Ford News - Ford: don’t get too excited about the Fusion hybrid, we may not have enough batteries

Ford: don’t get too excited about the Fusion hybrid, we may not have enough batteries

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, Green Daily

While understandably excited about the 41 mpg highway city rating the new Fusion hybrid recently achieved, Ford is already throwing a wet blanket on the sales potential of the car, which will go on sale in Spring 2009. According to HybridCars, Ford Americas President Mark Fields said that, “We are constrained by the amount of components, including batteries, that the supply base can provide us,” during an an online chat last week. Not a lot of detail there, but it’s certainly a dampener. We’ve asked Ford if the company would like to elaborate further and will let you know what they say.

The nickel metal hydride battery pack in the Fusion hybrid is supplied by Sanyo, which also provides the pack for the Escape hybrid. You can learn more in our in-depth tech analysis of the hybrid system used in the new Fusion (and Milan).

[Source: HybridCars]

Ford: don’t get too excited about the Fusion hybrid, we may not have enough batteries originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autobloggreen.com

[tags]ford cars, ford news, ford models, ford[/tags]

Chevrolet News - University dorm story more important in Flint than hometown Chevy Volt story

University dorm story more important in Flint than hometown Chevy Volt story

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, Green Daily

The Chevy Volt is very likely the car we’ve written about the most here on AutoblogGreen (with the Tesla Roadster up there as well). Turns out, in what might still be the Volt’s engine’s future hometown - Flint, Michigan - the local love isn’t quite with GM’s halo car. According to a year-end ranking of the Flint Journal’s top stories, the Volt engine deal and subsequent delay and then possible revival came in at number five. The Volt news was beaten to the number four spot by a story on a University of Michigan-Flint residence hall. Other things that Flint residents clicked on more than the Volt story were Obama’s victory, GM’s overall troubles and development in downtown Flint. Guess not everyone is watching the Volt’s progress as closely as we are.

[Source: Flint Journal]

University dorm story more important in Flint than hometown Chevy Volt story originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autobloggreen.com

[tags]chevrolet cars, chevolet news, chevrolet models[/tags]

Honda News - Leaked documentation offers a few early Insight hints

Leaked documentation offers a few early Insight hints

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda, Detroit Auto Show, Japan

With the Detroit Auto Show right around the corner, we won’t have to wait that much longer before Honda spills all the details of its second-generation Insight hybrid, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t keenly interested in whatever tidbits leak out before its official unveiling. According to what appears to be a Japanese brochure for the new Insight, three models will be available along with a Modulo model, which is JDM Honda-speak for a factory customized rendition. The three standard trims in Japan appear to be G, L and LS, though we’d expect something more like DX, LX and EX in the US.

In addition to the leaked brochure, Insightman is offering some speculative information that includes standard features and options lists, including available colors. We hope to see some of these highlights on US Insights, especially the 7-speed paddle shifters for the CVT automatic transmission and navigation system with 7-inch screen. As far as the all-important fuel economy data, the Insight reportedly scores over 70 mpg under Japanese testing procedures, which is less than the 83 mpg the Prius manages under the same tests. On the flip side, the Insight will undercut the Prius by several thousand dollars when it finally goes on sale sometime in 2009.

[Sources: Temple of VTec, Insightman via Carscoop]

Leaked documentation offers a few early Insight hints originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autobloggreen.com

[tags]honda cars, honda news, honda models, honda[/tags]

Lexus News - Detroit Preview: Lexus HS250h spied testing

Detroit Preview: Lexus HS250h spied testing

Filed under: Hybrid, Lexus, Detroit Auto Show, Spy Shots

We’re anxiously awaiting the debut of the Lexus HS250h dedicated hybrid model at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, but we can at least tide ourselves over with a few spy shots of the sedan being tested in all of its camo’d glory. As we can clearly see, this is not a hatchback like the Prius - which Lexus is also expected to get a version of - but a sedan, complete with the trunk out back that most Americans seem to prefer. We’re still unclear on exactly what will power the new sedan, though a version of the Camry Hybrid’s 2.4L four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and hybrid system seems a distinct possibility. Alternatively, an enlarged version of the new Prius’ powerplant could be used.

A Toyota version of the HS250h is also expected that will likely use the same powerplant but get fewer luxury goods to go along with its lower price. Expect a nickel metal hydride battery pack and fuel mileage in the 40s.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Detroit Preview: Lexus HS250h spied testing originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[tags]lexus cars, lexus news, lexus models[/tags]

Nissan News - Nissan-NEC JV to invest for 200,000 Li-ion batteries annually by 2011

Nissan-NEC JV to invest for 200,000 Li-ion batteries annually by 2011

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Nissan

Nissan and NEC are apparently seeing a lot of potential for their lithium battery joint venture. The Japanese Nikkei is reporting that Automotive Energy Supply Corp. will spend upwards of $1.1 billion on production facilities for lithium ion batteries to be used in hybrid and electric vehicles. The original production plan for 13,000 units in 2010 and 65,000 in 2011 has apparently been pulled ahead a year. The 2011 target is now for 200,000 batteries a year.

The partnership is apparently quite bullish on the prospects for its involvement with Better Place and other electric vehicle test programs. Nissan and NEC may even add more production capacity in Europe and the US in order to supply battery packs to other car makers.

[Source: GreenCarCongress]

Nissan-NEC JV to invest for 200,000 Li-ion batteries annually by 2011 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autobloggreen.com

[tags]nissan cars, nissan autos, nissan news, nissan models, nissan[/tags]

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