Yukon Hybrid Gets Super Bowl Ad

Edmunds Inside Line notes the internal debate is over and the GMC Yukon Hybrid will get GM's only in game Superbowl ad this year. It will be a sixty second spot in the second quarter.

The debate centered around the three new hybrid vehicle types (Yukon, Chevy Malibu or Saturn Vue Hybrid). With the Yukon actually shipping out now, GM felt good about advertising it.

According to adweek, the ad will be a 'sober' look at the capabilities of the Yukon hybrid. It will trumpet innovation, not 'hijinks.'

The ad aims to show consumers that they don't have to compromise the advantages of a large vehicle, including towing capacity and space, to get improved gas mileage per the hybrid technology.

It's being called "Why Push?" and and the tagline is "Never say never."

GMC wants to push back against the hybrid image (i.e. the Prius image) and let people know there are big hybrids out there.

GMC is delivering the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe Hybrids to dealers now. But don't expect to see a lot of big hybrids any time soon. According to at least one story I've seen, Chevy is only planning on building 1,500 of them the first year.

Update: here's the superbowl ad from myspace.


Hybrids are no stranger to the Big Game. Ford tried to build a little good will by teaming up Kermit and the Escape Hybrid.


And Toyota advertised the Prius in 2005 and the Camry Hybrid in 2006.

Boston Legal Knows Nothing About Hybrids

I hate talking about this. I hate bad science being passed off as legitimate concerns. I know there are legitimate criticisms of hybrid cars out there, but I also know that this particular argument is just plain wrong. It has been proven wrong again and again and was even retracted by the company that made the claim in the first place. But it keeps popping back up.

What am I talking about? The CNW Marketing 'study' labeled "Dust-to-Dust: The Energy Costs of New Vehicles from Concept to Disposal." In case you missed it, the study claims that Hummers use up less energy than Prius do over the lifetime of a car.

Of course, such a comparison made people stop and look. And the story popped up on plenty of blogs, some newspaper articles (usually amateur ones) and I spent some time refuting the claims when and where I could. It was very depressing at the time to see these people being fooled by such foolishness.

And now the claims have been made on a prime time show, 'Boston Legal.' And, of course, many people are concerned such an outlet for bad science can lead people down the wrong path. Once again, I will say there are legitimate concerns about hybrid cars and they should be addressed. This dust to dust assumption piece was just wrong.

To see what Boston Legal said, here's an excerpt from youtube (I found this excerpt via ABG).

I'm not going to go into why these claims are foolish. It's already been refuted again and again:
(hybridcars.com, Pacific Institute, ABG, Toyota has even posted about it).

I know it's only a TV show, but more often than not, people are influenced by these shows because they have other things on their mind. They don't have the time or they don't care enough about these sorts of side issues to take the time to check on these types of stories (just as the writers of Boston Legal didn't bother to check the facts before using these sorts of bogus facts in the first place).

Hopefully, I won't be bringing this up again, but that's one of the downsides of the web. Everything is archived. There's no right or wrong placed on what's stored and what's left behind. So, we'll be seeing this story again.

Bush and the State of the Union

Last year, in his State of the Union Address, Bush outlined his Twenty in Ten plan, in which the US would cut gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next ten years. He wanted to increase the supply of renewable fuels and he wanted to reform CAFE. There was a lot of tough talk on how America is addicted to oil and it was time to do something about it.

Then, when Congress tried to pass both measures in the Energy Bill late last year, he threatened to veto it. Eventually, the Bill passed with stronger standards than Bush wanted. But then he (in the form of EPA boss Johnson) used the new CAFE standard to reject the waiver needed by California to enact their own stricter standards.

This year, President Bush focused in on more money for advanced batteries and renewable fuels. Bush also endorsed a new international agreement to reverse the growth of greenhouse gases, as long as China and India are included. But it's easy to see why some would be skeptical about these proposals coming from Bush in his last year as President.

There were a few other proposals tucked in that are of interest to the auto industry. These measures will indirectly affect the hybrid car market, if they are followed up on.

President Bush called for Congress to make permanent the tax cuts enacted in his first term, including a phase out of the estate tax by 2010. He also wants to approve free trade agreements, including one with S. Korea, which would be an important shift for car makers.

Chevy Tahoe Hybrid Arriving in Dealerships: May Not Be Near You

The Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is beginning to show up in dealerships. This story accentuates the scarcity by noting that only one dealership in northwest Arkansas has received the Tahoe Hybrid so far. GM is hoping to sell 10,000 units of the Yukon Hybrid and Tahoe Hybrid in combined sales.

The Tahoe Hybrid is built using the dual mode hybrid system co-developed by BMW and DaimlerChrysler. The EPA rated the fuel economy as 21 mpg city, 22 mpg highway for the 2WD; 20 mpg city/20 mpg highway for the 4WD model. The Tahoe Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid are being built in Arlington, Texas, while the two-mode engine is built in Baltimore. It's MSRP has been set at over $50,000.

The Tahoe Hybrid won 2008 Green Car of the Year and was nominated for Truck of the Year.

Wired, Lutz and the Chevy Volt

Bob Lutz, vice chairmen of GM global product development, has been interviewed a lot by various news outlets, bloggers and online services about the Chevy Volt. Wired took their series of interviews and compiled them into one comprehensive interview.

And despite how I feel about the overhyping of the Volt, I know that people are interested in where the Chevy Volt is and whether GM can do what they say. So, here's what I got out of the Wired interviews.

The biggest news is an update on the possible price tag. Although Lutz wanted a price tag around $30,000, his internal team is saying they can't do it, at least on the first generation. Currently, the range for the price is hovering somewhere between $30 and $40,000.

GM is looking for a 'moon shot' with the Chevy Volt. While Lutz feels that if they are not first to the table with this technology "... it's not fatal. But if it does work, it will be sensational and it will have the same sort of symbolism."

Seems like they are very serious about building a Volt and are pushing very hard to meet an internal November, 2010 deadline. GM would "just like to be first for once."

According to Lutz, "There's nothing magic about the technology. Two or three years after the Volt is introduced, everybody will have something like it." But at the same time, they have had to "invent a lot of stuff" to make everything work. They had to work on the instrumentation, the heating and cooling, electric air-conditioning, control algorithms, etc...

The design has had to change a bit. So the production vehicle will not look like the concept Volt. (See some other videos and pictures of the Volt)

GM's top goals seems to be 1) hitting the November deadline and 2) making sure the range works out.

Some other things you should keep in mind about the Volt: The Chevy Volt will be produced in Detroit. GM has already floated the idea of renting the battery pack on the Volt.

Hybrid Car Tax Credit for 2007

As tax time rolls around once again, I thought it might be a good time to review the federal tax credit you may be eligible for if you bought your hybrid car in 2007. There's no doubt that when you bought your hybrid car, you were aware that a federal tax credit existed. But now that the time to file is here, you may want to know a bit more about it.

I will be summarizing most of the information you need to know about the Alternative Federal Tax Credit as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 in this post, but if you want to really get into some more details, there are some links you should follow at the end of this post.

Warning! Warning! Warning!
I would like to warn you now. I am not a tax expert and any advice and information you get from this site should be followed up with your own research and talking with your own tax adviser.

I Recommend
BTW, if you are already overwhelmed by the length of this post or you just want to make your life easier, I would recommend using TaxCut from H&R Block or some other tax credit software. It certainly makes your life easier and should have all the forms you need right there. I'll be repeating this recommendation because I do believe in it. You may notice the link is an affiliate one, which means I would get a bonus if you follow the link and buy the product. I would not be doing that unless I thought it was a good product to buy.

Still here? Alright then, let's get into it.

Are You Eligible?
Even if the hybrid car qualifies for the tax credit (i.e. you bought a Toyota in time or your hybrid car appears in the table of models below), you, the taxpayer, have to qualify. Some basic requirements:

1. The vehicle must be placed in service after 12-31-05 and purchased on or before 12-31-10.
2. The original use of the vehicle must begin with the taxpayer claiming the credit.
   a. The credit may only be claimed by the original owner of a new, qualifying, hybrid vehicle and does not apply to a used hybrid vehicle.
3. The vehicle must be acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer claiming the credit.
   a. The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a qualifying hybrid vehicle. If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit.
   b. For qualifying vehicles used by a tax-exempt entity, the person who sold the qualifying vehicle to the person or entity using the vehicle is eligible to claim the credit, but only if the seller clearly discloses in a document to the tax-exempt entity the amount of credit.
4. The vehicle must be used predominantly within the United States.

Congratulations, You May Be Eligible For a Tax Credit
If all of the above applies to you, then you may be eligible (more on that may later) for a tax credit. Tax credits are nice because you can take the money right off of what you owe in taxes. To be clear, according to the IRS: a tax credit is subtracted directly from the total amount of federal tax owed, thus reducing or even eliminating the taxpayer’s tax obligation.

Sounds nice, right?

Which Hybrid Car Did You Buy and When?
So, step 1 is to figure out what kind of car you bought and whether or not it is on the list of qualifying credits. Well, you need three pieces of information for that. First, what is the model year of the hybrid car you bought? Second, what make and model is it? And third, when did you buy it (This last one is for those who bought a Toyota hybrid in 2007)? The next few tables are organized by model year, then by make and model and will tell you how much you might qualify for.

60,000 Limit
One last thing before we get to the tables on why you need to know when you bought (received) your hybrid car. Congress wanted to build in an incentive for domestic car companies since it was clear that Toyota and Honda had a huge head start in the hybrid car marketplace, so Congress put a 60,000 unit limit on the number of hybrid cars sold since the beginning of 2005. Once they passed that limit in a quarter, a phase-out period on the tax credit would begin.

On a side note, Toyota has pushed for a tax credit extension, but their effort never got any traction. The other car makers certainly weren't about to help out the biggest hybrid car maker.

Toyota blew past the 60,000 unit limit on hybrid cars very quickly, so you will see below the tax credit in 2007 is affected by when you received your hybrid car. This affects Toyota and Lexus hybrids. Honda just passed the federal tax credit limit this year, and so the tax credit for those who buy from Honda will be affected starting in 2008. Ford (Mazda and Mercury), GM (GMC, Chevy, Saturn) and Nissan have little chance of passing the limit anytime soon.

2005 Model Year Hybrid Vehicles

Make Model Credit Amount Ford Escape HEV 2WD $2,600 Ford Escape HEV 4WD $1,950 Honda** Accord Hybrid AT Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $650 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $325 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $162.50 1/1/09 and later $0 Honda** Hybrid Navi AT Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $650 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $325 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $162.50 1/1/09 and later $0 Honda** Civic Hybrid CVT Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $1,700 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $850 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $425 1/1/09 and later $ 0 Honda** Civic Hyrid MT Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $1,700 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $850 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $425 1/1/09 and later $ 0 Honda** Insight CVT Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $1,450 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $ 775 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $ 387.50 1/1/09 and later $ 0 Toyota* Prius Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $3,150 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,575 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $787.50 10/1/2007 and later $0

2006 Model Year Hybrid Vehicles

Make Model Credit Amount Chevrolet Silverado 2WD Hybrid Pickup Truck $ 250 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD Hybrid Pickup Truck $ 650 Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD Front Wheel Drive $2,600 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD $1,950 GMC Sierra 2WD Hybrid Pickup Truck $ 250 GMC Sierra 4WD Hybrid Pickup Truck $ 650 Honda** Accord Hybrid AT w/updated calibration* Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $1,300 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $650 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $325 1/1/09 and later $ 0 Honda** Accord Hybrid AT without updated calibration* Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $650 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $325 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $162.50 1/1/09 and later $ 0 Honda** Navi AT w/updated calibration* Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $1,300 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $650 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $325 1/1/09 and later $ 0 Honda** Navi AT without updated calibration* Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $650 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $325 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $162.50 1/1/09 and later $ 0 Honda** Civic Hybrid CVT Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $2,100 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $1,050 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $525 1/1/09 and later $0 Honda** Insight CVT Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $1,450 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $ 725 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $362.50 1/1/09 and later $0 Lexus* RX400h 2WD Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,200 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,100 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 550 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Lexus* RX400h 4WD Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,200 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,100 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 550 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Mercury Mariner 4WD Hybrid $1,950 Toyota* Highlander 2 WD Hybrid Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,600 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,300 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 650 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Toyota* Highlander 4WD Hybrid Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,600 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,300 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 650 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Toyota* Prius Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $3,150 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,575 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $787.50 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 * Credit for Toyota/Lexus vehicles are reduced for purchase after 10-1-06. See Notice 2006-78 for additional information. ** Credits for Honda vehicles are reduced for purchase after 1-1-08. See Notice 2007-98 for additional information.

2007 Model Year Hybrid Vehicles

Make Model Credit Amount Chevrolet Silverado 2WD Hybrid Pickup Truck $ 250 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD Hybrid Pickup Truck $ 650 Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD $2,600 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD $1,950 GMC Sierra 2WD Hybrid Pickup Truck $ 250 GMC Sierra 4WD Hybrid Pickup Truck $ 650 Honda** Accord Hybrid AT Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $1,300 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $ 650 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $ 325 1/1/09 and later $ 0 Honda Accord Hybrid Navi AT Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $1,300 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $ 650 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $ 325 1/1/09 and later $ 0 Honda Civic Hybrid CVT Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $2,100 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $1,050 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $525 1/1/09 and later $0 Lexus* GS450h Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $1,550 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $ 775 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 387.50 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Lexus * RX 400h 4WD Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,200 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,100 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 550 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Lexus* RX 400h 2WD Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,200 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,100 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 550 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD $1,950 Nissan Altima Hybrid $2,350 Saturn Aura $1,300 Saturn Vue Green Line $ 650 Toyota* Camry Hybrid Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,600 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,300 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 650 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Toyota* Prius Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $3,150 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,575 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $787.50 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Toyota* Highlander Hybrid 2WD Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,600 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,300 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 650 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Toyota* Highlander Hybrid 4WD Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,600 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,300 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 650 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 * Credit for Toyota/Lexus vehicles are reduced for purchase after 10-1-06. See Notice 2006-78 for additional information. ** Credits for Honda vehicles are reduced for purchase after 1-1-08. See Notice 2007-98 for additional information.

2008 Model Year Hybrid Vehicles

Make Model Credit Amount Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid $1,300 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 2WD and 4WD $2,200 Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD $3,000 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD $2,200 GMC Yukon Hybrid $2,200 Honda** Civic CVT Purchase Date Prior to 1/1/08 $2,100 1/1/08 -- 6/30/08 $1,050 7/1/08 -- 12/31/08 $525 1/1/09 and later $0 Mazda Tribute 2WD $3,000 Mazda Tribute 4WD $2,200 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 2WD $3,000 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD $2,200 Nissan Altima Hybrid $2,350 Saturn Aura hybrid $1,300 Saturn Vue Green Line $1,550 Toyota* Camry Hybrid Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,600 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,300 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 650 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Toyota* Prius Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $3,150 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,575 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $787.50 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Toyota* Highlander Hybrid 4WD Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,600 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,300 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 650 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Lexus* RX 400h 2WD and 4WD Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $2,200 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $1,100 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 550 10/1/2007 and later $ 0 Lexus* LS 600h L Hybrid Purchase Date 1/1/06 -- 9/30/06 $1,800 10/1/06 --3/31/07 $900 4/1/07 -- 9/30/07 $ 450 10/1/2007 and later $ 0

Now that you know how much you might qualify for, you need to figure out if you qualify for the credit. That will depend on several factors, not the least of which is how much you earned and what the Alternative Minimum Tax is. I am not a tax expert, but you should definitely read my post on will you qualify for the federal tax credit on hybrid cars. Many people will not get the full credit amount or will not get any tax break.

If you don't want to use the tax software (TaxCut) and insist on doing it yourself, follow the link to see the form you need to claim the hybrid car tax credit.

Some states and cities offer tax breaks, too. Search Hybrid Car Review for your state to get more information. You can also go to ucsusa for more on the state tax incentives.

Want more information? Follow the links to find out more about what you need to know.

Will You Qualify For the Federal Tax Credit on Hybrid Cars?
What You Should Know About the Tax Credit For Hybrids
Tax Breaks
Toyota Hybrid Car Tax Credit Phase Out
Federal Tax Credit Phase Out Period for Toyota
Honda Hybrid Cars Begin Tax Credit Phase Out Period
Forms Used to Claim the Hybrid Tax Credit

Want even more info? Go directly to the IRS and see their latest news on the alternative motor vehicles and the tax credit.

Fisker May Build the Karma in Detroit

Fisker announced the Karma plug-in hybrid four door sedan at the Auto Show in Detroit recently. And now Karma may be looking to produce their plug-in hybrid in Detroit.

According to Vic Doolan, Fisker's director of retail development, Michigan has unused production capacity and an experienced workforce.

The supply network is also in place for automotive parts.

The Karma Hybrid is competing to be one of the first of it's kind in the U.S., a production plug-in hybrid capable of 50 miles on all electric power, followed by a mix of gas and electric power.

Some estimate a majority of Americans would never need to use the gas in their normal commute.

Fisker hopes to get a Karma plug-in hybrid on the road by the end of 2009, beginning of 2010. If they do it, they may beat the likes of Toyota and GM, who hope to have production plug-ins on the road by 2010. Meanwhile Chinese automaker BYD Auto is also promising a plug-in hybrid.

The Karma already has an estimated price tag of $80,000.

Fisker is located in Irvine, California.

Congress to Force EPA Hand in Calfornia Waiver

The Senate has enacted a bill to force the EPA to grant California's waiver to enable them to regulate greenhouse gases in their state. The EPA, in the person of EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson, denied that waiver shortly after Congress passed the new CAFE standards saying they did not meet the standards to meet compelling and extraordinary conditions.

But internal documents from the EPA show Johnson decided against internal advice. And now Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) wants to force the EPA to grant the waiver.

Read all about the Senator's new bill at Green Car Congress: Senators Introduce Bill to Direct EPA to Grant California Waiver

The EPA document also concluded that if EPA denied the waiver, it faced an “almost certain lawsuit by California” and that the agency was “likely to lose [the] suit.”

Administrator Johnson’s decision to deny the waiver was not supported by the facts, by the law, by the science, or by precedent. I will use every available tool to ensure that California and the nation are able to reduce the pollution that causes global warming. One of those tools is legislation that essentially overturns Mr. Johnson’s actions.
—Senator Boxer

California is currently suing the EPA to force them to grant the waiver.

GM New Vehicle Engineering Organization for Hybrids

GM is forming a new Vehicle Engineering Organization for Hybrids, Extended-Range Electric Vehicles and Batteries. It's job will be to accelerate the implementation of hybrid and extended range electric vehicles (what they like to call the Volt).

As of now, GM has several different hybrid implementations up in the air.

The first 'hybrid' was a belt alternator system (BAS) that was considered a mild hybrid system. While it had regenerative braking, it's basic fuel saving device would be to shut down the engine while the vehicle was stopped.

The second system they have put in place and are rolling out now is the two-mode (sometimes called the dual-mode) full hybrid engine they co-developed with DaimlerChrysler and BMW. The latest hybrid vehicles from GM should see great strides in fuel economy, but the system is only being implanted into the larger SUVs and trucks because of their cost and size.

The third system, what GM likes to call range extended electric vehicles is fully powered by the electric motor. When needed, the small gas engine will kick in and recharge the battery that powers the electric motor. As such, the gas engine has been pushed into being the secondary system (the reverse of the mild engine). This system is at least a couple of years away but is already being promoted through the Chevy Volt. These will most likely by the plug-in hybrids from GM.

Press Release Follows:

GM Forms New Vehicle Engineering Organization for Hybrids, Extended-Range Electric Vehicles and Batteries

WARREN, Mich. - In another step aimed at bringing the electrification of vehicles into the mainstream development process more quickly, General Motors has formed a new engineering organization especially dedicated to implementing hybrid and extended- range electric vehicles (E-REV) and advanced battery technology. The global team will be led by Robert Kruse, executive director of vehicle engineering for hybrids, electric vehicle and batteries. In North America, the team will be based in Warren and Milford, Mich. In Europe, the team will be based in Mainz-Kastel, Germany and in Asia-Pacific they will be located in Shanghai, China.

"The future of automotive transportation will be based on electrification of our vehicles," said Jim Queen, GM group vice president of Global Engineering. "By having a vehicle engineering team in place and focused on delivering the technical aspects of hybrids and E-REVs, we can accelerate these programs and get them into production quickly and efficiently."

GM's newest vehicle engineering team will develop vehicles using a variety of propulsion systems including gas-electric hybrids and GM's innovative E-Flex architecture. Vehicles that will be engineered by this team include the production E-REVs based on E-Flex architectures; Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado 2 Mode; Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid; Saturn Vue 2 Mode Plug-in; Saturn Vue and Aura Hybrid; GMC Yukon and Sierra 2 Mode; and the Cadillac Escalade 2 Mode.

This team will also support GM's CO2 initiatives in Europe. In China, they will support the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid. Other, yet to be announced global hybrid and electric propulsion vehicles are expected to be developed under this organization.

Kruse, 48, was executive director of Vehicle Integration, Safety, Regional Chief Engineers and Performance Division for GM's North America engineering staff. Kruse began his GM career in 1978 as a co-op student at Buick Motor Division, and has served in a variety of leadership positions at Buick, Cadillac, Vehicle Development Technical Operations, the North American Car Group and GM Powertrain.

Lutz on the Big American

Lutz, GM's vice chairman of global product development, spoke at the Automotive News World Congress on Wednesday night.

Let me see if I can get all this right:

Lutz on Taxing Gas

Only gas prices at the level that Europeans pay will cause Americans to rethink their vehicles, Lutz said. "If for the last 15 years we'd had a slow but sure rise in federal fuel taxation of, say, 15 cents a gallon per year -- that would have gradually put the customer in the equation," he said.

The customer is not now in the equation of what cars to build or buy? I'm not sure that came out the way Lutz wanted.

Lutz on the Big American

"In America, instead of raising fuel prices, we'll end up having to raise new vehicle prices, because of the increased use of lightweight materials and fuel-saving technology."

"Europeans, at their fuel prices, are willing to pay premium prices for premium small cars that deliver terrific fuel economy. That is not the case here in America, land of the big truck and big horse" and, he added, " the big American."

Europeans are willing to pay more for smaller, more efficient cars, but Americans are not. How do you explain sales of the Prius? It may not be diesel, but it is small and efficient.

Lutz on Federal Regulations and E-85

The new federal regulations will also fail to lower the U.S. dependency on petroleum and imported oil, Lutz said. The best near-term solution to doing that is to adopt more E-85, ethanol-burning vehicles.

Using E-85 gives you a break in the CAFE standard, so I can understand why Lutz would want to go that way

Lutz on Changing the Fleet

"It's just common sense," Lutz said. "You don't roll over the whole fleet at once. It takes decades -- and the bigger the price disparity between the old ones and the new ones, the longer it takes."

On the other hand, he said with diesel fuel at the same price as gasoline in the United States, there won't be many Americans willing to pay a " $3,000 to $4,000 premium" for diesel vehicles unless GM is willing to eat that cost.

First of all, the fuel efficiency question has been coming for a long time. Just because GM ignored the warning signs...

Diesel has a bad rap in the U.S. It's going to take time to fight that perception. But they have a decade to do it. And besides which, maybe diesel isn't the way to go.

Lutz on the Comparison Between Beer and Li-Ion Batteries

"It's like beer. Some people say beer tastes bad. But there are many different types. U.S. beer, imported beer. You've got pilsner, ale, stout, wheat beer," Lutz said. " Some beers are better than others. Just because somebody said one particular lithium ion technology is a little bit aggressive and it's been known to cause thermal problems, does not mean they all do. The technology is advancing every day."

I get the feeling it was getting close to dinner time and Lutz (and the audience) was looking forward to getting out to dinner. His point is a valid one, though. Not all batteries are made the same. And with plug-in hybrids depending on those advancements (that may have already been made), it looks like auto makers feel the money is making a difference.

Source: Lutz: U.S. won’t embrace small cars at today’s gas prices - Automotive News

Space Race About to Begin for Automotive Industry

The new CAFE standards enacted by Congress is about to start a 'space race' in the automotive industry according to Dean Harlow, president of engineering firm Ricardo Inc.

Hybrids, clean diesels, advanced gasoline engines and fuel efficient transmissions such as the dual-clutch technology will all contribute. But it's all about " minimizing the loss functions throughout the vehicle," Harlow said. " Just consider that 75 percent of the energy in each gallon of gasoline never reaches the wheels."

Cost efficiency will be the " key driver" when it comes to deciding what technologies to choose, he said.

Source: Fuel economy rules spark technology race - Automotive News

My Questions
But that may be the big question. Car companies are already abandoning some research projects and some new engine designs in favor of more fuel efficient possibilities. The word recession is flying about and the domestic companies have already had to do some drastic things in the past few years to 'turn themselves around.'

Will they be able to continue to make these sorts of changes? When you look at the differences between where Toyota is and where GM is on fuel efficiency, you have to wonder if they can make it. And will they need the federal government's help, once again?

There's already a bill floating in Washington that could give Detroit automakers and suppliers $40 billion over 20 years (Source: U.S. emissions bill could yield $40B for industry - Automotive News) to retool assembly plants.

The bill (America's Climate Security Act of 2007) is still just that, having only passed through a Senate committee, but you have to wonder about why it has to be like that. I think it's been clear for a long time now that this is where the industry would have to go. So why didn't they do more to do so?

You also have to wonder if it's for the best? By bailing out the industry, and not forcing them to face reality, is it for the best?

That's an easy question to answer when you look only at a company name or logo. But not when you look at the people that work for the company. They suffer through job cuts a lot more than the company does.

"If this industry, Detroit, and its allies plays its cards right, I believe that Washington will provide you with the kind of assistance that would be very helpful for you to make this transition to a world where you have to build cars that reflect the reality of global warming," Roland Hwang, vehicles policy director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, said.

There is the other side to this bill. Yes, it amounts to a $40 billion bail out for the car makers and suppliers, but that's the carrot. The stick says they need to cut emissions by 70 percent by 2050. That may be too slow for some, but it's also pushing the companies in the right direction.

Toyota Looks at the Life Cycle Assessment

Bill Reinert, national manager of the Advanced Technology Group at Toyota Motor Sales noted the total life cycle of energy costs must be taken into account when developing 'green' transportation.

That's why a plug-in hybrid car would work in the U.S., France and Japan, but not necessarily in China. Energy that is created from low-carbon sources such as nuclear power, is more readily available in the former but not the latter.

Rienert said that Toyota takes a look at the "life cycle assessment" of a vehicle, not just the cost to drive it. That's why they don't use carbon fiber in their vehicles. The energy used to produce the material does not outweigh the reduced cost in fuel efficiency from using the lighter material.

"That's what we do at Toyota. It's kind of a shorthand for looking at a systematic approach," he said.

Source: It's not easy being a green car - Automotive News

GM Reveals Chinese Hybrid Car

GM unveiled it's first locally made hybrid car in China, the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid. The new hybrid increased it's fuel economy to 8.3 liters per 100 km.

The new hybrid car from GM is built by Shanghai GM, a partnership between GM and SAIC Motor Corp. Shanghai GM also has plans to build another hybrid car using the two mode hybrid system later.

The Buick Lacross Eco-Hybrid is built using mild hybrid technology from GM. The belt alternator system (BAS) is used to assist the gas engine in moving the car, but is not capable of moving the car on electric power alone.

Chang'an Auto recently released a hybrid car built in China, the HEV. Chang'an partners with Ford. The Prius is also built in China, but critical components are shipped in from Japan.

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Ford will be showing off the 2009 Escape Hybrid and it's sister, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, at the Washington Auto Show. The newly redesigned hybrid may have better fuel economy (by 1 mpg) but will definitely have more power (11 percent improvement, 170 hp).

Ford is also displaying their prototype plug-in Hybrid Escape at the Washington Auto Show.

The 2009 Escape Hybrid will come with a 2.5-liter engine, which is larger than the 2.3 liter engine in the current model. While the Escape Hybrid still comes with a continuously variable transmission, Ford has added variable valve timing on the intake, increasing the hp to 170. You can also get the 2009 Escape (and Mariner) Hybrid as an optional 230 hp, 3.0 liter V6 engine. Sales of the new Escape and Mariner will begin in the summer (so look for sales on the older model).

With the possible improvements in fuel economy, the Escape and Mariner also achieve ULEV II emissions certification.

The new hybrid also comes with some aerodynamic changes and new 16-inch low-rolling resistance tires. You also get the stability and roll control systems, AdvanceTrac with RSC and a smoother braking system.

What this means to you: While better aerodynamics and better braking systems (smoother) are welcome, I think Ford is missing the point. Hybrid car (or SUV) buyers don't want an upgrade in power. I think a real upgrade in fuel economy would have turned heads. What do you think?


Press Release Follows:

FORD DELIVERS BETTER FUEL ECONOMY, MORE POWERFOR ESCAPE, MERCURY MARINER; EXPANDS E85 FLEET

Featured Stories
Press Releases


2009 Ford Escape

* 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner crossovers improve fuel efficiency with new, more powerful I-4 and V-6 engines and 6-speed transmissions.
* Ford’s full-hybrid Escape and Mariner gain performance and refinement improvements for 2009.
* Ford adds three vehicles to its flexible fuel (FFV) line-up for the 2009 model year – Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator SUVs and Ford E-Series Econoline vans.
* Ford and Southern California Edison showcase 120-mpg Escape Plug-in Hybrid.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 22, 2008 – Today at the Washington Auto Show and Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company announced its hot-selling compact SUVs, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, will become more fuel efficient, more powerful and more connected for the 2009 model year.

Ford also announced that it is expanding its commitment to biofuels by adding three additional vehicles to its E85-capable flexible fuel line-up for 2009 – the E-Series van, as well as the standard and extended-length models of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. These additional product actions are part of Ford’s sustainability strategy, which also includes high-volume introductions of EcoBoost gas turbocharged direct injection engines.

Speaking today at Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally met with industry leaders and media to share today’s announcement and discuss how Ford is accelerating the development of new products and technologies customers want and value. Mulally also reaffirmed that Ford will reach benchmark levels of new or significantly freshened products, delivering a showroom with 70 percent new or freshened vehicles by the end of 2008 and 100 percent by 2010.

“This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms,” Mulally said. “We just introduced the new 2009 Ford F-150 last week, and it was a hit. We also have Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex coming, as well as a new Mustang early next year.”

At the Washington Auto Show, Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, outlined the company’s high-volume customer-focused strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.

“Ford Motor Company is increasing fuel economy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions with affordable technologies for millions of customers,” said Cischke. “In the near term, we will leverage existing technologies to achieve those goals, including advanced engines and multi-speed transmissions. The 2009 Escape and Mariner are great examples of how we’re delivering today.”

2009 Mercury Mariner

Fuel-efficient new 2.5-liter Engine

The new 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner make strides in fuel economy and emissions with a new, 2.5-liter engine and a smooth new fuel-saving 6-speed automatic transmission.

Not only is the new powertrain expected to improve the Escape and Mariner’s EPA estimated fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon, it will also give the customer an 11 percent increase in horsepower to 170 horsepower.

The new 2.5-liter engine with intake variable cam timing (IVCT) boasts a 17-horsepower increase in output over the outgoing 2.3-liter engine.

Responsive with its peak 166 ft. lb. of torque, the engine also is refined, with dual-mode crankshaft damping, electronic throttle control and PowerPC engine electronic control.

The anticipated 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy will make Escape and Mariner more than competitive in the segment. With the improvements, Escape and Mariner also achieve ULEV II emissions certification.

The new engine also is the new basis for Ford’s hybrid models, ushering in a host of improvements that will make the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid even more appealing. Adapted to the Atkinson cycle, the engine is the first for Ford to incorporate variable valve timing on a hybrid engine.

“More than ever, the Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid are the ultimate vehicles for commuters in the daily battle with urban traffic congestion,” said Cischke. “For every eight Escape and Mariner vehicles we sell, one of them is a hybrid, and the appeal is growing.”

An optional, 230-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 engine – a 30-hp increase over last year – also is offered. It, too, will offer an estimated 1 mpg fuel economy improvement and better acceleration, thanks to the new 6-speed transmission and engine enhancements, including new pistons, cylinder heads and fuel injection system.

Spotlight on Fuel Efficiency, Even in the Performance Version

The new, more fuel-efficient automatic 6-speed transmission featured in the Escape and Mariner offers a significant improvement in powertrain smoothness and drivability, replacing the four-speed automatic previously offered.

Its flexibility allows Escape and Mariner to feature a longer final-drive ratio for optimal fuel economy, while its smooth-shifting quality provides an enhanced experience for the driver, especially in combination with the more powerful engines in the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner family.

Fuel savings also come from additional design and engineering features, including:

* Aerodynamic improvements, including a new front fascia chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers also play a role in the fuel economy story.
* A new 16-inch Michelin tire design offers improved rolling resistance that contributes to fuel efficiency, while also bringing improvements in quiet operation, steering and handling, and stopping distance.

All Escape and Mariner models now feature Easy Fuel™, a capless refueling system. This feature is not only a convenience for customers but also helps to prevent evaporative fuel emissions.

Escape and Mariner also incorporate new features to improve dynamic handling and ride characteristics, including a new 18.5 mm rear stabilizer bar and revised suspension tuning. Powertrain sound quality is enhanced by a new air induction system for V-6 engine models and a new exhaust system on all models.

Ford Hybrids: More Refinement, Safety and Performance

The new 2.5-liter engine also is the new foundation for the Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid models. Adapted for hybrid use, the engine is Ford’s first to use variable valve timing on an Atkinson cycle hybrid engine. Advancements in engine processor technology enable a nearly imperceptible transition from gas to electric mode.

A new brake system also provides a more seamless transition from regenerative braking to traditional braking. It incorporates a new pedal sensor that gives the driver better feedback and pedal feel similar to that of a traditional vacuum-assisted hydraulic system.

Also new this year is a new standard safety feature – AdvanceTrac® with RSC®. Already standard on gas-powered models, this patented Ford Motor Company stability control system includes roll stability control. Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid are the only small hybrids to offer such an advanced safety technology.

At the Washington Auto Show, Ford will display a Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) alongside the production Escape Hybrid. The plug-in research vehicle uses high voltage, lithium-ion batteries and can travel up to 30 miles on battery power alone before switching to full hybrid mode, delivering the equivalent of up to 120 miles per gallon for far fewer trips to the gas station.

Ford is collaborating with Southern California Edison in a unique partnership to advance the commercialization of PHEVs, demonstrating the potential for two industries to change the transportation and energy future.

This is part of Ford’s sustainability strategy, which also includes a new engine technology called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America starting within the next five years.

The EcoBoost family of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines features turbocharging and direct injection technology and will be used in a range of global vehicles – from small cars to large trucks. Compared with more expensive hybrids and diesel engines, EcoBoost builds upon today’s affordable gasoline engine and improves it, providing more customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance.

More Technology, Connectivity

The popularity of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner reflects a trend of continuous improvement and product enhancement, including the most “connected” driving experience available today.

New optional equipment includes:

* SYNC, the award-winning Ford in-car connectivity system developed with Microsoft, will be offered in Escape and Mariner. New for the 2009 model-year, SYNC features “911 Assist” which will help drivers connect with emergency assistance in the event of air bag deployment. Also available for 2009, SYNC will offer Vehicle Health Reports, which are designed to keep owners up to speed with vehicle maintenance needs through the syncmyride.com web site.

* SIRIUS® Travel Link™ , which offers real-time traffic, weather, fuel price, sports schedules and movie information when combined with Ford’s next-generation navigation system with voice recognition.

Growing Popularity

With the continuous improvements to the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, the vehicles are primed to build on their sales success in the 2007 calendar year, which included record hybrid volume. Highlights include:

* Ford Escape Hybrid recorded a 10.4 percent increase in sales versus 2006, with 21,386 units sold, while Mercury Mariner Hybrid sales were up 17 percent over 2006 to 3,722 units.

* Total Ford Escape sales were up 5.2 percent to 165,596. Mercury Mariner was up 2.6 percent to 34,844 units.

The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner are produced at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant, and the 2009 models will go on sale this summer.

Toyota Will Enter the Le Mans with Supra Hybrid

Toyota will be entering the Le Mans in 2010 using their Supra Hybrid, the car that won the Tokachi 24-hour race held in Japan last year. The Supra hybrid is built using ultra-capacitors, allowing it to withstand the rapid changes in speeds necessary to compete in the race.

"Current hybrid racing cars are still too heavy and suffer from inadequate transmission efficiency," a Toyota official said.

Toyota is hoping to promote hybrid technology in Europe by competing and hopefully winning the Le Mans. Toyota has been focusing on the F-1, since they stopped competing in the Le Mans race in 1999.

"There are a number of uncertain factors such as our [future] results in F-1 that might affect our ability to meet the challenge," a Toyota executive said. "But our target is definitely Le Mans."

The Supra Hybrid won Engine of the Year for 2007. Toyota was selected by Race Engine Technology and voted on by race engine professionals from across the globe.

The DoE Offers $30 Million to Develop Plug-in Batteries

The U.S. Dept of Energy announced $30 million in matching grants to improve battery performance so that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) can come to fruition. The US DoE wants to make plug-ins cost-competitive by 2014 and ready for commercialization by 2017.

The benchmark cited by the DoE and car makers is for a PHEV to be capable of 40 miles on electric power alone. After that the battery can be recharged through plugging it in or by the gas engine. The DoE believes 40 miles would cover most commutes and 70% of average driving.

"Selected projects will place PHEVs in small, geographically diverse fleets in order to collect operational data that will be used to evaluate and demonstrate the operational and economic viability of PHEVs in the marketplace," the Energy Department said in a news release.

The money will come out over the next three years. In 2008, the DoE is expecting to spend at least $7 million. The remaining $23 million will be doled out in 2009 and 2010. They are planning no funding at least four projects.

Car Makers and Plug-ins
AFS Trinity believes they could have a plug-in hybrid on the road by 2010. BYD Auto (Chinese auto maker) says they will have a plug-in hybrid in use next year, and may be importing plug-in hybrids into the U.S. by the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010. Fisker wants the $80,000 Karma Plug-in Hybrid on the road by the end of 2009. GM has recently announced they expect both a plug-in Saturn Vue and the Chevy Volt out by 2010. Toyota is already road testing a plug-in Prius in Japan. Ford is also road testing plug-in hybrids. Even Google has jumped in on the plug-in bandwagon, with google.org offering $10 million for to those who wish to promote or commercialize PHEVs.

Are Plug-ins in Demand?
But in the end, the question is will Americans buy a plug-in hybrid? Even Toyota, the leader in hybrid technology, is questioning the demand for plug-ins.

New Luxury Hybrid From Lexus Switching From Power to Efficiency

Lexus general manager Mark Templin leaked a little bit of information about the new Lexus hybrid coming next year. Instead of a small increase in fuel economy and a big increase in power, Lexus wants to emphasize the fuel efficiency.

"There is a whole section of the population that wants something different, and that's high-efficiency," Lexus general manager Mark Templin said in an interview at the Detroit auto show. "It's a supplemental strategy to what we've done before."

Toyota thinks they can tap into the Prius market. More than a third of the people who bought a Prius earn more than $100,000, meaning those customers have the extra cash to pay for a more luxurious car, but want the fuel efficiency of the Prius.

"We think there is part of the market that everybody is missing."

Lexus offers three hybrid vehicles right now, the Lexus GS 450h, 600h L, and 400h. You can clearly see how they emphasize power over efficiency in the following chart.

Make	Lexus	Lexus	Lexus	Toyota
Model	GS 450h	LS 600h L	RX 400h	Prius
MSRP	$ 54,900	$ 104,000	$ 42,180	$ 21,100
City	22	20	27	48
Highway	25	22	24	45
0-60 (secs)	5.5	5.5	7.2	.
Engine Type	V6	V8	V6	inline 4
Displacement	3.5 liters	5.0 liters	3.3 liters	1.5 liters
Horsepower	340 hp @ 6400 rpm	438 hp @ 6400 rpm	268 hp @ 5600 rpm	110 hp @ 5000 rpm

Source:Quotes come from Bloomberg.com: Japan. Data comes from Edmunds (see link below).

AFS Trinity Gives the Saturn Vue a 150 mpg Makeover

AFS Trinity took a 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line SUV and turned it into the XH-150, a 150 mpg gas sipper extreme plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). Using a hybrid system that utilizes both lithium-ion batteries and ultra capacitors, they not only turned on the fuel economy, but they also improved the power. The SUV can now go 0-60 in 6.9 seconds when in full hybrid mode. That's better than the Lexus RX400h.

The 'extreme' hybrid can go 40 miles up to 87 miles per hour on all electric power assuming a full overnight charge. It can extend it's range to 400 miles when performing as a hybrid.

The cost is about $8,700 more for the technology, but "... if the price of gasoline is, say, $2.85 per gallon, XH™ gasoline cost savings could repay the purchase price premium in 3.5 years," AFS Trinity CEO Edward W. Furia said. "The higher fuel prices go, of course, the faster the premium is repaid. At a price of $5 a gallon, which is the price already being paid in parts of the world, the premium could be repaid in less than three years and the savings would continue to grow. Tax and other incentives could accelerate this process."

Furia also thinks if they put the technology into a sedan, they would get 250 mpg. AFS wants to license the technology to car makers, but if that fails, they would like to raise funding to do it on their own. Furia goes on to say he believes these vehicles could be available in three years and that the price tag will come down as more are sold.

YouTube Video From AFS Trinity describing how the XH works.

Ultra-capacitors were recently seen in use by Toyota, in its Supra Hybrid Engine. Toyota used that engine to win the 24 hour Motor Race.

Update: I noticed some people visiting from technocrat and thought you should know that AFS Trinity is not an Australian company. AFS Trinity is a privately-owned Delaware corporation headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. Their partner on this project was Ricardo, who, I believe, is located in the UK.


Press Release Follows:

DETROIT, January 13, 2008 . . . In just completed road tests, a 2007 SUV straight off an American automaker’s showroom floor and subsequently equipped with the patent pending Extreme Hybrid™ (XH™) drive train, exceeded 150 mpg, AFS Trinity Power Corporation reported today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

AFS Trinity CEO Edward W. Furia provided details of the tests and the patent pending Fast Energy Storage™ system that makes the Extreme Hybrid™ possible. During Furia’s report, a second, identically-equipped and fully functional SUV demonstrator of the XH™ technology was unveiled and will remain on display throughout the Auto Show.

“Extreme Hybrids™ don’t need high priced technology and don’t require new or expensive fuels, such as hydrogen, which, according to Argonne National Labs, will cost twice as much as gasoline at the pump and require installation of an infrastructure costing half a trillion dollars. The Extreme Hybrid™ is not a concept,” Furia said, “but a practical alternative that relies on cheap electricity from America’s vast existing energy infrastructure—the electric power grid.” Furia also pointed to a recent U.S. DOE study that concluded sufficient excess electrical generating and transmission capacity exists today during off-peak hours in America’s power grid to recharge 84% of America’s light duty car, truck and SUV fleet—184 million vehicles—even if they were all converted to plug-in hybrid drive trains.

TEST RESULTS

According to Furia, the Extreme Hybrid™ tests just completed at Michelin’s Laurens Proving Grounds in South Carolina produced . . .

• more than 150 miles per gallon of gasoline based on the EPA Combined Urban/Highway Driving Cycle with 6 days per week of 40 miles per day in all electric mode and one day at 100 miles with assistance of the gas engine. Different driving patterns will produce different results
• 40 mile all-electric range on a single, overnight charge.
• Extended range of 400 miles with hybrid operation.
• Rapid acceleration in all modes of operation, including all electric mode in which no gasoline is burned at all.
• Highway speeds up to 87 miles per hour in either all electric or hybrid mode
• Even faster acceleration and higher speeds possible in future production models should the company decide to configure them for such performance.

AFS Trinity XH-150™ Performance Comparison Table

	AFS Trinity XH-150™	2008 Lexus RX400h	2007 Saturn Vue Greenline	2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Combined City/Hwy Mileage	150 MPG	25 MPG	26 MPG	20 MPG
0-60 time • Full Hybrid mode • All-electric mode • Mild Hybrid mode	6.9 secs 11.5 secs 12.5 secs	7.5 secs	12.5 secs	8.1 secs
Top Highway Speed	87 MPH	116 MPH	106 MPH	112 MPH
Weekly Gasoline Cost	$7.93	$47.60	$45.77	$59.50
Weekly Electricity Cost	$7.56	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
Total Weekly Fuel Cost	$15.49	$47.60	$45.77	$59.50

1. Fuel economy figures for Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota RX400h, Saturn Vue Greenline reflect published data citing latest 2008 EPA calculation method.
2. Weekly fuel cost based on gasoline at $3.50/gallon and 40 miles/day of driving Monday through Saturday and 100 miles of driving on Sunday for a total of 340 miles.
3. Tahoe top speed estimated based on 2007 conventional Tahoe.
4. Fuel economy figures for XH-150™ based on projections of mixed urban/highway drive cycle.
5. Electricity cost based on PG&E off-peak EV charging rate of 6 center/kWh.
6. Top speed based on transmission limit. Higher speeds possible with other components.
7. Although the XH™ system can be optimized for fuel economy, top speed or acceleration, fuel economy is the company’s priority.

“Keep in mind that these results were not in a small two-seater, but in a medium-size family SUV designed to support a serious supermarket run or a family’s weekend recreational activities,” Furia said.

LICENSE OR MANUFACTURE

According to Furia, the next step for AFS Trinity is to license its breakthrough technology to carmakers who want to incorporate the XH™ drive train into their vehicles. “That would be our preference,” said Furia.

“However,” he continued, “If carmakers decide not to take advantage of this offer, AFS Trinity intends to raise the funds to begin modifying existing hybrids or manufacture its own 150 mpg SUV’s and, eventually, 250 mpg sedans. We believe such production models could be available for sale in three years.”

Furia explained, “The SUVs that we just completed that were outfitted with the XH™ drive train could have been any SUV made by anyone. The XH™ is a new generation of plug-in hybrid drive train ready to multiply the gas mileage of any SUV or any standard sedan.”

XH™ WILL PAY FOR ITSELF

“In spite of growing popularity of hybrid vehicles,” Furia said, “none of them have delivered gasoline savings sufficient to repay the purchase price premium of the hybrid system during the useful life of the vehicle. With the Extreme Hybrid™ that is about to change.”

Extreme Hybrid technology in commercial production is expected to cost around $8,700 more than current, gas-only SUV’s. “However, if the price of gasoline is, say, $2.85 per gallon, XH™ gasoline cost savings could repay the purchase price premium in 3.5 years,” Furia said. “The higher fuel prices go, of course, the faster the premium is repaid. At a price of $5 a gallon, which is the price already being paid in parts of the world, the premium could be repaid in less than three years and the savings would continue to grow. Tax and other incentives could accelerate this process.”

ROCKET SCIENTISTS AND CAR GUYS

The technology that made these results possible came from the former space and atomic energy scientists at AFS Trinity's Livermore, California, laboratory with integration of the technology into the American SUVs made possible by respected global automotive engineering leader, Ricardo.

“This has been a collaboration of rocket scientists and car guys,” Furia said. “They have taken the best from aerospace and computer science as well as automotive engineering to produce in a very short time frame and largely with off-the-shelf components a working vehicle prototype in which the XH™ plug-in hybrid drive train has been demonstrated in a family-size SUV.”

A SOLUTION READY NOW

Furia said, "The Extreme Hybrid drive train is an economical solution to the high cost of gasoline, the dangers of oil dependence and the environmental damage caused by too much gasoline being used to travel too few miles.”

“This is a time in automotive development where many promises have been made and a wait-and-see attitude has developed,” Furia said. “The XH-150 is not a promise but a fact with ‘tires to kick.’ The XH-150 does not require exotic or controversial fuels, it works within the present energy infrastructure, and components are available off-the-shelf at reasonable prices – prices that will only drop lower as volume demand increases. Just as important, XH™ production vehicles are capable of being built now at prices many people can afford.”

AFS Trinity issued a 14-page summary of key factors surrounding the XH-150, including how the Extreme Hybrid technology works. (Editors’ note: If the summary is not attached it is available as .pdf file by emailing hq@afstrinity.com).

Furia also invited review of the XH-150 data gathered during road tests at Michelin’s Laurens Proving Grounds by visiting www.afstrinity.com.

TECHNICAL BREAKTHROUGH

“Addressing the central limitations of chemical batteries was critical to creating the Extreme Hybrid,” Furia explained. “Batteries work best when they provide a slow, steady flow of electricity. Offering enough power for fast acceleration is difficult and damaging to batteries, and this is especially true as batteries become deeply discharged.”

“The most common solution is to employ many more batteries and simply shallow-discharge them, which is impractical for all but expensive, exotic vehicles. Instead, the Extreme Hybrid accesses AFS Trinity’s long history of developing Fast Energy™ solutions for NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense and others. At the heart of this new Fast Energy™ technology are patent pending control electronics to cache power for short periods in ultra-capacitors and provide this power in bursts for all-electric acceleration that is better, in many cases, than the internal combustion engine of the host vehicle,” Furia said. “Until the Extreme Hybrid, hybrids have resorted to gasoline to satisfy acceleration demands.”

SAFETY BREAKTHROUGH

According to Furia, one reason carmakers have resisted plug-in hybrids has been reports of some isolated, but troubling fires involving lithium batteries in laptops that were pushed beyond thermal limits. “All devices through which currents are drawn experience some resistive heating, including all types of batteries. Batteries can be safe if they avoid excessive resistive heating. By using ultra-capacitors as pools of rapid energy," Furia explained, "the proprietary control electronics of the Extreme Hybrid™ not only keep the batteries within safe resistive heating limits, but also extend battery life. We regard XH™ technology as an important safety breakthrough, which is a critical factor in making Extreme Hybrids™ practical now."

CALCULATING MILEAGE

“Gasoline mileage is calculated by using average American driving patterns estimated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and simulating the EPA combined urban/highway driving cycle of the host vehicle operating only with its conventional hybrid drive train. In 2003, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that 78% of Americans drive less than 40 miles a day. On those days, drivers of Extreme Hybrids will need no gasoline at all -- even driving an SUV,” Furia said.

“Say someone drives 40 miles a day 6 days a week and 100 miles the seventh. That’s 340 miles a week. The first 280 are electric. The next 60 miles use gas. That’s 340 miles on a little more than two gallons of gasoline for the week, assuming 32/29 urban/highway mileage in the host unmodified hybrid SUV. Although this translates into 170 MPG, we use a more conservative 150 MPG to take into account that mileage will vary depending on where and how a car is driven, but we are comfortable that 150 miles per gallon of gasoline is a good number.”

China BYD Auto May Be First With Plug-In Hybrid

After all the talk about Toyota and GM and their competition to be first with a plug-in hybrid in 2010, independent auto maker Fisker said they could be first in 2009. And today, there's a news story (Source: Chinese Startup Wants To Steal A March On GM, Toyota - Forbes.com) that China's BYD Auto company plans on being the first to launch a plug-in hybrid commercially. The big news: they're going to do it in the middle of this year.

BYD Auto showcased their F6 Dual Model (F6DM) plug-in hybrid at the auto show in Detroit. The F6DM should be able to run on electric power up to 62 mph, but it can take up to nine hours to recharge fully. But, if the buyers also purchases a special power station, you can recharge up to 50% in about 10 minutes. BYD says the battery pack can be recharged around 2,000 times and can last seven to ten years. The F6DM will be on sale for about $27,617. They plan on exporting it to the U.S. by the end of 2009, beginning of 2010.

BYD Auto is planning on having two electric models on the road in the next few years.

Toyota wants to have a plug-in hybrid fleet out to companies and government agencies in 2010, while GM is hoping to have the Saturn Vue Hybrid Plug-in on the road as well as the Chevy Volt. Fisker wants to come to market with their $80,000 Karma.

Based on the description, the F6DM sounds more like the Toyota plug-in, rather than the Chevy Volt model. GM wants the Volt to run up to 40 miles on electric power first, then transfer to a gas-electric model. Toyota envisions the plug-in hybrid as a souped up hybrid car, running on electric or gas when it's best for efficiency. GM believes their method is better since some commuters may never use gas at all, while Toyota believes their method is more efficient.

BYD has made some big claims for a company that is only five years old. They already claim they will be the biggest automaker in China by 2015.

If you're interested in hybrid car development in China, follow the link.

Ford Hopes to Finally Make Money Selling Hybrid Cars

Ford's director of sustainable mobility technologies and hybrid vehicles, Nancy Gioia, believes Ford will start making money on hybrid cars this year. Since production started back in 2004, Ford has cut 30 percent of the cost.

With those cuts in place and with the release of two new hybrid sedans this year, Gioia believes Ford hybrids will become profitable.

Improvements have come through better batteries, upgrades to the electrical system and less complex controls. Also, increased volume will cut the price on the hybrid transmission, since the Escape, Mariner, Tribute, Fusion and Milan will all share the same basic powertrain and battery pack.

Ford is also hoping to scale down on the engine size using their Ford EcoBoost system.

Source: Gioia: Ford hybrids will be profitable this year - Automotive News

Land Rover LRX Hybrid

Ford unveiled the Land Rover LRX Hybrid concept at the Detroit Auto Show (North American International Auto Show, NAIAS). The highlight: the concept demonstrates Land Rover can get its emissions down to 120 g/km CO2.

The engine is a 2.0-liter, turbodiesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel, which reduces fuel consumption by 30 percent compared to similar SUVs. The Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) retains mechanical drive to all four wheels, while allowing all electric drive up to 20 mph.

The electric system has a lithium-ion battery pack which is charged by the diesel engine or by regenerative braking.

They made the concept vehicle smaller than the LR2/Freelander 2 by 5.9 in and shorter by 8.1 in.

Even though it's a concept vehicle, Land Rover still packed in as many luxury items as they could. But in the end, this is just a concept and has almost no chance of making it to production.

Press Release Follows:

Land Rover unveiled a vision of its future today at the North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show) with the world debut of the LRX hybrid concept - a bold evolution of Land Rover design that indicates the brand’s progressive shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world and offers the potential of 120 g/km CO2 emissions.

“The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles,” says Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director. “LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover.

“LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability that you’d expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a segment where the brand has never been before, and with a proposed level of efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class. It is Land Rover’s way of affirming the brand’s responsible approach to future product development. At this stage, LRX is purely a concept, designed to help us develop our thinking as well as gauge customer reaction – but this feels like a hugely exciting direction to take.”

COMPACT AND PREMIUM

LRX is described as a cross-coupé and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. Though 5.9 in (149 mm) shorter than the LR2/Freelander 2 and 8.1 in (205 mm) lower, LRX was conceived as a premium vehicle, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector – those who want many of the benefits of an SUV and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.

The first all-new Land Rover revealed since Gerry McGovern became the company’s design director, LRX is a natural extension of the Land Rover range, complementing the existing models and helping to define a new segment. Its many recognizable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid ‘wheel-at-each-corner’ stance.

“LRX is a design born out of passion for the brand, but it is different, relevant, engaging and exciting – because Land Rover has never built ordinary vehicles” says Gerry McGovern. “LRX has a highly desirable identity and the design alludes strongly to its capability, while clearly underlining our forward-looking philosophy – it’s a Land Rover that would be comfortable on Bond Street or Fifth Avenue, but wouldn’t flinch at getting its wheels dirty.”

Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile SUV with the cachet of the Land Rover name. In addition, its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area would help give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

HIGHLY EFFICIENT POWERTRAIN

LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient, U.S. Federal-specification, 2.0-liter, turbodiesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent compared with other SUVs of comparable size, and reduce emissions to approximately 120 g/km.

LRX’s improved efficiencies are the result of advanced mechanical and electrical energy-saving elements, which are combined to achieve cumulative gains in many areas.

The concept’s integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) is particularly significant in Land Rover terms as it would allow LRX to use electric drive alone at lower speeds while retaining full (even improved) sport utility ability in tough conditions. Unlike the hybrid technology used by some SUV rivals, Land Rover’s unique solution retains mechanical drive to all four wheels.

Off-road, the ERAD would provide additional torque only when it is needed, and with maximum electrical torque from standstill, this solution offers even better low-speed control and enhanced pull-away on difficult surfaces (such as packed snow or wet grass) or when towing.

On the road, the ERAD would allow low-speed traffic creep up to 20 mph (32 km/h) on electric power alone, with the Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) function re-starting the engine automatically when needed. The electric drive would then continue to assist the mechanical drive until the engine is running in its most efficient range, benefiting both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The ISG would also stop the engine automatically when the vehicle halts in traffic, so the engine does not idle needlessly, and restart it quickly and smoothly as required.

The electrical drive system uses power stored in a dedicated high-voltage, high-capacity, lithium-ion battery pack, independent of the normal 12-volt battery. This is charged by a regenerative braking energy system, also working through the ERAD.

LRX also incorporates Hill Descent Control and Land Rover’s acclaimed and user-friendly Terrain Response system, which optimizes vehicle drivability and comfort, as well as maximizing traction. On LRX, this has five modes, including the new and efficiency-focused ‘Eco’ mode. Principally for on-road use, this configures all the integrated elements of the vehicle’s system for optimized fuel economy. The other four Terrain Response modes provided are sports (also new), general driving, sand and ‘grass/gravel/snow’ (a single program for slippery surfaces).

EXTENDING ‘BREADTH OF CAPABILITY’

The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class.

The design of LRX was developed entirely in-house by Gerry McGovern’s team, driven by a passion to create a vehicle that truly represents Land Rover’s future thinking. It has a very dynamic profile, with a distinctive taper to the floating roofline and a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, accentuated by the rising beltline. The glazing wraps right around LRX, with no exposed pillars, creating a bold design graphic. The architectural structure of the upper body can be glimpsed through the windows and roof – echoing some of the best contemporary buildings.

Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the car its purposeful stance, and its front-end design makes a powerful and instantly recognizable statement of Land Rover’s identity. The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the car’s visual overhangs front and rear.

There are new interpretations of Land Rover’s traditional clamshell bonnet, distinctive headlamps and perforated two-bar grille. The vehicle has jewel-like, tapering blade indicator clusters front and rear, and the wheel arches are wide but softly integrated, housing highly polished 20-inch alloy wheels.

The fine detailing includes additional polished aluminum in the form of side-strips, side and bonnet vents, and the exterior door releases, which are concealed in the vehicle’s shoulders. Graphic details such as these appear to be ‘punched out’ of the smooth body surfaces rather than overlaid on them. The ‘frosted’ white paint color was especially developed for LRX and its visual depth helps to highlight the vehicle’s form.

IMPECCABLE, PREMIUM INTERIOR

The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical, versatile – and sophisticated. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminum details, while the visible structures of the seats, instrument panel and roof architecture not only give a highly distinctive look but also help save weight.

The ‘fast’ sloping architecture of the center console reflects LRX’s sporty dynamics, as does the distinctive binnacle over the instrument cluster. The electronic display uses ‘floating’ LCD graphics to create a three-dimensional look that can be personalized for different drivers, as well as interacting with LRX’s touch-screen display.

The instrument graphics present data in layers depending on their level of importance, to give maximum relevant information with minimum distraction. When appropriate, displayed information transfers between the main instrument cluster and the touch screen. Further adding to LRX’s involving personality, different Terrain Response modes are matched by changes in the cabin’s background ‘mood’ lighting color – green in ‘Eco’, red in sports and blue in general driving and off-road modes.

CLEVER USE OF SPACE

Although LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximize its practicality. A second touch-screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for LRX’s iPhone docking facility.

On either side of the horizontally-split, power-operated tailgate, removable and power-adjustable speakers include an iPod docking station. There is also a cooler box, plus a bottle chiller that can be clipped to the lowered tailgate. The tailgate also has integral aluminum cup holders between two padded seating areas, for a new twist on the idea of a traditional Land Rover tailgate lunch.

Every interior design detail combines to maximize both actual space and the feeling of space. The clear roof is supported by a ‘spider’ frame running into the A-pillars, and the rear quarter pillars have glazed apertures for improved visibility and a lighter feel in the cabin.

LRX’s distinctive seats ‘float’ on individual plinths and have open frameworks to reinforce the impression of light, airy interior space – while also creating useful under-seat and under-floor stowage areas. The clever, articulated mechanism of the powered seat backs maximizes interior flexibility and helps create a large, flat storage area when needed. With the rear seats folded forward, two mountain bikes can be fitted upright behind them, with front wheels removed and stored in dedicated slots in the floor. Alternatively, skis and surfboards can be accommodated in the generous load space, which has multiple tie-down options and a through-loading option.

“Flexible load-carrying capacity is fundamental to the concept of LRX,” says Gerry McGovern. “With this car, we’ve interpreted the idea of Land Rover ‘breadth of capability’ to be more about versatility and on-road dynamics than about ultimate off-roading. This meets the needs of the new customers that we believe would be attracted by this type of vehicle; they will not only appreciate LRX’s flexibility, but will also recognize that it has been packaged with the highest levels of precision.”

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN

The exposed structures of the seats, roof and instrument panel are just one novel approach that Land Rover’s designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for the side windows and roof with polycarbonate from SABIC Innovative Plastics, which is around 40 percent lighter. The polycarbonate also blocks virtually all UV light (protecting interior materials from fading), while special nano-technology within the material reduces infra-red transmission, helping to keep the interior cool.

Even the choice of premium-quality trim materials reflects Land Rover’s deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free, so better for recycling), extensive use of aluminum (both lightweight and readily recyclable) and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious, vanilla-colored ‘fine suede’ on the door inserts and headliner is a 100% recycled material made from used plastic bottles and fibers.

“We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfilling people’s practical needs,” says Phil Popham. “No single technology delivers all the answers to whole-life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the ideas for the future that interest us, integrating them into a car that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover.”

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 171.3 in / 4351 mm
Width (excluding mirrors): 74.6 in / 1895 mm
Width (including mirrors): 82.0 in / 2083 mm
Height: 60.4 in / 1535 mm
Wheelbase: 104.7 in / 2660 mm /
Engine (proposed): 2.0-liter turbodiesel (Federal Specification)
CO2 emissions (potential): 120 g/km (on European combined drive cycle)

Fisker Karma Plug-In Hybrid Sedan in 2009

Everybody wants to be first to the table with their plug-in hybrid. True competitors GM and Toyota have both announced their intentions to have a plug-in hybrid car on the road by 2010. GM is looking to succeed with a plug-in Vue or the Chevy Volt. Toyota quickly followed up with their own announcement, reminding people who dominates whom in the whole hybrid thing, and oh, by the way, we'll have a plug-in hybrid in 2010.

Toyota has already been testing a plug-in version of the Prius on the streets in Japan. And you can't go five feet without running into another OMG message about the Volt. But now, the independent candidate is throwing their hat into the ring. Fisker Automotive CEO, Henrik Fisker, says they want to be first.

At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Fisker announced a $80,000 plug-in hybrid car, called the Karma, which will be out by the end of 2009. That's a pretty stiff price tag, and not one the bigger automotive companies are likely to follow.

Fisker feels they can get their plug-in on the road first because their partner works with the US Army on developing plug-in hybrids for the military. The PHEV will supposedly get 50 miles on electric only power, with up to 620 miles on a tank of gas. It will also go 0-60 in six seconds, with a top speed of 125 mph.

Oh, and to top it off (pardon the pun), there will be two optional solar packages that put solar panels onto the roof. The panels will charge the battery (small charge, don't expect much) and keep the car cool when parked. Or you could purchase a solar panel for you house, allowing you to plug-in not to the grid, but to the sun.

When car companies compete, we win.

Press Release Follows:

DETROIT, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Fisker Automotive, Inc., a green American premium sports car company, today unveiled its first production car, the Fisker Karma, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The first of its kind four-door plug-in hybrid premium sports sedan will have a starting price of $80,000. Initial deliveries of the Karma will commence in the 4th quarter of 2009 with annual production projected to reach 15,000 cars. The first 99 cars off the assembly line will be individually numbered and signed by Henrik Fisker and will be produced in the color and trim of the show car seen at NAIAS.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070905/LAW009LOGO)

In Buddhism/Hinduism, Karma is defined as the force generated by a person's good or evil actions which determines the nature of the person's next existence. The Fisker Karma allows consumers to practice good Karma -- driving a car that is environmentally friendly -- without sacrificing the extreme comfort and style of the luxury automobile category.

"In creating Fisker Automotive, Inc. we sought to develop a range of beautiful, environmentally friendly cars that make environmental sense without compromise," said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. "Our hope is that the Fisker Karma will be the start of a new trend in the automotive business -- less concession with more efficiency."

The car features cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology, penned as Q DRIVE, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. The Karma's Q DRIVE configuration consists of a small gasoline engine that turns the generator, which charges the lithium ion battery pack, powering the electric motor and turning the rear wheels. This proprietary design allows consumers to drive the car emission free for up to 50 miles a day provided the car is charged every evening. It's conceivable that if consumers follow this daily routine, they will only need to fuel the car but once a year. This Q DRIVE technology will provide a base for all future derivatives from Fisker Automotive.

"Our goal here is to deliver the advancement that Quantum Technologies has made in the area of plug-in hybrid technology. By combining our efforts with the renowned design talent of Henrik Fisker, we can produce cars that make a difference to the environment -- without sacrificing the luxury that accompanies the finest automobiles," stated Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies.

Fisker Karma Design

The sleek design of the Fisker Karma, which accentuates the long hood, is a direct result of the breakthrough all-new from the ground up chassis design with powertrain development. This unique design places the battery pack at the center of the vehicle between the two axles, providing optimal vehicle driving dynamics, maximum safety, and proportionate design. Both the interior and exterior of the car will be put to market as seen at the NAIAS.

Fisker Karma Interior

The Karma's luxurious interior boasts four individual first class seats, a modern and sophisticated interior design and a spacious luggage capacity that can fit two golf bags and luggage in the trunk. Other interior optional features to include:

-- Electronic Aides: Navigation system, DVD system incorporated into seat
backs and state-of-the art push button controls
-- Seating Comfort: Four individual "first class" seats
-- Driving Modes: The driver will be able to select between two modes of
driving. The first mode is "Stealth Drive," which is the quiet economy
mode for optimal relaxed and efficient driving. By flipping the second
paddle behind the steering wheel, the car will switch to "Sport Drive,"
which will access the full power of the vehicle

Fisker Karma Exterior

The all new from the ground up exterior design features a continual flow of sculpture and dramatic proportion. Similar in height to the Porsche 911, the length of the Mercedes Benz CLS, and the width of a BMW 7-series, the Fisker Karma's structure and body panels will make extensive use of aluminum to keep the overall vehicle weight as low as possible. Additionally, a new drive train configuration will provide optimal weight distribution. The vehicle's low and wide stance offers the driver a unique view of the fenders from the inside of the car.

The Fisker Karma will offer partly self-contained climate control, as consumers will have the option to purchase a full length solar roof that will help charge the car and provide cooling for the interior cabin while the car is parked. Additionally, Fisker Automotive will offer consumers an option to purchase a set of solar panels for their roofs or garages where they can generate electricity during the day to charge the car overnight...again cost and emission free.

Other exterior details to take note of include:

-- Exterior Panels: Extensive use of lightweight materials used for
optimal weight and driving dynamics
-- Solar Panel Roof: The Karma will offer self-contained climate control,
as consumers will have the option to purchase a full length solar roof
that will help charge the car and provide cooling for the interior
cabin while the car is parked
-- Plug-In Configuration: Small bonnet "doors" for easy charging and
engine fluids refill
-- 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels
-- LED tail-lamps
-- Driver visibility: Front fenders visible with a view of the long hood

Fisker Karma Performance & Dynamics:

-- 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds
-- Top speed beyond 125 mph
-- Torque: The karma will have maximum torque available from 0 mph with a
dramatic acceleration to its top speed
-- Stance of car: The low center of gravity provides optimal sport
vehicle driving dynamics
-- Innovation: The Karma will feature a newly developed lightweight body
and structure
-- Braking: The Karma will feature regenerative brakes to recapture
braking energy


About Fisker Automotive, Inc.

Keeping with the company's mantra of "Simply World Class", Fisker Automotive and its retailers will offer a customer experience second to none. All retailers will be housed in eco-friendly facilities and will offer consumers a unique personal approach, including the ability to ask questions via video conference with an expert at Fisker Automotive headquarters and flexible scheduling based on consumer availability.

Fisker Automotive is a privately owned car company with Henrik Fisker serving as the CEO. Fisker Coachbuild, LLC will be the exclusive design house for Fisker Automotive through the entire range of product development. Additional executive team members include Vic Doolan, Board Member FA & Director of Retail Development; Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies & Board Member FA; Bernhard Koehler, COO; Thomas Fritz, Director of Engineering; and production design by Alex Klatt, formerly of BMW and Mark Clarke formerly of Porsche. This experienced team will help Fisker Automotive lead the future and redefine automotive design by creating the ultimate eco-chic car -- cars that marry unparalleled style with environmental consciousness.

Fisker Automotive will offer its range of cars worldwide with first deliveries starting in North America in the 4th quarter of 2009.

Nissan Infiniti Hybrid Plans

Nissan has been reluctant, to say the least, when it comes to selling hybrid cars. Claiming they are not profitable, Nissan released the Nissan Altima Hybrid using Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, but has limited the numbers and the places it is sold. But Nissan has been working on their own hybrid technology, and has promised to have a true Nissan hybrid car by 2010.

And now Nissan is indicating how they plan on making hybrid cars profitable. By putting the new hybrid system into the high-end Infiniti and other pricier rear-wheel-drive vehicles, Nissan hopes they can sell hybrid cars and still make money. (Source: Reuters)

"It's easier to absorb the cost of the system with more expensive cars," Executive Vice President Mitsuhiko Yamashita told Reuters in an interview at the North American International Auto Show.

Nissan is also hoping to emphasize the fuel economy gains by putting the hybrid system into rear-wheel drive cars, since they tend to get worse mileage.

Nissan does not plan on placing the hybrid system into smaller cars, given the cost to produce. They are considering electric engines for smaller cars instead.

Toyota Hybrid Car Plans

As part of a speech on what Toyota plans are for the next few years, Toyota President, Katsuaki Watanabe announced they would have a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) on the road by 2010. The PHEV would use lithium-ion batteries.

Toyota also has plans to develop two new dedicated hybrids. One would be developed for Toyota and one would be built for Lexus. Both should be ready for introduction at next years Auto Show in Detroit.

Jim Lentz, president of Toyota's U.S. sales operation, has said Toyota would not be offering a hybrid in every model, saying it may not make sense for every model. Instead they are going to 'hedge' their bets, offering plenty of different options.

Although he expects the PHEV to be available in 2010, it would most likely only be sold to corporations and governments at first.

In an effort to hit the 2020 CAFE goal early, Toyota will be offering a diesel version of the Tundra and Sequoia.

Source: NYTimes

Honda Launches Civic Hybrid in India for 2008

Honda will launch the Civic Hybrid in India in 2008 according to M. Takedagawa, president and chief executive of Honda Siel Cars India Ltd.

Takedagawa made his announcement at an auto show in the Indian capital. That will make Honda the first company to sell hybrid cars inside of India. This may be a PR move, since analysts expect sales to be limited to about several hundred units a year.

"For the time being, we will concentrate on the Civic hybrid only," Takedagawa said, adding the car would not significantly contribute to sales.

"We are bringing it to showcase the latest technology to India and to give you the physical experience," he said.

Honda is also looking to invest $255 million in a second Indian plant by the end of 2009. The plant is located in the western state of Rajasthan.

Source: Reuters and Honda to Launch Civic Hybrid in India in 2008

All Politics Are Local Hybrids: Take Two in Vernon CT

Back in September of 2007, Vernon, CT city council voted 6-5 in favor a tax break for owners of hybrid cars. Unfortunately, they needed seven votes to pass the ordinance. Three months later, the tax exemption was back on the agenda, but once again failed to pass muster.

This time, Mayor McCoy asked to have the measure set aside, once he realized he would be short on votes again. The Republicans on the council favor the measure, while the Democrats oppose it. There are eight Republicans and four Democrats, but unfortunately for the Mayor and the bill, two of the Republicans were absent when the item came up to vote.

The proposal will exempt $1,000 of a vehicles value from the property tax in Vernon, giving owners a $32.91 in savings. There are currently 371 hybrid vehicles in Vernon that would qualify for the savings.

Republicans feel the tax exemption would help out in a local way in our dependence on oil. Democrats feel the tax relief would go to higher income residents who can afford the hybrid cars. They feel the tax burden would then be shifted to lower income families.

Source: Journal Inquirer - Hybrid tax exemption put on hold again

Gas Prices Will Continue to Rise

According to the Energy Information Administration (Official Energy Statistics from the U.S. Government), gas prices are predicted to keep on rising, at least for the short term. According to their latest reports (found via ABG), retail prices are expected to stay over $3 per gallon in 2008 and 2009, with average prices peaking near $3.50 per gallon this spring. Of course, it varies by region.

Table 4c. U.S. Regional Motor Gasoline Prices and Inventories
	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Prices (cents per gallon)
Refiner Wholesale Price	167	197	219	251	240
Gasoline Regular Grade Retail Prices Excluding Taxes
PADD 1 (East Coast)	179	208	227	262	250
PADD 2 (Midwest)	177	206	232	263	251
PADD 3 (Gulf Coast)	177	206	226	259	247
PADD 4 (Rockt Mountain)	181	210	234	265	254
PADD 5 (West Coast)	193	223	242	278	267
U.S. Average	180	210	231	265	253
Gasoline Regular Grade Retail Prices Including Taxes
PADD 1	227	258	277	314	302
PADD 2	222	252	280	310	298
PADD 3	219	248	268	303	291
PADD 4	226	256	281	311	301
PADD 5	244	276	301	332	321
U.S. Average	227	258	281	314	303
Gasoline All Grades U.S. Average Retail Price Including Taxes	231	262	285	319	307

Crude Oil Predictions
Despite the rising cost in retail prices, the EIA is also predicting a lower cost per barrel: WTI crude oil prices averaged $66.02 per barrel in 2006 and $72.30 per barrel in 2007. WTI prices are projected to average about $87 and $82 per barrel, respectively, in 2008 and 2009.

The EIA is also predicting a rise in motor gasoline consumption (0.8 percent in 2008 and 1.0 percent in 2009) as the driving-age population grows and the ethanol share of the gasoline pool increases.

Renewable Fuel Predictions for 2008 and 2009
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandates that transportation fuels sold in the United States must contain at least 9.0 billion gallons of renewable fuels in 2008 and 11.1 billion gallons in 2009. The 2008 renewable fuels mandate is projected to be exceeded, with domestic ethanol production increasing from a projected total of 6.5 billion gallons in 2007 to about 8.5 billion gallons in 2008. Ethanol imports and biodiesel should add about 0.5 and 1.2 billion gallons, respectively, to the 2008 renewable fuel volumes. Although domestic ethanol production capacity is expected to increase from the current level of 7.4 billion gallons per year to about 13 billion gallons per year in 2009, ethanol transportation and distribution infrastructure constraints and State gasoline product quality regulations, which inhibit ethanol blending, are expected to slow market penetration and thus restrain production growth.

What this Means for Hybrid Cars
The relationship between hybrid car sales and gas prices is as obvious as it is true. So, as gas prices continue to rise, so will hybrid car sales. I expect more studies to start coming out letting people know they can save money (in the long term) by buying a hybrid car.

One Million Hybrids Sold and Counting

Green Car Congress has broken the news on the latest marker for hybrid car sales in the US. Since 1999, with the introduction of the Honda Insight through the end of 2007, hybrid car sales have passed the one million hybrids sold.

The remarkable total has come to 1,002,000 units.

This excludes any GM hybrids, since they don't break out their numbers, but does include Honda, Toyota, Ford, and Nissan.

GCC notes that Toyota has dominated the hybrid car marketplace, despite splitting the market through the first few years with Honda. Overall, Toyota accounted for 73% of all new hybrid car sales.

Head on over to GCC for a few nice charts on the progress hybrid cars have made over the past decade.

GM Becomes the Official Vehicle Provider for the Republican Convention

GM will provide a fleet of vehicles, including flex-fuel and hybrid cars for the 2008 Republican National Convention. Over 300 cars and light trucks will be on hand to shuttle convention goers in an around Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center.

Republican party officials are promising this convention will be their greenest ever.

I told you Republicans Love Hybrids. It seems funny to me how politicians want to be seen as driving hybrid cars whenever they can, but have so much trouble regulating the auto industry.

Press Release Follows:

2008 Republican National Convention: GM Named Official Vehicle Provider

GENERAL MOTORS NAMED OFFICIAL VEHICLE PROVIDER TO 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced General Motors (GM) will serve as the Official Vehicle Provider for the convention later this year, which will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center. As the Official Vehicle Provider, GM will provide a fleet of vehicles, primarily flexible-fuel and hybrid models, to support the 2008 Republican National Convention.

“We’re pleased that General Motors will serve as the Official Vehicle Provider for the 2008 Republican National Convention,” said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. “GM and the Republican National Convention have enjoyed a strong partnership for the last seven conventions, and we look forward to working with GM once again to keep our convention moving smoothly.

“GM vehicles will be invaluable to our guests’ convention experience – and use of environmentally responsible models will support our pledge to host the greenest convention in our Party’s history,” Cino added.

GM will provide the 2008 Republican National Convention with more than 300 cars and light trucks representing a mix of highly fuel efficient vehicles that include E85 ethanol flex-fuel and hybrid technology. GM offers more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg on the highway, more flex fuel vehicles that can run on E85, and groundbreaking technology such as GM's two-mode hybrid system found in its full-size light trucks.

GM alone has produced over 2.5 million E-85 capable vehicles to date – more than any other automaker. GM is also releasing an average of one new hybrid model every three months for this year and next that includes the Saturn Vue and Aura Green Line, and Chevrolet Malibu. Last year, GM introduced the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon two-mode hybrid (the only hybrid system developed and built in the U.S. at its Baltimore, MD transmission plant) that get a 50 percent improvement in city mileage over gas versions.

“With convention goers from throughout the country descending on Minneapolis-St. Paul, this is an outstanding venue for a great number and variety of people to see first-hand how GM is leading the way with more products with more fuel and technology choices for consumers,” said Ken W. Cole, GM vice president for Global Public Policy and Government Relations. “As an integral part of the economic fabric of America with people and plants in over 30 states, we are proud to once again partner with the Republican National Convention.”

GM employs more than 130,000 people in the United States at its more than 75 plants and facilities throughout the country.

The Republican Party is committed to environmental preservation and the responsible stewardship of our natural resources. With convention preparations well underway, every effort is being made to use resources efficiently. In addition to environmentally responsible vehicle selection, Committee on Arrangements and Host Committee staff members are working with convention venues, including primary sites the Xcel Energy Center and Saint Paul RiverCentre, on ways to improve energy efficiency.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event.

What Are Low Rolling Resistance Tires?

Low rolling resistance tires are often touted as being very helpful when you want to help conserve fuel. By some estimates, up to 6% of your fuel bill could go away if you have low rolling resistance tires.

But what are low rolling resistance tires and how can you find them next time you want to replace your tires?

What are Low Rolling Resistance Tires?
First, the definition: Low rolling resistance tires are just what you think they are. They provide less resistance (less friction) when rolling along than other tires do. In other words, how easily do they roll down the road? Energy is continually being wasted through heat between the tire and the road, within the tire and between the tire and the rim.

Keep in mind that rolling resistance is not the same as grip, or how well a tire 'handles' the road. Although the two can be related, it is not a one to one relationship and you don't necessarily have to lose the grip to improve your rolling resistance.

As a simple rule, the harder a tire is, the less rolling resistance it will have. Which is why making sure your tires are properly inflated is so important. No matter what type of tire you have, the best thing you can do for fuel economy today is to check your tire pressure.

What kind of difference does resistance make?
Although there is no hard and fast rule, a 10% reduction in tire rolling resistance should improve your fuel economy 1 to 2% (according to a study by the NREL). But the number varies widely by tire and vehicle type.

How is rolling resistance measured?
The Society of Automotive Engineers measures rolling resistance by measuring the force needed to roll a tire against a dynamometer at a fixed speed of 50 mph (test procedure SAE J1269). SAE J2452 promises better results by measuring at different speeds, but SAE J1269 is the golden standard. Rolling resistance can typically vary 20 to 30% even among tires of similar size type and level of performance.

How does it affect me?
It is estimated that rolling resistance can account for 15% (stop and go driving) to 25% of a cars resistance to moving. So if a low rolling resistance tire improves your vehicles rolling resistance by 20%, your fuel mileage can be improved 3 to 5%.

Let's say you drive 15,000 miles a year at 20 mpg. That's 750 gallons a year. A 4% improvement means you save 30 gallons a year or $90 (at current fuel prices: $3). That's enough to justify paying extra for a low rolling resistance tire, as long as it's duration is the same as a similar tire, but with higher rolling resistance.

California adopts the first fuel efficient tire law
Joe Nation (D-San Rafael) sponsored law AB 844 back in 2003. In July 2008, the law will go into affect, mandating labeling and fuel efficiency standards for all replacement tires sold in California. The law directs the California Energy Commission, in consultation with the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), to adopt and implement a tire energy efficiency program of statewide applicability for replacement tires for passenger cars and light-duty trucks.

According to the CEC AB 844 can be considered as consisting of three implementation phases:

Phase I, the Energy Commission shall:

1. Develop and adopt a database of the energy efficiency of a representative sample of replacement tires sold in the state, based on test procedures adopted by the Energy Commission.
2. Develop and adopt a rating system for the energy efficiency of replacement tires that will enable consumers to make more informed decisions when purchasing tires for their vehicles.
3. Establish requirements for tire manufacturers to report the energy efficiency of replacement tires.

Phase II, the Energy Commission, in consultation with the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), shall adopt and implement:

1. A tire energy efficiency program for replacement tires designed to ensure that replacement tires sold in the state are at least as energy efficient, on average, as Original Equipment (OE) tires on new passenger cars and light-duty trucks except to the extent that the Energy Commission determines it is unable to do so in a manner that:


• Is technically feasible and cost effective
• Does not adversely affect tire safety
• Does not adversely affect the average life of replacement tires
• Does not adversely affect the state effort to manage scrap tires


2. Consumer information requirements for replacement tires for which standards have been adopted.

Phase III, the Energy Commission, in consultation with the CIWMB, shall:

Review and revise the program, including standards, as necessary not less than once every three years.

As a side note, it seems that manufacturers like Michelin have been helping to craft the rules.

Where do I find low rolling resistance tires?
That's the rub right there. The original tires on your car probably are low rolling resistance tires. Car manufacturers, especially with the public emphasis on environmental friendliness and fuel economy, want to get the best mpg rating they can from the government. An easy way to improve their rating (every little bit helps!) is to make sure the tire on the original vehicle is a low rolling resistance tire.

But replacement tires are another story. As of now, there are no requirements for tire makers to indicate how fuel efficient their tires are, and so they don't. There have been some independent tests done (see the pdf from greenseal for their recommendations) but until July, 2008 when California's new rules are adopted, you may need to contact the manufacturers for more information.

Do you know where to get more information on tires? Let me know in the comments. I'm sure everyone will appreciate the knowledge.

Volt is Being Overhyped

It seems like every day I see a new story on the plug in hybrid Chevy Volt. It will be on time, it won't be on time, the design has been drastically changed, it will still look the same, the battery is not ready, no it is ready and set to be produced in numbers...

Enough already. The Chevy Volt is a concept vehicle slated to be produced in about three years from now. Of course the timeline is going to change. Of course the design is going to change. Of course there will be issues with the battery/ engine/ seats/ whatever. That's the nature of developing new vehicles.

The latest story comes from Jon Lauckner, vice president, global program management and the ranking engineer overseeing development of a production version of the Volt’s E-Flex powertrain architecture saying that Wagoner is just being cautious by not committing to a release date of 2010. (Which is smart of him, BTW)

Lauckner sounds confident that things are on schedule and that all the rumors about battery development (or lack thereof) are amusing because they are so far off. In fact, Lauckner thinks GM will be testing the Volt outside the proving grounds sometime in 2009.

The only surprising thing in the story is how the Volt has "near 50/50 weight distribution and the 0-60-mph target of around 8.5 seconds, “the Volt will not disappoint” in terms of driving dynamics."

Update: See, this is exactly what I'm talking about. Another story on the date the Volt will appear: Lutz insists GM is holding tight to 2010 deadline on Chevy Volt. And all of this with it just being one year since the Volt was introduced.

In the meantime, I wish the furor would die down a little bit. This car is still several years away. If we (as in the online hybrid car enthusiasts group) continue to jump everytime someone says the word Volt, we'll be burnt out by 2009, never mind in 2010 when it may arrive.

Rick Wagoner Compares His GM Hybrids Against Toyota Hybrids

GM CEO Rick Wagoner says "We're right in that race. Right now we are rapidly expanding our offers" of vehicles powered by such alternatives as gasoline-electric engines and a gasoline-ethanol mix (Source: Bloomberg.com: Worldwide).

It also seems Rick Wagoner thinks GM hybrids are just as good as Toyota hybrids.

Wagoner said that while Toyota had a "good start in gasoline-electric hybrid" vehicle introductions, GM's hybrids are now on par with Toyota's and his company is already testing hydrogen-powered vehicles.

All in all, an interesting assertion from a company that sold under 100 hybrid vehicles in the month of November, compared to Toyota, which sold over 25,000 hybrids that month. GM is coming out with a bunch of new hybrids in the coming years, but until you walk the walk, I wonder if you should talk about it.

Auto Executives Want More Hybrids and Fuel Choices

The latest survey of car executives finds them optimistic on further growth in the hybrid car marketplace.

Global sales of hybrids will surpass 700,000 in 2008, compared to between 500,000 and 600,000 in 2007 according to 43% of those surveyed. Last year, 88% said gas-electric hybrids would gain in market share.

KPMG LLP asks senior automakers worldwide (they had 113 responses) to predict the future of the auto industry. 81% predicted higher market share for low-cost and entry level cars. Optimism was higher than in the past, with 26% predicting industry profitability will rise in the next five years, as compared to 16% last year.

"This industry has seen the bottom of the market and is focused on the
future, investing in new technologies and production efficiencies, with a
continued focus on product quality," said Daron Gifford, National Automotive
Industry leader for KPMG LLP. "Increased competition is fueling higher levels
of optimism. Many execs in our survey are seeing the light at end of the
tunnel with respect to the turnaround prospects for North American OEMs."

Still 54% of those surveyed are predicting North American brands to lose market share, while only 22% are predicting an increase. Those numbers are better than last year, 62% and 14% respectively.

Key issues facing the auto industry according to those polled are quality (96%), reducing costs (86%) and new technologies (83%, an increase from 68% last year).

Executives also believe car buyers are changing their behavior, ranking quality (86%), fuel efficiency (84%), safety (70%) and afford ability (70%) as the most important attributes. New fuel sources is on the rise, hopping from 53% to 65%.

"Clearly the fuel prices are driving the consumer's decision in the vehicle," said Betsy Meter, KPMG's automotive audit sector leader.

2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 at the Detroit Auto Show

The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line Two-Mode Hybrid SUV will be introduced by GM at the Detroit International Auto Show. The Saturn Vue has been the test bed for hybrids inside GM. It has received a mild hybrid system (the 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid which is produced in Mexico), it will be one of the first two-mode hybrids on the road (the 2009 model) and in the future, GM has promised the Vue will be one of the first cars to come with a plug (perhaps the Vue plug-in will be in 2009?).

"I think some consumers today might be held back if the hybrid is not affordable," Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager, said ahead of the Vue's premiere this month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. "I think we give people the option that you don't have to go broke to go green by offering choice in the marketplace."

The two-mode hybrid Vue will go into production in late 2008. It is expected to improve the fuel economy by 50% over the V6 model, which will put it at 29 mpg combined (35 mpg highway). It will also have a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The two-mode hybrid system will cost more than the mild version (mild hybrid Vue MSRP $24,795), so it won't be the cheapest hybrid on the road.

The current mild hybrid system gets 32 mpg on the highway, 28 mpg combined. Which makes me wonder why anyone would go for the 'upgrade' to the two-mode system? According to GM, the towing and performance (0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds) will make it worthwhile.

The two-mode hybrid system was co-developed by BMW, Chrysler and GM and will be seen first in the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid. The Vue will be the first front-drive vehicle to get the two-mode hybrid engine.

The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 (and isn't that a mouthful?) comes with a 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 with four-speed automatic, two 55-kilowatt electric motors and a 300-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery. It also comes equipped with lightweight aluminum wheels, low-rolling resistance tires and an electric power-steering system.

There is no reverse gear. Instead, the electric motor will power the vehicle when backing up. The suspension was changed a little by revising the spring and stabilizer bar rates, along with recalibrated front struts and rear shock absorbers.

The tachometer is replaced by a fuel-efficiency gauge that also tells the driver when the vehicle is in electric-only mode, engine-only mode, or a combination of the two and serves as a reminder the vehicle is on even if the engine is off.

Ford EcoBoost Makes the Gas Engine Better

Ford is introducing what they are calling Ecoboost engines. Through turbocharging and direct injection technology, Ford is promising a 20 to 30% increase in fuel economy which also increases the performance level from what you would expect of a V8 from a V6.

Just to be clear, I'm not too impressed by the end result. The information from Ford on the Ecoboost looks a lot like the information from Honda on the Accord Hybrid. Better performance and better fuel economy! But if you want to read more about it, keep going.

They will be introducing the EcoBoost to the new Lincoln MKS flagship in 2009. That will be quickly followed by the Ford Flex. By 2013, Ford expects a half million vehicles will come with EcoBoost in North America.

"Compared with the current cost of diesel and hybrid technologies, customers in North America can expect to recoup their initial investment in a 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine through fuel savings in approximately 30 months. A diesel in North America will take an average of seven and one-half years, while the cost of a hybrid will take nearly 12 years to recoup – given equivalent miles driven per year and fuel costs," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.

Direct injection is more precise than a conventional port injection, allowing for a cooler, denser charge, delivering higher fuel economy and performance. Turbocharging pulls in the wasted heat from the exhaust back in to drive the turbine.

The end result?
2 mpg improvement or 15 percent less emissions on the V6. A 2 mpg gain isn't going to turn heads and you're not going to attract many of the consumers who are now interested in fuel economy, rather than performance.



Press Release from Ford follows:

* EcoBoost is Ford Motor Company’s new high-volume, affordable engine technology slated for a range of global vehicles – from small cars to large trucks.
* EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior driving performance versus larger displacement engines.
* The new technology will be available in half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years – beginning with the new Lincoln MKS sedan in 2009.
* Ford Explorer America concept at the North American International Auto Show showcases EcoBoost combined with other sustainability actions; together, they deliver a 20-30 percent increase in fuel economy, depending on engine selection, versus today’s mid-size utilities.

DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2008 – Ford Motor Company is introducing a new engine technology called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years.

The EcoBoost family of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines features turbocharging and direct injection technology. Compared with more expensive hybrids and diesel engines, EcoBoost builds upon today’s affordable gasoline engine and improves it, providing more customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance.

“EcoBoost is meaningful because it can be applied across a wide variety of engine types in a range of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks – and it’s affordable,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.

“Compared with the current cost of diesel and hybrid technologies, customers in North America can expect to recoup their initial investment in a 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine through fuel savings in approximately 30 months. A diesel in North America will take an average of seven and one-half years, while the cost of a hybrid will take nearly 12 years to recoup – given equivalent miles driven per year and fuel costs,” he said.

Ford will introduce EcoBoost on the new Lincoln MKS flagship in 2009, followed by the Ford Flex and other vehicles. By 2013, Ford will have more than half a million EcoBoost-powered vehicles on the road annually in North America.

In 2009, Ford first will introduce EcoBoost on the Lincoln MKS featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6. It will produce the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. In fact, with an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque, the Lincoln MKS will be the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive luxury sedan in the market.

More With Less
EcoBoost’s combination of direct injection and turbocharging mitigates the traditional disadvantages of downsizing and boosting 4- and 6-cylinder engines, giving customers both superior performance as well as fuel economy.

With direct injection, fuel is injected into each cylinder of an engine in small, precise amounts. Compared to conventional port injection, direct injection produces a cooler, denser charge, delivering higher fuel economy and performance.


How Ford EcoBoost technology works
When combined with modern-day turbocharging – which uses waste energy from the exhaust gas to drive the turbine – direct injection provides the best of both worlds: the responsiveness of a larger-displacement engine with fewer trips to the gas pump.

Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, for example, can deliver upwards of 340-plus lb.-ft. of torque across a wide engine range – 2,000 to 5,000 rpm versus 270 to 310 lb.-ft of torque for a conventional naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 over the same speed range. At the same time, this V-6 gives customers an approximate 2 mpg improvement and emits up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions to the environment.

Direct injection coupled with turbocharging allows for the downsizing of engines that deliver improved torque and performance. A small 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine has the capability of producing more torque than a larger 4-cylinder engine – nearly an entire liter larger in displacement – with better fuel efficiency.

The real-world fuel economy benefit is consistent no matter the drive cycle, meaning the engine is efficient in the city as well as on the highway – unlike hybrids, which are most efficient in stop-and-go traffic. In addition, customers who tow and haul – and have long turned to more expensive diesel powertrains for their superior towing capabilities – can find the engine performance they need from an EcoBoost powertrain.

EcoBoost – combined with multi-speed transmissions, advanced electric power steering, weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements – is part of Ford Motor Company’s strategy to deliver sustainable, quality vehicles that customers want and value. Additional hybrid offerings and diesel engines are planned for light-duty vehicles.

Longer term, Ford plans to remain aggressive in the development of plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles.

“We know that what will make the biggest difference is applying the right technology on volume vehicles that customers really want and value and can afford,” said Kuzak. “EcoBoost puts an affordable technology within reach for millions of customers, and Ford’s systems approach adds up to a big idea that differentiates Ford’s sustainability strategy in the market.”

Explorer America – A Sustainable Showcase
To help explain its vehicle sustainability strategy, Ford has created the Explorer America concept for the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

The Explorer America concept delivers an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement – depending on engine selection – while providing room for six and their gear, along with moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

The concept aims to highlight for customers and auto show attendees a number of innovations tied to Ford’s systems approach, including:

* A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V-6 Explorer
* Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics
* A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it
* A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized – yet superior performing – engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components
* Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012
* Aerodynamic and other parasitic improvements that add up to a 5 percent fuel economy gain

The production model of the Explorer changed the landscape when it arrived on the scene in 1990 as a 1991 model, delivering an experience as unique as the owners who would eventually shape the design of the Explorer America concept.

Today’s Explorer leads the mid-size SUV segment in sales. Since its introduction 18 years ago, Explorer has sold more than 6.5 million vehicles.

For 2008, Explorer adds several new features, including Ford’s award-winning SYNC system that it developed with Microsoft. SYNC connects people and their favorite portable devices while in the vehicle, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. In addition, Explorer receives Ford’s EasyFuel capless refueling system, which is fitted as standard and new available 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.

Ford Explorer received 5-star ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s frontal and side-impact crash tests for the second year in a row. Explorer comes standard with six air bags, including front seat and side-curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac with class-exclusive Roll Stability Control, an electronic stability enhancement system that actually measures what other manufacturers’ systems ignore or can only estimate.

PDF on how ecoboost works

Hybrid Cars Have Almost Doubled Their Penetration

Since 2005, hybrid cars have gone from 1.4% to 1.9% in 2006 to 2.6% in 2007 of the marketplace according to PIN-Insights (pdf), a division of J.D. Powers and Associates.

Flex fuel cars (whether or not the flex fuel itself is available!) increased their share from 3.2% in 2005 to 6.0% in 2007. Diesel market share is down due to "reduced supply by Volkswagen and soft sales in the large pickup market." Diesel market share went from 3.2% to 2.9%.

All in all, gas only cars are down, from 92.2% to 88.5% over the past few years.

What this means to companies like Toyota is stories like this one: "Japan Triumphant" (autonews). The Toyota brand passed Ford in sales, making them No. 2 behind Chevrolet, and they are predicting Toyota will pass Chevy in the coming year. Overall, Toyota (including Lexus and Scion) is second to GM in sales.

And how did they do it? By cornering the hybrid car marketplace. Toyota sold 277,750 hybrid units in 2007, an increase of 44% from 2006. It was also 18% of their total sales (1,513,985 units in 2007).

Which means those despite the slowdown in the car marketplace for many, the hybrid car marketplace seems to be booming. Denso Corp plans on expanding the plant that makes hybrid vehicle components, starters and alternators by 25 percent. Denso will be spending $53.9 million to expand the plant by 1.2 million square feet. It is located in Anjo. Denso's top customer and shareholder is Toyota.

Denso is predicting their sales will double in the next three years.

Update: Six Japanese manufacturers are increasing production of materials used in hybrid vehicles, according to a Nikkei report (via Bloomberg.com: Japan). Ashai Kasei Corp and Sumitomo Chemical Corp are increasing production of the separators used in lithium-ion batteries at the cost of several billion yen. Showa Denko KK will be spending 1 billion yen ($9.13 million) to increase output on their magnetic alloys by 25 percent to 10,000 tons. Denki Kaguku Kogyo KK is doubling their output of metal parts used to disperse heat from motor controllers. And Nippon Steel Corp and JFE Holdings Inc. are building out their facilities to make high-grade electrical sheet steel used in motors.

Short story: An increase in hybrid car sales has been a bonanza for those companies involved in the manufacturing.

Hybrid Car Sales in 2007

Hybrid car sales in 2007 increased by 37.9% over 2006 for a total of 347,369 hybrid cars sold. Most of the increase can be laid at the feet of the Prius, which has continued it's domination over all other hybrid cars. Freed from a production bottleneck, sales of the Prius took off in 2007, making it one of the top 10 cars (not just hybrid cars, but all cars) in the U.S. Slight increases can be accredited to the introduction of two new hybrid models, while continued high gas prices are clearly pushing hybrid car sales.

GM Makes it Difficult
Note that the numbers presented here exclude GM models for two reasons. The first is GM does not break out their hybrid car sales, so it's very hard to obtain the numbers. Second, the current hybrid models from GM are considered to by mild hybrids, and really don't belong in the same category as the other models. GM's status as a mild hybrid company will change in the coming year, but it's unclear as to whether they will break out their hybrid car sales.

A Short Term Drop in Sales
At one point, in August and September, hybrid car sales dropped for the first time. The drops were related to the changeover in model years at Toyota (especially the Highlander Hybrid) and sluggish sales of the Honda Civic Hybrid. The market quickly bounced back in November and December as gas prices continued to climb and the changeover was completed.

New Models in 2007
In 2006, two hybrid car models were introduced and one was retired. Of the two introduced models, the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Lexus GS 450h, the Camry Hybrid quickly become the second most popular hybrid, right behind the Prius. That provided a large boost to last years hybrid car sales figures. The retirement of the low production Insight did very little to to deter the sales numbers.

The two models introduced this year, the Nissan Altima Hybrid and the LS 600h L, provided only a limited increase in hybrid car sales. I'll talk more about the Nissan Altima Hybrid below, but the Lexus LS 600h L (in Lexus terminology, the h stands for hybrid and the L stands for long) is a luxury model and was expected to sell in limited numbers.

The Failure of the Honda Accord Hybrid
Over the past year, the Honda Accord Hybrid was acknowledged a failure by Honda by its announced retirement and will not be replaced. Instead, Honda is hoping to challenge Toyota in the coming years by introducing a hybrid similar to the Prius (at least in performance and fuel economy) and a hybrid sports car. Honda has predicted that 10% of its sales will come from hybrids in 2010 (or so).

The Prius Takes Off
The Prius production bottleneck was broken in the first quarter of 2007 and sales quickly took off. The Prius became one of the top 10 best selling cars on the market in the US. It dominates the hybrid marketplace, continually pushing and challenging the rest of the car makers. In 2006, Toyota sold an average of 8,900 Prius a month. In 2007, the average jumped up to 15,100 Prius a month, the high point coming in May when they sold over 24,000 units.

Ford and Nissan Stall
Ford stalled and stymied its own growth, and except for the soon to be released Mazda Tribute Hybrid (cousin to the already Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid) doesn't seem to be interested in getting back into the hybrid game. So, Ford only increased hybrid sales an average of 100 units or so from the year before, most likely based on pressure from gas prices.

Nissan introduced the Altima Hybrid, but did so in such a limited fashion it can't seem to take off the way the Camry Hybrid did. Limited to sales in just eight states, the Altima Hybrid sold on average of 760 hybrids a month.

Make																			Model							Cumulative, 2006					Cumulative, 2007					% Change
Honda																			Accord							5598					3405					-39%
Honda																			Civic							31251					32575					4%
Honda																			Insight							722					3					-100%
Toyota																			Prius							106971					181221					69%
Toyota																			Highlander							31485					22052					-30%
Toyota																			Camry							31341					54477					74%
Toyota																			GS 450h							1784					1912					7%
Toyota																			RX 400h							20161					17291					-14%
Toyota																			LS600hL							0					937					-
Ford																			Escape/Mariner							22549					25108					11%
Nissan																			Altima							0					8388					-
Total																										272023					363723					34%

Conclusions
Some models clearly flourished while other floundered. Meanwhile, the Prius brought itself, if not all hybrids, into the mainstream in 2007. Toyota has clearly taken control of the hybrid car marketplace, practically defining what a hybrid is and by example, are challenging the other car makers to follow. However, Nissan and Ford seem to have very little interest in competing.

What's Up For Hybrid Car Sales in 2008?
So the big question in 2008 pertains to Honda and GM. Honda is going to start phasing out it's federal tax credits next quarter. Will they be able to compete without them? Will they start offering more rebates and other incentives to move the Civic Hybrid, the last hybrid in their lineup? They will also need to make some big progress in developing their 'global hybrid' car. Will Honda overcome it's past difficulties? Will they continue to be seen as being as the greenest company if they can't compete in the hybrid marketplace?

Meanwhile GM will begin introducing a hybrid every quarter for the next few years. Will GM (and Chrysler and BMW) sell any of their behemoth dual mode hybrid SUVs? Only time (and consumers) can tell. GM is also promising a plug-in hybrid Vue in the next few years. Will they be able to follow through? Will the Volt, with all the positive PR they've received so far, backfire if they can't get it out the door in 2010? GM seems to be the company to watch over the next couple of years for these reasons.

Hybrid Car Sales, December 2007

Hybrid car sales were up by 36% from last December, totalling 30,871 units sold this past month. GM does not break out their hybrid car sales, so all numbers shown reflect sales from Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Ford.

Make			Model				Dec-06									Dec-07	% Change
Honda			Accord				363									150	-59%
Honda			Civic				2,408									3,223	34%
Honda			Insight				3									0	-100%
Toyota			Prius				9,291									14,212	53%
Toyota			Highlander				2,354									2,791	19%
Toyota			Camry				4,005									4,969	24%
Toyota			GS 450h				252									136	-46%
Toyota			RX 400h				1,981									2,032	3%
Toyota			LS600hL				0									129	-
Ford			Escape/Mariner				1,968									2,265	15%
Nissan			Altima				0									964	-
Total							22625									30871	36%

Overall, Toyota showed the biggest gains, increasing hybrid car sales by 36% from last December. But both Honda and Ford were also up 22% and 15%, respectively. The Prius, as has been usual this past year, showed the largest gains of any model, up 53%, while the Accord Hybrid continued its downward spiral, falling another 59%. The Prius has shown consistently large gains all year long, ever since Toyota pulled out the bottleneck in production. The Accord Hybrid has been the big loser this year. Built for performance and not fuel economy, it has suffered and is slowly being retired by Honda.

Hybrid car sales had fallen for the first time in August and September, but have rallied since then. Toyota was changing model years on the Highlander Hybrid, and suffered accordingly. Sluggish sales for the Civic Hybrid also contributed to the slowdown, but both vehicles have responded strong in the past two months.

Toyota, and especially the Prius, continue to dominate the hybrid marketplace. The Prius made 46% of the total market, while Toyota maintained 78.6% of the total. Honda took second with 10.9%, while Ford took 7.3%. Nissan rounded out the remainder with its limited sales of the Altima Hybrid, with the remaining 3.1%. As long as Nissan holds back on selling the Altima Hybrid (only eight states sell the hybrid Altima, and even there they are not pushed), it will remain a bit player.

GM still doesn't break out its hybrid car sales. I'd like to take the opportunity to encourage them to do so. There is obvious public interest in how hybrid car sales fare, good or bad. And considering the push they are in the midst of to publicize their own hybrid agenda, breaking out the sales numbers would be a good idea.

Related:
Hybrid Car Sales, November 2007
Hybrid Car Sales, December 2006

Senate Strips Hybrid Car Incentives Out in Massachusetts

The Senate stripped out the tax incentives for hybrid cars from the clean energy bill in Boston. The House version had included tax incentives of up to $2,000 deduction for the purchase of a new hybrid vehicle.

Sen. Steven Panagiotakos, D-Lowell, Senate Ways and Means Charmain was quoted as saying, "We don't have the money. This is just the beginning of a lot of belt tightening as we go forward."

Most likely, the hybrid car incentive will be part of the discussion as differences between the bills will be discussed in committee. But the incentive does not seem to be a high priority for the House, so I don't expect it to be resurrected.

Sources: Berkshire Eagle Online - Senate bill cuts hybrid credits and Legislative leaders differ on Mass. energy policy - The Boston Globe

Missouri May Give $1,500 to Those Who Buy Hybrids

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt wants to offer $1,500 in tax deductions to anyone who buys a hybrid car. Governor Blunt wants also wants to encourage the use of E85 through tax credits. Owners of gas stations who install E85 pumps will get a tax credit. And a quarter a gallon tax credit would be given to anyone who buys it.

Missouri has considered passing a tax credit for hybrid cars before, but has had trouble passing it into law.

According to the press release Governor Blunt wants to offer the tax deductions to Missourians who purchase qualified hybrid vehicles. The tax deduction would be equal to the lesser of $1,500 or 10 percent of the purchase of the vehicle.

According to the Governor, only 92 of the 4,312 gas stations in Missouri offer E85. It can cost up to $40,000 for a gas station to replace or upgrade its pumps and fuel tanks to sell E85.

Source: MyFox Kansas City | Blunt Initiative Includes Tax Deduction For Hybrid Vehicles

E-85 is already a lot lower than regular gasoline, which is selling for nearly $3 a gallon. A quarter per gallon rebate doesn't sound like much, but it lowers the price of ethanol nearly 80 cents a gallon. In an SUV with a 25 gallon tank, that saves 20 bucks per fill up.

The 25 cents per gallon would be offered in the first year, 20 cents per gallon the second year and 15 cents per gallon would be offered in the third year, with a maximum of $500 per taxpayer per year. Tax credits would be claimed using the income tax return.

Lego Car Company Manufacturing Plant

This is just fun. Anyone who has the time and energy to build this type of assembly line is going to make a great engineer (or already is one?).



As ABG says (where I found it) "if all car plants were this green."

I can just imagine the difficulty in doing this, too. The hardware is impressive (aren't legos masterpieces always impressive?) but probably fairly straightforward. Coding the software must have been such a headache. The assembly line has to keep everything straight, inventory, placement, etc...

California Sues the EPA

California has begun its lawsuit to force the EPA to grant the waiver to enforce their own greenhouse gas emissions for cars and trucks. The EPA denied the waiver almost immediately following the passage of the new Energy Bill which is set to increase CAFE standards to 35 mpg by 2020.

Lawmakers from California were disgusted by the waiver denial and promised they would quickly file suit to force the EPA's hands. 15 other states joined with California, including Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Environmental groups signing onto the suit include the Conservation Law Foundation, Environmental Defense, the International Center for Technology Assessment, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club.

EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson denied California, saying the new federal standards would do more to prevent global warming.

"These gases contribute to the challenge of global climate change affecting every state in the union," Johnson said. "Therefore, according to the criteria in section 209 of the Clean Air Act, EPA did not find that separate California standards are needed to "meet compelling and extraordinary conditions."

Calfornia officials feel their program is better than the federal one. "I think we are coming back strong not only with our legal case, but our technical justification," California Air Resources Board chairwoman Mary Nichols told reporters in a conference call.

Nichols was also quick to point out that California faces extraordinary changes from climate change. Scientists are being quoted as saying rising seas could erode the state's coastlines and levees. Rising temperatures are also expected to reduce the Sierra snowpack, leading to a potential water crisis.

Gov. Arnold Scharzenegger backed up the suit saying EPA officials "are ignoring the will of millions of people who want their government to take action in the fight against global warming."

The EPA is facing off with Congress, as well. Sen Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif, called on the EPA to provide documents about its decision to deny the waiver, claiming EPA administrator went against recommendations by his technical and legal staff. Allegations have been made that Johnson acted in direction by the Vice-President. The documents would include records of the EPA's communications with the White House.

The EPA's general counsel laid out a memo directing employees to preserve and produce all documents related to the decision including any opposing views and communications between senior EPA officials and the White House, including Vice President Dick Cheney's office.

The documents should include "any records presenting options, recommendations, pros and cons, legal issues or risks, (or) political implications," said the all-hands memo from EPA General Counsel Roger Martella Jr.

The memo came to light via the the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).

"For months he said he was basing it on the scientific and legal merits and then did the precise opposite," said Jeff Ruch, PEER's executive director. Ruch says PEER was contacted by employees of the EPA who were outraged by the decision.

Hybrid Cars in 2008

As 2007 has come to a close, I was looking back at my predictions for hybrid cars in 2007 and it looks like I was right about some things and wrong about others. Gas prices did not stabilize, but Honda did break through the 60,000 mark, making next year an interesting one for Honda. How will they handle the loss in federal tax credits? Will they, like Toyota before them, start offering their own rebates to offset the change?

Honda Hybrid Cars in 2008
First, to Honda. Honda is slowly (oh so slowly!) phasing out the Honda Accord Hybrid, just as they did the Insight. But 2008 should show a nice increase in Honda Hybrid sales, especially if they manage to release their 'global hybrid' to market sometime this year. Honda hopes to sell hybrids in record numbers in the next few years, expecting 10% of their sales to come from hybrid models. But the only way they can do so is by getting more models on the road, first.

In the meantime, don't expect a lot of changes for Honda.


Ford and Nissan Hybrid Cars in 2008
Basically, we should expect more of the same from Ford and Nissan. Between the two companies, they will only be releasing one more hybrid, and that a derivative of what Ford already has (the Mazda Tribute Hybrid is cousin to the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrid).

Nissan has been highly cautious and blatantly unenthusiastic about the hybrid marketplace. The only hybrid Nissan has so far is the Altima hybrid, and that was built using Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. Which is too bad, given the rave reviews most people give the Altima Hybrid. But since it's been limited to just eight states in sales, the numbers aren't going to increase dramatically in 2008.

Toyota Hybrid Cars in 2008
Toyota will continue to dominate the hybrid car marketplace. The Prius has become firmly entrenched as the number one hybrid in 2007. 50% of all hybrid car sales come from the Prius. The Prius is in the top 10 list for all cars sold in the US.

Although you may see some design changes in the hybrids from Toyota, along with a whole new line of 'Prius' models (up to three different models coming under the heading of Prius) in the future, for 2008, there shouldn't be many changes to what Toyota has to offer. Which is just fine with Toyota.

Toyota buyers are completely out of luck when it comes to the federal tax credit on hybrid cars in 2008. It has been compeletely phased out in 2007 and despite some pushing by Toyota to extend them, there's been no indication they will be. So expect Toyota to continue to offer rebates on the Prius et. al. to make up the difference in the minds of buyers. Despite the loss in credits, Toyota hybrid sales have increased markedly from 2006.

Toyota will remain the target of environmental groups in the US. Because they can deliver the most fuel efficient car, and because they are poised to become (if they have not already done so) the number one car maker, everyone who wants to make their point will be pointing at Toyota and Lexus for any and all car makers faults.

GM Hybrid Cars in 2008
Which leaves GM (of the major automakers). I expect to continue to hear big splashes from and about GM in 2008. Between the Chevy Volt, Malibu, Saturn Vue, Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade etc... GM has plenty of upcoming hybrid models. Although I'm not sold on how big an impact any of these models will make except for the Volt, but that won't be until 2010 at best.

The Chevy Malibu Hybrid is the latest hybrid from GM, but like the others from GM up to this point, the 'hybrid' value is very little. With a 2 mpg gain over it's gas only counterpart, it's a wonder that anyone will go for the hybrid option.

The Saturn Vue Hybrid will continue to be GM's testbed for hybrid engines. First outfitted with a mild hybrid engine, the Vue will get a dual-mode hybrid engine soon. After that, GM has promised it will also become a plug-in, but that's not for a few years.

2008 may be become the year of the big SUV hybrids, or it may be known as the year of the big sinking of hybrid SUVs. I'm unsure about how big a seller these oversized hybrids will be. So far, hybrid car buyers are older with more money to spend, but have also tended to emphasize the greenness of their vehicle. It's possible that the soon to be owners of the bigger SUVs are really feeling guilty about their purchases and will pay the extra to alleviate their guilt to maximize their fuel economy while still getting to drive 'what they want/need.' I don't see it, but the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid sales have not been shabby. They've never taken off like the Prius has, but they have been a significant part of each models sales numbers.

Either way, GM has continued to aggressively pursue all the avenues they have to build a better car. And with the CAFE standards being upped over the next decade, they'll probably be glad they did.

The Others Including Daimler, Chrysler, BMW, Porsche, etc.. Hybrid Cars in 2008
GM co-developed the dual mode hybrid system with Daimler-Chrysler and BMW, so they also have oversized hybrids in the works. Although BMW may not have their hybrid on the road next year, expect the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid in 2008. At 6,000 lbs and 385 hp, it's just hard to imagine how attractive they will be (as with the Yukon and Tahoe from GM) to the hybrid car marketplace. Again, I could be wrong, but I'm not expecting the dual mode hybrid system, despite the impressive gains in fuel economy (25%) to make a big impact. Only time will tell.

Other car makers are working to get hybrids of their own on the road. Kia and Hyundai have leased hybrid cars to their home nations government in ever growing numbers. Mitsubishi is still developing plug-in hybrid concepts and has a diesel hybrid truck in Japan. Mahindra is looking to bring a hybrid SUV to the US. Subaru is working on its own hybrid, but who knows when it will get here. Audi is looking to get the Hybrid Q7 on sale in 2009. Porsche may have a Hybrid Cayenne and a Panamera, but maybe it will arrive in 2009. Peugeot may have a hybrid diesel, the 308, in 2009. Lotus unveiled the concept Hybrid Proton Gen 2, but only as a demonstration vehicle. They hope to integrate their technology into other cars.

But in the end, most of these cars are either coming in 2009 (maybe?) or not at all.

Lithium-Ion Batteries in 2008
Despite the hoopla from the auto manufacturers on how they are waiting for lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries to come through, 2008 should be a banner year in car battery development. Li-Ion batteries are just about there. Although they won't be appearing in hybrid cars in large numbers (just concept and testing vehicles) in 2008, expect them by late 2009/2010. And once they are out there, plug-in hybrid cars won't be far behind.

Diesels and Bio-Fuels
Diesels and bio-fuel vehicles (and E85, for that matter) remain the biggest competition for hybrid cars. But none of the others have really hit their stride, yet. Despite E85 vehicles being sold in record numbers, the availability of E85 is still severely limited, making their impact less than they could be. Diesels and bio-fuels suffer from a bad reputation and a lot of confusion, respectively. They also suffer because there are no major models being sold in the US. Diesels, I believe, may be the biggest competitor to hybrids in the near future. They are, of course, very popular in Europe, and banning any other bad news reports, will soon be available in larger numbers here. It should be interesting to see how they fare.

Hybrid Car Sales in 2008
So I expect the hybrid car marketplace in 2008 to look a lot like it did in 2007, albeit with a big jump up from GM. Toyota will continue to dominate, while Honda languishes until 2009 or 2010 with their new models. Nissan and Ford will continue with their steady sales with what they have. GM is the only player to see major changes in the early part of the year.

But all the carmakers will continue to benefit from the clear and easily understood relationship between gas prices and hybrid car sales. As gas prices continue to rise, the economic basis for buying a hybrid model will continue to grow. And even though they were already wrong for saying it, people will stop saying you can't make your money back by buying a hybrid.

More celebrities will drive hybrids (GM SUV Hybrids, to be exact) just so they can have the 'green' factor. This will also help to push hybrid car sales.

Given these influences, and since the loss of the federal tax credit for Toyota did nothing to slow them down, I expect another huge gain in hybrid car sales. With more models and higher gas prices pushing the market, it's clear that hybrids have gone mainstream and will continue to gain overall market share.

Finally, a Hybrid Truck From Toyota

Too bad it's just a concept.

With the upcoming hybrid SUVs from GM, I have been wondering when a real hybrid truck would come about (next up would be a hybrid minivan which is available in the US?). Something useful, but still gets great gas mileage. And who better to do it than Toyota, who sells three out of every four hybrids every month.

The A-BAT pickup concept hybrid truck will be presented at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The shape has been 'inspired' by the Prius, while the engine is a four-cylinder hybrid electric.

"We studied the 'trapezoid' silhouette from the side profile of the Toyota Prius and applied it to create an entirely new truck image," said Creative Designer Matt Sperling.

Smaller than the Tacoma, with just a four foot bed, this truck won't be hauling the big loads. But there is seating for four, although the rear seats can fold up and hide away, which seems to indicate it won't be comfortable seating for four (can you see a child seat back there?). For more room, there are lockable drawers in the walls of the truck bed and a larger drawer that slides out from underneath.

For that extra touch of 'greenness' you will find the top surface of the instrument panel is actually made up of solar power cells, capable of running the power for the navigation system. Other features include tailgate lighting for illuminating the load in the bed, a first aid kit and flashlight integrated into the tailgate, sliding tie downs, and an AC power outlet.

At the end of the day, this truck was designed with a very limited customer base in mind. Good fuel economy with a unibody design for a small truck platform is going to appeal to a limited crowd. Still it's good to see Toyota stretching the possibilities into compact trucks.