My Perfect Automobile » Europe, China & Middle East

Chinese EV Coming to U.S.

Larry Bell — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:04:57 +0000

BYD e6 electric car

Chinese carmaker BYD will sell its e6 electric car to U.S. fleet buyers, but not to individual consumers, the company has announced. The Chinese city of Shenzhen has agreed to purchase a fleet of electric taxis and buses from the company, which only recently cut back its assembly of gasoline models. The automaker still produces hybrids and electric cars for the Chinese passenger and fleet market, as well as electric fleet cars for the city of Bogotá, Columbia, and will soon offer its aforementioned e6 EV to U.S. fleet customers.

BYD e6: Video

The short clip above provides an overview of BYD Auto, which is a subsidiary of manufacturing giant BYD Company, based in Shenzhen, China. The company produces about 600,000 vehicles per year, placing it in or near the top-ten auto firms in China. Founded in 2003, BYD Auto offers a diverse lineup, which includes people carriers, small sedans, compacts, hybrids and electric cars. The company’s hometown of Shenzhen has agreed to purchase 500 e6 electric cars that will work as taxis in the busy city. In addition, Shenzhen plans to buy 1,000 electric city buses from BYD.

BYD Auto

BYD is currently going through a phase of rapid international expansion, even though it has stopped making combustion vehicles for the time being. Already the Chinese carmaker exports its products to Africa, the Middle East, Bahrain, the Dominican Republic, Ukraine, Moldavia and South America. There are plans underway to bring BYD cars to Israel and Europe. Having already opened a U.S. office in Los Angeles, which serves as North American headquarters for the firm, BYD intends to begin offering its electric e6 to American fleet buyers later this year.

For more about one of China’s rising auto companies, see the BYD official corporate website, English language version, below:
http://www.byd.com/na/index.html

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Barcelona Motor Show Set for May 9

Larry Bell — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:50:25 +0000

Barcelona Motor Show: Twizy Sport F1 will debut

In the same week as the Extreme X Games and the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Barcelona Motor Show will open its doors to the public. Set to run from May 9 to May 19, the event will feature at least a pair of electric cars, namely the Volkswagen e-Up! and the Renault Twizy F1 Sport Concept. Other than those two, there will be 22 different carmakers’ goods on display, including about a half-dozen regional debuts. In order to keep expenses within a reasonable range, the event’s organizers decided to downsize a bit this year. Even at that, the Barcelona Motor Show always draws plenty of international media attention for its exclusive lineup of vehicles from elite manufacturers like Ferrari, Bentley, Aston Martin and Maserati.

Barcelona Motor Show: Video

The Twizy Renault Sport F1 is a strange mixture between electric scooter and car, according to those who have logged miles on the French carmaker’s oddity. The short video clip above is a walk-around of the tiny EV. Don’t miss the spoiler, mounted high on the rear. Of course, as Renault designers say, the car merely borrows ideas and styling flourishes from F1 racers, but is more suited to city driving and weekend errand-running.

The F1 Twizy concept uses two motors. One is a 13 kWh unit that is used on the standard Twizy EV. In addition, the F1 model contains a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) electric motor, just like the ones on Renault F1 race cars. Because of the huge power burst provided by the KERS motor, the Twizy F1 concept is able to reach 68 mph. The car’s 0-60 mph time is a mere six seconds.

Barcelona Motor Show

Among this year’s brands at the event will be Dacia, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Lancia, Renault, Peugeot, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, and many others. For all the latest details about the Barcelona Motor Show, visit the event’s official English language website:
http://www.firabcn.es/en/home

Larry Bell

Renault’s Mysterious Concept F1 EV

Larry Bell — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:44:37 +0000

The Twizy Renault Sport F1

An official Renault announcement early this week said the French automaker was working on a Formula One-inspired electric concept vehicle. In addition to the press release, Renault provided a not-so-clear photographic image that may or may not depict the prospective concept. The release did, however, state that the, “… prototype vehicle, which features muscular styling and impressive performance credentials, provides a bridge between the world of Formula One and that of electric vehicles. It’s a concept car that will make a lot of noise… but, in total silence.”

Renault: Video

Considering Renault’s recent dalliance with the idea of an F1-inspired electric car, the above video clip is instructive. It shows several of the company’s engineers testing an F1 engine. Historically, Renault has used racing and motorsport as a way to test various automotive components. After a bit of downsizing and reworking, numerous electronic systems have migrated from the racetrack to the consumer showroom. The French carmaker has built a global reputation as a pioneer in the use of F1 technology. The company’s sporting division is called Renault Sport F1. Under that name, the automaker competes in the FIA Formula One World Championship series. Now considered a leader in the world of Formula One, Renault has collected more than 150 victories, 11 Constructors’ World Titles, and 10 Drivers’ World Titles over the past 36 years.

Revealed! Renault F1 EV Concept is a Twizy

After all the buildup, Renault unveiled the new concept late this week at its Twizy plant in Spain. The official name of the hot-looking new EV is the Twizy Renault Sport F1. The little EV has a respectable top speed of 68 mph, and can reach 62 mph in just 6 seconds. A Tesla Roadster it is not, but the new concept has indeed borrowed key technology from the F1 family.

For more about the Renault international family of vehicles, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.renault.com/en/pages/home.aspx

Larry Bell

Hottest Concepts at Shanghai Show

Larry Bell — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:35:43 +0000

Shanghai auto show (pictured: Venucia ViWa electric concept car)

The Shanghai Auto Show is in full swing and already has made headlines with its vast array of concept vehicles inside the gigantic, 17-auditorium facility. Besides the show-stealing Buick Riviera wireless plug-in concept car (see this site’s main page for a full article on the new Buick), at least a half-dozen other sleek, hot concept vehicles are getting the attention of international media outlets. Nissan’s Friend-Me concept car is perhaps the most unusual looking of the bunch, while the Acura SUV-X marks the first time Acura has debuted a car outside the U.S.

Shanghai Cars: Video

For a fascinating look at the Shanghai show direct from the floor of the event, see the newscast coverage in the video clip above. Several industry experts agree that the Shanghai show could easily become the largest such expo in the world. As the Chinese auto market continues to grow rapidly, so does the nation’s appetite for exhibitions, trade meetings, and car shows. Already, according to a Japanese official who offers his opinion, the Chinese show is at least twice as large as its Tokyo counterpart, one of Asia’s premier vehicle showcases. This is the first year that Shanghai will fill all 17 halls of the exhibition center. The city alternates with Beijing as host, which means that 2014’s extravaganza will be heading to one of the world’s largest cities for more surprise unveilings, concept car revelations, and everything car-related.

Shanghai Auto Show

Honda’s Concept M minivan is made for the Chinese market only, much like the amazingly sporty Ford Escort concept car that looks nothing like the old U.S. version of that car. The Shanghai Auto Show runs through April 29 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

For further information about Nissan Motor Co., see the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.nissanusa.com
For more about Dongfeng Motor Corp., see the company’s official English language website:
http://www.dfmc.com.cn/dfmczg/main_en.aspx
For the official website of the Shanghai Auto Show, see the event’s site at:
http://www.autoshanghai.org/En/Index.aspx

Larry Bell

Wireless Plug-In for Buick Riviera Concept

Larry Bell — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:04:58 +0000

Buick Riviera wireless plug-in concept

GM unveiled its Buick wireless plug-in concept at a special showing in Detroit, just hours before the vehicle’s official debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. Not destined for production, the concept’s shocking color, gull-wing doors, and wireless charging system are considered hints of Buick’s future design language. GM Shanghai president Ye Yongming said of the concept, “By seamlessly integrating advanced technologies, flexible functions and contemporary aesthetics, the new Riviera heralds the start of a new chapter for the 110-year-old Buick brand.”

Buick Riviera Concept: Video

Buick used the Shanghai Auto Show to officially debut the car that marks what its makers call, “the start of a new chapter” for Buick. That, according to Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming, is what the newest plug-in version of Riviera is all about. The stunning vehicle, shown in the video clip above, features a package of high-tech components including wireless plug-in capability, intelligent four-wheel steering, and electro-magnetic suspension. The automaker refers to these functions collectively as BIP, or Buick Intelligent Performance. The Buick Riviera Concept electric car is the fourth concept vehicle from the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) and GM Shanghai. The car’s charging unit is positioned inside the Buick porthole design.

Buick Riviera

According to GM, the new Riviera’s design was inspired by the well-known Chinese adage, “The greatest good is like water.” One of the vehicle’s features is a green “eco mode,” that allows for sports car-like performance even while functioning in hybrid drive. GM and its joint venture partners look to show more than 50 new vehicles at the Shanghai show, several of which are the product of joint venture efforts. Buick sold just over 700,000 cars in China last year and was part of the overall GM strategy to increase sales in what is becoming the most important auto market in the world.

For more information, see the official Buick corporate website:
http://www.buick.com

Larry Bell

Volvo V60: “Sold Out”

Larry Bell — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 14:02:11 +0000

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid

Volvo’s initial run of 1,000 V60 plug-in hybrid cars has sold out in Europe. The company’s Pure Limited Edition version of the popular diesel hybrid went fast too, especially in Holland, the V60’s number-one market. Volvo plans to make about 6,000 models for 2014, many of whose buyers will be in the early adopter category.

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid: Video

The video clip above is from a presentation in Sweden, where the V60 plug-in was introduced to the media. (Note: The narrator speaks in Swedish first, and then in English, so hang in there for a minute to get the English version). Besides the media factoids provided, the presenter does a basic visual walk-around of the car and provides some nice, detailed shots of the interior. The versatility of the V60 is perhaps what has caused it to become something of a sensation in Europe. For now, Volvo says the car will not be heading to the U.S., but if it ever does, it will likely be as a plug-in gasoline hybrid rather than diesel.

Volvo V60

The Volvo V60 offers 31 miles of all-electric driving, 212 horsepower from its turbo-diesel engine, with an additional 69 hp coming from its electric motor. Unlike other hybrid cars, the V60 uses the diesel engine to propel its front wheels and the electric motor for the back. No weakling in the speed category, the car tops out at 143 mph, though only reaches 78 mph in electric-only mode. A finalist for the 2013 World Green Car of the Year Award, the V60 impressed judges and spectators at the recent New York International Auto Show. The price tag for Volvo’s plug-in wonder car is $74,000. The steep cost was apparently not an issue for those first 1,000 buyers, who now enjoy the luxury and diversity of one of the world’s most sought-after vehicles.

For an in-depth look at the V60 plug-in, visit Volvo’s official website for the car:
http://www.volvocars.com/S60

Larry Bell

Nissan Concept ‘Friend-ME’ to Debut at Shanghai

Larry Bell — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:07:32 +0000

Nissan concept ‘Friend-ME’ ready for Shanghai show

Nissan’s Friend-ME concept car will debut at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show. It features advanced information-sharing capability, high-tech design, and body styling that is said to be unique. The Shanghai event has grown to become one of the largest auto expositions in Asia. The show alternates between Beijing and Shanghai each year, and has already carved out a reputation as a must-attend event for transportation professionals. So far, Nissan has released only partial images of the car’s exterior. The vehicle’s name is a nod to social media jargon popular among China’s young generation of drivers.

Nissan Concept: Video

The Nissan Leaf commercials made Aggie the polar bear famous. In fact, the commercial spawned a fad for using the chic animals to advertise everything from cars to cola. Now, have a look behind the scenes of the groundbreaking commercial that started it all, the Leaf ad that featured Aggie the bear. Surprisingly, most of the shots were one-takes because Aggie is an old pro at TV production, having acted in numerous film projects. The narrator discusses the few scenes that used digitized images for the sake of the animal’s safety and well-being. In the end, Nissan created one of the most memorable advertisements of the decade.

For more about Nissan, see the Japanese carmaker’s official U.S. website:

http://www.nissanusa.com

The following link is also part of the Nissan site, but focuses on the company’s concept and future vehicles, like the NV200 “Taxi of Tomorrow,” as well as the TeRRA SUV concept. Many of the concept models are only seen at auto shows and in special media presentations. A short list of the intriguing lineup of Nissan concept vehicles you can see at their website includes the URGE, Azeal, the Bevel, the Forum minivan, an electric Cube called Denki Cube, Ellure, Hi-Cross, and a high-performance version of the Leaf, called ESFLOW.
http://www.nissanusa.com/future-and-concept-vehicles/?next=header.exp.future_concept.link

Larry Bell

Brad Pitt Pitches for Cadillac

Larry Bell — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:03:09 +0000

Cadillac ELR, winner of Eyes on Design award

In an effort to win new luxury customers in China, Cadillac is mounting an aggressive ad campaign that features actor Brad Pitt. The company hopes to lure a piece of the luxury segment away from entrenched German automakers BMW and Audi with the introduction of its XTS, CTS, and ATS models between now and 2014. Cadillac has chosen Pitt, one of the world’s most recognized celebrities, to help them gain ground in the competitive Chinese marketplace.

The ‘Bradillac’?: Video

Two video clips highlight the latest news from Cadillac. Above, see the commercial where Brad Pitt makes his debut as the face of Cadillac in China. The ad was shot in San Francisco, with Mr. Bradillac himself behind the wheel, apparently tooling around town doing errands and enjoying the scenery.

Below, design winner ELR, the Cadillac version of the Chevy Volt, takes some cold punishment in northern Michigan in order to test braking systems and handling ability. The car endures falling snow, slick terrain and ice, all for the sake of science.

Cadillac ELR: Design Award Winner

Cadillac’s ELR extended-range electric car took home the prestigious Eyes on Design award at the most recent Detroit Auto Show. The EOD trophy is considered one of the top prizes in the industry and is handed out by a discerning panel of automotive designers each year at the North American International Auto Show. Judges give another award for the best-designed concept car, which went to Cadillac Converj, ELR’s predecessor, in 2009. In any case, the 2013 win for ELR in the production category was a major upset over its closest competitor, the 2014 Corvette Stingray.

For more about the Cadillac ELR see the company’s specific web page for the car:
http://www.cadillac.com/elr-electric-car.html

For all else about the family of Cadillac vehicles, visit the official corporate website:
http://www.cadillac.com

For those who can’t get enough about Mr. Pitt, Cadillac’s newest pitchman, see the following information site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Pitt

Larry Bell

Eliica Concept Car: Mystery Abounds

Larry Bell — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:33:06 +0000

Eliica concept EV

The Eliica, (from Electric LIthium Ion Car) has not been seen on test tracks for several years, causing concept car enthusiasts to wonder where it went. The latest update on the odd-looking eight-wheeler came in early 2011, when the super-EV was touring auto shows in Asia and setting speed records at famous racing venues. A 2004 product of Keio University professor Hiroshi Shimizu and his student team, the 17-foot Eliica can reach 62 mph in just four seconds, and tops out at about 230 mph. The car’s uniqueness derives from its eight in-wheel motors, astonishing speed, and futuristic look.

Eliica Concept Car: Video

For a look at the inventor and his team, and the Eliica itself, see the video clip above. If and when the car ever reaches the retail market, the sticker price is expected to be at least $300,000. Apparently, Professor Shimizu is still searching for investors who want to bring the expensive and elegant EV to market. Boasting 800 horsepower and jaw-dropping acceleration, the Eliica could find a niche among high-end EV enthusiasts.

Eliica Inventor Hiroshi Shimizu

The inventor of the Eliica, Hiroshi Shimizu, is a professor of engineering at Japan’s Keio University. He is also president of his own research firm, SIM-Drive Corp. The Thomas Edison of Japan, as some call him, devoted more than three decades to the design and creation of the eight-wheeled wonder car, which features as many in-wheel motors. Shimizu is proud of the fact that his car, unlike other electric vehicles, uses a direct-drive system rather than gear reduction arrangements. Shimizu and his team have already built eight prototypes as well as a more conventional four-wheel version of the car. According to professor-inventor-engineer Shimizu, Eliica’s unique design allows for a huge reduction in energy use compared to other EVs.

For an informational overview of the Eliica concept vehicle, see the following website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliica

Larry Bell

Fresh Face Detroit Electric to Rival Tesla?

Larry Bell — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:21:31 +0000

Detroit Electric: Will this car give Tesla a run for its money?

Automaker Detroit Electric has announced plans to build a two-seat EV that could end up competing directly against vehicles made by Tesla Motor Co., whose Model S sedan is currently sold in major world markets. DE is the revived version of an early 1900s company the made and sold a popular electric car before the advent of gasoline power. Very few details have been released concerning the model, though DE has published a photo and will show the car at an industry event in Detroit on April 3. A public unveiling will occur at Shanghai’s auto exhibition in April. Some industry-watchers guess that DE will sell the car in both the U.S. and China, as its initial marketing gets underway sometime in 2014.

Detroit Electric: Video

The video clip above features sights and sounds from the most recent Shanghai Auto Show, one of Asia’s biggest such events. In terms of floor space and the number of vehicles shown, it easily ranks in the world’s top-10 automotive exhibitions. When the show opened its doors in 1985, it was the only professional automotive event of its kind in China. Held every two years, the Shanghai Auto Show routinely plays host to exhibitors from nearly two dozen nations and attracts more than 9,500 journalists.

Detroit Electric

Albert Lam, formerly the CEO of Lotus Engineering Group, resuscitated the Detroit Electric brand in 2008, after almost 70 years of non-activity. The original Detroit Electric last operated in 1939. Lam sees the new car as a melding of all the best in performance, technology, handling and aesthetics. Now officially headquartered in Detroit’s Fisher Building, the new firm will be showing off its sports car at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show in April. With just one model in the pipeline for now, DE is hoping to bring out several others, all produced at its Michigan assembly plant.

For more about Detroit Electric, see the company’s official website:
http://www.detroit-electric.com/

Larry Bell

VW EV Coming ASAP, Europe 2014

Larry Bell — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 23:36:16 +0000

VW EV: The e-up!

At a media and financial event in Germany this week, Volkswagen announced that it would produce its first all-electric car, and will show the model at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. The 60 kW-powered e-Up, as the vehicle is called, has a stated range of 93 miles and can attain a speed of 62 mph in approximately 14 seconds. The lithium-ion battery pack can be recharged in 30 minutes to 80 percent capacity, using a fast-charge unit. The company expects to sell the e-up in European dealerships in the first months of 2014.

Volkswagen: Video

For a fascinating look at the Volkswagen e-Up, see the video clip above. The company already offers a combustion model, called the Up!, as well as a compressed natural gas version sold under the Up Eco nameplate. A concept model of the e-Up was on display at the 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show, dressed out in a loud yellow paint job and containing many of the components found on the electric e-Up. The electric car looks much like the non-electric, but for several identifying markings on the exterior and a handful of interior styling modifications.

Volkswagen

Wolfsburg, Germany, is headquarters for Volkswagen, the world’s second largest vehicle manufacturer. In all of automotive history, Volkswagen has been responsible for three of the 10 most popular cars, namely the Passat, the Beetle, and the Golf. One reason for the company’s numerous awards and successful launches, according to experts, is the fact that Volkswagen spends more money on research and development than any other carmaker.
Volkswagen was among the first of the world’s large automakers to follow a strict, self-imposed environmental policy. The corporation works to cut fuel consumption and greenhouse gases, increase the use of alternative fuels, and eschew the usage of hazardous chemicals and substances.
For more about Volkswagen vehicles, see the German automaker’s official website:
http://www.vw.com

Larry Bell

Nissan Leaf Offer: Owners Get $1000 Credit

Larry Bell — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:43:54 +0000

Nissan Leaf

Nissan Motor Co. announced this week that it would offer Leaf owners a $1,000 credit toward the purchase of any Nissan vehicle. The loyalty discount is good for any member of a household in which one member owns a Leaf electric car. Having already knocked $6,400 off the base price of the Leaf, Nissan appears to be raising the stakes even higher in hopes of outselling competitors and drawing positive attention to the world’s first mass-marketed electric car. Leaf’s current base price is $28,800. The company showed a 13 percent sales increase for Leaf compared to 2012 data for the same period.

Nissan Leaf: Video

The video clip above shows the highlights of Nissan’s media presentation at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, which runs through March 17. Nissan’s senior vice president of sales and marketing as well as the company’s executive vice president rattled off some of the Japanese automaker’s recent key achievements. In the last four years, Nissan has increased its global market share by 50 percent. “Innovation that excites,” is Nissan’s newest catch phrase, and the company is certainly living up to it in the European market, where the brand will introduce 15 fresh models over the next three years.

The superlatives were flying fast and furious as Nissan executives announced the Note, with its unique safety shield, and the new Leaf electric car, whose 2013 edition features over 100 technological improvements. The Leaf, which the company admits had a rocky beginning, now recharges in less time, costs several thousand dollars less, boasts more on-board technology, and has beefed up its range to about 124 miles per charge. Finally, the company spokesperson points out that in Europe alone, Nissan dealers who sell Leaf numbered 200 last year, but are now over 1,400 strong.

For more about Nissan, see the company’s official corporate website, listed below.
http://www.nissanusa.com

Larry Bell