Please Request Film "Revenge of the Electric Car" now!! We want it in Germany!

Hopefully this is coming soon! Stoked!

LINK:  http://liten.be//e5w13

VW: TSI + DSG by Olgivy

Advertising Agency: Ogilvy, Beijing, China
Creative Director: Kelvin Lai
Art Director: Woody Hu
Copywriter: Kelvin Lai

Think Begins Electric Car Production in North America

ELKHART -- Several months ahead of schedule, Think North America has launched production of its all-electric cars in the Magnum Drive plant.

 

The two-seater Think City vehicles were scheduled to start rolling off the production line in early 2011 but the manufacturer already has the assembly running and expects its first of the American-made cars to be finished shortly after Thanksgiving.

"I was excited," said manufacturing director Karl Turner of getting the plant ready to build cars. "This is a nice operation. It's nice to get (electric vehicles) outside of Europe."

 

About 65,000 square feet of the interior space, which is less than half of the total 205,000 square feet, is currently being used for the assembly process. Eventually, Turner said, the production line will be expanded, some robotic equipment will be installed and the entire building utilized.

Read More here:

Ford to Launch Aggressive Online Focus Campaign

Focus is the subject of the latest online media campaign started by Ford, as the US-based carmaker thinks that Internet marketing is the most efficient way to promote the model launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The car will go on sale in the first quarter of 2011, so the company is making the final touches to the promotional campaign that will debut in February, according to a report by Autonews.

Ford will thus start on online series of webcasts uploaded on hulu.com starring six couples, each driving a Focus across the United States. Of course, the webcasts will be promoted on popular social networking websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, each follower being able to talk to the couples and even vote them for various challenges.

Prizes are pretty impressive, with eight of the online users who'll get involved in the competition and help the couples to be handed a new Ford Focus.

The new Ford Focus, which will go on sale in 2011, will be offered with multiple engines, each specifically optimized for reduced fuel consumption and low emissions. The core of the engine lineup will be the new 2.0l gasoline unit, which delivers, according to Ford, more power than the current 2.0l Duratec, while keeping the fuel consumption figure within acceptable limits (40 mpg / 5.88l/100km).

“Focus brings a desirable combination of dynamic design, outstanding driver engagement, unmatched levels of technology and impressive fuel economy,” said Mark Fields, President of the American Ford division. “The new model should expand Focus appeal to a whole new generation of customers.” 

Jaguar Releases New iPad App

IPAD Ad by Jaguar: stunning Design

This year, Jaguar is celebrating its 75th anniversary. This means that, for three quarters of a century, we have been gifted with one impressive car design after another.

The company has already offered itself countless presents, by releasing special editions and holding various events. However, the most exciting anniversary celebration is undoubtedly the Jaguar C-X75 concept, which has recently made its North American debut at the Los AngelesAuto Show.

Now, the company has released a new iPad app that is aimed at celebrating 75 years of vehicles with a stunning design.

The app is focused on the C-X75 concept, offering users images, videos that show the vehicle in action and interviews with the men who made the concept become a reality, including Design Director Ian Callum and Head of Research Tony Harper.

"Entirely forward-looking, the C-X75 has been informed by Jaguar's rich history of groundbreaking road and racing cars. The app leads users through the iconic designs behind the Jaguar legend and the passionate people that created them," stated the press release.

"Beautiful newly commissioned photography of such famous cars as the C and D-Type racers, mighty Mk II and elegant E-Type are interspersed with heritage images, archive video and the stories of the men behind the marque."

The application can be considered a Jaguar encyclopedia, as it is packed with images, video and interviews that offer a complete story for the viewer.

The Jaguar 75 iPad can be downloaded free of charge from the usual locations. The company also offers a version that was developed specifically for iPhone users.

Source: www.autoevolution.com

Nissan Leaf Gets EPA Rating: 99 MPG

And this is where thing begin to become blurry. The rise of the electric vehicle will likely cause headaches for consumers, who, knowing that the Leaf for instance is a pure EV, will have a hard time understanding the consumption figure the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is forced to slam on the vehicle's sticker.

EPA Sticker

Let's take things one at a time. The EPA, in an attempt to make the purchase process for consumers easier, decided to devise what is called mpg equivalency rating. This is defined as a measure of distance traveled per unit energy consumption.

The Nissan Leaf has been rated under this system at 99 mpg equivalent, a best-in-class figure (for the record, the Leaf is alone in its class for now). To calculate the rating, the EPA considered that a 33.7kWh battery is equivalent to one gallon gasoline energy. 

The EPA slaps the Leaf with a charging time of seven hours on a 240V charge and a driving range of 73 miles, based on the five-cycle tests.

All of the above is a bit complicated, we know, but you can simplify it like this, if you ever find yourself in the position of having to chose an EV, you can scrap the EPA rating (which, honestly, we find to be more of a confusing nuisance than a helpful tip) and only take into account the charging time and range. A bit primitive, we know, but much easier. Add to that the cost of electricity and there you have it.

"We're pleased the label clearly demonstrates the Nissan LEAF to be a best-in-class option, reflecting that it's a pure electric vehicle, uses no gas, has no tailpipe and has zero emissions," said Scott Becker, Nissan Finance and Administration vice president.

"The label provides consumers with a tool to compare alternative-fuel vehicles to those with a traditional internal combustion engine and allows them to make an informed purchase decision."


Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/nissan-leaf-gets-epa-rating-99-mpg-26862.html

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Teased by Oprah

The Germans from Volkswagen apparently have managed to learn something from Ford and their innovative method of paving the way for the new Fiesta. Surrounded by glamor, adorned with a bit of Oprah and spiced with a touch of "Ultimate Favorite Things" giveaway, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle made its first appearance today. Shy, indeed, but an appearance nonetheless.

The famous TV star showed the world the silhouette of the next generation Beetle, one which is hoped will be more successful than the current version, which falls far behind the success of the first Beetle.

So far, Oprah is the only human on the planet not working for Volkswagen to have seen the model. To be presented in spring next year, the model has long been rumored to be radically different than the current generation.

Under the completely reworked body of the car, a new chassis with wider tracks and a longer wheelbase will house a wide range of engines. The offering will probably be made of the range topping 2.0l 210 hp unit, followed by a 1.2l unit (105 bhp), a 1.4l (160 bhp) and a 2.5l (170 bhp). The diesel range will comprise 1.6l and 2.0l engines, with powers of 105 bhp and 140 bhp, respectively. 

The new Beetle will also have a hybrid version, which will use the powertrain featured on the Jetta CC, namely a 1.4l turbocharged engine which develops 150 bhp, coupled to a 27 bhp electric motor. 

According to brandsonly.nl, citing VW US CEO Jonathan Browning, the new Beetle will boast a bit more style at the interior, with Bluetooth integration, touchscreen and ambient lighting being the highlights. 




Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2012-volkswagen-beetle-teased-by-oprah-26861.html

Volkswagen: Fun Theory Speed Camera Lottery

The Fun Theory hits the real world.

Earlier this year, Volkswagen and DDB Stockholm named San Francisco's Kevin Richardson the winner of the Fun Theory Contest. Richardson came up with the "Speed Camera Lottery," which uses the speeding cameras at intersections to reward those who obey the speed limit with the fees paid by those who violated it. Richardson recently saw his idea realized when VW brought it to life in the middle of a major Swedish crossroads.

https://www.yourideasforgood.com/

Electric car era is upon us

Consider it a hallelujah moment when customers drive the first Chevrolet Volts and Nissan Leafs off dealer lots next month.

Hailed as the future of personal transportation by enthusiastic supporters, the Volt and Leaf are the first wave of autos powered totally or partially by electricity stored in a new generation of lithium-ion batteries.

More all-electric cars or plug-in gas-electric hybrids will follow from Mitsubishi, Ford, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and perhaps other manufacturers next year and in 2012.

Volkswagen Golf blue-e-motion to be Driven for the First Time in the U.S. as Part of the Los Angeles Auto Show

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 12, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ --

Next week during the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen of America, Inc. will offer U.S. media their first chance to get behind the wheel of the Golf blue-e-motion zero-emissions electric vehicle. Drivers will experience the pure electrically powered version of the most successful European car ever built, the Golf. For Volkswagen, 2013 is the key year of electric mobility. First the brand starts into the age of pure electric driving by introducing the all-electric Up! and shortly afterwards the Golf blue-e-motion.

VW Golf blue-e-motion Wins the RAC Future Car Challenge

Over the last few weeks, multiple automotive producers have announced their participation to the UK’s RAC Future Car Challenge, an eco automotive competition that is aimed at finding the most efficient vehicles.


Now, it’s time to see which car managed to have the lowest energy use on the 57 mile (92 km) route from Madeira Drive, Brighton to Pall Mall in London. And the overall winner is... drum rolls... the Volkswagen Golf blue-e-motion prototype electric car. Obviously, the vehicle also won its category, Most Economic and Environment Friendly Regular Passenger EV.

The vehicle was driven by Jim Holder, Editor of What Car?, who was assisted by VW engineer Folko Rohde. The two received the Royal Automobile Club Gold Medal.


“It's a testimony to the abilities of the Golf blue-e-motion that it won despite the fact I'd never competed in any sort of eco driving challenge before. Folko was a superb tutor in getting the best from the car, but the fact is that this was a challenge on real roads and, in my case, without an expert 'eco' driver at the wheel. That just underlines how efficient the blue-e-motion is now – so to think how good it will be when it goes on sale in three years time is extremely exciting,” Holder said.

The vehicle is powered by an electric motor that develops 115 hp and uses a lithium-ion battery pack. The car can reach a top speed of 86 mph (138 km/h) and deals with the 0 to 62 mph spring in 11.8 seconds, while offering a range of 100 miles (161 km).

VW is currently working to develop a production version of the Golf blue-e-motion, which is scheduled to enter the marker in late 2013.


Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/vw-golf-blue-e-motion-wins-the-rac-future-car-challenge-26144.html

Fiat 500 EV to Use SB LiMotive Li-Ion Battery Packs

Fiat has big plans for its U.S. market return, with the company establishing a complex development strategy in order to conquer American customers. One of the vehicles that will show U.S. customers what the new Fiat game is all about is the Fiat 500EV, which is scheduled to reach showrooms across America in 2012.
The electric version of the 500 will be developed by Chrysler, which handles electrification plans for both its own and Fiat vehicles. Now, SB LiMotive, a joint-venture between Samsung SDI and Bosch, is announcing that it will supply the lithium-ion battery packs for the Fiat 500EV.

“Chrysler indicated that SB LiMotive earned this business because we can supply high-quality lithium-ion battery packs in the quantities needed, on-time to the market. Additionally, SB LiMotive has the technical expertise Chrysler will require as it launches this important program. Our established global footprint was a further strong point in our favor. We look forward to partnering with Chrysler in bringing this exciting new vehicle to market,” said Dr. Joachim Fetzer, Executive Vice President of SB LiMotive.

The battery packs are being developed in Orion, Michigan, while the battery cells will be produced in Korean and the battery packs will be assembled in Springboro, Ohio.

“In an effort to intensify the benefits of the alliance between Chrysler LLC and Fiat Group in electrification of powertrain, Fiat 500EV will be an outstanding example. The Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology. Chrysler is the vehicle electrification center of competence for both Chrysler LLC and the Fiat Group,” stated the press release.


Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fiat-500-ev-to-use-sb-limotive-li-ion-battery-packs-26124.html

27.000 Pre Orders for Nissan Leaf

Nissan has this week confirmed that it has already received 27,000 pre-orders worldwide for its soon-to-be-launched Leaf electric car, including 1,000 orders from Europe.

Speaking in Lisbon at a debut event for the production version of the Leaf, marketing and strategy manager Christian Castaganna said the company had received 26,000 orders in Japan and the US, where the car will launch next month, and a further 1,000 orders from Europe where the car will launch in four markets early next year.

Around 350 orders have been recorded in the UK, with a further 150 from Portugal, 300 from Ireland and 200 from the Netherlands.

VW looks forward to selling over 10.000 EV in China

Volkswagen AG, Europe’s largest carmaker, plans to build and sell 10,000 electric cars in China from 2014 to 2018 as rivals add more fuel-efficient vehicles in the world’s biggest automarket.

The German company will produce an electric model at local ventures with SAIC Motor Corp. and FAW Group Corp. as early as 2013 and is considering a battery-powered model specifically designed for the nation in 2018, said Karl-Thomas Neumann, president of Volkswagen Group China, at a conference on electric vehicles in Shenzhen, China yesterday.

Volkswagen, the first overseas automaker to enter the Chinese market three decades ago, joins Nissan Motor Co., General Motors Co. and Daimler AG in planning electric vehicles in the country. While local demand for electric cars and hybrids trails other markets, China is offering buyers of plug-in hybrids and pure electric cars subsidies of as much as 60,000 yuan ($9,000) to help cut pollution and reduce oil dependency.

“There is a very strong argument that electric cars are the right move for China, although there are still many challenges,” Neumann said yesterday. “China is making huge investments in renewable energy.”

Nissan Leaf sold out until october 2011

US consumers looking to get Nissan's all-electric Leaf will have to wait another year, after dealers sold this year's entire shipment before the zippy sedan even hit showrooms, the Japanese automaker said Monday.
Nissan dealers have collected more than 20,000 orders for the Leaf, and the bulk are wealthy "early adapters" on the west coast of the United States, said Carlos Tavares, chairman of Nissan's management committee for the Americas.
The next step will be to convince "pragmatists" that an electric vehicle will save them money, he said.
The Leaf will be introduced later this month and Nissan is in the midst of installing charging stations at more than 40 US dealers.
More than 90 percent of the customers who reserved the Leaf -- which has a suggested retail price of 32,780 dollars -- live within 10 miles of one of those dealers, Tavares said.
By January 2011, more than 150 dealers will have chargers installed in the targeted launch markets of California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Tennessee.
The next Leaf shipment is not scheduled to arrive, however, until October 2011.
Nissan's production capacity is currently limited to a single Japanese plant, but is set to expand dramatically in 2012 when a Tennessee plant capable of building 125,000 units comes online.
Nissan also plans to introduce an all-electric commercial van in 2014, Tavares told the Detroit Automotive Press Association.
The vehicles will help shape Nissan's image with US consumers, which Tavares said had become blurred in recent years.
"It's a flag demonstrating how innovative we are," Tavares said.
One drawback has been the appreciation of the Japanese yen, which is driving up the price of vehicles and batteries imported from Japan.
"We are very, very concerned," he said. "This is actually going to increase the pressure for localization."


Source: http://bit.ly/bJUvnr

Audi E-Tron Test Drive

The Audi E-Tron gives us a really good picture of what electric sports cars can look like. Although we can argue about how much "real sports car"is left in a concept like this it really displays that fun is possible even going on Electricity.

First Look: 2013 BMW Megacity Vehiclel

BMW's Megacity Vehicle is finally taking shape with these official sketches that tease the electric car well before its 2013 arrival. Until now, BMW's Project i has merely been vague talk about future mobility concepts and electric vehicles for major urban areas. The sketches reveal the first car that will come out of BMW's electrification program as a dynamic but practical hatchback. For now, it's called the Megacity Vehicle (MCV). BMW says the edgy shape reflects a commitment to building fun and engaging cars, while the ultrashort overhangs emphasize a minimalistic design that optimizes vehicle efficiency and range. To complete the picture, our contacts in Munich have slipped us significant information about the car's powertrain, packaging, and pricing.

To maximize the MCV's range, BMW has focused on reducing weight with a carbon fiber passenger cell and aluminum chassis components. A lithium-ion battery with about 35 kWh of capacity is placed below the vehicle's floor and should deliver about 100 miles of range. Power will be delivered to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted 150-hp electric motor. Top speed is predicted at 95 mph.

While the sketches are ambiguous, Automobile Magazine has learned that the MCV will feature a four-door, four-seat configuration with rear "suicide" doors, like a Rolls-Royce. Length measures in at about 157 inches, roughly the same as a Ford Fiesta. The production vehicle is also rumored to be taller than the sketch leads on. An MCV concept car should appear on the BMW stand at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show in September.

BMW officials acknowledge that they're paying close attention to the prices of the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. That said, it's unlikely the MCV will come near to the Leaf's $25, 280 price (after $7500 federal tax credit). Rather, buyers will pay a premium for BMW refinement and cachet similar to the markup between a 3-series and a Nissan Altima. That leads us to believe the MCV will cost between $30,000 and $40,000 after any government incentives. BMW classifies a megacity as an urban area with a population of six million to eight million people, but it's likely that the MCV will be sold in smaller (but still big) cities in the United States.

There's no official name yet, but we do know the MCV and future electric vehicles will be sold as BMWs under a sub-brand tag, similar to how the M badge is used for performance vehicles. Our sources hint that possible tags include e-range, i-range, or i-setta. Eventually, the electric-vehicle sub-brand will expand to include at least two more models. The smaller Intracity Vehicle (ICV) will be a two-door, two-seat car on sale in 2015. An Urban Commuter Vehicle (UCV) is slightly longer than the MCV, has four doors, and packs five people. It's due in 2017.

We've also been told by a BMW insider that Project i cars will eventually expand to include other powertrain options. One possibility would package a 35-hp combustion engine as a range extender, much like the Chevrolet Volt. Plug-in hybrids are also in the cards and would have a ten-mile electric range before relying on a three-cylinder gas or diesel engine to cover another 300 miles.

Volkswagen Golf VI Cabrio production to start next year

In a recent press release about the Osnabrück plant future plans, Volkswagen announced that the Golf VI Cabrio will be manufactured here. With the introduction of the Eos, the previous generation Golf didn’t get a convertible version too, but things look like they’re gonna change with the Golf VI. Not sure what VW is up to with the new Golf Cabrio, because it would basically rival the Eos, but perhaps they’re going to place it a little more down-market and make it a little more affordable than the Eos.

“Over the decades, some of the most beautiful models in the automobile world have left the assembly line in Osnabrück. We will be carrying on this tradition from 2011 with the new Golf Cabrio,” Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen said during the tour of the site.

Lower Saxony’s Minister President David McAllister said “Many people dreamt of the Beetle Cabrio, the Karmann Ghia or the Scirocco. It is wonderful to see this tradition being continued now and to know that automobile production in Osnabrück has a future. The new Golf Cabrio will be a great car. The extensive expertise in cabriolet construction that is available here is being harnessed.”


Source: http://www.rpmgo.com/volkswagen-golf-vi-cabrio-production-to-start-next-year

Volkswagen up! More details revealed

Volkswagen's adorable little up! has the ambitious goal of becoming the next original Beetle, and new info onAuto Express seems to indicate that the Germans in Wolfsburg may be on to something. The up! will feature both gasoline and diesel-powered engines with a minuscule displacement of only .6 turbocharged liters, and a larger 1.2L three-cylinder engine may be planned, as well.

The up! will also be extremely fuel efficient, with U.S. fuel economy numbers near 80 mpg. Perhaps the most eye-catching bit of info is the base price of the handsome little micro: models will sell for as little as £4,500 in emerging markets and more richly equipped European models will start around £7,500. VW is also looking at making both a three- and five-door up! with the exact same wheelbase, as well a roomier MPV version and even a hybrid. VW also says that the 11 foot long up! will also feature the roomiest cabin in its class. Is it just us, or does the amazing little up! almost sound too good to be true? We'll find out for sure next year when the production up! is released to the public.


Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/volkswagen-up-more-details-revealed/

The Volkswagen up! concept car

There are cars that endure for all time. They are icons of their type, masterpieces of craftsmanship and technology; they put ideas into motion, make progress tangible and sometimes quite simply make everyday life better, more practical and enjoyable. Many of these cars carry the VW logo. Bug, Beetle, New Beetle, T1, Bulli, Samba Bus, California, Golf, GTI. Now Volkswagen is presenting – as a world premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt – a concept car that once again has the right stuff needed to move more than just one generation. It is a small, pure and high-spirited Volkswagen that pays tribute to its environment. The overall concept is marked by an innovative, clear, intuitive functionality. The name of the concept car: up! – a positive name that is a synonym for departure, activity, dynamics and the future. “For Volkswagen,” says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member with Responsibility for Technical Development, “the response of IAA visitors will be a decisive test to determine whether the concept has the same kind of potential possessed by the Beetle at one time or by the Golf today.”

Read on...

Looking back: Nissan Unveils ‘LEAF’ Electric Car

Nissan today unveiled the Nissan ‘LEAF’, a  new 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.

Read on here:

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 – New Pictures and Details

Chrysler suddenly decided to release further images and details of the new Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, showing off features of this awesome Challenger which brings back the 392 badge with its modern and powerful engine. The highlight of this car is of course its 392-cubic inch HEMI V8 engine, but it has very cool visual features as well.

The new HEMI V8 develops 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, which is transmitted via the standard five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick or an available Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission. That means fantastic straight line performance, 0-60 mph in high 4-second range and quarter-mile elapsed time in the high 12s, but what about corners?!

Traditionally all muscle cars are rubbish through the corners becasue of their stone-age suspension. But it’s just not the case anymore becasue apparently Americans finally got the hang of making proper handling cars! This Challenger for example comes with an aerodynamic kit with splitter and spoiler and everything, and also has 20-inch rims and carefully engineered chassis and SRT-tuned suspension.

Read on for more details about this superb car while enjoy the pictures…

For 2011, the Dodge brand’s ultimate modern American muscle coupe receives a big boost in power and performance. And the product story goes beyond the impressive horsepower and torque lurking under the hood.