and starting to get the attention of the thousand or so spectators. When the team had arrived, the electric "novelty" was on the receiving end of friendly jokes but as it moved up in the standings, the kidding was put aside.

The last race was the clincher. Thomas got a great start, moving from 13th position to 5th by the first turn on the "Prairie" style course. Moments later, there were only two raucous gassers ahead and when the checkered flag finally dropped, it was Aubrey on the Zero MX that felt the flush of victory. The result brought his ranking for the day up to 3rd in D class but more than that, it opened a lot of eyes to what may lie ahead. Next year's motocross racing could become very interesting as other makers, such as KTM, start to field electric entries of their own. We're looking forward to it.

[Source: Motorbiker.org / FFM via Plugbike]

Zero MX bests Quantya, takes 3rd in class in French regional races originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fédération Française de MotocyclismeFédérationFrançaiseDeMotocyclismeFrench Motorcycle Federation FFMFrenchMotorcycleFederationFfmGironvilleThomas AubreyThomasAubreyZero MotorcyclesZero MXZeroMotorcyclesZeroMxFri, 23 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris business district will test self-driving NEVs in busy square]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/22/paris-business-district-will-test-self-driving-nevs-in-busy-squa/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/22/paris-business-district-will-test-self-driving-nevs-in-busy-squa/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/22/paris-business-district-will-test-self-driving-nevs-in-busy-squa/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you think that crossing la Défense square on foot is tiring, you'll be glad to know that you might soon be able to do it while sleeping. How, you ask? Because Paris' largest business district is going to test self-guiding NEVs on the square soon. Hervé Bonnat, Director of the Etablissement Public de Gestion de la Défense (EPGD), the public group that manages la Défense, has announced a test involving several Cycab models, self-guiding NEVs developed by the Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et Automatique (INRIA, National Institute for Automatics and Computer Research). The Cycab navigates with GPS and uses lasers to stop before hitting obstacles. It seats two and speeds up to whopping 30 km/h (20 mph). Don't scoff. That's plenty to cross the square, which is 1.5 km (0.9 miles) across. Not much time for a nap, though.

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Paris business district will test self-driving NEVs in busy square originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>franceINRIAla defenseLaDefenseparisself-guidingThu, 22 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST