Volkswagen up! ad - "Something small is coming up!"

Isn't it the small moments that make us happy? That can make an orinary day great? That make us feel like we're floating? In September 2011, the time has come. The up! is on its way.

The new Volkswagen up! - Small is great!

Nissan Leaf electric car TV ad 30 sec advert

Toyota "Hybrid Synergy Drive" HSD Spot

Revenge of the Electric Car: First Watch Review

Chris Paine's 2006 documentary film, Who Killed the Electric Car, was a rallying cry for fans of electric vehicles who'd felt betrayed by government and industry. Does his sequel,Revenge of the Electric Car grab the mantle and run? We got an early look to see for ourselves.

Note: The filmakers provided us an exclusive look at an intro for the movie that was never used — and we've included it above.

Whether one's view of the electric car suggests a sword-wielding redeemer of humanity's misguided desire for personal transport, or something a bit less swashbuckling, one thing's irrefutable. Electric cars have now generated enough dramatic tension to propel not just one, but two documentaries from award-winning director Chris Paine.

The first of these, Who Killed the Electric Car, chronicles automakers' declining interest in marketing electric-only vehicles to the public, from a peak in the early 1990s to 2005, when General Motors destroyed a stock of EV1 electric cars it had repossessed from lease-holding customers. That event opened a new, closer-to-home front for an environmental movement energized by Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, while serving up a juicy, anti-progress bête noireto conspiracy theorists, who saw shades of Tucker in the shadow of GM's car crusher.

But although "Who Killed" did a good job of unpacking the byzantine tie-ups between government and the auto industry, laying bare the unintended consequences they've produced, the film succeeded largely as an advocacy piece. And a skewed one at that.

The strength of Paine's sequel, Revenge of the Electric Car, however, is in its storytelling. The film's multithreaded, character-driven narrative follows electric-car developments during the surprisingly fertile post-EV1 period — as Tesla released its roadster, GM introduced theChevrolet Volt and Nissan launched the Nissan Leaf.

And "Revenge" is marginally about those cars. But with new access to all three companies' facilities and personnel, despite — or perhaps because of — his having earlier savaged the industry, Paine (along with producer Jessie Deeter and and co-writer P.G. Morgan) was able to humanize corporate entities he once portrayed as monolithic, making a complex business story more gripping for its intimacy.

But the film isn't merely a GM follow-up, although the company's former vice chairman, Bob Lutz does slip easily into a leading role as the charming "car guy," a longtime internal combustion impresario who's staked his legacy on an unlikely new semi-electric vehicle. Lutz's cigar-chomping, self-effacing likability immediately diffuses any carry-over animosity from the first film, giving even radicalized viewers cover to accept other sides of the electric-car story.

While "Revenge" doesn't let go of the basic assumption introduced in "Who Killed" (i.e., gasoline-powered cars are toxic and must be replaced), it does loosen its grip, offering a less strident, more sympathetic vision of former antagonist GM, which has returned to the scene of the crime with the not-quite-all-electric Volt. 

Paine also follows the well-documented trials and triumphs of Silicon Valley veteran and Tesla Motors CEO, Elon Musk, who arrives on screen with typical tech-world bluster, and Nissan's hard-driving "Emperor" and CEO Carlos Ghosn, who's bet billions in company treasure on the all-electric Leaf. Los Angeles-based electric-car conversion expert Greg "Gadget" Abbott, whose personal dramas provide some of the film's most poignant moments, represents the passionate but lesser-known DIYers.

Just as in the first film, Paine employs interviews to drive the narrative, with celebrities again sitting in as the recognizable public faces of the electric-car movement. Actor Tim Robbins again fills the role of narrator, Wall Street Journalwriter Dan Neil reprises his role as the car guy's conscience, and Jalopnik editor-in-chief Ray Wert and former Valleywag editor Owen Thomas function as an abbreviated Greek chorus of journalists, filling in details from their time covering the electric-car beat.

As "Revenge" rolls on, through the financial calamity of the late 2000s, the characters' personal lives take on greater narrative significance. Seldom do their lives overlap, though a tender moment of awkward bonding between Musk and Lutz occurs at the Detroit Auto Show, where both companies are showing their new electric wares at the height of the "Carpocalypse." The stakes are staggeringly high for both of them — one's bet his personal fortune, the other his corporate legacy. Through their eyes, we get the idea that building electric cars isn't merely an issue of political or social significance, it's a brutally risky endeavor requiring superhuman devotion. Failure could mean the end of them all.

While the first film built its advocacy case after the fact, that GM's EV1 fell to a perfect storm of misguided consumers, government regulators beholden to industrial interests and those industrial interests themselves, that issue soon became moot. "Revenge" picks up a story that would prove far more dramatic as events unfolded, to the ultimate benefit of its narrative.

Still, without a stronger rallying moment, I'm afraid "Revenge" may go unseen by many of the first film's ardent supporters — after all, the battle's won isn't it? And that would be a shame, because "Revenge" is the better film.

"Revenge" hits theaters in Los Angeles and New York City this Friday, and in other select markets over the next few weeks. See where here.

Toyota RAV4 EV Coming to Market in 2012

Recent reports have incorrectly stated that the 2012 RAV4 EV will only be marketed to fleet and car sharing programs. We’d like to set the record straight. The 2012 RAV4 EV will definitely be sold to the general public. We anticipate robust public interest in the RAV4 EV and are keen to inform consumers that their future vehicle options include a battery electric Toyota. 

Toyota is the only manufacturer bringing two battery electric vehicles to the market in 2012 - the RAV4 EV and the Scion iQ EV. While the RAV4 EV will be available to the public, the Scion iQ EV will be marketed to fleet and car sharing programs only. 

Multiple reports have been corrected on various automotive blog sites

Vauxhall partners with Europcar to launch electric vehicle

Vauxhall has launched an electric version of its Ampera range, which will be introduced to the UK next year in a partnership with rental company Europcar.

The company intends to introduce the Ampera to the European market as a rental car, aiming to help expand the use of electric mobility and boost its position as a "trendsetter".

The General Motors-owned brand has signed a deal with Europcar to launch the vehicles across Europe, starting with Germany in November. The Ampera will then be rolled out across France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK from the start of next year.

The car's wheels are electrically powered at all times, and when the Ampera is driven exclusively in battery mode it uses no fuel and produces no emissions. Once the battery runs out, a gasoline engine powers a generator that keeps the electric motor running.

The Ampera can be charged through any household 240 volt outlet. It can reach a top speed of 100mph.

Alain Visser, Opel/Vauxhall vice president of sales, marketing and aftersales, said: "Electric cars are among the best long-term solutions to meet society's energy and environmental challenges.

"The fact that Europcar is going to introduce the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera in its day-to-day business is further proof that our extended-range electric vehicle is completely suitable for everyday use, even as a fleet vehicle in the tough rental car business."

Source: http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/sectors/autos/article/1080341/Vauxhall-partners-Europcar-launch-electric-vehicle/

Audi backs first Sunday Times iPad supplement app

News International is launching its first ever supplement app for the iPad edition of the Sunday Times, with exclusive brand partner Audi.


The supplement app will be based on a print supplement appearing in the Sunday Times this weekend, which is extracts from the German car manufacturer’s new book about its victories at Le Mans 24 hours race.

The supplement app, created by Bartle Bogle Hegarty, follows on from the iPhone, iPad and Android app Audi UK rolled out last month (6 June)to support its presence at Le Mans.

News International launched its Sunday Times iPad app at the end of last year.


Source: http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/sectors/autos/article/1080483/Audi-backs-first-Sunday-Times-iPad-supplement-app/

Rugby Legend Jonah Lomu Drives the New Lamborghini Aventador

The supersports car manufacturer at Sant’Agata Bolognese has recently received a celebrity visit from none other than the world rugby superstar Jonah Lomu, who started out with the All Blacks in 1994 and became the top try scorer in the 1999 World Cup.


During his visit to the assembly lines and new facilities, where the carbon fibre monocoque of the new Aventador LP 700-4 is made, Lomu was impressed by the efficiency and craftsmanship of the Raging Bull.

After admiring the fine collection of models in the museum that have made Lamborghini history, the physically imposing rugby legend (who is 196 cm tall and weighs 125 kg) had the chance to try out the Gallardo Superleggera on the road and get behind the wheel of the Aventador.


Power for the Lamborghini Aventador comes from a 6.5-liter V12 engine producing 690 hp at 8,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 509 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm. Mated to the Lamborghini’s new ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) 7-speed transmission, the all-wheel-drive supercar goes from naught to sixty in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph.


“The feeling you get in a Lamborghini and the adrenaline rush at every bend are unbelievable! It’s an extreme but comfortable car!” the enthused rugby star stated.


Jonah Lomu is in Italy to promote the “Friends for Japan” appeal, the proceeds of which will go towards rebuilding the areas hit by the tragic tsunami of March 11. The appeal events will climax in a rugby match between Italy and Japan on August 13 in Cesena.

car2go Vehicles Now Available in Vancouver

As we reported back in April, Daimler’s car sharing program - car2go - was to reach Canadian shores, with Vancouver, British Columbia, as the first city in the country to benefit fro this mobility service. The company has made available no less than 225 fuel-efficient, low-emission smart "car2go edition" vehicles as of June 18, for “on-demand” rentals.

For the last two moths, approximately 2,000 Vancouverites have registered and received their membership cards, members who are now able to drive the vehicles.

Following the overwhelmingly positive response, car2go has extended the free registration period (which represents a CAD35 value) until July 3rd.

As a sustainable transportation option, car2go is also playing a role in the City of Vancouver’s goal to become the “greenest city” in the world by 2020. Members can rent a car2go “on-demand” or reserve a vehicle up to 24 hours in advance. The car2go vehicles that are readily available to be driven can be viewed on the internet or with a smartphone app, and can be driven for as long as needed without committing to a return time. 

The rental can simply be ended by leaving the vehicle at any “permit only” on-street parking spot in downtown or residential neighbourhoods within the defined business area, or in one of the specially marked car2go parking spaces.

Members pay for what they use by the minute with discounted rates for hourly and daily use and are only charged for the time they use the car2go. Rates include fuel, parking, mileage, insurance, maintenance and GPS navigation.

car2go now has a global network of more than 40,000 members and 1,000 smart vehicles. The program will further expand in other North American and European cities in 2011.


Source: www.autoevolution.com

Ryan Reynolds Promotes the Nissan LEAF

Ryan Reynolds is an American actor that has steadily moved up the ranks from comedies to action movies such as Blade and X-Men Origins. We love the guy for his sense of humor and we’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of the ‘Green Lantern’ comic-based movie in which he will star.

It seems that the Hollywood star also likes the idea behind electric cars, as Reynolds has joined up with Nissan to promote their LEAF all-electric vehicle. The carmaker’s new “Innovation for Endurance” program has just formed another partnership with him.

The collaboration will include Facebook videos, and work with top fitness industry professionals, including appearances and blog posts.

“I believe it’s possible to take great leaps forward without sacrificing a way of life. For me electric vehicles, like the Nissan Leaf, are not only representative of taking back the power, but also a significant statement about conscious ways of living,” Reynolds said.

Just as a reminder, the LEAF is motivated by a 107 hp electric motor that runs on power supplied by lithium-ion cells. Given a full charge, the LEAF will run for 100 miles before you have to plug it back in and can reach a top speed of 90 mph. A full charge takes up to 8 hours on a standard outlet, but buyers can go for the DC 50kW quick-charger, which recharges the battery up to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. US prices for the 2011 Nissan LEAF will start at $32,780 but with a federal tax-credit that all comes down to $25,280


Source: www.autoevolution.com

Mercedes Announces More Than 700,000 B-Klasse Cars Delivered So Far

As the company readies the new B-Klasse for its world premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September, the current version is doing pretty well, having attracted a lot of fans mostly in Germany and China. In fact, the automaker today announced that more than 700,000 units of the B-Klasse have been delivered to customers worldwide since the vehicle was launched on the market in 2005.

A total of 52,640 customers worldwide have bought a B-Klasse car since January, representing an increase of 26.8% from last year. In Germany, sales rose by 31.5% during the first five months of the year, to 17,826 units. 

The most important market for the B-Klasse is Germany, which accounts for about one third of the series’ sales worldwide, followed by China and Italy. In 2009, the B-Klasse was introduced to China, where it has met with great success, with sales rising by 140.3% last year, to 12,217 units. Sales have continued to be very dynamic this year as well, rising to 5,966 units (as compared to January-May 2010: 3,030 units).

“The B-Klasse enabled Mercedes-Benz to set new benchmarks in the premium compact segment,” said Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “Although its successor is about to be introduced, the B-Klasse is still extremely popular with customers. Since the beginning of the year, the vehicle has been posting especially strong growth in its two main markets, Germany and China.”

The first units of the new B-Klasse will be delivered to customers in Western Europe later this year. It will be manufactured in a production network encompassing the Rastatt plant and a new facility in Kecskemet, Hungary.


Source: www.autoevolution.com

Great new work by TBWA from the states on the value of zero...GO Nissan! Redefine our understanding of driving a car...

Advertising Agency: TBWA, USA
Chief Creative Officer: Rob Schwartz
Creative Director: Tito Melega
Associate Creative Directors: John Figone, Garman Yip
Executive Director of Integrated Production: Richard O’Neill
Senior Producer: Elizabeth Giersbrook
Production Company: Anonymous
Content Director: Malcom Venville
Executive Producer: Dave Morrison
Line Producer: Jon Benet
Production Supervisor: Alex Fisch
Assistant Production Supervisor: Frederick Shannon
Director of Photography: Tobais Schiliessler
Art Directors: Peter Kohn, Michelle Schrauwers
Editorial Company: Lost Planet
Editors: Hank Corwin, Saar Klein
Assistant Editor: Chris Kursel

IntelliLink System From Buick and GM Available on 2012 Models

The gadget world has taken over the automotive industry and General Motor’s Buick knows this aspect very well. GM and Buick will introduce their IntelliLink system on all 2012 models.

For a long time Ford was considered a pioneer and in the same time a leader when it came to telematics or infotainment in the automotive industry, but many automakers have started to catch up and design systems of their own in order to surpass Ford’s.

Chevrolet designed MyLink and now it was GM's and Buick's turn to catch up with the IntelliLink System. Both GM’s IntelliLink System and Buick IntelliLink System operate and function identically, the only real differences being in terms of design.

The systems go far beyond the capabilities of Bluetooth technology or wireless phone operation incorporating features such as a seven-inch touch-screen, voice controls of various vehicle functions, steering wheel-mounted controls, as well as streaming audio through Pandora and Stitcher SmartRadio.

IntelliLink system

Other additions of the systems are a standard rear-vision camera system, XM satellite radio, custom programmable rear liftgate (used for setting heights in order to avoid contact with garage doors), remote vehicle start and several advanced functions in the stereo to help identify and find music

The system is meant to help the driver focus on the road rather than on the central console of the car, but we have a hunch that with gadgets like these that are packed with technology and multiple functions, it’ll be hard to keep the eyes on the road at all times.

In the GM model range, the first to incorporate the IntelliLink System will be the terrain segment while Buick will add the system on their 2012 Regal, LaCrosse and Verano models.

Mitsubishi i to Be Deployed in Hawaii First

It has been a busy week for Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi, who has been hard at work trying to let the world know that it is ready to launch the North American spec i electric vehicle. In the last days of the week, the manufacturer announced the pricing for the model and a new partnership with NRG in Texas to promote the new model. 

It was only on Saturday, however, that Mitsubishi announced the first US state to get the new model. The Japanese will deploy the i at first in Hawaii where pretty much all the needed conditions for a successful launch are met: a viable charging infrastructure and state rebates.

For the citizens of Hawaii, the purchase of an i will send them back $27,990 for the base ES model, not including the $4,500 state rebate and the $7,500 federal tax credit. That means that a Mitsubishi electric vehicle can be purchased for as little as $16,000, undoubtedly one of the smallest prices on the market for any EVs.

"We thank Mitsubishi Motors for choosing Hawaii as one of the first states to receive the new "i" electric car. Electric vehicles use a fraction of the fuel needed by traditional cars, so each EV on the road means we're reducing our dependence on imported oil and increasing our ability to reach Hawaii's goal of 70 percent clean energy within a generation," said Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program administrator, Hawaii State Energy Office.

The model is powered by an electric motor which develops 66 hp and a battery system that gives it a range of 85 miles. The EV can be recharged from a 120V power socket in a huge 22.5 hours. When using a 220V plug, however, that time reduces to 6 hours.


Source: autoevolution.com

Microsoft to Announce Partnership with Toyota

A move of gargantuan proportions is in the making in the US and Japan this week, as two of the biggest companies in their respective field, Microsoft and Toyota, are about to announce a partnership like no other.

The cryptic message sent by the two companies to the international media states only this: “Microsoft Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. will host a media videoconference tomorrow, featuring Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, and Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corp., to discuss a collaboration between the two companies.“

No details and no other information was released, but some sketchy details seem to have been leaked to the Japanese press.

According to Nikkei, the big project the two are working on will be aimed at creating a global standard for the new breed of vehicles on the market. In words we can all understand, a smart grid technology of some sorts will be used to better harness and use the energy needed for EVs and PHEVs.

Apparently, Toyota and Microsoft are and will be working on a software which will be used to monitor vehicle battery levels and log the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy.

Even if these details are not enough for us to get the bigger picture, it's clear that Toyota has decided to make the green cars the way of its future. Probably, the collaboration between Microsoft and the world's largest auto maker will be more complex than described above. All details, as said, will become available later on Tuesday. Stay tuned for updates.


Source: www.autoevolution.com