Lexus Hoping CT 200h Will Help Boost Sales in Europe by 80 Percent

Lexus is hoping the new CT 200h will boost sales of Lexus vehicles by 80% in Europe next year. That would put them up at 50,000 units a year in Europe. Their sales have been stable this year, at 28,000 units.

“In 2011, we expect to see significant growth in our sales from relatively stable growth this year,” Pfeiffenberger said.

Hybrids make up 60 percent of Lexus sales in Europe already.

The Lexus CT 200h (the h is for hybrid) uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor powered by a nickel metal hydride battery pack.

The CT has a longer wheelbase allowing for more interior room. Lexus added in a damping system and rear wishbone suspension. It is headed to Europe at first, but Lexus has said it will be sold in the US next year.

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Converj is Dead, Long Live the Volt

Cadillac Converj is on hold

GM has killed off work on the Cadillac Converj, a variant on the Chevy Volt Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV). The Cadillac variant was said to be a good fit, allowing GM to charge more for the plug-in Volt which is supposed to be coming later this year at around $40,000. GM expects some of the cost to consumers ($7,500) will be covered in tax breaks from the federal government.

But GM has killed it off according to sources (BusinessWeek, Reuters)

Apparently, all the luxury items they could include just wouldn't be enough to create a profit on the vehicle. The battery pack, which is going to be one of the most expensive parts of the Volt, is supposed to give the Volt 40 miles of all electric power. But the range in the Converj would have to be lower, given the extra weight of the luxury items, making it less appealing to consumers.

"As we took a look at our available capital and engineering resources, we decided that there were things that were more urgent than doing a Cadillac version of the Voltec architecture," General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said.

"We had originally had a time slot for the Converj and that has been put on hold," Lutz said.

The upcoming competition from plug-in vehicles (essentially pumped up full hybrids, rather than electric vehicles with range extending gas engines) is forcing their hand. They expect plug-ins to cost less, since the battery packs will be smaller. So, if the all electric range comes down, so does the appeal.

Throw in the added weight, lower range (20 miles) and cost (up to $30,000 more) and GM came to the conclusion they couldn't compete with the Converj right now. The decision to end the Converj work was made in January.

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Porsche 918 Spyder Plug-in Hybrid

Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche unveiled the 918 Spyder Plug-in Hybrid at the Geneva Auto Show, stunning journalists attending the event.

The Spyder plug-in is faster than the Porsche Carrera GT, while getting 78 mpg (emissions of 70g CO2/km).

The 500 hp V-8 is mated to two electric motors located on the front and rear axle, which can create another 160 kW of power (218 hp). Combined, the Spyder plug-in can produce 718 hp.

Which means the mid-engined two seater car can go from 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 198 miles per hour.

The V-8 was described as high-revving with seven speed transmission. The electric motors are powered by liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery.

There are four modes, controllable by the driver which allow it to run in:

• E-Drive mode (all electric) for a 16 mile range
• Hybrid mode (more fuel efficient)
• Sport hybrid (aggressive performance)
• Race Hybrid (All about Pure Performance)

"Porsche is not saying whether the 918 Spyder concept will go into production, but don’t bet against it. The technology is just too promising, the styling too delectable." - NY Times Blog

"the specifications out of this car seem too good to be true." - USA Today

"stealthy-looking ride is a parallel hybrid just like the Prius – well, except much, much sexier." - Inhabit

"One thing there's no debating is the 918's style, a magnificent two-seater with clear Porsche DNA that's low, lean and mean without being over-the-top outrageous. It has the supercar looks, we'll see if Porsche can deliver on its eye-popping future propulsion numbers." - WOT Motortrend

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Ford Plans on Big Growth in Electric and Hybrid Market

Ford is projecting a big growth curve for hybrids and electric vehicles over the next decade. So much so that hybrid and electric vehicles could account for up to 25 percent of its global sales by 2020.

"There is no question in our mind at this point that oil, as the only alternative for our vehicles, is not a good business strategy," said Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of global electrification. "Around the world by 2020, we see 10 to 25 percent of the Ford fleet electrified."

70 percent of the upcoming electrification will come from hybrid sales, with another 20 percent coming from plug-in hybrids.

Ford is expected to announce two new hybrids, a plug-in hybrid and two new all electric vehicles for Europe by 2013. The same vehicles Ford is promising to the US market by 2012.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric, an all battery powered commercial vehicle is expected next year. This will be followed by the Ford Focus Electric in 2012.

Press Release from Ford on their electric plans follows:

Geneva, March 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is confirming today that its global electric vehicles plan is extending to Europe with five full electric or hybrid vehicles across its C, CD and light commercial vehicle ranges coming for European customers by 2013.

Specifically, Ford will launch two zero-emission full battery-electric vehicles including the Transit Connect Electric light commercial vehicle in 2011 followed by the Ford Focus Electric in 2012. Three other vehicles – two next-generation petrol hybrid-electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid – will be introduced in 2013.

Ford’s global electrification strategy will deliver a suite of electrified vehicles to a variety of markets and build on the company's overall vision of offering the widest possible range of technology solutions – instead of a single vehicle or technology – to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions for customers around the world.

"We recognise that one technology does not work for all our customers," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "Our electrification strategy and plans include hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles to best meet our global customers' needs. Leveraging our global platforms is also central to this strategy and allows us to build on our strong product line-up in the most customer-driven, affordable way."

As Ford's global product vision accelerates to ensure that all the company's vehicles competing in global segments become common in Europe, North America and Asia, the resulting efficiencies will allow a global portfolio of environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be developed based around hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and all-electric vehicles.

"Our goal is to provide consumers with access to significant fuel economy improvements and reduced CO2 emissions to meet their functional needs and without compromising their driving experience," said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"There is increasing interest among a number of customers in Europe for electrified vehicles and we are responding by stepping up our efforts to bring these models to the marketplace alongside our latest-generation, fuel-efficient petrol and diesel powered models," Fleming added. "This is further evidence of how the ONE Ford global product vision is transforming our business. European consumers will not have to wait too long before they can choose from a range of electrified alternatives from Ford."

Zero-Emission
The first models to be launched in Europe will be zero-emission, full-electric versions of two significant models in Ford's global product portfolio.

The Focus Electric will be based on Ford's next-generation Focus model and is one of at least ten vehicles that will be developed from the company's new global C-car platform. Focus Electric will be introduced in the US and Canada in 2011, followed by Europe in 2012.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric is a zero-emission, pure electric-powered version of the award-winning Transit Connect light commercial vehicle and goes on sale in North America later this year. Ford is aiming to make the Transit Connect Electric available for European customers from 2011.

Future Hybrids
While Ford has considerable experience in the North American market with full petrol-hybrid vehicles, the company also is planning to expand its presence in Europe with two all-new, next-generation hybrid passenger cars based on global platforms following in 2013.

In addition, European customers will be able to opt for a plug-in hybrid model, also coming in 2013.

"Thanks to the global economies of scale afforded to us by our ONE Ford initiative, I am delighted we are able to make the commitment now to deliver these models to customers in Europe, particularly as the demand for hybrid vehicles grows," added John Fleming.

Further details of Ford's hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be revealed closer to launch.

Prototype Trials in Europe
Ford's Product Development team is participating in two specific European trial initiatives to demonstrate the technology in real world driving conditions, and generate feedback to help develop further the Focus Electric and the Transit Connect Electric for market acceptance in Europe.

In the UK, a consortium of Ford, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Strathclyde University is preparing later this year to run a fleet of zero emissions prototype Ford Focus Battery Electric Vehicle prototypes, based around the current Focus model sold in Europe and using elements of the technology under development for the new Focus Electric.

The vehicles will be used for evaluation by both SSE and a number of fleet and private customers based in Hillingdon, Middlesex from mid-2010.

This new UK-based BEV demonstration fleet is being created partly with public funding from the UK Government's Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which promotes innovative industry-led projects that reduce CO2. The BEV research programme aims to test the technology's suitability and to gain greater insight into customer charging behaviour.

In Germany, Ford has recently announced its participation in the colognE-mobil project. This initiative will research the impact of electric vehicles on urban air quality, traffic safety and the electricity supply infrastructure. Scientists will then scale up the results to examine the true benefits an electric future could deliver for German cities.

Ford is one of four partners in the colognE-mobil project and will provide an early fleet of next-generation Focus Electric vehicles in late 2011.
The other partners are utility company RheinEnergie AG, the City of Cologne and the University of Duisburg-Essen. The colognE-mobil project is partly funded by the German Government and coordinated by the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

"These initiatives are a revolution for both the utility and automotive industries," Fleming said. "Collaborating across sectors is essential to ensure customer focused products that provide the right value along with the readiness of the infrastructure. We need to work and learn together and Ford is very pleased to be a part of these important trials."

Portfolio of Technologies
Ford Motor Company is committed to offering customers affordable environmental technologies in the vehicles they want and value.

To do this, Ford is introducing a range of global environmental technologies, including electrified vehicles that provide customers with more fuel-efficient models emitting fewer greenhouse gases without compromising safety, interior room or performance.

"Ford is focused on solutions that reach not just hundreds or thousands of cars, but millions of vehicles – because that is how Ford can truly make a difference," Derrick Kuzak said.

Near- and longer-term advancements include the new Ford EcoBoost global engine family featuring turbocharging and direct injection technology, Ford's ECOnetic range of low- CO2 technologies in Europe, and multi-speed transmissions such as Ford PowerShift.

Also, Ford is developing a range of other environmentally focused features, including advanced electric power steering, weight reduction and aerodynamic improvements, plus biofuel-capable vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

“Electrification is a key element in the effective use of Ford's global resources and talents to provide a portfolio of affordable and fuel-efficient technologies for customers,” said Fleming. “In particular our fleet trials in the UK and Germany will give us vital experience and insight into how fleet and private customers for these niche models will use them on a daily basis. This will ensure that the five models we bring to market are fully developed to meet their expectations."

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Audi e-tron in the Coming Years

Audi will be launching the Q5 Hybrid in late 2010 (maybe early 2011), but that's just the beginning. The A8 hybrid concept is being debuted along with the A1 e-tron in Geneva. A small series of the e-tron (E-REV) will be built and sold in limited numbers by the end of 2012.  And it's the e-tron name Audi wants you to remember.

Audi A8 pictured

"Just as “quattro” has become a synonym for all-wheel drive, so “e-tron” is to be the Audi brand name for electric mobility." said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG in a statement.

Audi has been creating an e-performance project house since 2009, with support from the Federal German Ministry for Education and Research. They have been working on the development of a new overall electric vehicle concept, including the body, battery and power electronics.

A1 e-tron
The A1 e-tron concept is an E-REV with 50 km (31 miles) of all electric range, followed by a range extension powered by a single-rotor Wankel engine of about 200 km (124 miles). 

The average fuel consumption is 1.9 liters per 100 km (1248 mpg) with CO2 emissions of 45 g/km (72.42 g/mile).

Audi A8 Hybrid.
The A8 Hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.  That's about the equivalent of a six cylinder engine, but the fuel efficiency has been raised significantly at the same time.  Average fuel consumption was rated at 38 mpg or 232 g/mile.

The hybrid engine is set in parallel, with the electric motor and gas engine capable of moving the vehicle in certain situations.  The electric motor can move the car up tot 60 mph and can last for more than 2 km (1.2 miles).

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Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid by 2012

Volkswagen laid out their electric plan for the next few years. As the Touareg Hybrid demonstrates, Volkswagen has plans to expand their hybrid and electric car lineup. By 2013, VW hopes the Golf and Jetta models will 'dominate the hybrid and electric vehicle market.'

The Jetta Hybrid will debut in August 2012, the Passat Hybrid in August 2013 and two months later the Golf Hybrid.

Prof. Dr. Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG explains in a statement: "Volkswagen will be taking E-mobility to mass production. In 2011, we are expanding our test fleet by adding 500 Golfs with electric drive. A hybrid version of the Jetta for the US market follows in 2012. Starting in 2013, the E-UP goes into production. The goal is to become the market leader in E-mobility by the year 2018. We want to attain an electric vehicle market share of three percent within our entire range of products."

He goes on to say: "We will take the hybrid out of its niche status with our high-volume models. In the future, the heart of the brand will also beat with electricity."

Over the next few months, VW will be conducting field studies in 'key strategic markets of Europe, North America and China.'

The E-UP will launch in 2013, the E-Golf will be introduced after. This will be followed by the launch of the E-Jetta.

There doesn't seem to be anything in the middle ground, i.e. a plug-in hybrid laid out here.

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Fisker Karma Space Frame... Cool Image

Fisker released images of its advanced aluminum space frame underpinning the Fisker Karma.  The Karma is a plug-in hybrid sedan.  You can see the space for the battery pack running down the middle of the frame.

Fisker Karma Aluminum Space Frame

What I like about the image (except for the ooohhh.. isn't that cool factor) is that it looks like a car frame.  There's some bumper stuff, the frame is there, looks like a sports car.

In other words, it doesn't look like some space age image concept that a car company is never going to follow up on.  No, this car is real, it's going to plug-in, and it's not that far away.

Fisker Karma

Expensive, so I'll never own one, but still, it's no concept.

The press release from back in February on the 'advanced aluminum space frame' from Fisker is below if you want to get all technical about the image.


IRVINE, CA – February 17, 2010: The advanced aluminum space frame underpinning the Fisker Karma incorporates new levels of rigidity and strength that will give the world's first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle world-class ride and handling characteristics. It will debut at the Geneva Motor Show March 2-14, 2010.

Fisker Automotive's talented and experienced engineering team designed the Karma's space frame around the car's unique Q-DRIVE® series-hybrid powertrain, filing for multiple patents in the process. Q-DRIVE® consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC® engine/generator set, a lithium-ion battery pack from A123 Systems, and a rear-mounted 403hp traction motor assembly.

Though it forms the foundation of a large sedan the Karma space frame's rigidity is exceptional even when compared to today's sports cars. By utilizing 5,000- and 6,000- series aluminum alloys and a unique extrusion-intensive architecture, the Fisker engineering team achieved the best balance between weight and size.

"Our top priorities when we designed the Karma's aluminum space frame were that it have extremely high torsional rigidity and could be easily modified to accept Karma model variants," explained Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Automotive. "We benchmarked some of the world's best cars to create an all-new space frame that will deliver an exhilarating experience behind the wheel.

A super-structural tunnel running down the car's centerline acts as the Karma's backbone. It not only houses the battery pack but acts as a torque tube connecting front and rear sections. For optimal strength the Karma's space frame is joined with 79 meters of precision CMT MIG welds and 1,058 self-piercing rivets. Each technique is used independently only where necessary to ensure top quality and durability.

The result is an industry-leading space frame that provides a solid foundation for the Karma. Few cars match its statistics: Static torsional rigidity – the amount the space frame resists twisting forces when entering a ramp at an angle, for example – measures more than 33,000 Newton-meters per degree (Nm/deg). Static bending rigidity – the amount the space frame resists flexing forces as the car enters a ramp straight on, for example – measures more than 23,000 N/mm. Dynamic stiffness – the space frame's resistance to resonant vibrations like those felt when driving over a sharp bump or rough road surfaces -- is also world class.

Thanks to intelligent engineering solutions the Karma's space frame also provides the utmost in occupant safety and exceeds global crash protection standards.

Front impact protection starts with a patent-pending, multi-cell tempered aluminum crush box that displaces high-impact energy away from passengers. Its unique design allows it to be easily replaced, reducing repair costs that could lower insurance premiums. Dual Phase 600-Series steel reinforced components in the doors and B- pillars provide substantial side impact protection. And the lithium-ion battery's location in the center of the car puts it farthest from impact areas.

Valmet Automotive will assemble the space frames at its state-of-the-art facility in Uusikaupunki, Finland.

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