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Suzuki, FCAI call on government for new eco-car incentives

Matt Brogan — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:37:13 +0000

Suzuki Australia has joined in the FCAI in calling for government support for low emissions vehicles.

“It’s about time our peak motoring body put some pressure on the government to reward consumers looking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager, Mr Tony Devers.

“Even more encouraging was the news that the FCAI is of the opinion any government incentive scheme should encourage customers to consider all kinds of green technology.

“It is critical we provide incentives to make green technology attractive to all customers, not just those who can afford $70,000 electric cars or $50,000 hybrid cars.”

The call renews Suzuki’s efforts at last year’s release of its Alto sub-light car.

“As we said last year; in Australia at the moment, the only customers who can benefit from a decision to purchase a ‘green’ car are those who can afford vehicles costing between 60 and 75 thousand dollars,” said Mr Devers.

“There is zero incentive for people wanting to purchase a much less expensive car that is even better for the environment.”

Mr Devers said Suzuki fully agrees with the FCAI’s claim that Australia was in danger of becoming an eco-car backwater.

“It’s time to get serious about greening the industry by linking subsidies to efficiency standards and supporting fuel efficient vehicles like Alto – and the array of low emission vehicles soon to hit our shores – with real incentives.

“With figures like 4.7 litres per 100 km and emissions of just 110 grams per km, the public should be encouraged to purchase these vehicles that make a real difference to the environment,” Devers said.

Alfa Romeo MiTo gains new MultiJet II diesel in UK, Europe

Matt Brogan — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:39:41 +0000

While the the Alfa Romeo MiTo range has offered diesel derivatives since its 2009 launch, new diesel technology means Alfa’s next generation MultiJet II unit will now be offered in the MiTo 1.3 JTDM-2 in UK and European markets.

The new engine, developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), blends lower emissions, reduced noise and fuel consumption with increased acceleration and power.

Developing 70kW of power and 200Nm of torque, the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is capable of taking the MiTo from rest to 100km/h in 11.6 seconds while also achieving a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of just 4.3L/100km and a CO2 emissions number of 112g/km – making it fully compliant with strict Euro 5 emissions legislation.

To further bolster MiTo’s environmental credentials, the 1.3 MultiJet II engine comes standard with Start&Stop technology, a second-generation Variable Vane Geometry turbocharger and features a Diesel Particulate Filter.

Toyota Prius Review – Long Term Conclusion

Alborz Fallah — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:57:56 +0000

Having spent over three months with a third-generation Toyota Prius, it was time to hand it back, however before doing so I thought, what better way to get a conclusion than to attend the Prius Club of QLD meeting (yes, Prius owners have a club).

The Toyota Prius is as much a car as it is a symbol of the ages, its environmental credentials may always be under extreme scrutiny but the fact of the matter is, it’s by and large a brilliant car. It’s so much more than just a hybrid car to save the planet, its a showcase of the latest in technological innovations Toyota has to offer.

Given the number of electric cars joining the market, the Prius may indeed be an interim car, but so is every other car currently on the market. The technology is changing so rapidly that manufacturers have to pick and stick to one system to make it viable. Toyota arguably kick started the environmentally friendly vehicle crusade and it has picked the electric+petrol combination for its entire lineup.

One way to look at the Toyota Prius is to view it as the S-Class of Toyota. It comes feature packed with pretty much every single bit of technology the Big T has to offer at a reasonable price. If you haven’t done so already, read all the reviews on the Toyota Prius.

After three months and almost 5,000km of driving, any previous dislike that I had for the Prius is long gone. To put it simply it’s a package that comes together nicely. It does exactly as its told, it never misbehaves, it gets the job done and it does so whilst using a very reasonable amount of fuel. Plus, if there are Prius clubs popping around it certainly means there is some emotion attached to the car as well.

The Prius Club of QLD meets monthly in a local library, and no they don’t sit around discussing who had the better fuel economy or who saved more trees this month (I have been asked that far too many times). In fact you may be surprised that the majority of owners didn’t list the car’s fuel efficiency benefits as the main reason for their purchase.

Rated highly on the list of why they bought a Prius included: Comfort, solid feel, technological innovations, reliability, green-image and of course Toyota loyalty and eventually fuel economy.

It’s hard to argue with them on any of those points, the Prius is all those things and more. I was however curious as to why it was picked over other eco-friendly vehicles. When quizzed about swapping to diesel powered cars, many still had preconceived ideas about ‘dirty, smelly, noisy diesels’. It goes to show how much work diesel cars still have to do to gain acceptance.

What about electric cars? Of course, who wouldn’t want a full-electric Toyota Prius. Toyota is set to release a Plug-in hybrid version of the car later this year and that will no doubt pave the way for an eventual full-electric Prius in the future. As I said before, the current Prius is an interim car, so is the upcoming plug-in Prius and so forth until the technology hits a point which it no longer evolves as rapidly. This is still decades away.

If you’re in the market for a Toyota Prius don’t worry about waiting and waiting for newer generations, but perhaps a little consideration should be paid to the car’s resale value. Given the type of car it is and how quickly technology evolves, the Prius does not necessarily hold its value all that well. This is similar to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series, both of which suffer from the same issue. However if you want the latest in car technology, you have to pay the early-adopters fee.

High on the list of “what would like to see in the next-generation Prius” current owners wrote:

plug-in capability (coming)
rear air-vents
More noise – Too quite at low speeds in car parks, no one can hear you coming (interesting problem)
Beeping – When reversing the Prius beeps on the inside, the driver knows they are reversing! Why not beep on the outside?
New wheels – The car’s wheels can really do with an upgrade (17-inch alloys now available)
A proper spare-wheel and not just tools to band-aid a puncture.
Smart entry not to unlock all doors at once (possibly able to be set through the car’s ECU)
Improve handling (bigger wheels will help eleviate this issue)
Native iPod/iPhone support
Improve Sat-Nav with ability to read out street names (should be simple)
Voice activation (should be simple)
Front camera (simple)

Many have argued strongly against the Toyota Prius on the basis of “you won’t get your money back on the fuel savings“, the Ford Fiesta Econetic which has recently taken the title of the most fuel efficient vehicle in Australia consistently has a go at the Prius.

I admire Ford for their efforts and I do think the Fiesta Econetic is a marvelous car, nonetheless no potential Prius owner is considering the Fiesta. From what I’ve gathered, a Prius owner spends considerable amounts of time researching their vehicle and makes an informed decision based on desire for the latest in car technology and a soft-spot for the environment.

Three months ago I wouldn’t have been sitting here writing an article in defence of the Toyota Prius, but times have changed. The Prius is quite possibly the most misunderstood vehicle on the market today, forget the fuel efficiency and green credentials for a minute and focus on the fact that it can drive itself, park itself and get you from A->B in comfort. Isn’t that what matters the most?

Toyota Prius production to be slashed as recall woes continue

Matt Brogan — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:32:14 +0000

Toyota’s popular environmental crusader, the Prius hybrid, will have its production levels slashed this month as the Japanese manufacturer struggles to address claims of braking system problems.

Nearly 450,000 third-generation Prius models were recalled earlier this year amid claims the brakes could fail to properly function when the car switched between petrol and electric mode or was driven on particularly slippery or bumpy roads.

The issue has caused a sales slump for Toyota with the US market — the Prius’ single most important market — recording a 40 per cent fall in Prius purchases.

Reports from Tokyo say Toyota will trim 10 per cent from Prius production levels to meet the slowing demand. Prius production reached a peak output of 50,000 units per month back in October 2009 after going on sale in May the same year. It’s understood that figure will now be pared back to around 45,000 units a month.

In the Prius’ home market of Japan, the petrol-electric hybrid has been a sales success, and thanks to state subsidies and tax incentives, has topped the nation’s best seller list for the past nine months.

“The outlook for Prius demand is uncertain,” a Toyota spokesperson said.

In the US regulators are investigating more than 60 reports of customer issues with the Prius’ braking system as Toyota’s investigation of the problem continues.

Coffee-powered car won’t take the grind out of commuting

Matt Brogan — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:21:34 +0000

Nicknamed the Car-puccino, the car that runs on roasted coffee granules has today been unveiled in the UK.

Based on a 1988 Volkswagen Scirocco, the car has been built by a team from the UK’s BBC science program ‘Bang Goes the Theory’, and will be driven from Manchester to London (approx. 340kms) where it will go on display at the Big Bang Science Fair.

Costing between 25 to 50 times the amount of its petrol-powered derivative to run, the coffee-powered car certainly won’t win any friends among auto industry bean-counters, but instead is an exercise aimed at proving how fuels other than petrol and diesel can be used to power vehicles.

The team piloting the Carpuccino estimate the car will consume one kilogram of coffee for every five kilometres traveled. Using around 70 kilograms of coffee to complete the trip, that’s roughly AUD$3000 worth of coffee (based on supermarket prices).

In total, the trip will use the equivalent of 11,760 espressos, with ‘coffee breaks’ required every 80 kilometres for refueling. The team will also need to stop every 100 kilometres to clean out the ‘coffee filters’ which will fill with soot and tar.

The Carpuccino has a top speed of 100km/h, but given the amount of stops required, it is estimated the trip will take up to ten hours.

“Coffee, like wood or coal, has some carbon content so you can use it as a fuel,” said Mr Nick Watson, producer of Bang Goes The Theory.

“The coffee needs to be very dry and in pellets to allow the air to move through the pile of coffee as it burns. The brand doesn’t matter.”

Mr Watson said the same gasification process could be used to power a car on other unusual fuels, such as woodchips, walnut shells, construction debris, agricultural waste or landfill.

To save money, and to help the environment, the team are using dried waste coffee grounds from a franchise coffee shop.

Atomik Cars (Fiat) 500 Abarth EV ready for sale

Matt Brogan — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:57:08 +0000

With Fiat/Chrysler yet to deliver an all-electric version of its lovable 500 model, someone else had to step up to the plate – and it seems someone has.

Atomik Cars, who fittingly use the motto “Anticipating the future”, has modified a Fiat 500 Abarth to deliver what it says is “a zero-emissions vehicle that blends supercar performance with city car packaging”.

It is reported that output from the electric 500’s AC brushless synchronous motors are the equivalent to that of a 224kW petrol engine, enough to propel the light-weight hatch from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

The 500 EV uses lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries (in unknown quantity), a ceramic heating system to warm its passengers and a “Peltier A/C module w/o gas” to cool them.

Further details of the Atomik Cars 500 EV will be presented at its April debut at Top Marques Monaco, a four-day event full of super cars, luxury transportation and suchlike.

Atomik plans to make 50 examples of its 500 EV for purchase – pricing has not yet been revealed.

Honda’s hydrogen future may lie with solar home refueling

Matt Brogan — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:23:21 +0000

Honda says the future of its hydrogen-powered vehicles may lie with solar-powered home refueling stations.

The Japanese manufacturer hopes its latest idea will make hydrogen the fuel of choice for zero-emission cars, believing hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles offer the best long-term alternative to fossil fuels.

While many manufacturers, such as GM and Toyota, continue to invest heavily in battery technology, Honda is widely seen as the hydrogen leader, strongly tempted by the idea of a car that uses no oil and emits only water vapour.

The biggest barrier in hydrogen-powered cars so far is the lack of refueling infrastructure, which has lead Honda to decide the best alternative is public refueling networks combined with a modest home option.

Honda’s home option will comprise a solar-powered hydrogen refueling station using solar panels.

“Customers can choose how they interact with both of them based on their annual miles and their habits,” said Mr Stephen Ellis, fuel cell manager at Honda North America.

“The key thing to remember is that with five-minute refueling you are good for another 240 miles (387km).”

That number come from public “fast-fill” stations, of which only a handful currently exist in Southern California where Honda currently leases 15 of its FCX Clarity models (as pictured above).

It is estimated that the home fueling station would provide enough hydrogen for a trip of 50 kilometres during an eight hour ‘charge’ – or roughly that of the average daily commute.

At Honda’s Los Angeles Research and Development Centre, the FCX Clarity is refueled using a single-unit station connected to a series of solar panels that replaces a two-unit system, cutting costs and improving efficiency by as much as 25 per cent.

“This is wonderful progress, the biggest progress,” said Mr Ikuya Yamashita, the chief engineer of the station.

That station uses a 6kW solar array, composed of 48 panels and thin film solar cells developed by a Honda subsidiary. The station breaks down water into hydrogen in what Honda calls a “virtually carbon-free energy cycle.”

The FCX Clarity’s hydrogen stack (or electricity generator) is around the size of a brief case and is installed between the front seats for maximum impact protection.

It is anticipated that the Honda FCX Clarity will be commercially viable by 2018, while the solar hydrogen refueling system could move beyond the research stage and into the market as early as 2015.

“A lot of this work is not necessarily for today’s economic situation,” said Mr Ellis.

“This is for tomorrow, when most people feel energy prices will be higher.”

Honda CR-Z sport hybrid tallies 7000 orders in Japan

Matt Brogan — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:55:26 +0000

Honda has already recorded 7000 orders for its all-new CR-Z sport hybrid in Japan, only 5000 shy of its projected annual target.

The Honda CR-Z, which went on sale in Japan on February 25, 2010, is a sport-oriented petrol-electric hybrid three-door hatch powered by the combination of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Total output figures are 91kw/174Nm while combined fuel economy is 6.2L/100km.

Honda was recently criticised for the CR-Z’s poor fuel consumption figure in the press but responded by saying the car is trying to be both “sporty and fuel efficient” at the same time – two things no green car has yet managed to combine.

Further flak ensued with media quick to point out other vehicles in the CR-Z’s market sector delivered comparable fuel consumption and performance figures without using hybrid technology, and often at a better price point.

The discussions very nearly resulted in Honda’s US executives calling a halt to the model’s sale in North America.

“We had serious doubts about whether this would bring value, ” said Mr Norio Tomobe, Chief Engineer of the Honda CR-Z, while speaking to Automotive News.

Mr Tomobe also said the CR-Z hybrid may feel a little underpowered in its current form, suggesting a Honda CR-Z Type R could be in the pipeline.

Back in Japan the CR-Z is still selling like hot cakes, a catch-22 for other hybrid models in the Honda line up. Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid model sales are already beginning to slow.

At this stage Honda have not confirmed a release date for the CR-Z in Australia, though we expect mid to late 2011.

Aurica Motors floats EV plan to keep NUMMI plant open

Matt Brogan — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:40 +0000

Start-up electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Aurica Motors, is floating a plan to keep the doors of California’s New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) plant open.

NUMMI, a US-based joint venture between Toyota and General Motors, has struggled to find a viable suitor for its Californian plant since the Global Financial Crisis saw the number of vehicles produced there severely reduced and is scheduled to shut its doors on March 31. GM pulled out of the venture last year as part of its reorganisation under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and Toyota said it would be forced to follow suit because the plant isn’t financially viable without GM as a partner.

A report published by AutoNews today said Aurica Motors General Manager, Mr Matt Pitagora, has been in discussions with NUMMI for the past three months, and is hopeful his plan to build zero emissions vehicles will keep the plant open, as well as providing jobs for the plant’s 4700 strong workforce.

“We want to keep the plant open, and we believe we have a very viable plan to do so by manufacturing electric cars,” Mr Pitagora said.

“It’s all about keeping the lights on.”

Aurica, a little-known company based in Santa Clara, California, currently consists of only eight employees and unpublicised finances, but has high hopes for the NUMMI facility saying it could turn the plant around within two years. If successful, Aurica said it could begin training NUMMI staff as early as April with the aim of retaining as many staff as possible.

Although the proposal is still in its infancy, Aurica hopes to finance the move by tapping green car economic stimulus funds made available by the US federal government. Aurica already has a chassis design at the ready for its proposed ‘E-Car’. The EV is expected to sell for between USD$40,000 and $50,000 (AUD$43,680 and $54,600).

Mr Pitagora declined to give details about how much backing his company has received from private investors, or how much federal aid it would be seeking.

“We need to work with the Nummi people to fine tune the numbers about how much it actually takes to run the plant,” he said.

Though yet to make a single sale, Aurica has been working on its prototype for the past four years and is said to be developing a new electronic system called Recurve Drive System (RDS) that allows EVs to travel greater distances on the same battery charge. Aurica’s approach rests largely on the utilisation of in-wheel motors. Mr Pitagora said Aurica wants to branch into vehicle manufacturing partly as an outlet for its new drivetrain technology.

Toyota Prius enjoys record UK sales

Matt Brogan — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:12:01 +0000

The Toyota Prius has more than doubled its previous monthly sales record selling 538 units across the UK for the month of February.

The previous record of 237 units, was set back in February of 2008.

The third generation Toyota Prius is on the short list for this year’s The World Car of the Year and has been Japan’s best selling car for nine consecutive months (May 2009 to January 2010).

Since the first generation Toyota Prius was launched in 1997, more than 1.6 million units have been sold worldwide.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Concept at Geneva Motor Show

Matt Brogan — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:56:54 +0000

With the all-new BMW 5 Series sedan range set to go on sale in June, the German manufacturer has taken this chance to show its future petrol-electric hybrid model, due to go on sale next year, at the Geneva Motor Show.

Sharing the stage with conventionally powered six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel models, the new ActiveHybrid 5 Concept will use a sophisticated hybrid system comprising a 224kW twin-scroll turbo, direct injection petrol six-cylinder engine (as found in the 535i), an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries (stored in the boot).

The electric motor develops 40kW and is connected to the engine via a special clutch arrangement that allows the motor to become a generator when the vehicle is coasting or braking. The ActiveHybrid 5 Concept will also use BMW’s automatic engine stop-start system and an electric air-conditioning compressor to save even more fuel.

The hybrid system can operate as a full two-mode hybrid meaning the ActiveHybrid 5 Concept can operate on electric power, petrol power or a combination of both.

Official fuel economy and performance details have not yet been released, though BMW is saying we can expect a fuel saving of around 10 per cent compared to the standard 535i – albeit with a little more oomph.

Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI & C220 CDI Blue Efficiency – Geneva 2010

Matt Brogan — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:16:10 +0000

Mercedes-Benz has launched two new BlueEfficiency models at the Geneva Motor Show with its new C- and E-Class models on display.

Both cars are powered by Mercedes-Benz’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, though power outputs vary between models with the C220 CDI scoring a 127kW/399Nm and the E250 CDI gaining a 152kW/500Nm offering.

The engines have been revised for even greater efficiency with improvements that include a reduced mass crankshaft (by cutting the number of counterweights from eight to four), better oil pressure regulation and revised turbocharged that reduces parasitic loss.

Both models also get an automatic start-stop system for the first time with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

As you’d expect, fuel efficiency is also very impressed with the C220 CDI achieving a combined figure of 4.51L/100 and the E250 CDI 4.91L/100km. CO2 figures are 119g/km and 129g.km respectively.

The two new Mercedes-Benz variants will go on sale in Europe from Q2.

Kia Venga EV Concept, Kia Ray plug-in hybrid at Geneva 2010

Matt Brogan — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:54:52 +0000

In addition to revealing its all-new Sportage model, Kia have taken the wraps off two environmentally-friendly ‘EcoDynamics’ (a new sub-brand for the Korean manufacturer) models at the Geneva Motor Show today with the world premiere of the electric-powered Venga EV concept and the European debut of the Kia Ray ‘plug-in’ hybrid sedan concept car.

“Kia’s powerful presence at Geneva will embody three premieres and highlight our brand’s stylish design and world-class engineering. With the all-new Sportage, we have created a five-seater crossover with maximized customer appeal. It is urban-friendly and fully in tune with changing consumer expectations and demands,” commented Hyoung-Keun Lee, President, Kia Motors Corporation.

“During the current global economic downturn, Kia products have maintained their appeal to consumers and enabled us to increase our market share in many regions. Last year we delivered more than 1.65 million vehicles to customers, an increase of 20 per cent.

“This year, I am confident that the all-new Sportage, new Venga, new Sorento, Soul and the increasingly popular cee’d and Forte ranges, will lead a successful Kia sales drive around the world to attract more and more newcomers to our brand.”

The all-electric Kia Venga EV concept car is the same size, and offers the same space, as its conventionally powered sibling – now on sale across Europe. The Venga EV features an 80kW electric motor that also develops 280Nm of torque.

Showcasing Kia’s new ‘EcoDynamics’ range of fuel-saving vehicles, the Venga EV includes a twin-pack 24kWh battery using innovative LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) technology. A driving range of 180km is possible from a single charge while 0-100km/h is managed in 11.8 seconds (top speed is 140km/h).

The battery can be charged to 80 per cent of its capacity in under 20 minutes, while full charge can be obtained in eight hours. The front-wheel drive Venga EV fits its electric powertrain within the existing engine bay, while the battery pack is located under the floor of the cargo area.

After making its world premiere at the recent Chicago Motor Show, the Kia Ray Concept (as picture, top) has today made its European debut at Geneva.

The sleek, futuristic body combines sophisticated looks with keen aerodynamics (0.25Cd) to further improve fuel efficiency. Ray can travel more than 80km solely on electric power or up to 1,200 kilometres on a single tank of fuel, thanks to fuel economy of 1.398L/100km.

The Kia Ray concept also features innovative curved hexagonal roof-top solar cells which provide a trickle charge that helps operate a cooling fan to reduce cabin temperatures when the vehicle is parked.

Under the bonnet, Ray is powered by a 1.4-litre direct injection four-cylinder engine and a 78kW electric motor which can be used individually or combined depending on driving conditions. Ray is also fitted with Kia’s new LiPoly batteries. Its top speed is 175km/h.

Audi A8 Hybrid revealed at Geneva 2010

Matt Brogan — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:09:14 +0000

Audi has taken the covers off its A8 Hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show overnight.

The Audi A8 Hybrid combines a 2.0-litre TFSI engine with a small electric motor to develop a combined total of 180kW of power and 480Nm of torque. The combined fuel economy figure is 5.15L/100km while CO2 figures are just 144g/km.

The Audi A8 Hybrid’s parallel hybrid system transmits power via an eight-speed tiptronic (automatic) transmission, enabling a 0-100km/h time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 236km/h. The system allows propulsion by either the petrol engine, the electric motor of a combination of the pair.

During coasting or braking, the electric motor acts as a generator that converts kinetic energy in to electricity to recharge the battery. The Audi A8 Hybrid can travel up to two kilometres on electric power alone at speeds up to 65km/h – enough for urban stop-and-go traffic.

Timing of the model’s retail release has not yet been announced.

Citroen DS High Rider unveiled at Geneva Motor Show

Matt Brogan — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:45:10 +0000

As Citroen unveils more of its new model range at the Geneva Motor Show this morning, the covers have come off its latest interpretation of the new DS line, the DS High Rider Concept.

The new DS High Rider Concept embodies Citroen’s “contemporary vision of vigour with compact design as a fundamental value”, and also features the company’s latest technological drivetrain structure known as Full Hybrid 4. The system uses a small and efficient diesel engine to drive the front wheels while an electric motor drives the rear. The Full Hybrid 4 system can continuously switch between, or combine the two engines as required.

The DS High Rider is a muscular yet compact four-seat coupé boasting a windscreen that stretches back into the roof, a passenger-focused interior and a driveline that is said to offer a unique driving experience while at the same time setting a new standard in ride comfort (CarAdvice hope to bring you more pictures of the DS High Rider Concept this afternoon).

The vehicle, similar in size to the Citroen C4, also offers a higher ground clearance and rides on 19-inch diamond-effect alloy wheels.

Fiat Group’s average CO2 emissions continue to fall

Matt Brogan — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:00:59 +0000

According to figures compiled by the independent research company JATO Dynamics, the Fiat Group continues to lead the way in cutting greenhouse gas recording the lowest volume weighted CO2 emissions.

Fiat Group brands Ferrari and Alfa Romeo have also scored well recording the best overall reduction and the best volume weighted brand reduction for vehicles sold in Europe during 2009.

“These figures are significant because they show the total impact of every vehicle sold by each car maker, not just the performance of one particular model in a range,” explains Mr Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager for Fiat in Australia.

“It’s relatively easy to have one particularly clean model in your range, but these figures measure the emissions of every vehicle sold, and that means every vehicle has to make a significant contribution to cutting emissions. To be at the top of these lists means that Fiat is making a creditable and substantial cut to CO2 emissions with every vehicle it sells.”

With an average emission figure for every vehicle it sold in Europe in 2009 of just 127.8 grams per kilometre, the Fiat brand is the best performing brand for CO2 emissions in Europe for the second year running.

This figure also means that Fiat has beaten the European target of an average of 130 grams per kilometre, years ahead of its implementation in 2015.

Ferrari, which is part of the Fiat Group, recorded the single biggest drop in emissions across the vehicle range in 2009 with a massive average drop of 53.6 grams per kilometre.

Alfa Romeo reduced its average CO2 by 18.3 grams per kilometre.

The Fiat Group has the lowest CO2 emissions of any automotive group, with an average of 131 g/km for all the vehicles it sold in 2009.

“Despite this impressive performance, Fiat is not resting on its environmental laurels,” says Mr Zaitzev.

“In 2010 Alfa Romeo will add the MultiAir engines to the Mito range, further cutting its emissions, the new Giulietta will use the same engines and the new advanced new TBi engine and at the Geneva Motor Show this week (2 March 2010) Fiat will be launching TwinAir, an impressive new compact engine that will reduce emissions for the Fiat 500 down to just 96 g/km.”

Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid to drive to Geneva Motor Show

Matt Brogan — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:32:16 +0000

Opel Ampera production prototype number one has today received its initial charge of electricity from the newly installed charging station at Opel/Vauxhall’s European headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

The extended-range electric vehicle will use this first charge, stored in its 16kWh lithium-ion battery, to drive the initial stage of a 600km journey from the Rüsselsheim HQ to the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland – all without emitting any CO2.

Driving Ampera number one is Opel/Vauxhall Director of Electric Vehicle Implementation, Mr Gherardo Corsini.

“I am really looking forward to putting a lot of miles on our first Ampera prototype during this maiden test on public roads,” said Mr Corsini.

“With 370Nm of instantaneous, electric torque under my right foot, it promises to be an interesting and almost silent drive to Geneva.”

When the battery’s charge is low (after around 65km), the Ampera’s petrol engine will kick-in to generate electricity for the remainder of the journey. This bypasses the need of a lengthy stop for recharging.

Series-production of the Opel Ampera is scheduled to begin at the end of 2011.

If you’d like to follow the Opel Ampera’s journey online, a live blog will begin this Sunday morning with regular updates about the journey from Rüsselsheim to Geneva. The blog can be found at:

www.opel.posterous.com or twitter.com/opelblogs

Britain’s ultra-low carbon car incentive programme announced

Matt Brogan — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:12:29 +0000

Britain has today announced the final details of its £230 million (AUD$397,213,500) ultra-low carbon car incentive programme.

From January next year, British motorists will be entitled to a ‘Plug-In Car Grant’ of up to £5,000 (AUD$8,600) when buying an electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel-cell car that meets safety, reliability, performance and warranty standards, as set by the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV).

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) welcomed the announcement from OLEV. It also announced the winners of the ‘Plugged-In Places’ scheme which saw UK cities and regions bid for investment to further the development of infrastructure required to support ultra-low carbon vehicles.

“This incentive scheme signals a significant commitment by government and industry to promote ultra-low carbon vehicles and is great news for motorists,” said SMMT chief executive, Mr Paul Everitt.

“The UK is determined to be a world-leader in developing ultra-low carbon vehicles, sustaining and creating high-skill jobs, attracting inward investment and producing cutting-edge products,

“Manufacturers develop and produce new technology where demand exists. This incentive will help encourage international investment in the UK as well as reducing motorists’ CO2 emissions.”

The Plugged-In Places investment, totalling around £30 million (AUD$51,810,400), will see the installation of over 11,000 charging points in and around London, Milton Keynes and North East England. Additional cities will have the chance to join the scheme in June of this year.

Motorists charged $30 for rail scheme disaster

George Skentzos — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:01:39 +0000

Drivers across New South Wales are set to foot the bill for Sydney’s ill-conceived express rail service to the Western Suburbs thanks to a new car registration levy.

The new tax will force motorists to pay up to an additional $30 per year and is expected to generate over $500 million in revenue for the state government over the next ten years.

Motorists will be charged on a sliding scale based on their cars weight, with all but Lotus Exige owners set to be out of pocket with a 975kg maximum tax-free weight threshold.

It will cost motorists anywhere between $5 and $30 more the next time their car registration is due from July 2010 when the tax comes into effect.

It is typical of the state government to plug holes in the budget at the expense of motorists, with the controversial and outdated luxury car tax already taking its toll on Mum and Dad motorists.

With motor vehicle taxes only justifiable as a means of generating funds to maintain the state’s appalling road networks, it boggles the mind to think motorists are also keeping the public rail network afloat.

Furthermore, motorists in regional NSW will also have to share the burden of the new tax levy for a proposed rail service they are unlikely to ever use, while their own local public transport remains sub-par or non-existent.

As a knee-jerk solution to an unrelated problem, our politicians didn’t even have the decency to disguise the levy in the name of the environment, choosing to base the tax on weight rather than something remotely beneficial like carbon emissions.

Although Premier Kristina Keneally has still blindly defended the increased tax, saying that the policy would encourage motorists into smaller cars.

“The levy is scaled to the weight of the vehicle and so lighter vehicles will pay less, heavier vehicles will pay more,” she said.

“That is also targeted as encouraging people to buy lighter vehicles. From an environmental standpoint that’s a better outcome.”

Never mind that the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Australia’s most efficient locally-produced car, will be hit with the tax alongside the country’s most economical small car, the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, which tips the scales at just 1088kg – still heavy enough to be taxed.

With The Daily Telegraph

Fiat eco:Drive now available in Fleet version

Tim Beissmann — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:48:08 +0000

Fiat’s award-winning eco:Drive efficient driving advice system is now available in a Fleet version to help fleet managers reduce their environmental impact and save up to 15 percent on fuel.

Standard on all vehicles with Blue&Me telematics, the eco:Drive system provides feedback to the driver on their driving skill, mileage and fuel consumption and suggests tips for sustainable driving behaviour in the future.

Fiat Australia general manager, Andrei Zaitzev, describes eco:Drive as intelligent design at its best.

“Rather than give some form of generalised, unfocused advice on how to drive more economically, the Fiat eco:Drive system examines the skills of each individual and provides personalised advice specific for them on how to hone their skills and drive more economically.

“The new Fleet version adds to this data storage and collection to aid fleet managers in their constant quest to save money and also help the environment,” Mr Zaitzev said.

The eco:Drive system receives parameters related to fuel consumption from the engine control unit through Blue&Me. The recorded data can be transferred to a computer via a USB, and processed by the appropriate software.

More than 100,000 copies of the system have been downloaded since its launch at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Fiat says more than 32,000 drivers use it every day and at least four million journeys have been logged and analysed on the dedicated website, representing an overall CO2 saving of as much as 2500 tonnes.