Beijing (dpa) – Audi has unveiled its first luxury-class e-tron concept car, the A6 L e-tron, at the Beijing Motor Show with a plug-in hybrid allowing a range of 80 kilometres on pure electric drive and designed specifically for the Chinese market.

Based on the A6 L, Audi’s best-selling premium car in China, the plug-in combines a TFSI engine with an output of 155 kW/211 hp with an electric motor of 70 kW/95 hp.

The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is located in a collision-protected space at the rear of the vehicle. The technology platform can be operated using only the internal combustion engine, only the electric drive, or in hybrid mode.

From the exterior the Audi A6 L e-tron concept features a long engine hood, a low extended roof line and sharp side lines, creating an athletic overall look. At the front, the single-frame grille with slender cross-bars and the nearly covered air intakes attract the eye – features typical of all e-tron models.

The body is identical to that of the Audi A6 L, consisting of approximately ten per cent aluminium, which weighs about 15 per cent less than a comparable all-steel design. Aluminium components in the load-bearing structure and exterior skin, as well as the high-tech steels used in the occupant cell, make the body significantly lighter.

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.

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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.

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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Subject Codes: PC/t.100811050408378, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/OIL, IN/TRN, IN/UTI, SU/SVY, SU/RCY, RE/United_Kingdom, RE/Ireland

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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Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009.

The heart of the new, uncompromising GT3 RS is the power unit. Like the engine featured in the 911 GT3, the naturally-aspirated RS power unit now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers even more power, while revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 hp per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.

The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the transmission comes with shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3, deliberately conceding an even higher potential top track speed.

Dynamic engine mounts are standard and serve to improve the car’s handling to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very lively conditions, yet allow for more comfortable conditions during everyday street use.

Porsche is also introducing another new option in 2010 for the GT3 RS, a lithium-ion battery. Delivered with the car and, when replacing the conventional lead-acid battery, it reduces the weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb and is mainly intended for the track.

To further improve its sporting behavior, the new 911 GT3 RS comes with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM suspension, a wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork.

The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tires while the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires.

The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through its dynamic looks, in particular by its low ride height, the new, extra large carbon-fiber rear wing and titanium exhaust system.

The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements.

Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility – the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan’s radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.

Key characteristics of the LEAF include:

1. Zero-emission power train and platform
2. Affordable pricing
3. Distinctive design
4. Real-world range autonomy – 160km (100 miles)
5. Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system

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