2012 Ford Focus

Ford is unveiling the all-new third generation Focus at the North American International Auto Show this week and under the "One Ford" strategy put in motion by CEO Alan Mullaly it will again be a global design. After launching in late 2010 with a four cylinder gasoline engine, a battery powered Focus Electric will be added to the lineup in 2011.
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Chevrolet Volt battery pack line

Three years to the day after the public debut of the Chevrolet Volt concept at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, General Motors rolled out the first "production" battery pack from a new factory in Brownstown, MI. The plant site that was announced in August 2009, now has production equipment in place and will begin building packs that will be retrofitted into the existed pre-production vehicles as well as going into the upcoming production verification vehicles.
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OnStar Mobile application for Chevrolet Volt

General Motors plans to leverage its well established OnStar vehicle communications technology when it launches the Chevrolet Volt at the end of 2010. The OnStar team has worked with the Volt development team to create mobile phone applications that will help Volt drivers maximize their electric driving capacity.
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Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept

Hyundai is debuting its first plug-in hybrid vehicle at North American International Auto Show. The Blue-Will concept is an all new vehicle that may also preview an upcoming dedicated hybrid vehicle from the Korean automaker. The Blue-Will is claimed to be able to get 40 miles of electric only driving from a full charge of its lithium polymer battery pack.
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BMW ActiveE concept

BMW is using the 2010 North American Auto Show to unveil the second phase of its Project i electric vehicle program. The follow up to the current MINI E fleet test will be based on the Active E concept. The new concept is an electrically driven version of the current 1 series coupe.
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Volkswagen Up! Lite concept

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled a new lightweight compact concept car that features a new hybrid system. The Up! Lite is claimed to be the most fuel efficient four seat car in the world. While much of the technology in the Up! Lite will likely make it to production in coming years, the hybrid system is likely to be among the first.
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2011 Hyundai Sonata

John Krafcik, Hyundai CEO used the stage at the Los Angeles Auto Show today to unveil the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Unlike its mid-sized sedan competitors, the new Sonata will feature a powertrain line exclusively populated with four cylinder engines. A new direct injected 2.4-liter will be joined by a turbocharged version and a hybrid later in 2010.
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Paolo Ferraro

A lineup of Chrysler executives took the stage in Auburn Hills to outline, the company's plans for the next five years. The tie up with Fiat will allow Chrysler to significantly upgrade its powertrain lineup by adding small engines from Italy, dual clutch gearboxes and new diesel engines. Powertrain SVP Paolo Ferraro didn't give any specific timing for the introduction of diesels to the US market but did emphasize that after-treatment systems would allow Fiat diesels to meet US and EU emissions standards.
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Bob Carter

Toyota group vice president and general manager Bob Carter told media in Detroit that Toyota would introduce a battery electric vehicle in 2012. The company also has plans to introduce a fuel cell vehicle by 2015 if an adequate hydrogen fueling network has been established by that time. Carter emphasized that automakers need to be honest with consumers about the capabilities of alternative fuel vehicles to avoid consumer disappointment.

Frank Weber and the Chevrolet Volt

Frank Weber, vehicle line engineer for the Chevrolet Volt program is returning to Germany in December to take up a leadership position at Opel. Before Weber leaves Detroit, he and successor Doug Parks will participate in a live web-chat hosted here on Green Fuels Forecast today at 4pm EST. GM engineers recently completed a three day 1,200 mile drive with eight pre-production Volts and next month will hold the first media drives of the car in conjunction with the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Ford Transit Connect BEV

Ford has reconfirmed that it will launch a battery electric version of its new Transit Connect compact van in 2010. However it will partner with Azure Dynamics to produce it, rather than Smith Electric Vehicles as announced last February.
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Fisker Karma

Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Automotive, Jack Markell, Governor of Delaware and Vice President Joseph Biden were on hand today to announce the purchase of a closed General Motors plant. Fisker Automotive will use the plant to build a second higher volume plug-in hybrid sedan for introduction in late 2012.
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Subaru Hybrid tourer concept

Subaru unveiled a new concept at the Tokyo Motor Show with the first application of new hybrid powertrain. The Hybrid Tourer also features the first use of direct fuel injection on Subaru's horizontally opposed four cylinder engine.
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2011 Nissan Fuga hybrid

Nissan unveiled its first in-house developed hybrid system at the Tokyo Motor Show for the new Fuga sport sedan. The rear wheel drive Fuga hybrid has a modular strong hybrid system that can operate on electricity at up 62 mph. The Fuga is sold outside of Japan as the Infiniti M.
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Takanobu Ito with the Honda FCX Clarity and EV-N concept

New Honda CEO Takanobu Ito used the Tokyo Motor Show as a platform to introduce a new dedicated hybrid sports coupe and a battery electric city car. However, Ito remains firmly convinced that hydrogen fuel cells will be the best long-term solution to full function zero emissions vehicles.
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Carlos Ghosn with the Land Glider concept

Carlos Ghosn, Nissan CEO announced at the Tokyo Motor Show that in the next few years the Japanese automaker would be producing at least three and possibly four battery electric vehicles. Today's announcement follows four EVs that Ghosn revealed for Renault at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show.
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The Crystal Mountain resort in northern Michigan will be hosting a conference on sustainability Nov 13-15, 2009. The Conference on Michigan's Future will include speakers will discuss food and land, energy and economic issues in the state and beyond.
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Brian Wismann on the Brammo Enertia

Back in 2007, Brammo Inc started work on creating a new line of electric motorcycles. The first of those is the new Enertia power-cycle which is now in production. Brammo is riding a pair of these bikes from Detroit to Washington DC to promote electric transportation as well as its new product.
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2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

Volkswagen is bringing the sixth generation of its compact Golf to the North American market for the 2010 model year and with it comes the return of diesel power. Green Fuels Forecast went to Germany to sample the new Golf TDI on its home turf.
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Volkswagen Golf TwinDrive

Volkswagen is currently in the process of building a 20 car fleet of plug-in hybrid Golfs for a field test in several German cities. Green Fuels Forecast had the opportunity to learn more about the new cars and evaluate the TwinDrive Golf in Germany this week.
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Audi e-Tron concept

Audi has confirmed that it will proceed with production of the battery powered electric sports car it showed as a concept at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show. The concept dubbed the e-Tron should go on sale in low volumes in 2-3 years.
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Toyota FT-EV II concept

At the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, Toyota will join its Japanese automaker counterparts in showing a new plug-in electric vehicle. While the FT-EV II is strictly a concept for now, something similar will likely to come to market within the next several years.
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Ford Ecoboost 3.5-liter V6

Just 36 months after starting development, Ford earlier this year introduced its first EcoBoost engine in the Ford Flex and Taurus SHO and the Lincoln MKS and MKT. Ford was not the first automaker to introduce gasoline turbocharged direct injection engines, but it is making a major push to take the technology mainstream. The innovations it has developed have led to the filing of 125 US patents for EcoBoost.
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Honda CR-Z 2009 concept

Honda has released a preview of the new hybrid and electric vehicles that it will display at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. The CR-Z is an update of the concept of the same name that debuted two years ago while the EV-N is a small plug-in EV with a design inspired by the 60s era N360.
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BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept

BMW unveiled its first two production hybrid vehicles along with a more efficient diesel 3-series at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week. However, the star of the BMW stand is the new Vision EfficientDynamics concept, a high-performance plug-in hybrid/diesel concept sports car.
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Volkswagen E-up! concept

Volkswagen is using the Frankfurt Motor Show to highlight two new high efficiency concepts that are destined for eventual production. The L1 is the latest development of a tandem two seater concept that consumes only 1 l/100km. The E-up! is a battery powered version of the automaker's upcoming New Small Family mini-cars.

Audi e-tron concept

Audi has unveiled a number of new green production and concept vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Among those are flex-fuel and clean diesel variants of the A4 and an battery powered concept based on the R8 sports car.
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Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell

General Motors will be hosting an online webchat today with the program manager and one of the Washington DC area drivers for its Project Driveway fuel cell program. In just under two years the 100+ hydrogen fueled Chevy Equinoxes have now accumulated over 1 million real world miles. Readers can join in the chat here on Green Fuels Forecast at 2 pm Eastern, September 9, 2009

2011 Ford Power Stroke diesel V8

The 2011 Ford Super Duty pickup trucks will get an all-new optional diesel engine that for the first time is being developed and built in-house by the automaker. The 6.7-liter V8 will meet the stringent new US emissions standards while improving on both output and fuel efficiency of the current engines.
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Daimler has announced that it will join Honda and begin series production and consumer leasing of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in early 2010. The new fuel cell vehicle is based on the B-Class compact and will use the latest generation of Daimler's fuel cell and electric drive technology for a 240 mile range and 71 mpg equivalent fuel efficiency.
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Just two weeks after announcing plans to introduce a new mid-size crossover based on the outgoing Saturn Vue for Buick, GM has canceled the vehicle. A conventionally powered version was to be launched in the second half of 2010 with a plug-in hybrid variant coming in 2011. Instead GM will move the plug-in hybrid program to another vehicle that will be launched at roughly the same time the Buick was expected to debut.

Ford Focus BEV prototype

At a Ford conference on vehicle electricification in Dearborn, the automaker announced that it has developed an intelligent vehicle to grid communications system. The system will allow the vehicle to communicate with the electrical grid to optimize vehicle charging.

Chevrolet Volt battery pack

General Motors continues its news blitz this week with the announcement that the battery pack plant for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will be located in Brownstown Township MI, southwest of Detroit. The plant will assemble the packs using the lithium ion cells provided by LG Chem of South Korea.
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pre-production Chevrolet Volt

General Motors is currently in the midst of building a fleet of pre-production Chevrolet Volts that will be used to complete development and validation of the extended range electric vehicle. A group of media were taken through the pre-production operations facility this week and given an opportunity to ride in one of the IVER prototypes with chief engineer Frank Weber.
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Chevrolet Volt

During a press conference this morning Fritz Henderson, General Motors CEO announced that the Chevrolet Volt is expected to get a composite fuel economy rating of 230 mpg in urban driving. The number is based on a draft EPA testing methodology for extended range electric vehicles.

2011 Buick PHEV crossover teaser

Following the announcement that General Motors would introduce a plug-in hybrid crossover badged as a Buick in 2011, Green Fuels Forecast spoke with Larry Nitz, director of hybrid powertrain development. Nitz shared some additional information about may be the first mainstream production plug-in hybrid.
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teaser shot of 2011 Buick CUV

General Motors announces that the plug-in hybrid SUV it has been developing as a Saturn Vue on since late 2006 will finally go on sale in 2011 as a new Buick model. Since GM is selling the Saturn brand to Roger Penske, it has opted to re-make the Vue as a compact crossover for Buick, one of its four remaining brands. LG Chem has been selected to supply the lithium ion cells for the new vehicle.
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Chevrolet Volt

The United States Department of Energy will award $2.4 billion in grants to help fund manufacturing of advanced batteries and electric drive components as well as deployment in the US. Over $1 billion of the total will go to projects in economically depressed Michigan where a number of companies have announced plans to build lithium ion batteries for the auto industry.
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Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2

General Motors' Corvette Racing team has announced its next generation car for the American Le Mans Series. For the remainder of the 2009 ALMS season and on to 2010, the all new C6.R Corvette will move from the GT1 class to the GT2 class. The team that was the first to race with cellulosic ethanol in 2008 will continue running the biofuel although the team has also investigated other options including hybridization.
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Nisan LEAF electric car

Nissan unveils its new dedicated electric car that will go into production in 2010 with the name LEAF. The compact five seat LEAF is powered by lithium ion batteries and is expected to have a range of approximately 100 miles per charge. The LEAF will initially be built in Japan with additional capacity to be added in about 2012 at the Smyrna TN plant. Nissan has not announced pricing but has indicated it would be priced under $30,000 in the US market.
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Nissan will be unveiling the production version of its upcoming electric car August 2, at the grand opening of its new headquarters in Japan. In the run up to the unveiling, the automaker is showing off a second generation prototype and has launched a microsite that provides a teaser image of the new car.
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Yoshimi Inaba

New Toyota North America President Yoshimi Inaba has reiterated the company's position that pure battery electric vehicles are unlikely to be mainstream in the near future. Speaking to a group of media in Detroit, Inaba-san maintained that while it is working on electric vehicles, Toyota's emphasis will remain on hybrids for now.
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2010 Lexus HS250h

Lexus announces that its new HS250h will go on sale in late August at a price starting at $34,200. The HS250h is the first ever luxury car that is being built exclusively with a hybrid powertrain.
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Audi R15 TDI

The combination of a world-wide economic crisis and increasing concerns about the environment have triggered many questions about whether motorsports is relevant anymore. Scott Atherton, CEO of the American Le Mans Series discusses the economics of racing and his series attempts to promote "Green Racing."
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General Motors announces that its Lake Orion Michigan assembly plant has been selected to build its new B-segment small car. Earlier this year the plant had been put on closure list following the decision to eliminate the Pontiac division in 2010. The decision will preserve 1,400 jobs in Michigan.
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A pair of researchers from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute have released a new study that concludes that automakers could actually become more profitable by improving fuel economy. This conclusion that runs counter to conventional wisdom is based on economic modeling that shows consumers would be willing to pay higher margins for more efficient vehicles in spite of the higher cost.
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Tesla Model S

Tesla Motors, got a significant boost this week with the approval of its application for low cost loans under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program. During a conference call following the announcement, Elon Musk, Tesla CEO indicated that he expects the automaker to be profitable within a month however, sales of its first product, the Roadster appear to be lagging with the poor economy. Tesla also plans to stick with the same laptop cell technology through at least the Model S program.
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Ford Focus EV platform

US Energy Secretary Dr Steven Chu announces that the first applicants for the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program have been approved. Ford, Nissan and Tesla Motors will all get low interest loans from the US Department of Energy to help retool factories to build electric vehicles and advanced batteries.
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Renault and French power utility EDF have reached an agreement on a power-line communications strategy for electric vehicles. Two way communications will be a necessary component of making widespread adoption of plug-in vehicles a viable alternative.
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A new San Diego California based start up carmaker announces plans to build cars at a closed Louisiana parts factory. V-Vehicle Company publicly announced its intention to take over a Monroe, LA facility previously owned by Guide Corp. a former lighting systems division of General Motors.
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2010 Lexus HS250h

For 2010 Lexus introduces what is billed as the "world's first dedicated luxury hybrid" in the form of the HS250h. Lexus hopes to build on the success of the iconic Toyota Prius by building a car that will be immediately recognized as a hybrid while providing all the refinement and ammenenities Lexus buyers expect.

General Motors this week officially inaugurated its new Global Battery Systems test lab. The new battery test facility is located at the automaker's Warren, MI tech center and is claimed to be the largest and most advanced facility in the United States.
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2009 VW Jetta TDI Sportwagen

In September 2008 Volkswagen introduced the first new diesel powered passenger car to comply with the latest Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions regulations, the Jetta TDI. Green Fuels Forecast drove a 2009 Jetta TDI Sportwagen for several days recently found it to be a roomy car that was both engaging to drive and fuel efficient.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

This week Mitsubishi became the first major automaker to launch series production of a new generation electric vehicle powered by a lithium ion battery pack. The automaker will begin deliveries of the i-MiEV to commercial and government fleets in July before starting retail sales in April 2010.
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Coda EV sedan

Miles EV announces that it will establish the new Coda Automotive brand for its full speed electric vehicles. The first product will be the Coda sedan. Coda plans direct sales of the $45,000 four door battery powered car starting in the fall of 2010.
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Miles Electric Vehicles has already been selling Chinese built low speed electric vehicles in the US market for several years. In 2007, the company announced plans to introduce a full speed electric car which should finally arrive in 2010. The new full speed EV will get new branding to separate it from the Miles branded low speed EVs.
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Audi adds a pair of new 1.6L common rail diesel engines to the European market A3 lineup. The 90 and 105 hp engines achieve up to 57.4 mpg (US) on the NEDC combined test when combined with automatic start/stop and brake energy regeneration.
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BYD F3DM

Volkswagen and China's BYD sign a memorandum of understanding to investigate possible partnerships for future hybrid and electric vehicles that use lithium ion batteries.
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Saturn Aura prototype with HCCI engine

General Motors powertrain researchers have made steady progress on Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines since first demonstrating prototypes in mid 2007. The operating range of this new combustion technology has now been expanded to include light loads from idle to 60 mph. The engines provide a 15 percent boost in efficiency compared to conventional spark ignition engines and GM hopes to have them on the market by 2014.

Daimler AG announced this morning that it will acquire a 10 percent equity stake in American startup Tesla Motors for an amount described as in the double digit millions. Daimler and Tesla will continue to work together on developing electric drive, battery packs and battery management systems. Daimler will also provide engineering and component support to Tesla for its own vehicles.
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Corsa Motorsports Ginetta-Zytek 09HS

At this weekend's Utah Grand Prix at Miller Motorsports Park, Corsa Motorsports will finally debut its new hybrid drive race car in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). The hybrid programme was first announced at last summer's Detroit Grand Prix and after overcoming numerous development hurdles the new car finally ran the Silverstone track in the UK last week. Drivers Johnny Mowlem and Stefan Johansson will undertake development of the new car in the heat of battle while team owner Steve Pruitt looks on.

Chevrolet Volt powertrain development prototype

More than two years after first unveiling its concept for an extended range electric vehicle, General Motors is now giving members of the media their first opportunity to actually drive prototypes of the Chevrolet Volt. Green Fuels Forecast drove a Chevy Cruze with the Volt's electric powertrain at the GM Technical Center in Warren MI
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Chrysler electric minivan

Chrysler announces that it will build and provide 250 battery powered mini-vans to the US Postal Service. The first four units are being handed over to the post office on April 22 in honor of earth day. The vans will be used by the post office for a variety of duties including daily home delivery.
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One of the key elements to making plug-in vehicles a viable mainstream option is a standard charging interface. The Society of Automotive Engineers regularly works to define industry standards and the J1772 charging plug standard is expected to be finalized by fall 2009.
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FEV solid SCR

Powertrain engineering services company FEV displays a new solid SCR NOx reduction system for diesel engines at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress. The new system provides a more compact and easy to handle alternative to the urea injection systems currently being implemented to meat Tier 2 Bin 5 and EURO V and VI emissions rules.
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Raser electric Hummer H3

At the Society of Automotive Engineeers World Congress today, Raser Technologies has unveiled its experimental electric Hummer H3. The electric Hummer uses a extended range drive train similar to the architecture used for the Chevrolet Volt and is claimed to deliver up to 100 mpg depending on the drive cycle.
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In a bid to recover some of the tens of thousands of automotive industry jobs lost over the past several decades, the state of Michigan has awarded $543 million in tax breaks to four different advanced battery manufacturers. The money is being used to incentivize the companies to build factories in the state that will produced lithium ion cells and packs for hybrid and electric vehicles.

2010 Toyota Prius

For the 2010 model year, Toyota has introduced the third generation of the iconic Prius hybrid. A decade ago the Prius was the first mass produced practical modern hybrid car.  The all-new model is still instantly recognizable as a Prius, but in spite of being larger and more powerful than ever before it is also more efficient. For all its virtues, the first two Prius generations were not considered driver's cars, but Toyota has addressed that complaint in the new car.

Honda FCX Clarity

Hydrogen and small cars are the big winners in the 2009 World Car of the Year honors. Volkswagen captured the top prize for its sixth generation Golf while Honda was recognized for its achievement in the Green Car category for the FCX Clarity.
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Over the past year as General Motors financial condition has steadily worsened, virtually every product program at the automaker has been canceled or delayed save one. Over that time the company has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the Chevrolet Volt. For now at least GM won't be getting any money from the Department of Energy to help fund that development.
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Lou Rhodes and the Dodge Circuit prototype

Just eighteen months ago Chrysler announced the formation of its ENVI division to lead its development of electric drive vehicles. Lou Rhodes, president of ENVI along with executive engineer Doug Quigley discussed Chrysler's EV programs which actually began two years before the launch of ENVI.

Tesla Model S

In Santa Monica California today, Tesla Motors has revealed its long awaited follow up to the battery powered Roadster. The Model S is a five passenger, hatchback sports sedan that also runs exclusively on battery power. The car is currently planned to go into production in 2011, however, that depends on Tesla's ability to raise the money to complete development and build a factory.

Aptera 2e

One of the more eagerly anticipated alternative fuel vehicles of 2009 is the Aptera 2e. The tear-drop shaped two seater has drawn nearly as much attention for its sci-fi appearance as its powertrain. Marques McCammon, Chief Marketing officer for Aptera spoke with Green Fuels Forecast about the vehicle and safety concerns over its configuration.
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2010 Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen introduces a new generation of its B-segment Polo at the Geneva Motor Show including a production BlueMotion model as well as a concept for revised version to be produced in 2010. The new Polo BlueMotion Concept is expected to achieve a combined 71.3 mpg (US) with CO2 emissions of just 87 g/km, making this the most efficient internal combustion five passenger car yet.

The Nissan Renault Alliance has announced another partnership to promote the proliferation of electric vehicles in the coming years. The latest tie-up brings the Franco-Japanese automakers together with regional governments in the Tucson Arizona area. Scottsdale, Arizona based ECOtality will also be participating in the project to promote the build-out of a public charging infrastructure.

2010 Lexus RX 450h

Lexus has completely redesigned its RX hybrid luxury crossover for the 2010, giving it more power and lower fuel consumption. The improved performance has prompted Lexus to bump the model designation up to RX 450h while the EPA has rated the AWD version at 28 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Green Fuels Forecast recently had the opportunity to drive the new RX and found its dynamic behavior improved over the original.

Magna Steyr Mila EV Concept

Magna Steyr, the contract manufacturing unit of Magna International reveals a concept named Mila EV at the Geneva Motor Show. The concept is based around a platform specifically optimized for electric and hybrid drive systems.
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Bentley Continental Supersports

Bentley announces that by 2012 it will introduce an all new powertrain and all of its existing engines will be flex-fuel capable. The transformation to a greener lineup begins with today's introduction of the Continental Supersports, the first production flex-fuel supercar.
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Mitsubishi iMiEV

Mitsubishi and Peugeot announce a collaboration that will lead to the introduction of a French badged electric car based on the iMiEV. The Peugeot branded EV will be produced in Japan by Mitsubishi for introduction in late 2010 or early 2011.

Dacia Duster concept

The Geneva Motor Show will mark the debut of the first every concept vehicle from Renault subsidiary Dacia. The Dacia Duster is a four seat crossover concept powered by a 1.5L diesel four cylinder engine that achieves 44.4 mpg (US).

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

Porsche will be publicly unveiling two greener versions of its Cayenne SUV at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The first, a diesel powered version recently launched production and will be on sale soon. The second is a hybrid variant that will go on sale in 2010.
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2010 Ford Transit Connect

Ford announces that it will partner with Britain's Smith Electric Vehicles to produce a battery electric version of its Transit Connect van for the US market in 2010. The Transit ConnectBEV will be Ford's first production electric vehicle with a lithium ion battery pack and will be offered to commercial and government fleets.

Volkswagen announces that it will launch its first mainstream hybrid model in 2010 when the Touareg V6 TSI hybrid goes on sale. The German automaker claims the hybrid SUV will have a 7,700 lb towing capacity and achieve a combined 26 mpg (US)
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Rick Wagoner announcing Volt battery production

As the 2011 inches closer to production late in 2010, General Motors engineering staff is growing increasingly confident that the battery pack for the ground breaking car will last the life of the vehicle. General Motors engineers have developed management strategies that they hope will insure optimal performance and durability.
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2010 Ford Fusion hybrid

Ford announces that its new 2010 Fusion hybrid has been deemed eligible for the maximmum available federal tax credit of $3,400. The Fusion Hybrid goes on this spring with EPA fuel efficiency ratings of 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
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At the Geneva Motor Show in March Bentley will unveil its first ever flex fuel car. The Extreme Bentley is claimed to be the fastest most powerful production car ever created by the British luxury brand.
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Going into 2008 Tesla Motors was hoping for some stability as it looked to begin customer deliveries of its electric Roadster and move onto its second model. Unfortunately continuing technical issues were followed by turmoil in the financial markets and more upheaval in the executive suite. A year later CEO Elon Musk sat down with Green Fuels Forecast to discuss the state of the business.
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Audi R10s at Sebring 2008

The American Le Mans Series capped its tenth anniversary season in 2008 with record attendance, participation and the launch of the Green Challenge. Looking ahead at 2009 the series faces the same intense economic challenges as virtually every other business. Scott Atherton, ALMS CEO discusses the challenges and opportunities for the new year.
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Fisker Karma S concept

Henrik Fisker came to Detroit this week for the North American International Auto Show to unveil the production version of his Karma plug in hybrid sport sedan. At the same time Fisker unveiled a concept for the second car his company plans to produce a 2-door hard top convertible called the Karma Sunset.  Video of our discussion with Henrik Fisker is embedded in the story.
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Ford Focus EV development prototype

Ford made news at the North American International Auto Show week by announcing it would build both a battery electric commercial van in 2010 and a battery electric car the following year. The company brought two powertrain development vehicles to the show that members of the media were able to take for short drives near Cobo Center.
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Chevrolet Volt battery pack

General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner today announces that the automaker will be assembling the battery packs for extended range electric vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt at a new factory in Michigan. General Motors will own and operate the plant and use lithium ion cells supplied by South Korea's LG Chem.
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Cadillac Converj Concept

Cadillac unveils a new Cadillac concept coupe today at the North American International Auto Show using the extended range electric vehicle powertrain from the Chevrolet Volt. The Converj concept is a compact coupe that provides a much more aggressive and premium look on what is now called the Voltec architecture.
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2010 Honda Insight

Honda introduced the modern hybrid to the US market in 2000 with the original Insight, but lost in the commercial race to Toyota's Prius. As 2009 begins, Honda is introducing a new hybrid only model with an old name. The new Insight is a five-seat hatchback that is expected to get an EPA rating of 40/43 mpg city/highway and achieved 63.4 mpg during a first drive in Arizona.

Mercedes Benz Concept BlueZero

Mercedes-Benz reveals the new Concept BlueZero at a media reception the evening before the official opening of the North American International Auto Show. The compact concept is believed to be a preview of the next generation B-class hatchback and features a modular electric drive powertrain.
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Dodge Circuit EV

Chrysler's ENVI division continues to work on its electric vehicle programs as it debuts a fourth model at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Jeep Patriot EV is an extended range electric vehicle like the existing Wrangler and Chrysler Town and Country EVs. An updated version of the Dodge EV is also debuting as the Dodge Circuit.
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2010 Ford Fusion

A second member of Ford's 2010 Fusion lineup has achieved a best in class fuel economy rating from the EPA. The base four cylinder automatic transmission Fusion has been officially rated at 23 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway.
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A123 Systems li-ion cell

Massachusetts based A123 Systems has applied for $1.84 billion in loans from the US Department of Energy to finance the construction of factories to build automotive lithium ion batteries. If A123 gets approval for the loans, it hopes to have sufficient capacity to build batteries for 5 million hybrid vehicles annually by 2013.
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Volvo announces an all-new 2.4L inline five cylinder diesel engine for its premium S80 sedan that helps it achieve 37.9 mpg (US) and meet EURO V emissions standards. The engine shares its displacement and configuration with an older engine but is otherwise new for 2009.
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Chargepoint Smartlet

Electric vehicle drivers in San Jose CA have a new option for "fueling up" their vehicles when parked. Coulomb Technologies has put its first public Smartlet charging stations into service in downtown San Jose.
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Fisker Sunset concept

Fisker Automotive will be debuting a new concept alongside the production version of its Karma sports sedan at the North American International Auto Show this month. The concept called Sunset will likely use the same powertrain as the Karma and is believed to have a convertible body style.

At next months North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Toyota will unveil a new battery electric concept vehicle alongside the new 2010 Prius hybrid. Toyota has not revealed any details of the new concept yet.

2010 Ford Fusion hybrid

The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid is now officially the most fuel efficient mid-sized sedan available in the United States. The EPA has issued official mileage estimates for Ford's new hybrid and rated it at 41 mpg on the urban cycle and 36 mpg on the highway.
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Volvo S60 concept

Ford's first four cylinder EcoBoost engine will debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in the Volvo S60 concept. Volvo has released images and information on the concept that reveal it is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged and direct injected four cylinder engine. As part of an all new powertrain, the engine yields 47 mpg in the concept.

GS Yuasa EH6 lithium ion cells

Honda announces new lithium ion battery joint venture with GS Yuasa. The battery maker and car manufacturer will collaborate on developing and manufacturing lithium ion batteries for hybrid vehicles.
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2010 Toyota Prius

Plummeting vehicle sales and US gasoline prices have caused Toyota to reverse course for the second time on plans for a new factory in Tupelo Mississippi. The plant originally planned to assemble the Highlander SUV was switched to the Prius hybrid in July of this year. Work on the plant will now be suspended when the building is completed.
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Th!nk City EV

Norwegian electric car manufacturer Th!nk is suffering from a cash crunch causing it to halt operations. Th!nk is asking the Norwegian government for an emergency cash infusion to help continue production along with additional funds to facilitate a planned expansion in 2009.

2010 Ford Fusion hybrid

For the 2010 model year Ford is making a full frontal assault on Toyota's Camry hybrid with the introduction of hybrid variant of its mid-sized Fusion sedan. Green Fuels Forecast spent an afternoon driving this new hybrid sedan around the crowded streets of Los Angeles and came away with an outstanding 43.1 mpg average fuel economy handily beating any other car in the mid-size segment currently available in the US market.

Mercedes Benz BlueZero concept

Mercedes-Benz will reportedly introduce an electric vehicle concept dubbed the BlueZero at January's North American International Auto Show. The BlueZero's design is also believed to be a preview of the next generation B-Class hatchback.
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2009 Acura TSX

After announcing plans at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show to introduce a 2.2 turbodiesel engine into an Acura vehicle during 2009, those plans have now been cancelled. A Honda official denied earlier reports, that the program was cancelled for technical reasons, instead blaming current business conditions.

Ford Escape plug-in hybrid

The CEOs of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors are heading back Washington this week to make their case for a bridge loan to get through the current financial crisis. Ford is the first to publicly release its survival plan including the release of an electric van in 2010, an electric sedan in 2011 and plug-in hybrids from 2012.
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2009 MINI E

BMW reveals the first stage of its Project I electric vehicle development program at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Following the official unveiling Green Fuels had an opportunity to take a short drive around downtown LA in the new battery powered MINI.

Nancy Gioia introduces the 2010 Fusion Hybrid

At the Los Angeles Auto Show Ford introduces its second generation hybrid platform for the Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans.  Following the unveiling Green Fuels Forecast spoke with Nancy Gioia, director of sustainable mobility technologies for Ford about the new hybrids, the company's plug-in hybrid test program, and batteries.

Audi A5 TDI

Green Fuels Forecast recently had the opportunity to sample another pair of Audi's diesel powered cars that aren't yet available in the US market.  The A4 sedan and A5 coupe are both built from a common vehicle architecture and powered by the same 3.0L TDI V6 that will debut in the Q7 SUV early in 2009. In the mid sized cars this engine provides both excellent performance and fuel efficiency.

2009 TwinDrive VW Golf

Volkswagen unveils a TwinDrive plug-in hybrid version of its recently introduced sixth generation Golf at a conference in Berlin. The TwinDrive architecture was shown earlier this year in a previous generation Golf and will be used in 20 car field test beginning in 2009.
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John Krafcik

At the Los Angeles Auto Show Hyundai announces the new hybrid drive system that will debut in the 2011 Sonata. Green Fuels Forecast sat down with John Krafcik, newly promoted to acting president and CEO to learn more about the innovative new system.

Fisker Karma

Fisker Automotive is moving ahead with plans to begin producing an extended range plug-in hybrid sports sedan in late 2009. The California startup announces a deal to purchase engines for the Karma PHEV from General Motors. Fisker will use the 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected EcoTec four cylinder to propel the Karma after its 50 mile electric range is depleted.

Porsche Cayenne Diesel

Porsche announces its first ever production diesel vehicle will launch in Europe in February 2009. The Cayenne diesel will be powered by the same 3.0L V6 TDI used in a variety of Volkswagen and Audi vehicles.

MINI E

At the Los Angeles Auto Show BMW reveals the lithium ion battery powered battery powered MINI E. The company has built 500 of the plug-in electric cars that it will lease to customers in the Southern California and New York City areasbeginning in January 2009. The cars will be used by BMW to gain real world experience with battery powered vehicles.

Green Car Journal selects the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI as the Green Car of the Year.  The diesel powered Jetta beat out the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue Two-mode hybrid, Smart ForTwo and BMW 335d. The Jetta's 41 mpg highway fuel economy and $21,990 base price are cited as reasons for its selection.

Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive

At the Los Angeles Auto Show Hyundai announces that it won't wait until 2020 to meet the new 35 mpg corporate average fuel economy standard. The automaker's new Blue Drive efficiency strategy is expected to allow it to meet the standards by 2015. A mix of technologies including hybrids, direct injection, weight reduction and even fuel cells will help the company meet its goal.

Volkswagen announces that its highly successful Jetta TDI cup will be back for a second season in 2009 with an expanded schedule of ten races. Thirty aspiring professional drivers will take to the track in identically prepared racers based on the road going Jetta TDI sedan. Driver selection for season two will take place in February 2009.

BMW 335d

In a year when fuel prices in the United States reached the highest levels ever, BMW is introducing the most fuel efficient car it has ever offered in this market with the new 335d. Green Fuels Forecast had an opportunity to drive BMW's first new clean diesel sedan in advance of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 335d adds a huge improvement to fuel economy to BMW's highest volume model without sacrificing the performance the brand is known for.

The two cellulosic ethanol companies that General Motors invested in early in 2008 are headed in opposite directions. Coskata has reached a deal with US Sugar on a feasibility study for an ethanol plant using its gasification technology. Meanwhile Mascoma has released between 5 and 10 staff including company president Colin South.

Amyris yeast producing diesel

Oakland CA based Amyris Biotechnologies completes its first pilot plant to produce renewable diesel fuel. The startup biotechnology company held a modest celebration at its headquarters to commemorate the first step in its goal toward commercial production of liquid fuel by 2010. The company develops genetically engineered yeasts to transform biomass into other useful products.

Eaton Corporation will be supplying compressors based on its internal combustion engine superchargers to Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation for fuel cell vehicles that the Chinese company is building. The 20 vehicles will be used during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

VW Touareg TDI Trophy Truck

At next week's Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen will unveil a new purpose-built Touareg TDI off-road racing truck. The new Touareg will run in the Baja 1000 race later this month and will be powered by a version of the 5.5L V12 TDI engine from the Audi R10 TDI sports racer.

1999 Toyota GT-One

Dominant hybrid vehicle manufacturer Toyota may be returning to Le Mans with the technology it is currently developing for Formula One. Toyota could be the second manufacturer to create a hybrid drive prototype for the French endurance race where it last competed almost ten years ago.

BMW's 335d

BMW today announced pricing and fuel efficiency of its first new 50-state legal clean diesel vehicles that are going on sale shortly. The new 335d sedan is rated at 23/36 mpg city/highway and will be priced from $44,725 while the X5 xDrive35d will get a 19/26 mpg rating with a $52,025 base price.

The pre-production Fisker Karma

Fisker Automotive will open a new engineering and development center in Pontiac, MI to help bring its premium plug-in hybrid sports sedan, the Karma, to life.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

A report on an automotive website late Thursday night that cash flow problems at General Motors would cause a delay in the Chevrolet Volt program has been categorically denied by company officials.

the MINI E

BMW's electric MINI E will debut in two weeks at the Los Angeles Auto Show with only 500 examples  available for lease beginning early in 2009. A online report today confirmed by MINI USA says the battery powered MINI will cost $850 per month for a one year lease.

2009 Mercedes Benz ML320 BlueTec

Mercedes-Benz is awarded the "Green Steering Wheel" by Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper for its NOx reducing BlueTec technology. The paper, which has been giving its "Golden Steering Wheel" to vehicles in a variety of segments for many years, added the green award in 2007.

Archer Daniels Midland has announced a new agreement to create a half billion dollar joint venture with a Brazilian partner to produce ethanol from sugarcane.

Hyundai's new R-Engine diesel

Boasting a leg up on the German and French competition, Hyundai Motor Co. has introduced its new diesel "R-Engine" in 2.2L and 2.0L variants for markets outside North America. The 2.0L diesel engine is rated at 184hp and 289 pound-ft of torque, while the 2.2L reaches 200hp and 321 pound-ft torque.

A Better Place prototype Renault

Better Place, the electric vehicle infrastructure startup founded by Shai Agassi, is planning to import some American built converted electric vehicles to Israel for initial tests of its charging network. The cars are likely to be equipped with batteries from A123 Systems - a Massachusetts-based company that recently received an equity investment from Ofer Holdings, which also is a Better Place investor.

The second largest producer of ethanol in the United States has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection largely as a result of falling corn and ethanol prices. VeraSun Energy found itself on the losing end of an attempt to hedge against rising corn prices earlier this year, but prices reversed. Corn prices have dropped to less than half of the $8 per bushel that VeraSun was contracted to pay.

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk has committed to personally ensuring that all current orders for the company's battery powered Roadster are fulfilled in spite of  a cash crunch at the Silicon Valley startup. Musk publicly announced that he would personally invest enough money in the company to keep it running in spite of reports that the company is down to only $9 million in cash.

The four-cylinder, 2.2L i-DTEC

While supporting increased efficiency requirements, Honda executives sounded less than thrilled with the structure of the new  rules during a conference call this week to discuss automotive fuel economy. John German acknowledged that the regulations will lead to higher vehicle costs to pay for new technology that is needed. On the technology front, Honda is persuing a number of fronts including hybrids, CNG, and biofuels but remained non-commital on plans to introduce its diesel engines to the US market in 2009.

The 2010 Ford Fusion

Ford has revealed a wealth of details on the upgraded powertrains for its 2010 Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans that will be debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. Additional information was provided about the 2.5L four cylinder and 3.0L V6 that debuted earlier this year in the 2009 Escape crossover, along the new hybrid models that are expected to be by far the most fuel efficient mid-size sedans on the US market approaching 40 mpg in the city.

Ford today unveils a new green-minded fuel economy gauge for its 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, which will premiere next month at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The automaker has shared a teaser video demonstrating the dashboard setup. The more efficient the driving, the more green leaves on the animated branch sprout.

The annual Specialty Equipment Marketing Association show in Las Vegas is generally the province of tuned and hot-rodded vehicles with big wheels and wild paint jobs. One of the more interesting vehicles making its debut this year is an electrically driven Ford F-150 pickup truck created by PML Flightlink. Using a quartet wheel motors, the battery powered pickup truck has over 600 hp and 2,000 lb-ft of torque with a 100 mile estimated range.

Photo: CNN

One of the few publicly traded cellulosic ethanol companies will now focus on capturing methane from landfills, amid a market of drastically faultering ethanol prices.

The 2008 Lexus LS600h

A New York City company has launched a new Website that allows users to rent hybrid limousines through a network of over 200 agencies world wide. In addition to online rentals, ElectriCar.com will be donating a percentage of its revenues toward carbon offsets and research into wireless electrical power transmission.

New data showing corn prices tracking closely with the world price of crude oil may largely put an end to the food vs fuel debate with ethanol. There has been no significant change in consumption of corn for ethanol production, but the price of the crop has dropped significantly right along with oil prices. 

Ford will officially unveil the 2010 Fusion along with the Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ at November's Los Angeles Auto Show. For the first time the new mid-sized sedans will be offered with an optional E85 flex-fuel V6. The updated cars will also have the option of a revamped hybrid drivetrain.

Johan de Nysschen, EVP Audi of America

Despite the massive juggernaut of TDI and the logistics machinery to support a two-week drive, Audi spent the last two weeks seeding the market with the Audi Mileage Marathon in somewhat guerrilla or viral fashion. Given the word-of-mouth nature of interest for diesels, it may be the right marketing approach considering the anxious buying public and so far niche-nature of diesel buyers.

2009 Chrysler Aspen hybrid

The continuing collapse of demand for large SUVs has prompted Chrysler to pull ahead the closure of its Newark DE assembly plant. The closure of the plant, which is the only production site for the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen, likely means a very short production run for the automakers first production hybrid models.

The glycerin byproduct of making biodiesel has saddled many producers with another fixed cost to worry about. But another avoidable substance, the E. coli bacterium, may be the solution producers have been waiting for.

Tesla Roadster

Silicon Valley based electric car startup Tesla Motors has found itself caught up in the recent turmoil in the world's financial markets. The company this week announced a shuffle in the executive suite, layoffs and delay to its next vehicle program.
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MINI E

BMW releases details on its new battery powered MINI E that will debut at November's Los Angeles Auto Show. The electric drive MINI was first announced by MINI officials in early July of this year. BMW is currently in the process of assembling 500 examples that will be leased to commercial and private customers beginning in mid-2009.

2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid

The official EPA fuel economy ratings for Chrysler's first production hybrids have been released and the 20 mpg city /22 mpg highway numbers top the equivalent vehicles from General Motors.  Chrysler's Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids use the same Two-Mode hybrid system installed by General Motors in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
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Audi Q7 TDI

The longest single stretch of the Audi Mileage Marathon is now over as the fleet of diesel vehicles rolled into Denver Colorado at the mid-point of the event. The diesel fleet is still showing impressive mileage numbers even through the more challenging conditions encountered on the circuitous route from Chicago to Denver.  The Q7s and Q5s in particular are demonstrating impressive efficiency for their segments.

Every future Toyota powertrain bound for North America - from plug-in hybrids to ethanol burners to (potentially) hydrogen runners - will find its way to the newly completed Toyota Technical Center here, which the automaker unveiled to an audience of dignitaries and government leaders today.

In the largest investment in cellulosic ethanol in the state, Mascoma Corp. with the help of federal and state government agencies will construct a near $50 million cellulosic ethanol production plant in Michigan.

With three days down and eleven to go, the first leg of the Audi Mileage Marathon is in the books and new set of drivers has taken over. As the fleet of diesels heads out of Chicago for the longest trek of the trip, the final results of the first leg have been compiled with the overall averages for the Q7s ranging from 26.4 to 20.0 mpg.

The Audi Mileage Marathon is into its second day as an eclectic fleet of diesel powered vehicles makes its way across America. The team of journalists from Europe and the United States and Canada set off from Manhattan's Central Park toward Philadelphia and on to Washington, DC for the first overnight stop.

Audi's first big promotion for its upcoming diesel vehicles is starting today in Manhattan as the Audi Mileage Marathon leaves from the Tavern on the Green. For the next two weeks, a fleet of 23 diesel powered Audi cars and SUVs will visit cities all across the country as four waves of journalists from all over the world explore the capabilities of these vehicles. The participants will be vying for the best mileage on each of the four legs of the journey.

Corvette takes the green at the Green Challenge

The Corvette Racing team and the Penske RS Spyder's Porsche team Saturday took home the first-ever Green Challenge at the American Le Mans Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze and 1.4L turbocharged engine

After teasing the public for many months with a new high efficiency 1.4L four cylinder engine, General Motors announces  it will build two variants in Flint, MI in 2010. The automaker will spend $370 million to build a factory to produce 800 engines per day for the Chevrolet Volt and Cruze.

Chrysler LLC executives said they're undecided on which of the new electric vehicles will be the first to launch into production or which company will supply the batteries. But Frank Klegon, VP for Product Development, did acknowledge that the A123 Systems "is one of the players" that has been involved in development of the initial prototypes.

Chrysler Electric Vehicles

Chrysler LLC, which began 2008 with the unveiling of a trio of electrically driven concept vehicles, announces four models targeted for production beginning in late 2010. The battery powered vehicles include an electric only sports car, and a pair of extended range electric vehicles all with lithium ion batteries along with a newly redesigned neighborhood electric vehicle.

Honda Insight Concept

As with other recent auto shows, the Paris Motor Show coming up in early October will again feature a wide array of fuel and emissions saving concept and production cars from around the world. New hybrid cars will be appearing from Honda, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Citroen, Peugeot and others will share the stage with new diesels from General Motors, Volkswagen and Subaru. Flexible bio-fueled vehicles and electrics will also be rolling out in the city of lights.

With the large truck market in US in free fall with no signs of recovery, every automaker is re-examining its future product plans. Toyota is no exception as previously announced plans to offer a diesel engine in its Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV may be canceled.

The 2009 Jetta TDI

California, with the strictest emissions standards in the nation is the driving force behind the new emissions rules and that's where Green Fuels Forecast spent a day driving the new diesel Jetta. Volkswagen has devised a machine that lives up to the brand's fun reputation while still delivering exceptional fuel efficiency.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

As General Motors enters its second century facing the biggest financial crisis in its history, it unveils the production version of the car that it hopes will represent a newbeginning . Sixteen months are unveiling the Chevrolet Volt as a concept, the production design is unveiled at General Motors centennial celebrations.

Peugeot 908 HY

Peugeot announces a new diesel-electric hybrid demonstrator variant of its 908 HDi Le Mans Series race car at the final race of the 2008 season in England. The French manufacturer is currently testing the hybrid racer but has not committed to competition until the ACO which sets the Le Mans rules finalizes new regulations.

Renault Ondelios Concept

Renault reveals a diesel hybrid crossover concept vehicle that will be publicly shown for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in October. The Ondelios is a six passenger crossover claimed to deliver 52.3 mpg (US).

Mazda announces it will introduce a new clean diesel engine for the European Market at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. The engine features a new Mazda-developed diesel particulate filter that reduces the regeneration time and fuel consumption.

Audi Q7 and Q5 TDI

German automaker Audi is preparing to make a major push for the launch of its clean diesels in the US market with a cross-country Mileage Marathon in October. A fleet of 23 TDI powered Audis including the Q7, Q5, A4 and A3 will go from New York to Los Angeles with the drivers vying for the best possible fuel economy.

Smart ED

Daimler AG Chairman Dieter Zetsche announces a joint electric vehicle test program with German electric utility RWE AG that will see over 100 battery powered cars and 500 public charging stations deployed in the German capitol, Berlin. Starting early in 2009, Daimler will release the fleet of second generation Smart EDs powered by lithium ion batteries.

John McCain - Reuters

As Sen. John McCain accepts his nomination as the GOP’s entry into the US presidential race, his energy and environmental planks remain somewhat vague, offering little quantification especially when compared to that of Democratic rival, Barack Obama. And although domestic drilling is high on McCain’s list of things to do if elected, the Arizona congressman has also embraced a surprising number of green energy initiatives.

Gale Banks

Gale Banks has been building high performance engines for half a century.  Over the Labor Day weekend Banks was in Detroit for the Grand Prix at Belle Isle and he took time out to speak with Green Fuels Forecast about his latest passion, diesel engines.

Honda Insight concept

Honda will be posing the most direct challenge yet to the dominance of the Toyota Prius early in 2009 with the introduction of its new Insight hatchback. The Insight will debut as a concept at the Paris Motor Show in October with styling derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell car.

2009 VW Jetta TDI

John and Helen Taylor have made a name for themselves in recent years by driving long distances on minimal amounts of fuel.  Today the couple are leaving Chantilly, VA on an 8,000-mile trip through all 48 contiguous states in an attempt to set a Guinness world record for fuel economy driving a VW Jetta TDI.

General Motors organized a Biofuels Summit in conjunction with the Detroit  Grand Prix on Belle Isle. Beth Lowery, VP for Environmental Affairs was part of a panel discussing food vs fuel, infrastructure and next generation biofuels.  Joel Valesco of Brazilian sugar cane trade group UNICA discussed the history and lessons learned with ethanol use in Brazil.

The Highcroft Acura

Acura announces plans to move up to the top category in the American Le Mans Series in 2009 as it develops an all-new car for the LMP1 class. Honda Performance Development President Erik Berkman would not reveal and detail specifications, but a diesel may be a strong possibility.

Photo: Getty Images

Green Fuels Forecast today begins an examination of the transportation energy plans of the two men running for president of the United States. First up: Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, who today will receive the Democratic nomination. An evaluation of Arizona Sen. John McCain's energy blue prints will appear one week from today when he accepts his party's nomination.

2008 Hyundai Sonata

John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's vice president of product development, reveals the company will show a Sonata sedan with an in-house developed hybrid system at November's Los Angeles Auto Show. The Sonata will have a strong parallel hybrid system with a lithium ion battery pack. A diesel powered version of the new luxury Genesis sedan is being studied, but is unlikely at this time.

Used Toyota Priuses are hard to find, pushing up residual values

Alternative-powertrain vehicles are proving a good investment, as some owners on both sides of the Atlantic are even selling their greener cars for more than they originally paid for them.

Ford Focus FCV

Since 2005 Ford has been operating a test fleet of Focus sedans powered by hydrogen fuel cells in several cities in the United States and Europe. The program originally scheduled to last three years has been so successful that the automaker announces plan to extend it through 2010.

Bob Boniface leads the design team working on new GM vehicles based on the E-Flex architecture first showcased in the Chevrolet Volt concept.  As GM get closer to unveiling the look of the production Volt, Boniface discusses the changes made since the original concept. VIDEO

Bosch CEO Peter Marks

Peter Marks CEO and Chairman of Robert Bosch LLC remains confident that market share for light duty diesel engines in North America will grow significantly by the middle of the next decade.  Speaking at the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City Marks believes that diesel refinery supply issues will be resolved by 2010-11.

 Bob Boniface, the director of design for the Chevrolet Volt and E-Flex studio at General Motors, revealed some teaser photos of the production model.

General Motors is attacking the dramatic drop off in sales of full-size trucks by adding hybrid pick-up trucks and new more fuel efficient variants of all full-size Chevrolet and GMC trucks for the 2009 model year. The Two-Mode hybrid pickups go on sale in the first half of 2009, while the XFE models will be available this fall.

A Volkswagen Tiguan HyMotion concept and nine other hydrogen fueled vehicles are making a trans-continental journey to demonstrate the potential of using hydrogen as a fuel. The National Hydrogen Road Tour kicked off in Portland, ME this week and will make stops in 31 cities on its way to California.

Even the biggest corn-ethanol advocates acknowledge the days are numbered for food-based fuel. “Most ethanol in the near term will be made from corn, and I believe it will increase demand. In three to five years, cellulosic ethanol will be made from waste corn stover," says Ron Litterer, president of the National Corn Growers Association.

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

General Motors is adding a member to its family of hybrid drive full-size SUVs in the form of the Cadillac Escalade hybrid. At $71,685 the Escalade is the first full-size hybrid luxury SUV in the world and the second-most expensive hybrid behind the Lexus LS600h. Green Fuels Forecast recently went for a short drive in Cadillac's first hybrid.

Nissan Cube EV02

At an advanced technology briefing in Japan, Nissan announces several next generation powertrain systems. Along with the latest prototype of its battery powered Cube, Nissan is publicly showing its new hybrid system for the first time, along with a new fuel cell stack that doubles the power density of the previous generation design.

2008 BMW 123d

Diesel Forecast tests out another fuel efficient diesel vehicle from the Robert Bosch promotional fleet. This time around: a week with the BMW 123d hatchback demonstrates once again that fun to drive and low fuel consumption are not mutually exclusive.

Dodge Durango Two-Mode Hybrid

Chrysler playing catch up as it launches its first production hybrids, the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen going into the 2009 model year. Green Fuels Forecast took an early drive in the first non-General Motors application of the Two-Mode Hybrid system with Chrysler's new gas-electric SUVs. The new SUVs provide a 25 percent boost in overall fuel economy over the conventional gasoline equivalents, but with the SUV market in free-fall, is it too little too late?

Chevy Volt range extender being tested

General Motors officially dedicates its new Powertrain Engineering Development Center in Pontiac MI with a ceremony attended by CEO Rick Wagoner and EVP Tom Stephens and an assortment of politicians. The 450,000 sq. ft. facility, which will ultimately house 4,300 employees was built at a cost of $463 million.

Larry Nitz, General Motors' executive director of hybrid powertrain engineering, confirms the production Chevrolet Volt will use a 1.4L four cylinder engine for the range extender, rather than the 1.0L three cylinder used in the concept. Nitz also reveals that a second generation version of the Two-Mode hybrid system is under development, with a major focus on cost reduction - allowing for more widespread applications across GM's lineup.

The Internal Revenue Service certifies the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI as eligible for a $1,300 federal tax credit when it goes on sale to the public in September. The Jetta is the first new clean diesel car to receive that distinction.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announces his government will be spending £90 million ($180m) over the next five years to reduce vehicle emissions. As part of this strategy, the government will be working with energy companies to encourage the development of more electric vehicles.

Take a dash of Ferrari, a pinch of Jaguar, add 30 batteries and you get the Lightning GT, a coupe its makers hope will one day be an Indy pace car. The batteries are not lithium-ion and this is no a concept car, according to the UK makers, revealing the car at the British Motor Show. The Lightning Car Co. claims to be already taking orders for 2010.

Tradionalist British sports car maker Morgan is breaking with the past as it shows it hydrogen fueled LIFEcar concept in Britain for the first time.  The fuel cell and electric drive LIFEcar blends old-time Morgan styling with modern aerodynamics to create a car that gets the equivalent of 130 mpg (US).

2008 MINI Cooper D

With gas and diesel fuel prices at record levels through the first half of 2008, MINI USA has seen sales of its tiny cars jump by 34 percent. In the wake of this sales spike Jim McDowell vice president of MINI USA has revealed that the recently announced battery electric MINI will arrive in the United States in mid-2009 and a diesel MINI is also under consideration.

Subaru chose the British Motor Show to unveil the sedan version of its new Boxer Diesel Legacy, powered by the company’s extraordinary flat, horizontally opposed engine.

2008 MINI Cooper D

Diesel Forecast drives another diesel powered car that's unavailable to US consumers and comes away enthralled. The combination of the smooth, quiet diesel engine and the auto start-stop system gives the MINI Cooper D exceptional fuel economy.  During several days of fairly aggressive driving, the MINI managed 47mpg.

Chevrolet Sequel concept

A new study by the National Research Council estimates that up to 2 million hydrogen fueled cars could be on US roads by 2020. That number could rise to 25 million vehicles by 2030. However, the study also estimates that it will take $200 billion in government and industry subsidies over the next 15 years to achieve these targets.

Euro spec Q5

Audi's new mid-size SUV, the Q5, will be available with a choice of three engines including two diesels when it goes on sale in Europe this fall. In addition to its fuel efficient engines, the Q5 and the A4 sedan/wagon include a number of other technologies that help reduce parasitic losses and fuel consumption.

A "bi fuel" Ford Focus fills up with hydrogen from ITM's electrolyser.

Existing industry standard membrane material costs hover around $500 per square meter. But ITM's membrane, made from nickel and other cheaper materials, offers higher electrical conductivity for $5 per sqm, which the company says could revolutionize home-based hydrogen refueling.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

The initial batch of 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDIs are now arriving at Volkswagen dealers across North America. Diesel Forecast dropped by a local Volkswagen showroom to take a look and a quick test drive. According to sales people the high current high price of diesel fuel is not deterring buyers from placing orders for the new high-mileage Jetta.

With the cost of vegetable oils and waste grease - the primary feedstocks for biodiesel - rising along with the price of food and the fuel to produce it, the new B20 standard won't have much impact on biodiesel prices. But some analysts see non-food sources, such as algae, as the key to increasing fuel supplies and lowering prices.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announces at a press conference today that Tesla Motors next product a sedan to be called the Model S will be manufactured in California. The new four door lithium ion battery powered sports sedan will be assembled at a factory in the San Francisco Bay area beginning in 2010.

Sigmar Gabriel, Federal Minister for the Environment, Dr. Klaus-Dieter Maubach, Chairman of the Board of Management of E.ON Energie AG (on the left) and Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG

At a press conference with Germany's environment minister, Volkswagen Chairman Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn announces the automaker will soon begin field testing a fleet of plug-in hybrid electric Golfs. The Golfs will be equipped with lithium ion battery packs and powertrain labeled as TwinDrive. The TwinDrive Golfs will be evaluated for vehicle technology as well as the viability of vehicle-to-grid technology and renewable electricity supplies for electric vehicles.

Scott Atherton, CEO of the American Le Mans Series announces details about the series' new Green Challenge. Beginning in 2009, competitors in both the prototype and GT classes will be competing for victory on the track while vying for the lowest environmental impact.

2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec

Mercedes Benz intends to be the first automaker to market with 50-state legal clean diesel SUVs when the new BlueTec ML, GL and R-Class go on sale. The Stuttgart automaker held a preview drive in rural Vermont this week to let the world's media sample its latest compression ignition technology.

The American Society for Testing and Materials this week approved new standards for commercially available biodiesel. The new rules define minimum requirements for biodiesel blends of up to 20 percent, as well as the inclusion of up to five percent biofuel in standard pump diesel fuel.

Mazda's Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid Minivan

Mazda Motor Corp. announces it will begin leasing its Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid Minivan to governments and other public fleets in Japan in March 2009 after finishing a series of road tests set to begin soon.

The eagerly awaited 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI now has an official price tag for its August on-sale date. The first new 50-state legal diesel car to come to market will be priced from $21,990 for the sedan and $23,590 for the SportWagen.

A PHEV Prius model that Toyota is currently testing. The model shown was not the vehicle involved in the fire.

The first reported incident of a plug-in hybrid vehicle catching fire occurred recently in Columbia, SC - highlighting the safety concerns of battery-powered vehicles. An aftermarket converted Toyota Prius was destroyed when an on-board battery charger appears to have burst into flames.

Dodge Durango Two-Mode hybrid

Chrysler has officially announced pricing for its production Two-Mode hybrid vehicles, the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen. Chrysler has opted to price its hybrid SUVs $8,000 less than competing models from General Motors with prices starting at $45,340.