Stuttgart (dpa) – The brand name Denza has been chosen for a new joint venture electric car being created by Germany’s Daimler and BYD of China, Daimler announced in Stuttgart.

Designed as a China-only marque, few details are known about the five-door Denza which is set to spearhead a range of affordable electromobiles. It is thought that first model will be based on the first generation Mercedes B model, which was originally designed to take batteries.

Daimler is in charge of styling the new vehicle, with driveline expertise coming from BYD (Build Your Dreams), which already produces sophisticated electric buses. The first production Denza models are due to appear in 2013. A concept vehicle will be shown at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show.

The partnership between BYD and Daimler was inked in 2010. China plays a key role in Daimler’s plans to expand global sales.

Bangkok (dpa) – Suzuki Motor (Thailand) on Wednesday launched a new version of its Swift compact model under a Thai government programme to promote local manufacture of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Suzuki Motor Corp’s Executive Vice President Toshi Hiro said three versions of the eco-Swift will be available on the Thai market at prices ranging from 469,000 baht to 559,000 baht (15,370 dollars to 18,328 dollars), inexpensive by Thai standards.

The launch of the model, designed to run more than 20 kilometres per litre of fuel, followed a similar launch by Mitsubishi Motors Thailand of its new Mirage model on Tuesday.

Five Japanese automobile manufacturers won tax privileges to design and produce compact, fuel-efficient passenger cars for the domestic and export market.

Nissan Motor Corp was the first to produce a Thai-made eco car, the March, in 2010, and Honda Motors launched the Brio last year.

Toyota Motor Corp is expected to launch a new model for the Thai market by year-end 2012.

Manufacturers of low emission vehicles enjoy reduced excise taxes if they meet government requirements on fuel consumption, safety standards, engine size and production levels.

All models must meet European safety standards.

Thailand designed the programme to attract new investment to its automotive industry, the world’s second-largest producer and exporter of 1-ton pickup trucks.

The eco-car is designed for urban, cost-conscious customers.

Under the programme, manufacturers must produce at least 100,000 units by their fifth year of operation.

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Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) – JH-Workshop.com announces a new event focused on a growing trend due to high magnet prices. AC Induction & PM-AC Synchronous Design Workshop for Electric Vehicles is a three day workshop that will take place in Los Angeles, CA on April 17-19, 2012. The event will be hosted by motor expert Jim Hendershot. A discount of $150 is in effect until March 16, 2012.

With the price of NdFeB magnets having increased significantly since 2008, there is a growing trend to replace PM-AC with AC induction machines in hybrid and purely electric cars. During this three day workshop, the design and performance of these two types of machines will be compared.

Other key areas of discussion will include understanding the impact of temperature rise on motor design and advanced rotor and stator cooling techniques.

The first two days cover a general review of theory and design; the final day consists of a team oriented interactive design session using a provided software tool.

This workshop is intended for beginners and experienced motor designers.
For full details, please review the agenda for this event, available online at https://www.jh-workshop.com/docs/evagenda.pdf.

Cost and Registration

Sheraton Gateway at Los Angeles, CA

A discount of $150 is currently in effect. Until March 16, 2012 only, the cost per registration is $1249 USD. This includes printed manual, refreshments, lunch, and parking voucher.

A group rate, for 3 or more individuals attending from the same organization, is also available.

To register, visit https://www.jh-workshop.com/register/ or contact info(at)jh-workshop(dot)com.

TOKYO (AP) — Honda has developed a new fuel-efficient motorcycle engine that will be showcased in a scooter that goes on sale globally next year.

Honda Motor Co. said Monday that the new engine for 125-cc scooters is 25 percent more fuel efficient than similar conventional ones.

Honda says it targets people who use scooters to commute to work not only in Japan but also in Southeast Asia and other nations.

Honda has a strong motorcycle division that has helped drive growth and profits during tough times for automakers. Rival Japanese automakers including Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. don’t have such businesses.

The Carminat TomTom Z.E. LIVE receives information from the battery on its current state of charge, which is used to determine the available range of the vehicle. This information is then visualised on the navigation screen, showing the journey against the available range and the routes to the charge stations. This will help to effectively plan charging and remove drivers’ “range anxiety”, giving them confidence that their journey can be completed. The system also includes an eco-routing – providing the driver with an option to select the most energy efficient route.

Finding the right charging station information and location (amongst the 5000+ that will be available in Europe at the end of 2011) is critical to drivers. The TomTom Home application will provide users with the latest charging station list each time they connect their SD card to their computer. The Carminat TomTom Z.E. LIVE will inform the users in real-time about the availability of charge stations en route, allowing them to stop and ‘fill-up’ when needed.

“This is the first navigation system TomTom is launching in the area of electric vehicles and it represents a great milestone for us as a company in this exciting new market. The Carminat TomTom Z.E. LIVE for Fluence Z.E., is also the third major development in the already successful Carminat TomTom series and underlines our fruitful relationship with Renault,” says Giles Shrimpton, Managing Director TomTom Automotive.

“We are very happy with the strong partnership we have developed with TomTom over the years and that we are able to give birth today to the next evolution of our product – the new Carminat TomTom Z.E. LIVE. This solution is a key feature of our new Fluence Z.E. The electric vehicle programme is of great importance to us at Renault and the Carminat TomTom Z.E. LIVE plays a significant role in its success”, says Stephen Norman, Global Marketing & Communications Director, Renault.

In addition, the Carminat TomTom Z.E. LIVE comes with LIVE Services including HD Traffic, providing drivers with its unique dynamic routing; giving them the fastest route to their destination based on the latest traffic situation.

Key Features

• Electric vehicle routing functionality, including routing to and via charge stations, and integration with battery management solution
• Eco-routing function
• Visualisation of available range on the map and navigation display
• Automatic updates of charge stations via TomTom Home with search functions for locating of nearest charge station, as well as those around destination or other location
• HD Traffic – unique combination of real-time traffic, based on a network of over 80 million probes in Europe and dynamic routing
• Local Search
• Weather
• Safety camera alerts, to help the customer to drive more safely and responsibly.
• IQ Routes technology so the user always gets the best route to his destination. This technology calculates your routes based on the real average speeds measured on roads. Always providing you with the fastest route, and most accurate travel time, hour-by-hour, day-by-day, saving you time, money and fuel.
• Advanced Lane Guidance shows which lane to take at junctions so you don’t miss your turn. On the most difficult highway intersections, realistic 3D representation of the junction keeps customers relaxed and safe.
• TomTom Map Share allows the user to make corrections to his/her own map and able to benefit from thousands of corrections made by TomTom users every day.

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This is the second year that Loctite® has sponsored this invitation-only racing competition. At the 2010 event, four racing teams shattered standing world land speed records using streamlined vehicles that traveled at speeds of 280 to over 400 mph. At the end of the five-day racing flight, even a record standing for 45 years had fallen.

In a highly emotional race, Charles Nearburg sped to a two-way average of 414.316 mph in a naturally-aspirated streamlined race car, the “Spirit of Rett,” breaking a 45-year-old record. The car was named after Nearburg’s son, an avid car enthusiast who lost his long battle with cancer at the tender age of 21.
Grass Valley racer Rocky Robinson of San Jose, California, once again claimed the Streamlined Motorcycle Land Speed Record driving the “Ack Attack,” which bested the world record by 10 mph with a two-way average of 376.363 mph and a top one-way speed of 394 mph.
In his streamliner “Speed Demon,” based out of Chattsworth, California, George Poteet raced to a two-way average of 363.673 mph in a turbo charged streamliner, breaking his own existing land speed record.
Mike Nish of Nish Motorsports raced the Royal Purple Streamliner race car to a two-way average of 285.306 mph with a 300 cubic inch engine running alcohol.

Event producers anticipate that many more records will be shattered in the 2011 event.

During the fierce competition, virtually every vehicle will rely upon Loctite® products to enhance performance and ensure reliability in the extreme conditions of the flats — an arid, overheated salt pan.

“We love our sponsorship of Cook’s Bonneville Shootout because it shows the world just how tough Loctite® adhesives and sealants really are,” explains Mike Shannahan, Henkel’s director of marketing for the North American general industry business. “Loctite® products, especially our threadlockers, hold up under unbelievably intense conditions during these races and never fail. From the moment our team arrives at the event, we actively assist all the race teams and the teams really appreciate our help and support throughout the Shootout.”

For more information on Henkel, visit www.facebook.com/loctite or www.henkelna.com/loctite.

Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Cosmetics/Toiletries, and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions both in the consumer and industrial businesses with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 48,000 people and reported sales of $20.07 billion and adjusted operating profit of $2.27 billion in fiscal 2010. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX and the company ranks among the Fortune Global 500.

Caption: On September 19 through 23, Henkel will make it very easy for fans to follow the emotion and excitement of the Loctite®-sponsored 2011 Cook’s Bonneville Shootout world land speed racing event by providing links to daily updates, videos and photography on their web site, www.henkelna.com/bonnevilleshootout.

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DETROIT/PRNewswire/ — As gas prices fluctuate and consumers demand roomier, fuel-efficient passenger cars, aerodynamic design is an important contributor to saving money at the pump. Preproduction models of the all-new 2013 Malibu are achieving a drag coefficient comparable to a Corvette and nearly as efficient as the Volt electric car.

In fact, aerodynamics help the new Malibu Eco achieve the best-ever fuel economy of a Chevy midsize car. The Malibu ECO with fuel-saving eAssist technology is expected to achieve an estimated 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway based on GM testing, while an all-new 2.5L Ecotec engine debuting on the Malibu next summer is expected to achieve more than 30 mpg on the highway, based on GM testing.

Aerodynamic design efficiencies and a new body style helped engineers shave 60 counts of fuel economy-robbing wind drag from the model it replaces, the equivalent of adding up to 2.5 mpg more highway driving range.

The new Malibu’s Coefficient of drag rating of .29 – the number used to indicate the aerodynamic drag force on a vehicle – is down from the current model’s .35 Coefficient of drag. The higher the number, the greater the drag force a vehicle’s engine must overcome at any road speed. The Volt has a .28 Coefficient of drag_.

“With the new Malibu, the design and aero teams collaborated to achieve maximum fuel efficiency for our customers without compromising the car’s visual appeal,” said John Cafaro, Chevrolet Malibu exterior design director. “The aero and aesthetic evolved simultaneously – working together, we sculpted the car in a way that makes it more slippery, applied innovative technologies like eAssist and active shutters, and we intentionally designed components such as the rear deck lid and outside rearview mirrors to help maximize fuel economy.”

Malibu aero engineers and designers conducted more than 400 hours of wind tunnel testing to ensure optimal fuel economy. In addition to saving fuel, the 2013 Malibu’s new shape, dimensions and sculpted forms reduce cabin noise, another priority for midsize car buyers. On top of a lower coefficient of drag, the new Malibu has a 4.5-inch (114 mm) shorter wheelbase and 62-inch (1,574 mm) front and rear tracks that are more than 2 inches (51 mm) wider than the model it replaces.

“Aerodynamics is driven by science,” said John Bednarchik, Chevrolet Malibu lead aerodynamic engineer. “While car designers favor wheel flares, sharp creases and other details that add style to a car, what catches the eye may disrupt the airflow, creating unwanted air turbulence and increasing drag. The new Malibu balances design needs with aerodynamic efficiency to truly benefit the customer.”

For the first time on a Chevrolet midsize sedan, Malibu LT and ECO models feature active aerodynamics, which change body surface geometry on one or more parts of the vehicle.

Malibu’s active aerodynamics includes a pair of louvers, or shutters, in the lower grill opening of the front fascia. They open or close automatically to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. This increases airflow in certain conditions, such as high-engine loads at low speeds, while the shutters remain closed as often as possible to reduce aerodynamic drag.

While some active aerodynamics merely activate when traveling above or below certain speeds, the aerodynamic shutters in the Malibu have a GM proprietary algorithm that monitors several variables in real time – including engine load, vehicle speeds and ambient temperature – to determine if the shutters should be opened or closed.

When ambient temperatures fall below freezing, the active shutters operate in “ice mode.” By working with a thermometer that monitors outside air temperature, the ice mode will prevent movement of the aero shutters until ambient temperatures rise above the freezing mark. Sensors work with onboard computers to calculate when the ice mode is appropriate.

Four underbody panels – two in the mid-body area under the floor pan on either side of the center tunnel, and two in the rear area covering the fuel tank and rear area on either side of the exhaust – deliver about 10 counts of aero benefit. Constructed of black composite with wind-surfacing, the panels cover approximately half of the underbody. Underbody panels are more commonly found on premium-priced offerings and race cars.

“The underbody panels contribute significantly to the overall aerodynamic performance of the new Malibu,” said Bednarchik. “Customers will never notice the difference, until they check their fuel economy.”

Measured as 0.001 coefficient of drag, a “count” is a precise measurement of aerodynamic drag generated by a vehicle. Reducing aerodynamic drag reduces the energy wasted overcoming pressure drag – due to the difference in pressure in front of and behind the vehicle – and improving overall efficiency.

In addition to the underbody panels, key aerodynamic enablers in the 2013 Malibu include:

• 10 counts: Rounded front corners – from the bottom of the fascia up through the headlamps – help air flow smoothly along the Malibu’s body sides
• 10 counts: Tire deflectors positioned forward of the front tires act as “mini-air dams” to minimize wind disruptions
• 7 counts: The closed upper grille on select models pushes wind to the sides of the Malibu
• 7 counts: Outside rearview mirrors are specifically designed to deflect wind without “upsetting” the airflow
• 7 counts: Shutters in the lower grill opening on select models open and close automatically to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. This increases cooling airflow to the engine under certain conditions, such as under high-engine loads at low speeds, and reduces aerodynamic drag when extra cooling is not needed
• 5 counts: The front air dam redirects airflow to minimize aerodynamic disruptions
• 5 counts: The notch angle of the vehicle – the angle from the top of the rear glass to the trailing edge of the decklid – was optimized to reduce wind drag
• 2 counts: An integrated decklid spoiler incorporates a crisp, trailing edge that helps separate air from the rear of the Malibu.

Vehicle aerodynamics remain a primary driver of overall fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. “Roughly 60 percent of the power used at highway speeds is used to overcome air resistance,” said Malibu aerodynamic engineer Suzanne Cody.

The 2013 Malibu is expected to be among the first cars in the industry to be tested under J2881, the Society of Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) new recommended test procedure for aerodynamic reporting. Under these new industry guidelines, automotive manufacturers will follow a recommended procedure for measuring and documenting the aerodynamic performance in a full-scale wind tunnel of passenger vehicles. Similar SAE procedures for assessing and reporting horsepower and torque are already in place.

The new Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. It is available in LS, LT, ECO and LTZ models in North America. Malibu production in the United States begins in early 2012 with the ECO model. Malibu will be built in multiple locations around the globe, including the Fairfax, Kan., and Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plants in the United States. Pricing is scheduled to be announced later this year.

MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — As the Official Vehicle of the US Open, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is returning to the courts in Flushing with the all new S350 BlueTEC clean-diesel sedan that is part of its fleet of vehicles used for athletes, staff and officials while supporting the USTA’s commitment to green initiatives.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/NY58315LOGO )

The first diesel-powered S-Class in the U.S. market since the 1995 model year, the new 2012 S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC all-wheel drive model is powered by a purpose-built 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 240 horsepower, an astonishing 455 lb.-ft. of torque and estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city / 31 mpg highway.

Beyond the new S350 BlueTEC, a driving force behind supporting green transportation for the US Open is the S350′s innovative sibling, the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID sedan in addition to a fleet of Sprinter Vans. These Mercedes-Benz eco vehicles represent over 60 percent of the fleet used for player and VIP transportation in an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the US Open tournament. The S400 HYBRID features the world’s first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use. The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy estimated at 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

The US Open launched its comprehensive environmental program in 2008 and continues to expand its green initiatives each year. In 2011, key initiatives include recycling, energy management, composting and utilizing paper products comprised of at least 30% post-consumer waste.

“As an innovator in luxury eco-transportation and the Official vehicle of the US Open, we are in a good position to positively impact the USTA’s green initiatives. The S350 BlueTEC clean diesel is another innovative mode of transport in our portfolio of eco vehicles that provide green transportation without having to sacrifice luxury or safety,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.

CHICAGO, Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Nissan Americas officials joined Gov. Pat Quinn and representatives from the City of Chicago to announce the Illinois rollout of the all-electric Nissan LEAF for this fall. Nissan has accelerated the launch of Nissan LEAF in Illinois in response to strong consumer demand and supported by plans that include an extensive electric car charging network in Chicago and surrounding suburbs in the coming year.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080506/NISSANWORDMARKLOGO )

“Governor Quinn, Mayor Emmanuel and other visionary Chicago-area leaders have paved the way for mass market adoption of electric cars in their community,” said Scott Becker, senior vice president, Administration and Finance, Nissan Americas. “Chicagoland consumers want a transportation solution that uses no gas and produces no emissions, and the introduction of the Nissan LEAF to Illinois makes that a reality.”

In February, Gov. Quinn announced an investment of $1 million in capital funding to install state-of-the-art charging infrastructure for electric cars throughout the Chicagoland area, matching an additional $1 million in Clean Cities Grant funding secured by the City of Chicago. In total, the project will result in a network of 280 electric vehicle charging stations. Illinois also offers up to $4,000 in rebates after the purchase of electric and alternative technology vehicles – in addition to the $7,500 federal tax credit – making Nissan LEAF even more affordable to Illinois residents.

“Illinois is laying the groundwork for electric vehicles, and our efforts are paying off,” Gov. Quinn said. “By investing in electric vehicle technology, both the State of Illinois and Nissan are making transportation in our state more efficient, sustainable and affordable.”

“Nissan’s entry into the Chicago market is exactly what the city had in mind when we developed our EV infrastructure plan,” said Karen Weigert, Chicago’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “With the 40 Level 2 charging stations to date already installed, Chicago is well on its way to having the most robust EV infrastructure in the nation.”

The City of Chicago working with 350Green helped spearhead an aggressive EV infrastructure plan that called for 73 DC quick-charging stations and 207 Level 2 stations to be installed at public parking garages, grocery stores, tollway oases, etc. by the end of 2011. Thus far, 40 stations have been installed and, when complete, the system will provide the Chicagoland area with the most extensive infrastructure for electric vehicles in the U.S.

Nissan LEAF

The Nissan LEAF is the first and only 100-percent electric, zero-emission vehicle available to the mass market. Since its launch in December 2010, Nissan has delivered more than 5,000 Nissan LEAF electric vehicles in the United States. The Nissan LEAF currently is available in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Tennessee, Texas, Oregon and Washington, with Illinois and other additional markets launching later this year. To date, more than 5,000 Nissan LEAFs have been delivered to consumers in the United States, and more than 10,000 globally. Also, more than 350,000 have expressed interest in the Nissan LEAF by signing up for updates, including information on how to purchase and reserve a vehicle, at www.NissanUSA.com.

About Nissan Americas

In the Americas, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

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Two big car companies have agreed to work in hand to possibly come up with a new hybrid system made for light trucks and sports utility vehicles (SUVs). Aside from that, other intents include coming up with next-generation standards for in-car telematics which means car lovers are in for new technologies to vehicles thanks to this joint effort.

Everything was made official after Ford and Toyota signed a Memorandum of Understanding with formalities expected within the year. The joint development is aimed at delivering greater fuel efficiency while still providing customers the performance they need. The companies believe that by working together, they can bring these hybrid technologies to customers more quickly and affordably than they would separately.

Aside from that, both Ford and Toyota have agreed that they will establish new standards and technologies which will surely work to the benefit of consumers looking forward to more convenient in-car experiences while delivering new mobile ecosystems.

Via