Green Cars, Hybrid Cars, Electric Cars and Clean Diesel News

GM Invests $44.5 Million in Lansing Grand River Plant

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:45:00 -0500

General Motors announced a $44.5 million investment to build a Logistics Optimization Center at its Lansing Grand River Assembly plant, creating 200 new jobs.

The investment will be used to build a 400,000-square-foot building adjacent to the plant to sequence and assemble parts to make manufacturing more flexible at the site. Lansing Grand River is home of the Cadillac ATS, the North American Car of the Year.

This investment will save money and improve efficiency by leveraging available plant real estate and streamlining the flow of materials. It will reduce transportation and contribute to improved quality by reducing handling.

The plant currently builds the Cadillac ATS and the three Cadillac CTS models – sedan, coupe and wagon, as well as high-performance V-Series models of each.

“This project is the latest example of how we’re doing business differently in GM today,” said Christine Sitek, GM North America manufacturing manager. “We’ve developed an innovative material strategy that increases efficiency and improves quality to benefit our customers, employees and the bottom line.”

Nissan, Mitsubishi Start Production of Jointly Developed New Minicars

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:08:00 -0500

Nissan Motor Co., Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and NMKV Co., Ltd commemorated the off-line ceremony for the new minicar, which Nissan and Mitsubishi will release in June across Japan, at Mitsubishi's Mizushima Plant.

The new mini-car to be launched under the model names of Nissan DAYZ and DAYZ Highway STAR, and the Mitsubishi eK Wagon and eK Custom, is the first model jointly planned and developed by a joint venture, NMKV, engaging in the minicar business for both companies.

The new model was created with a totally different approach from the conventional OEM, where NMKV, a joint venture formed by Nissan and Mitsubishi, combined strength of both companies in every step of car manufacturing.

Combining a product concept made up by NMKV consisting of members from both companies with a different taste of design of each company, the models carry the brand identity of each company.

With integrated expertise of two companies, the new cars deliver a number of attractions that conventional minicars do not offer, including best-in-class fuel economy, touch-screen automatic air-conditioning system to be adopted for the first time in minicars and high-quality feel interior.

Following the first model, NMKV is now developing a super height wagon-type minicar as its second model, slated to be on sale at the beginning of 2014.

Nissan and Mitsubishi will continuously strengthen competitiveness of their minicar lineup maximizing synergy through NMKV.

The All-New Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:30:00 -0500

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new S-Class ahead of going on sale in September.

Slightly taller and wider, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class features a front fascia with a bigger front radiator grille and a slanting rear end.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-class will be the first vehicle in the world to come with full LED lighting – inside and out – as standard. The headlamps use up to 56 LEDs, the taillights use up to 35 LEDs (the intensity of the brake lights is reduced at night and in traffic jams), while the interior uses 300 LEDs for ambient illumination.

A range of high-tech safety systems are available. Mercedes' latest Pre-Safe system can detect pedestrians or vehicles in front and apply the car's brakes if necessary, while there's also a new "beltbag" – an inflatable seat-belt strap that's designed to reduce the risk of injury to rear passengers by reducing the strain placed on their rib cage.

The front of the cabin is dominated by two 12.3” screens. One replaces the traditional instrument cluster, while the other displays the status of various infotainment and navigations systems. The on-board data system comprises not only Bluetooth, but wireless and KleerNet and allows you to run the whole car from your iPad if you so desire. There's a 200gb hard drive, app functionality and the optional Burmester stereo has 24 speakers and 1540 watts of power.

The new Mercedes S-Class will offer two hybrid versions, a gasoline model and a diesel variant at launch: the S 400 HYBRID, S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, S 500, and S 350 BlueTEC.

S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID
Mercedes-Benz has practically halved fuel consumption in the 150 kW output category within ten years: the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID has a combined fuel consumption of just 4.4 liters per 100 km (53.5 mpg US) (CO2: 115 g/km) and meets the criteria of energy efficiency class A+.

In the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, Mercedes-Benz has combined the 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine developing 150 kW (204 hp) with a powerful hybrid module. Its 15 kW electric motor, positioned between the internal combustion engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission, assists the diesel engine when the car is accelerating (boost effect) and, in alternator mode, is used for the recuperation of braking energy, although it is also suitable for driving under electric power alone.

S 400 HYBRID
Even in the previous model series, the S 400 HYBRID was the world's most economical gasoline-engined luxury saloon for some time. With the hybrid model, which combines a V6 gasoline engine with a compact hybrid module, the Mercedes Benz engineers have made further advances in efficiency: the new S 400 HYBRID boasts NEDC (combined) fuel consumption of just 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers (37.3 mpg US) – a reduction of 20 percent compared to the preceding model.

The CO2 emissions figure of 147 grams per kilometer is likewise a new record in this vehicle segment. These exemplary figures are coupled with outstanding performance potential: the gasoline engine develops 225 kW (306 hp) – and the electric motor adds another 20 kW. The peak torque is 370 Nm (+250 Nm).

The compact hybrid module is a disc-shaped electric motor that also acts as a starter and generator. The system offers a double benefit, as it both helps to save fuel and, due to the booster effect of the electric motor, powerfully backs up the internal combustion engine during the high-consumption acceleration phase. The S 400 HYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.8 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

When the vehicle decelerates, the electric motor acts as a generator and can recuperate the braking energy. The recuperated energy is stored in a compact yet highly efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment and made available when required.

S 500
The V8 biturbo unit in the S 500 has a displacement of 4663 cc and an output of 335 kW (455 hp) – making it more powerful than its 320 kW (435 hp) predecessor. Its peak torque is 700 Nm, while NEDC fuel consumption is just 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.4 mpg US) – 0.7 liters per 100 km lower than its predecessor. CO2 emissions are 199 g/km.

The excellent efficiency goes hand in hand with superior performance: the S 500 sprints from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in an impressive 4.8 seconds. Its top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph) (electronically limited).

S 350 BlueTEC
The V6 diesel engine in the S 350 BlueTEC has a displacement of 2987 cc, an output of 190 kW (258 hp) and a torque of 620 Nm. Its combined fuel consumption of 5.5 or 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers (42.8 or 42 mpg US) (diesel fuel; figures for short/long wheelbase versions) makes it the world's most economical V6 diesel and puts it on a par with the previous four-cylinder S 250 CDI model.

The S 350 BlueTEC has CO2 emissions of 146 or 148 grams per kilometer (figures for short/long wheelbase versions), and it is equipped with the second-generation AdBlue® emission-control system.

Effective helpers: ECO start/stop function and ECO display
The excellent consumption and emission figures are also due to the ECO start/stop function specified as standard for all S-Class models. The ECO start/stop function switches the engine off as soon as the vehicle stops – for example at traffic-lights – and the driver keeps the brake pedal depressed after coming to a halt. The engine restarts immediately when the driver releases the brake pedal.

One of the features that assists the driver is the ECO display in the instrument cluster. If required, three bar charts give the driver feedback about the economy of their driving style. The ECO display responds positively if the driver accelerates moderately, drives smoothly in an anticipatory manner and avoids unnecessary braking. The three bar readings stand at 100% if driving is particularly economical according to these criteria. When starting off all the values are at 50%, and a particularly unfavorable driving style causes them to decline. The aim is to arouse a competitive desire in the driver to achieve 100% if possible.

Further efficiency-enhancing measures include aerodynamics; intelligent lightweight construction; second-generation low-rolling-resistance tires; an electronically controlled refrigerant compressor; and the new “ECO Thermo Cover” engine compartment encapsulation in the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which reduces cold-starting losses and consists of insulating partitions in the engine compartment and the radiator shutter, which closes when the engine is stopped.

7G-TRONIC PLUS: smooth gear changes as standard
All new S-Class models feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever as standard. The features of the latest version to emerge include a new torque converter with reduced slip, an ECO shift mode with a wider ratio spread and an auxiliary oil pump to maintain the operating pressure during automatic stops. Low-friction components and low-viscosity oil help to reduce the operating pressure.

Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Benz is deploying numerous new assistance systems and greatly enhanced safety functions in the new S-Class. The new functions all rely on the same sensor system, comprising a new stereo camera together with multistage radar sensors. A key factor is the networking of all systems—i.e., sensor fusion.

The support functions range from relieving the burden on the driver and therefore increasing comfort, to issuing visual, acoustic and/or tactile warning signals, to boosting the driver’s reactions. Some systems are able to take corrective action in an emergency, such as autonomous application of the brakes to prevent an accident or lessen its severity. New assistance systems and those with notably enhanced functionality include:

- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot takes the burden off the driver when it comes to lane guidance and is also able to follow vehicles in traffic jams automatically.

- For the first time, due to the stereo camera, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians too, and to boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly.

- If the lane markings are broken lines, Active Lane Keeping Assist can detect when the adjacent lane is occupied, especially by oncoming traffic, and reduce the risk of the vehicle leaving its lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one side.

- Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams’ cone of light.

- Night View Assist Plus was further improved and supplemented by a thermal imaging camera. Night View Assist Plus can alert the driver to the potential danger posed by pedestrians or animals in unlit areas in front of the vehicle by automatically switching from the speedometer to a sharp night view image and highlighting the sources of danger. A spotlight function is furthermore able to flash any pedestrians detected ahead. This attracts the driver’s attention to the source of the danger at the same time as warning the person on the side of the road.

- ATTENTION ASSIST can warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness in an extended speed range and notify the driver of their current state of fatigue and the driving time since the last break, offers an adjustable sensitivity setting and, if a warning is emitted, indicates nearby service areas in the COMAND navigation system.

French-made Toyota Yaris Coming to North America

Sat, 18 May 2013 03:49:00 -0500

Toyota Motor Corporation has started making the Yaris subcompact for North American export at its plant in Valenciennes, France, marking the first time the automaker's European-built models will be exported to the United States and Canada and Puerto Rico.

The exports, at a volume of 25,000 units a year, will mark the first time Toyota vehicles produced in Europe will be exported to North America. The automaker has spent 10 million euros adapting the site to build the car to North American specifications.

The requirements included fitting the car with a North American-specific 1.5-liter engine and an automatic transmission.

The current, third-generation Yaris was launched in Europe in the summer of 2011, followed by the Yaris Hybrid in June 2012.

At present, Yaris vehicles produced in France are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide in Europe, Africa, Oceania and Latin America.

GM Joins Center for Automotive Research at Stanford

Sat, 18 May 2013 01:29:00 -0500

General Motors is joining the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford University, its latest effort to mine the best and brightest ideas and recruit top students studying toward careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

The Center for Automotive Research at Stanford is a community of faculty and students from a range of disciplines aimed at discovering, building, and deploying critical ideas and innovations for the next generation of cars and drivers.

Unique in its infrastructure, CARS provides shared resources for research, teaching, student project teams and new educational initiatives across many research centers, including the law and business schools.

This membership fortifies GM’s long-standing relationship with Stanford.

GM and the GM Foundation are committed to improving education in America, ensuring the next generation of professionals has the skills and education necessary to compete globally. GM supports multiple industry partnership outreaches and established the Buick Achiever’s Scholarship in 2011, which has already provided $12 million to college-bound students studying in science, technology, engineering and math-related fields.

First Infiniti Q50 Rolls Off The Production Line

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:18:00 -0500

The first production model of the Infiniti Q50, the all-new premium sports sedan, rolled off the assembly line at the Tochigi production plant in Japan.

The Infiniti Q50, which replaces brand's entry sports sedan -- the G37, is the first in the new generation of Infiniti vehicles.

Premiered at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show in January, the new Q50 is at the heart of Infiniti’s bold new model line-up.

Nissan’s CEO Carlos Ghosn,paid tribute to the production team at Tochigi and underlined their reputation for industry-leading manufacturing expertise.

“Thanks to the skill and constant focus on performance improvement, Tochigi has a global reputation for producing top-quality vehicles. Year after year, Tochigi sets the benchmark for manufacturing quality standards,” he said.

“With the Q50, once again the Tochigi team has showcased their skill and expertise and proven the power of Japanese monozukuri.”

Three-time Formula One World Champion, Sebastian Vettel, played an active role in the testing and evaluation program of the Q50 in his capacity of Infiniti’s Director of Performance.

“The first Q50 is coming off the line today so congratulations. I am glad I was involved in the development of the Q50 and I wish you a very good ‘birthday’ and success for the future,” he said in a congratulatory video message to the production team at Tochigi.

Vettel will assist in shaping the performance dynamics of Infiniti’s future model line-up.

The all-new Infiniti Q50, which will go on sale in the summer, is available with a technologically advanced 3.5-liter V6 gasoline-electric hybrid, 3.7-liter V6 gasoline. For European market it will also get a 2.2-liter 4 cylinder diesel engine.

Striking design, a raft of breakthrough technologies such as Direct Adaptive Steering, and unprecedented levels of craftsmanship and performance are the distinctive qualities of the Q50.

GM to Source Small Cargo Van from Nissan for North American Markets

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:05:00 -0500

General Motors and Nissan have signed an agreement for Nissan to produce the Chevrolet City Express, a small cargo vehicle that GM will sell in the United States and Canada.

GM will procure the vehicle from Nissan and distribute it through the Chevrolet dealer network. GM expects the Chevrolet City Express, based on the Nissan NV200, to be available for sale in the fall of 2014.

"Our fleet customers have asked us for an entry in the commercial small van segment, so this addition to the Chevrolet portfolio will strengthen our position with fleets and our commercial customers," said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet and Commercial Sales.

Joe Castelli, Nissan vice president, commercial vehicles and fleet added, "Working with partners to expand markets for our innovative products enhances Nissan’s growth and manufacturing efficiency by leveraging our capacity to meet growing demand in this space."

Nissan currently sells a version of the vehicle as the NV200 in numerous markets globally, including the United States and Canada.

The Nissan NV200, a spacious-yet-compact commercial vehicle, is a previous winner of the International Van of the Year Award. Cost of ownership for the vehicle is among the lowest in the class due to low running costs, the high efficiency of the engines and drivetrains and a safety structure that helps to minimize crash damage.

The price of the Chevrolet City Express will be announced later.

The New Peugeot 308

Tue, 14 May 2013 02:03:00 -0500

Peugeot has today released first images of the New 308, a car launched to revitalize the brand’s position in the ultra-competitive, compact family hatchback segment.

With its compact length of 4.25 meters and well-balanced proportions, the New Peugeot 308 projects a classy and sophisticated presence.

The front is dominated by an evolutionary reinterpretation of the brand’s ‘floating’ front grille, and by the strong lighting signature. Slim full-LED headlamps are standard on the majority of trim levels and a world-first in the segment. The high quality of design continues at the rear, with the three Peugeot (lion) ‘claws’ drawn by the rear LED lamps.

Peugeot’s design and engineering teams have developed the interior of the New 308 around the concept of the i-cockpit. Everything is arranged for an experience that is intuitive, relaxing the driver to focus entirely on the road ahead. The compact steering wheel and head-up instrument layout mean that information can be clearly read easily and safely, looking over rather than through the wheel.

The highlight of the New 308’s generously spaced cabin is the 9.7-inch touch-screen interface, which removes much of the need for physical buttons and switches. Setting a new size standard for the class, it brings together many of the infotainment controls in one place, for ease of use and to create a contemporary and uncluttered cabin.

The driving experience of the New Peugeot 308 draws on the brand’s expertise in suspension and steering, and takes them to a new high due to the benefits of the new EMP2 platform.

Development of this new PSA Group architecture has resulted in 116 patent applications and contributes towards the vehicle’s excellent dynamic qualities. It also plays a key role in the car’s considerable weight reduction, by an average of 140kg compared to the current generation Peugeot 308.

Breakthrough engineering has allowed many of the vehicle’s major units to be reduced in size – also cutting overall weight – leading to significant reductions in CO2 emissions. As a result, this new Peugeot 308 establishes an environmental benchmark, with one model offering CO2 emissions as low as 85g/km.

The New Peugeot 308 is the latest evidence of the brand’s move up-market. It’s an initiative started several years ago and seen most recently with the 208 and 2008. The initial design brief of the New 308 had the highest levels of quality at its core. This ambition has guided the designers and engineers from the very start of the project.

Every element, both inside and outside, has been developed and refined with exceptional attention to detail. The choice of high quality interior materials and the satin chrome or gloss black detailing add to the feeling of sophistication and maturity in the car’s design and assembly. The New Peugeot 308 will be built at the Sochaux plant in France. The Trémery and Douvrin sites will supply all of the power units.

The New Peugeot 308 will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 10th September 2013, when more information about this innovative new model will be released. Sales will start shortly afterwards in mainland Europe and from January 2014 in the UK.

Cadillac Cuts Weight with Aluminum and Adhesives in ATS and CTS Sedans

Mon, 13 May 2013 02:10:00 -0500

Greater use of structural adhesive and aluminum is helping Cadillac reduce overall weight of the ATS and all-new CTS sedans, contributing to better ride and handling and reduced cabin noise in both models.

The new CTS uses 387 feet of structural adhesive – more than the length of a football field – as a bonding agent that holds together and stiffens load-bearing parts and components.

The extensive use of adhesive provides a damping effect, which reduces the transmission of vibration through the body structure. That pays off in fewer squeaks and rattles reaching a driver.

The heavy-duty material, along with traditional metal joining processes like spot welding, also makes a stiffer, more durable joint. These advanced techniques, in addition to the use of high-strength steels and efficient geometry helps make the new CTS sedan 40 percent stiffer than the previous model.

To further improve performance, aluminum was used extensively to save weight. For the first time, all four doors will be constructed of aluminum; cutting 55 pounds compared with the steel doors on the previous generation CTS. With a base curb weight of 3,600 lbs., CTS is the lightest vehicle in its class, roughly 200 pounds lighter than a comparable BMW 528i.

Other aluminum contributions to weight savings:

- 13.1 pounds by replacing steel bumpers on the current generation CTS.
- 14 pounds by making front strut towers of cast aluminum compared with steel used in current CTS.
- 7.2 pounds from the instrument panel structure, where extruded and stamped aluminum replaced cast magnesium.
- 36.5 pounds by using extruded and cast aluminum vs. a steel powertrain cradle on the current model.

Strategic use of aluminum is also an integral component of the ATS luxury sport sedan, which shares architecture with the new CTS sedan. At just 3,315 lbs., ATS is among the lightest vehicles in its class.

The ATS powertrain features extensive use of aluminum, which not only helps cut weight but also contributes to the car’s nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution for improved driving dynamics. The ATS also has an aluminum hood, suspension cradle and cylinder heads.

The 2014 Cadillac CTS ascends into the heart of the midsize luxury market with expanded performance, elevated styling and sophisticated technology. The vehicle arrives in showrooms this fall. The ATS is Cadillac’s entry in to the most significant luxury car segment. Since its launch last fall, ATS has received several accolades, including the first Cadillac to win the North American Car of the Year award.

Elio Motors Unveils Hyper-Efficient Three-Wheeler in Michigan

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:25:00 -0500

The startup automaker Elio Motors has unveiled a prototype of its hyper-efficient two-passenger, three-wheeled car that can achieve 84mpg with an anticipated 5-star safety rating all starting at $6,800.

The Elio will be able to return an estimated fuel economy of 49 mpg US (4.8 L/100 km) in the city and 84 mpg US (2.8 L/100 km) on the highway.

The Elio weighs less than 800 pounds (363 kg) and will be powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.0-liter, 70 hp (52 kW) gasoline engine mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox sending power to front wheels. 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) will take less than 9.6 seconds, onto a top speed of more than 100 mph (161 km/h).

Equipped with an 8-gallon (30-liter) fuel tank, the Elio has a range of around 672 miles (1,081 km).

Projected price of the car is $6,800. Its sub $7,000-base price makes it almost half the price of the cheapest car in the U.S. -- the base Nissan Versa, which carries a $12,780 price tag after shipping charges.

Elio Motors is in the process of purchasing a former GM factory in Shreveport, Louisiana, where the whole car - engine, transmission, and body - will be manufactured. They are off to a good start, as Elio said there are already 13,000 units reserved.

Elio Motors will soon build a number of prototypes for testing and refining. The first cars are scheduled to roll off the assembly line in June, 2014.

Elio also announced a unique financing option. Buyers can receive a credit card with a $300 limit that is solely for the vehicle's fuel sales. Each time the card is used, Elio would add an extra amount to use to pay back the loan. For example, a $10 fuel purchase would appear as $30 on a credit card statement, with $20 being used to pay back the loan. More information on this program will be available closer to the vehicle's launch.

[source: Elio Motors via Auto Week]