Car Chute

TOKYO (AP) — Toyota’s electric-gasoline hybrid car technology will be utilized to help ease power shortages in Japan’s disaster-struck northeast, part of a set of measures the automaker hopes will underline its commitment to the region.

Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday it will donate emergency power supply systems linked to its Prius hybrid cars to prefectures (states) in the Tohoku region ravaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

The systems will be fitted to about 40 of the automaker’s Prius hybrids. Hybrid vehicles can be used to store and generate electricity because it is partly an electric vehicle that runs on a high-quality battery.

Toyota’s hybrid technology has already been helping in quake-affected areas, which suffered massive blackouts, as an emergency source of electricity.

The automaker said the positive reviews for its Estima hybrid minivan, which comes with regular electrical outlets to plug in and run household appliances for up to two days, are prompting it to make it available as an option for the Prius within a year.

Toyota also announced Tuesday that it will set up a manufacturing training school in the northeast, hoping to send home the message it remains committed to making cars in Tohoku and Japan overall despite mounting obstacles.

Fears are growing that Toyota and other major manufacturers may move production abroad after the tsunami and earthquake left key suppliers in a shambles, disrupting production.

Another setback are the meltdowns at a nuclear power plant, which is crimping the electricity supply and forcing manufacturers to cut back on electricity use.

Recruiting for the new technical school for high school graduates and employees of Toyota affiliates in the northeast will start in July next year. The first class for 10 to 30 students will begin in April 2013, the world’s largest automaker said in a statement.

Toyota also said it will donate 300 million yen ($3.8 million) for educational help for children, many who lost their parents in the disaster, and another 3 million yen ($38,000) to support the arts in Tohoku.

Last week, Toyota announced it was consolidating its operations among Tohoku group companies, and strengthening research and development in the region to make it Toyota’s third production center in Japan — after its headquarters in central Japan and Kyushu, southwestern Japan.

One vehicle set to be produced in northeastern Japan is a small hybrid that’s a key part of Toyota’s lineup of green vehicles, according to the automaker.

Other Japanese automakers are also eyeing renewable energy as a business opportunity, taking advantage of the power-generating feature of green cars.

Nissan Motor Co. is testing a super-green way to recharge its Leaf electric vehicle using solar power. Honda Motor Co. already has solar panel and home power generating

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There are a number of low co2 emission cars on the market including some that offer
ample space for the family.

The Nissan Leaf is a medium sized hatchback that can comfortably seat five adults
and their luggage. A fully charged Nissan Leaf has a top speed of 90mph and a
range of up to one hundred miles. It is a zero emission car the “Leaf” name is a
significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so
Nissan Leaf purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience.

The Toyota Auris Hybrid was awarded What Green Car of the Year 2010, it
features a 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine and two electric motors that work together to
deliver power to the wheels in the most efficient way. The result is best-in-class CO2
emissions of just 89 g/km and a combined fuel economy of 74.3 mpg.

The new Hyundai i40 Tourer will be on sale in September, there is a choice of
three efficient engines, four power outputs and manual or automatic transmission.
Hyundai’s Blue Drive technologies incorporating Intelligent Stop amp Go technology are
fitted as standard on all Active derivatives, and on the Style 1.7 CRDi 136PS Blue
Drive model ensuring CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. The new Hyundai i40 is a stylish
medium family car offering exceptionally low co2 emissions.

By Geraldine Ashton Green, motoring.co.uk

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Tuesday night is “Public Night” at the Plug-In 2011 Conference Exposition, the event at the Raleigh Convention Center for the EV — Electric Vehicles — industry. For $10, you can say you were there when your grandchildren ask, “Whatever happened to the gasoline-powered automobile?”

“Well, kids,” you’ll be able to say, “it was back in ’11 when General Electric came out with an EV charging station in a box, and it sold at Lowe’s for about $1,000.

“That’s right, kids, one thousand dollars — it was the same year that the Republicans defaulted on the national debt, which as you know crashed our currency and forced the U.S. to begin using the Chinese yuan.”

That’s a joke — I hope.

But seriously, electric cars (you read it here first — first around here, anyway) could solve some big problems for the U.S., not to mention the world. Petroleum imports? Wars in the Middle East? Kiss them good-bye if we can run our cars on electricity, and the electricity comes from wind, solar and other renewable sources … and we juice ‘em up at night when power demands on the grid are low.

Electricity at current rates is far below gasoline — about 75 cents for the equivalent of a gallon’s worth of power. Heck, put solar panels on your roof and a big battery in the garage and you’ll really be happy motoring.

So the electric cars are here — the Chevy Volt, the Nissan Leaf, and many more — but what’s missing is the charging stations. Sure, in theory you can plug your EV into a wall socket, but that’s the power equivalent of filling your swimming pool with a garden hose. What you need is one of those Level-2 chargers, which will fire up your dead EV battery in about four hours.

And folks, that’s what GE’s “WattStation” is. (It’s the hanging unit on the left in the picture.)

The big announcement this afternoon was that GE is building the WattStation at its facility in Mebane, NC and will start selling them at Lowe’s stores next month.

Lowe’s stores in California, at first, then a national rollout.

Price: “About $1,000.” These WattStation chargers hang on the wall, attached to a 240-volt outlet (like your dryer) or else hard-wired into your control panel.

(They’re made in Mebane, and you’re selling them first in California? I asked. Come back Wednesday, said the gang in the GE booth in unison, and we’ll have an answer for you.)

Or, try my favorite product, the Plugless Power charger, a wireless Level-2 gizmo that shoots

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Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and dealers will be pleased with the rising trend towards de-urbanization polarization of vehicle sizes. By 2020, the emergence of mega super cities in developing economies will affect personal mobility, driving the demand for EVs.

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New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.automotive.frost.com), 360 Degree Perspective of the Global Electric Vehicle Market – 2010 Edition, examines the following markets: neighbourhood EVs (NEVs), city EVs (CEVs), extended-range EVs (eREVs) and high-performance EVs (HPEVs).

“Most offices that are expected to move to the first-belt suburbs and city centres will encompass the shopping areas (small-scale deliveries) and living areas for ‘double/single income, no kids’ households,” says Frost & Sullivan’s Automotive & Transportation Group Team Leader, Anjan Hemanth Kumar. “In mega cities, offices and homes are likely to be adjacent to each other, creating a favourable environment for EV deployment.”

Rising concerns over greenhouse gases and depleting fossil fuel sources are further solidifying the case for EVs. Car manufacturers are working on business models that will make available the car and energy under the same roof, opening up a plethora of opportunities for utilities, suppliers and finance businesses.

Manufacturers are building sleek and sporty EVs to create interest among customers who would be early adopters. Giving an EV distance capability of more than 100 miles (160km) and enhancing the range and safety of batteries are the key focus areas of development for EV manufacturers. However, the prices of the initial EVs are likely to be prohibitive.

To counter this cost challenge, federal and local governments have passed a series of legislation, benefits and rebates to help manufacturers offer their vehicles at affordable prices.

“With the advent of lithium ion battery technology and innovative financial models, the automotive industry is all set to witness a revolutionary business case,” notes Kumar. “Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have little choice but to join in the drive to address the energy crisis issue.”

Associations and close participation among OEMs, battery manufacturers and energy utilities will accelerate the introduction of EVs. Market participants could also collaborate with environmental advocates and lobby for benefits.

If you are interested in more information on this study, please e-mail Monika Kwiecinska, Corporate Communications, at monika.kwiecinska@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.

360 Degree Perspective of the Global Electric Vehicle Market – 2010 Edition is part of the Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: 360 Degree Analysis of the European Electric Scooters and Motorcycles Market and Sustainable and Innovative Personal Transport Solutions – Strategic Analysis of Carsharing Market in Europe. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO’s Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

360 Degree Perspective of the Global Electric Vehicle Market -2010 Edition M5B7

Contact: Monika Kwiecinska Corporate Communications – Europe P: +48-22-390-4127 F: +48-22-390-4160 E: monika.kwiecinska@frost.com

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General Motors today said that thanks to strong public interest in the Chevrolet Volt, the 340-mile extended range electric vehicle, it will increase U.S. production capacity of the groundbreaking new car by 50 percent, from 30,000 units to 45,000 units, in 2012.

The announcement came as U.S. President Barack Obama toured the Detroit-Hamtramck facility, where the Volt is being produced now for sale later this year.

The Volt offers a total driving range of about 340 miles and is powered by electricity at all times. For up to the first 40 miles, the vehicle drives gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered, engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 300 miles on a full tank.

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Mazda is all set to make a “green” return to the 24 hours of Le Mans with the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE. Le Mans is adding a new highlight to its event by providing a glimpse at the future of motoring using eco-friendly means. Hence, the entry of the Mazda RX-8 seems to be perfect as it will be using a dual-fuel Renesis rotary engine where the driver can switch propulsion sources at a touch of a button.

Two hydrogen fuel tanks are installed in the trunk and are pressurized to 35 MPa, the current standard for hydrogen fueling stations. Making its debut back in 2004, this RX-8 is available for lease in Japan and Norway.

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Ford Motor Company, building on its success in measuring and reducing its own carbon footprint, today announced plans to survey 35 top global suppliers on their energy use and estimated greenhouse gas emissions.

Ford’s goal is to better understand the carbon footprint of its supply chain and use the data to eventually create a broad-based carbon management approach for its supply chain. The 35 suppliers represent close to 30 percent of Ford’s $65 billion in annual procurement spending.

The suppliers in the initial request include companies that make commodities such as seats, steering systems, tires and metal components, which require more energy to produce and thus have a larger carbon footprint. While many of these suppliers already measure their greenhouse gas emissions, the project would facilitate collaboration and sharing of processes and practices that can drive significant emissions reductions and help meet future regulatory requirements.

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Honda has unveiled a new concept car over at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. Named the Honda Everus, this is another concept vehicle that will make use of lithium ion batteries to run, providing another transport alternative for people seeking fuel-efficient and alternative sourced running vehicles.

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As an ATV racer, you need to be prepared for every competition. You have to gear up for a safe and comfortable ride and accessorize your ATV for the race.

Before the race starts, you and your ATV must be all prepared for the tough road ahead. Safety is the topmost thing to be considered, followed by the comfort you need to endure the race, as well as the other requirements of the competition. Here are the basic accessories needed by every ATV racer:

Gear up for a safe and comfortable ride

Unlike riding ATV for fun, ATV racing involves special gear intended to protect and add comfort to every racer ona tougher adventure. Although these ATV accessories and clothes are advisable for all ATV hobbyists, some of them are a must for all racers for a safer competition.

• Helmet. Every ATV racer needs to wear a helmet with full face coverage for a more extensive protection. For superior safety, it is important to look for one that is certified by Department of Transportation or Snell Memorial Foundation. These two separate entities set standards for helmet qualities that aim for the safety of motorists, including ATV riders. For added comfort and ease while on the race, find one that has good ventilation and one that is not so heavy on your head and neck.

• Goggles. An eye protection that is shatter-proof is required for every ATV racer to protect your eyes from dust and debris. It is important that you find one that has reliable brand, one that is durable, and one that has many available straps to replace worn out goggle straps. It would also be helpful to find a pair of goggles that are scratch-resistant for better vision, as well as one that has nonslip strap to avoid disturbance during the race.

• Long sleeve jerseys . You will be required to wear long sleeve jerseys during the race that are specially designed to absorb sweat better than other materials. Sometimes, your jersey can be provided by your sponsor if you have one, together with your pants and other accessories.

• Special racing pants. Your pants must be in full length and must be made of leather or other special materials that are durable, which are designed for protection against abrasions and for greater flexibility. Other pants have adjustable waist straps for better fitting and comfort.

• Boots. ATV racing boots must be made of special materials for better protection against impact, abrasions, and heat. They must be durable yet comfortable to wear. It is usually a must for your racing boots to be at least eight inches high for added safety.

• Gloves. Special riding gloves feature padding and knuckle protection to shield your hands from flying rocks. It must also be well-ventilated and comfortable on your hands.

• Other protective gear. Other important parts of your body need additional shield as an extra precautionary measure. Some popular protective gear includes elbow guards, knee guards, chest protector, airframe or race frame, and neck brace.

Accessorize your ATV for the race

Aside from riders’ gear and accessories, there are also important accessories you need to put on your ATV to get into a race. These are some of the most common requirements for ATV races:

• Tether mechanical kill device. This is a kill switch that is attached to the racer and the ATV, which stops the engine ignition as you get separated from your ATV. This will help prevent further accidents, such as you or the spectators getting run over by the ATV.

• Floorboards or side bars. Otherwise known as Nerf bars, these bars are required to protect your feet from accidentally getting into the peg or ground that may cause feet and leg injuries. You should, however, note that it must not go beyond the width dimensions allowed in your race.

• Colored plate number frames. Most competitions require plate numbers on the front and rear of your ATV. Check the rules and regulations of the race you are joining to know the specific color and size of the plate frames you need to have, as well as the right font, size, and color of the letters and numbers on your plate.

• Decals. Though not always applicable, some sponsors would require decals of their name or logo on your ATV. Some events also require you to put number decals on your ATV for easy tracking and monitoring during the race.

In most competitions, other ATV accessories are allowed, but not required, for enhanced protection and better ATV performance. Hand guards, for example, may be attached to the grip of your ATV to protect your hand from flying rocks and other debris. Others racers also attach chain tensioners and steering stabilizers for their ATV parts to function better.

Aside from those accessories, it is also important that every racer has the proper tools and kits needed for their ATV parts, especially when a little repairing and tightening of screws are required. You will also need some chemicals, such as lubricants and polishers to maintain and clean your ATV parts to make them more functional.

To be sure of the accessories you need to have for yourself and your ATV, always be aware of the rules and regulations before you start getting some of them. It is important that you follow their conditions so as not to get disqualified and in order to have a safe race adventure.

Increased fuel economy continues to be an important factor in choosing a car. And as fuel standards continue to change, car companies, like General Motors, are looking towards smaller cars and engines to power more, using less energy. But despite the push toward compact cars, America’s love affair with big cars continues.

Now General Motors has rolled out its new technology, allowing drivers to not compromise size for efficiency. With engine management systems like Direct Injection, automakers are getting a jumpstart on the new rules and designing smaller engines that are able to power larger cars like the Buick LaCrosse. Using high-tech computing power, engineers are able to inject precise amounts of gas into the cylinders to reduce fuel waste and vary valve timing to increase horsepower.

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