Honda Insight (ZE2) pricing in Germany & Spain revealed

Geneva Preview: New Toyota iQ 1.33 with 100HP 1.3-liter Engine

Beginning from July, Toyota's iQ premium minicar will be offered in Europe with a new 100HP 1.33-liter Dual VVT-i 4-cylinder gasoline engine. Featuring a Stop & Start system as standard, the new engine will give the miniscule four-seater a combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.8lt / 100 km (49.0mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 113g/km, using the standard six-speed manual transmission.

Buyers can also opt for Toyota's Multidrive semi-automatic transmission. In this case, the iQ 1.33 returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.1lt / 100km or 46.1mpg US with CO2 emissions of 120g/km.

Source: Carscoop

SF & LA Prius enthusiasts - Your chance to meet the 2010 Prius

I wanted to let everyone know about an opportunity from Toyota to see the 2010 Prius up-close and personal. Here is a message they posted yesterday in the PC forums:

The Prius Team would like to extend a few extra Prius Connection invitations to our online enthusiasts. For those of you who reside in the Greater Los Angeles and San Francisco areas, we're offering the opportunity to get well-acquainted with the 2010 Prius before it’s available to the general public. In fact, for these events, there’s a special surprise planned so follow the link below if you’d like to be considered to attend. (Please note: These events are intended for local residents and Toyota is not providing reimbursements for any travel incurred. Prius Connection events are not related to the Prius Priority Pre-Order program.)

If you’d like to be considered for one of the following local events, please click on this link to our website for submitting your request to attend. http://tinyurl.com/PriusConnection

• Los Angeles, CA: Sunday, March 1, 2009; 11am-2pm

• San Francisco, CA: Sunday, March 8, 2009; 11am-2pm

All invitation requests received in the first 48 hours of this post will be reviewed by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. All invitation decisions are the sole decision of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Please understand that space is highly limited so we would appreciate submissions from those certain they plan to attend apply.

Source: PriusChat

Honda to build new R&D facility to work toward establishment of bio-ethanol production technology (バイオエタノール製造技術確立に向け、新たな研究施設を建設)

TOKYO, Japan, February 26, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the company has signed an "Agreement concerning regulations and standards for establishing R&D facilities in Kazusa Akademia Park*" with Chiba prefecture and Investment Promotion Association of Kazusa Akademia Park (chaired by Governor Akiko Domoto of Chiba prefecture) based on its decision to build a new research facility that will enable Honda to work toward the establishment and practical application of bio-ethanol production technology from non-edible cellulosic material such as the stems and leaves of plants.

The new Kazusa-branch facility of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Fundamental Technology Research Center, will be built within the Kazusa Akademia Park (in Kisarazu, Chiba). Honda plans to build a single 1,050m2 building (approximate gross floor space) as a testing facility on the 5,000m2 lot. The construction is scheduled to begin in April 2009, with the goal to begin operations in November 2009.

Honda is continuing its collaborative research on bio-ethanol production technology with RITE (Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth) which began in 2006 and has been conducting research on the bio-ethanol conversion process using an experimental plant built within the Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Fundamental Technology Research Center (Wako, Saitama) since April 2007. In order to move toward practical application of the technology, Honda decided to build a new facility as it became necessary to conduct a research using a large-scale experimental facility which enables more accurate evaluations.

* Kazusa Akademia Park is a research and development zone where research, academia, production, and resort functions are gathered together.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Text in Japanese

　Hondaは、食用として供さない植物の茎や葉など、セルロース類を原料としたバイオエタノールの製造技術確立と実用化に向け、千葉県およびかずさアカデミアパーク^※1研究所等立地推進協議会（会長：堂本暁子　千葉県知事）と、「かずさアカデミアパークへの研究所等の立地に関する協定書」を締結し、新たな研究施設の建設を決定した。

　新施設の名称は、（株）本田技術研究所基礎技術研究センターかずさ分室で、かずさアカデミアパーク内（千葉県木更津市）への建設を予定している。敷地面積は5,000m²、実験棟一棟（延べ床面積：約1,050m²）を建設予定。2009年4月に建設を開始し、11月の稼働開始を目指す。

　Hondaは、2006年よりRITE^※2と バイオエタノールの製造技術に関する共同研究を継続しており、2007年4月より（株）本田技術研究所基礎技術研究センター（埼玉県和光市）にて、実験装 置を用いたバイオエタノール変換プロセスの研究を行っている。将来の実用化に向け、精度の高い評価を可能とする、より大規模な実験装置を用いた研究が必要 となり、新たな施設の建設を決定した。
※1 研究、学術、生産、リゾートの各機能の集積をはかる研究開発地区
※2 財団法人 地球環境産業技術研究機構
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Honda Media Website

Toyota wants to build car from seaweed

Toyota is looking to a greener future — literally — with dreams of an ultralight, superefficient plug-in hybrid with a bioplastic body made of seaweed that could be in showrooms within 15 years.

The kelp car would build upon the already hypergreen 1/X plug-in hybrid concept, which weighs 926 pounds, by replacing its carbon-fiber body with plastic derived from seaweed. As wild as it might sound, bioplastics are becoming increasingly common and Toyota thinks it's only a matter of time before automakers use them to build cars.

"We used lightweight carbon-fiber reinforced plastic throughout the body and frame for its superior collision safety," project manager Tetsuya Kaida said of the 1/X, which is pronounced "one-xth." "But that material is made from oil. In the future, I'm sure we will have access to new and better materials, such as those made from plants, something natural, maybe something like paper. In fact, I want to create such a vehicle from seaweed because Japan is surrounded by the sea."

A kelp car is not as far-fetched as it might sound. Bioplastics are being used for everything from gift cards to cellphone cases. Demand for the stuff is expected to hit 50 billion pounds annually within five years, a figure that would account for 10 percent of the world market for plastic, according to USA Today. A company called NatureWorks claims the production of its bioplastic Inego produces 60 percent less carbon dioxide than petroleum-based plastic and requires 30 percent less energy. And Oakridge National Laboratory has explored the possibility of producing carbon fiber from wood pulp.

Toyota is laying out its green vision of the future ahead of the Melbourne Motor Show, where it will highlight three sweet hybrids — the next-gen Prius, a cool Camry concept designed in Australia and the 1/X, so named because its carbon footprint is a fraction of that of other cars.

"The 1/X concept is a vehicle that completely redefines what it means to be environmentally considerate," David Buttner, senior executive director of sales and marketing, said in a statement. "The name says it all: a car that weighs a fraction of the others in its class today and uses a fraction of the fuel."

The 1/X has been kicking around the show circuit for more than a year. It features a tiny 500cc engine and weighs about one-third as much as the Prius while offering about as much interior space. It's got a flex-fuel engine and electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries.

But don't expect to drive a Toyota Sea-Class anytime soon.

"In reality, the seaweed car is another decade away," Buttner told the Sydney Herald-Sun. "However, it shows where we're going....

Source: Autopia

Nissan starts vehicle testing of new fuel-cell technology (日産自動車、新開発燃料電池スタックを搭載した車両で走行実験を開始)

日産自動車株式会社（本社：東京都中央区銀座、社長：カルロス ゴーン）は25日、新開発の燃料電池スタックを実験車両に搭載し、寒冷地等での走行実験を開始したと発表した。

本車両に搭載される新開発の燃料電池スタックは、2008年8月に発表されたもので、従来のスタックに対し容積を3/4に小型化しながらも、出力は 130kWと従来の90kWから1.4倍向上している。さらに白金の使用量を従来の1/2に削減するとともに触媒の耐久性も高めて、大幅な低コスト化と長 寿命化を実現した。日産は2008年末より本車両による走行実験を開始し、2009年2月には同社の北海道陸別テストコースにおいて寒冷地実験を実施する など、燃料電池車の商品化に向けた開発を推進している。

なお同社は、東京ビッグサイトにて開催される世界最大級の燃料電池展示会「FC EXPO 2009」において、本燃料電池スタックを出展する。

日産は、今後も中期環境行動計画「ニッサン・グリーンプログラム 2010」に基づき、CO2排出量の削減に実効性のある技術、商品、サービスを開発し、市場に投入していく。

Honda Insight pricing in France: €21,190 for top model

Yesterday, thanks to Jeff, the pricing for the Honda Insight base model, in France, was revealed (€19,900). Today, he was able to inform us that the price for the top model price will be €21,190 and after the €2000 tax break, the net price will be €19,190.

Source: Temple of Vtec

Debut of new Toyota Prius at the Geneva Motor Show

The new Prius will be making its European debut and there will be the world-reveal of a new European-built model at an international media reception hosted by Toyota the evening before the Geneva motor show press day. The presentations will be followed by a press conference with senior Toyota Motor Europe executives and the chief engineers responsible for both models.

Source: Newspress

Hybrids take priority over performance for Toyota

It wasn't that long ago that Toyota stood for more than just reliable, appliance-like transport. With roots that include the delectable 2000GT, the Celica and three generations of both the Supra and MR2, Toyota had – until recently – carved out a nice niche for itself populated by enthusiasts looking for something outside the performance mainstream. But in the past six years, the Priusification of ToMoCo has created an automaker whose soul focus has shifted from creating compelling products to the automotive equivalent of Maytag or KitchenAid. According to Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter, don't expect that concentration to change.

Carter told Automotive News that Toyota will put more of its efforts towards hybrid vehicles in the U.S., saying that Stateside consumers are more interested in "high-quality, fuel-efficient, low-impact-environment products." Carter went on to say that, "Personally, I would love to have a sporty car, but it is pretty clear what the market is looking for right now."

What that means for the Subaru/Toyota FR coupe's future in the U.S. remains to be seen (the debut has been delayed due to the development of direction injection for the boxer engine), but it's doubtful that we'll be seeing a Supra successor in the near term. Ideally – or maybe more appropriately, idealistically – we could hope for something the melds both performance and green technology, like a production version of the FT-HS coupe concept that debuted in Detroit two years ago. But judging by the tone of the industry, and Carter in particular, we doubt that Toyota is ready to make that kind of segment-defying leap just yet. Maybe it'll take a hit from Honda to change Toyota's tune.

Source: Autoblog

Honda Insight pricing in France: €19,900

A member of TOV posted that according to a friend owning a Honda dealership in France, the pricing for the 2010 Insight will be €19,900. There will also be a €2000 tax break that sets the price to the consumer at €17,990! However, this is the price for the base model and no price for the top model has been stated yet.

Thanks a lot for the info Jeff!

Source: Temple of Vtec

Honda Insight Homecoming and Earth Day event

現行 プリウス がオーダーストップ、6月に販売再開へ

トヨタ『プリウス』のオーダー受付けは、今週末をめどに終了することが、複数のトヨタ系ディーラーの話から明らかになった。一部ではすでにオーダーストップしている店舗もあるといい、オーダー受付け終了後は、各ディーラーに残る在庫ぶんの販売で対応するという。

また、エンジンがひと回り大きくなる新型『プリウス』の発売後、車内装備などを簡素化した現行プリウスを併売するという話については、「現行型プリウスの販売は6月ごろから再開、価格は210万円前後ではないか」と話す関係者もいる。

現行プリウスの購入を検討しているユーザーにとっては、その後の在庫車販売時期を逃してしまうと6月の“併売プリウス”の発売を待つことになるが、「法人 などから大量受注したりすれば、併売プリウスの納期は7月や8月になる可能性がある」と別のディーラー関係者は話していた。

いっぽう、売れ行きが好調な新型ホンダ『インサイト』は、都内ホンダ系ディーラーの一部では「納期は5月の連休明けの可能性もある」と話すスタッフもいる。

現行プリウスのオーダーを検討中のユーザーにとっては今週末が最後のチャンスか!?　インサイトとプリウスのどちらかで悩むユーザーは納期も大いに気になるところだ。

ソース: Response

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announces new President & CEO

Tokyo, February 23, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda Motor) today announced that Takanobu Ito, currently the company's Senior Managing Director, will become the seventh President & Chief Executive Officer of Honda Motor effective in late June 2009. Takeo Fukui, the current President & CEO, will remain on the board and assume the post of Director and Advisor to Honda Motor. This management succession will occur following the final decision of the Honda Motor Board of Directors after the company's annual shareholders' meeting, scheduled for late June 2009.

Ito joined Honda in 1978, and began his career in its automobile research and development operations, principally as an engineer in the area of chassis design. Ito was in charge of developing the all-aluminum uni-body frame structure for the mid-engine NSX sports car that went on sale in 1990, a world's first for a production vehicle of any volume. Ito also took on responsibilities as the person-in-charge of developing a series of compact sedans for the Japanese market in the early 1990's.

From April 1998 to March 2000, Ito was stationed in the U.S. as Executive Vice President of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., where he became actively involved in the development of the Acura brand's first sport-utility vehicle, the MDX (which went on sale in the U.S. in October 2000).

In June 2000, Ito was appointed to the Board of Directors of Honda Motor, simultaneously gaining promotion to Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (Honda R&D). He subsequently became President and Director of Honda R&D in June 2003. Ito also took on a role in the area of manufacturing as General Manager of Honda's Suzuka Factory in April 2005.

In April 2007, Ito became Honda Motor's Chief Operating Officer of Automobile Operations and a Senior Managing Director from June of the same year.

From April 2009, he will again assume the top position of President and Director of Honda R&D, a position he will continue to hold concurrently after the successful appointment as President & CEO of Honda Motor expected in late June 2009.

Takeo Fukui has served as Honda Motor's President & CEO since assuming the position in June 2003. During the six years of Fukui's leadership, Honda was able to actively evolve its global manufacturing structure, notably the establishment of a U.S. automobile plant in Indiana and the decision to set up two manufacturing facilities - the Yorii and Ogawa plants - in Saitama, Japan.

Furthermore, Fukui enabled the company to make forays into new business areas, including the establishment of both the jet engine and aircraft businesses, and making a full-scale entry into the solar cell business with Honda's original next-generation solar cell. Also under Fukui's leadership, the company continued to demonstrate its leadership in reducing CO2 emissions through both technology and product innovations. Honda's firm commitment to reduce CO2 output on a global scale was underlined in 2006, when it announced company-wide reduction targets for CO2 emitted from its product lineups as well as from its production lines. The realization of the all-new Insight as an affordable product was an outcome of Fukui's strong guidance, based on the belief that hybrid vehicles must become accessible to more people if the technology is to contribute to reductions in CO2 output.

Fukui joined Honda as an engineer in 1969, and became a member of the project team that developed the Honda CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine. Fukui also has extensive experience in the company's motorcycle development and racing operations. In 1988, he became a member of the Honda Motor Board of Directors, subsequently assuming responsibilities as General Manager of the Suzuka Factory, President of Honda of America Mfg., Inc., President and Director of Honda R&D, and most recently, President & CEO of Honda Motor, a title he has held since June 2003.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Text in Japanese

　Hondaは、本日の取締役会にて専務取締役の伊東 孝紳（いとう たかのぶ）が、代表取締役社長となる人事を内定した。社長の福井 威夫は、取締役相談役となる。なお、本件は、本年の6月下旬開催予定の定時株主総会終了後の取締役会にて正式に決定する。

　 社長に就任予定の伊東は、1978年にHondaに入社、その後、車体設計を中心に四輪車の研究・開発に従事。1990年に発売したミッドシップ・スポー ツカー「NSX」では、量産車世界初のオールアルミ・モノコックボディの開発を担当。1993年10月に日本で発売したコンパクトセダン「アスコット／ラ ファーガ」シリーズでは開発責任者を務めた。

　1998年4月から2000年3月まで、ホンダアールアンドディアメリカズ・インコーポレーテッドの副社長として米国に駐在し、アキュラブランド初のSUV「MDX」（2000年10月に米国で発売）の現地での開発を推進した。
　 2000年6月には、本田技研工業株式会社（以下、本田技研工業）取締役と株式会社本田技術研究所（以下、本田技術研究所）常務取締役に就任、2003年 6月に本田技術研究所 社長に就任した。2005年4月には、鈴鹿製作所長に就任。2007年4月には四輪事業本部長、同6月に専務取締役に就任し、現在に至っている。

　伊東は、2009年4月に本田技術研究所の社長就任を予定しており、2009年6月末からは、本田技研工業の社長と本田技術研究所の社長を兼務することになる。

　 福井は、2003年6月に本田技研工業 社長に就任。約6年の任期の間には、米国インディアナ四輪車工場、寄居四輪車工場、小川エンジン工場の設立などを決定し、グローバルでの生産体制の進化を 図った。また、航空機エンジンや機体の事業化、次世代型太陽電池の事業化など新規事業への進出も行った。2006年には最もCO2の排出が少ない工場で、最もCO2の排出が少ない製品を生み出す企業を目指し、業界で初めて全世界での製品と生産活動でのCO2低減目標を公表するなど、世界規模でのCO2低減に取り組んでおり、環境技術・商品の進化を積極的に進めている。また、ハイブリッド車の普及時代の先駆けとなる「インサイト」の商品化を主導した。

　 福井は、1969年にHondaに入社、CVCCエンジンの開発などに携わった後、主に二輪車の開発やレース活動を担当し、1988年に本田技研工業 取締役に就任。その後、浜松製作所長、ホンダオブアメリカマニュファクチュアリング・インコーポレーテッド 社長、本田技術研究所 社長などを歴任、2003年6月に本田技研工業 社長に就任し、現在に至っている。

Hondaの歴代社長と任期

本田 宗一郎		1948年9月〜1973年10月
河島 喜好		1973年10月〜1983年10月
久米 是志		1983年10月〜1990年6月
川本 信彦		1990年6月〜1998年6月
吉野 浩行		1998年6月〜2003年6月
福井 威夫		2003年6月〜2009年6月（予定）

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Honda Media Website

Honda UK reveals prices for all-new Honda Insight

Honda UK has revealed the prices for the all-new Honda Insight (earlier post):

SE grade: £15,490 OTR
ES grade: £16,790 OTR
ES-T grade: £18,390 OTR

Source: Honda UK

Honda Insight brochure showing all available colours for EUDM

The available colors of the new Insight for USDM & EUDM are already known (earlier post), but now, Honda UK has made available the brochure of the new Insight, which provides a better indication of the colors.

You can download the brochure by visiting the Honda UK site.

New Lexus RX 450h to make European debut at Geneva

The all-new RX 450h will make its European debut as the centrepiece of the Lexus stand at the Geneva motor show on 3 March.

Significant revisions to the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain will deliver substantially lower carbon dioxide emissions when the luxury crossover goes on sale in the UK this summer, setting a new benchmark in its class, well below the figures achieved by the current best-performing diesels. At the same time it will also be more fuel efficient and more powerful than its predecessor, the RX 400h, the model which first introduced hybrid power to the premium market.

The new RX 450h addresses the principal concerns of today’s motorists in a market segment where sales have been affected by cost-of-ownership issues and growing environmental concerns, and does so without compromising Lexus’s hallmark standards of luxury, quality and refinement.

Marking the third generation of the RX, the new RX 450h displays exterior and interior styling that is the latest expression of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy. In the cabin the new dual-zone Crossover Cockpit showcases numerous technical innovations for improved safety, comfort and driving pleasure.

The new Lexus IS 250C will also be presented at Geneva, ahead of going on sale in the summer. With an all-aluminium folding roof that can be lowered in just 20 seconds, the IS 250C combines top-down driving pleasure with hard-top dynamic performance.

Sharing the same smooth 205bhp (208 DIN hp) 2.5-litre V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission as the IS 250 sports saloon, the IS 250C has been engineered and styled for excellent handling and on-board comfort in open-top driving and equipped to meet the highest crash safety standards.

These new models will be joined on the Lexus stand by the IS-F high performance saloon, GS 450h hybrid sports saloon and Lexus’s hybrid flagship, the LS 600h limousine.

Source: Newspress

Honda reaches 300,000 units in cumulative global sales of hybrid vehicles (Hondaハイブリッド車が世界累計販売30万台を達成)

TOKYO, Japan, February 18, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that global sales of Honda hybrid vehicles passed the 300,000-unit mark on a cumulative basis at the end of January 2009, since the introduction of the first-generation Insight in November 1999.

Honda is now selling its hybrid models in approximately 40 countries around the world including the key markets of Japan, North America and Europe.

Honda began sales in Japan February 6, 2009, of the all-new Insight hybrid vehicle, a five-door hatchback model featuring a lightweight, compact hybrid system that achieves exceptional fuel economy at an affordable price. Sales of the all-new Insight is scheduled to begin in Europe and North America in March and April, respectively. Honda set annual sales targets of approximately 60,000 units in Japan, more than 30,000 units in Europe and approximately 100,000 units in North America. The annual global sales target is approximately 200,000 units.

Honda will further enhance its hybrid model lineup with the introduction of the all-new sporty hybrid vehicle, based on the CR-Z design concept model, in 2010, in the effort to achieve full-scale market penetration of hybrid vehicles.

Honda Hybrid Sales by Model/Region (as of the end of January 2009)

Model	Region	Start of Sales	Cumulative Unit Sales
Insight	Japan	Nov. 1999	2,340
	North America	Dec. 1999	14,288
	Europe	Mar. 2000	392
	Total		17,020
Civic Hybrid	Japan	Dec. 2001	22,899
	North America	Mar. 2002	191,493
	Europe	May. 2003	34,757
	Asia/Oceania	Feb. 2004	5,514
	China	Nov. 2007	280
	Others	May. 2006	306
	Total		255,249
Accord Hybrid	North America	Dec. 2004	28,471
	Total		28,471
Total Unit Sales of Honda Hybrid Models			300,740

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Text in Japanese

　Hondaのハイブリッド車の世界累計販売台数が、1999年11月に初代インサイトの日本での販売開始以来、2009年1月末で30万台を超えた。

　Hondaは、日米欧を中心に、世界で延べ約40ヵ国でハイブリッド車を販売している。

■Hondaハイブリッド車 モデル別／地域別販売実績（2009年1月末時点）

車名	地域	販売開始時期	累計販売台数
インサイト	日本	1999年 11月	2,340
	北米	1999年 12月	14,288
	欧州	2000年　3月	392
	合計		17,020
シビック ハイブリッド	日本	2001年 12月	22,899
	北米	2002年　3月	191,493
	欧州	2003年　5月	34,757
	アジア・大洋州	2004年　2月	5,514
	中国	2007年 11月	280
	その他	2006年　5月	306
	合計		255,249
アコード ハイブリッド	北米	2004年 12月	28,471
	合計		28,471
Hondaハイブリッド車合計			300,740

　Hondaは、お求めやすい価格で、軽量・小型なハイブリッドシステムを搭載し、優れた燃費性能を実現した5ドアハッチバックの新型「インサイ ト」を日本で2009年2月6日より販売開始。欧州では3月、北米では4月より順次販売を開始する。日本では年間約6万台、欧州では年間約3万台以上、北 米では年間約10万台を販売目標とし、世界販売台数約20万台を予定している。

　今後もHondaは、デザインコンセプトモデル「CR-Z」をベースとした新型のスポーツタイプハイブリッドを2010年中に投入するなど、ハイブリッド車のラインアップを強化し、ハイブリッド車の本格普及を目指す。
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Honda Media Website

Nissan says its electric car will have 100-mile range

Nissan's new all-electric car to be sold starting late next year will have 100 miles of pure battery range, a Nissan North America planning director said.

Product planning and strategy director Mark Perry also told the Chattanooga Engineers Club that the company wants to eventually make the car that will run on a lithium ion battery pack and the batteries at its plant in Smyrna. The car will initially be made in Japan.

Perry told the engineers' group Monday that Tennessee is to be a launch market for the all-electric car after it arrives in late 2010, along with Oregon and Sonoma County, Calif.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported that Perry said the car will "seat five and be in the size range of a Sentra or Versa."

Nissan's North America headquarters is in Franklin.

Perry said the 100 miles of pure battery range is more than double the battery range of some competitors' electric cars.

Perry said that while the cost of a conventional vehicle of similar size may range from $28,000 to $30,000, the federal government is offering a tax credit of up to $7,500 on the electric car. He said annual maintenance costs will be $1,350 less for a pure electric vehicle than a conventional car. "The payback is immediate," Perry said. He estimated the cost to "fill the tank" in the Chattanooga area at about 90 cents, and said it will take about four to eight hours to do so at a residence.

Perry said plans are to reduce that time frame to four hours in 2012.

Nissan NA spokesman Fred Standish previously said the company submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Energy for a share of the government's $25-billion loan program intended to help automakers retool their plants to build more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Standish said the Smyrna plant, built in 1983, is the only one of Nissan's three plants in the U.S. that would meet the loan's criteria.

The Energy Department has received dozens of applications for the loan program, including requests from Detroit's automakers, Tesla Motors Inc., which builds an all-electric two-seat sports car, and several battery manufacturers.

Source: Detroit Free Press

Orders for new Honda Insight in Japan top 10000 units, more than 2X the monthly goal 【ホンダ インサイト 新型発表】国内受注は10000台確保

Ten days after it went on sale in Japan, the new Honda Insight Hybrid has racked up orders for more than 10,000 units—more than double the monthly sales goal.

The environmentally friendly Insight “had a buoyant marketing start,” although Honda and other automakers have been hit by the global economic woes, a Honda official said...Consumers appear to have been attracted to the Insight due to its affordable sticker price, industry analysts said.

But it remains unclear whether orders for the Insight will continue growing at the pace Honda has enjoyed so far, given the current state of the Japanese economy, the analysts said.

Source: Green Car Congress

Nissan cancels new Silvia/200SX and develops electric Prius rival

The forthcoming Nissan 200SX replacement is the first major casualty of Carlos Ghosn's dramatic cutbacks, a company source has confirmed.

Nissan has been developing plans for a new, compact, rear-wheel-drive sportscar for some years. The Silvia project has been most visible as the Foria (Tokyo 2005) and Urge (Detroit 2006) concepts, but work has been continuing behind the scenes.

Monday's announcement of severe financial difficulties at the company, including a £612m third-quarter loss, also brought news of cutbacks to future model programmes, but it had been assumed until now that the 200SX was safe.

Ghosn wishes to concentrate all the company's development efforts on small and medium-sized cars. This will include an electric Prius rival, due to make its debut next year.

Plans for a big, fast, super stylish Infiniti saloon, using the GT-R platform, to challenge the likes of the Porsche Panamera and Lagonda Rapide have been suspended, but not cancelled.

Source: Autocar

New Honda Insight's smaller and lighter Power Unit (小型・軽量化した新型「インサイト」のIPU，インバータは三菱電機製，DC-DCコンバータはTDK製)

Honda's new Insight hybrid is equipped with an IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) that incorporates a PCU (Power Control Unit) and a Ni-metal hydride secondary battery unit (earlier post).

Compared with the IPU mounted in the latest Civic Hybrid, the new IPU has about a 19% smaller volume and approximately a 28% lighter weight.

The functions of the PCU, which is composed of a motor-driving inverter, an electronic control unit (ECU) and a DC-DC converter, were further integrated. Specifically, the ECU for controlling the motor and the ECU for controlling the secondary battery, which were separate in the Civic Hybrid, were integrated.

In addition, the ECU, the DC-DC converter and the inverter are housed inside a magnesium case without using any connecting members, in contrast to the former method in which they were mounted on top of and below a copper frame.

Furthermore, while the Civic Hybrid uses a compressor that can be driven either by the engine belt or by power, the new Insight has a compressor that can be driven only by the engine belt, eliminating the need for the inverter compressor. As a result, the volume and the weight of the PCU were reduced by 10% and 31%, respectively.

The inverter for the Civic Hybrid is manufactured in-house, but that for the new Insight is supplied by Mitsubishi Electric Corp. The DC-DC converter, which continues to be supplied by TDK Corp, is smaller in size compared with the one used in the Civic Hybrid.

The battery unit incorporates cells manufactured by Sanyo Electric Co Ltd. The cells feature polar plates with larger surface areas, thinner separators and alloy cathode with improved durability.

Because of these improvements, both the output per module and the durability were increased by 30%, making it possible to reduce the number of cells by 30%, from 132 to 84. The volume and the weight of the battery unit were reduced by 31% and 35%, respectively, compared with the one used in the Civic Hybrid.

Source: Tech-On

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Text in Japanese

　ホンダが2009年2月5日に発表した新型「インサイト」は，PCU（パワー・コントロール・ユニット）とNi水素2次電池ユニットを集約した IPU（インテリジェント・パワー・ユニット）を現行の「シビック ハイブリッド」よりも容積で約19％の小型化，重さで約28％の軽量化を実現した。

　モータ駆動用インバータや電子制御ユニット（ECU），DC-DCコンバータなどから成るPCUは機能集約を進めた。具体的には，シビッ ク ハイブリッドでは別々だったモータ制御用のECUと2次電池制御用のECUを統合した。さらに，銅板のフレームの上下に各ユニットを取り付ける従来の方法 を代え，マグネシウム製のケース内にECUとDC-DCコンバータ，インバータを接続部材なしに配置している。

　また，シビック ハイブリッドはエンジンのベルトによる駆動と電動駆動の両方が可能なコンプレッサを搭載しているが，新型インサイトはベルト駆動のみとしたことから，コン プレッサ用のインバータを搭載せずに済んでいる。その結果，PCUはシビック ハイブリッドに比べて容積を10％，重さを31％削減した。

　インバータは，シビック ハイブリッドでは内製だが，新型インサイトでは三菱電機から供給を受ける。DC-DCコンバータは従来と同じくTDK製で，シビック ハイブリッドに比べて小型化している。

　電池ユニットは三洋電機製のセルを採用する。従来のセルに比べて電極の極板面積の拡大やセパレータの薄肉化，負極合金の耐久性を向上させた。これ により，モジュール当たりの出力を30％，耐久性も30％高め，搭載するセル数を132セルから84セルと30％減らした。電池ユニットはシビック ハイブリッドに比べて容積を31％，重さを35％減らしている。

ソース: 日経Automotive TechnologyのWebサイト
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mitsubishi Motors to show prototype i MiEV concept at 2009 Geneva Show (三菱自動車、2009年ジュネーブモーターショーで、コンセプトカー『Prototype i MiEV』を世界初披露)

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Prototype i MiEV concept model (earlier post) its global debut at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 3 through March 15 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 5).

With feasibility testing now underway in Europe, the possibility for Mitsubishi Motors' i MiEV electric car to be launched in Europe draws tantalizingly close.

While no final decision has been made yet as to whether or when the car will be launched, Mitsubishi will continue to gauge reactions through a further exercise: the Prototype i MiEV show car.

To be unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show next to the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept, this latest iteration introduces left-hand-drive to the equation and conceptualizes — amongst other items — the wide(er) tracks and long(er) overhangs of a potential European specification i MiEV.

As a reminder, i MiEV represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors' green technologies. Currently involved in testing and promotional activities in Japan, New Zealand, the United States and Europe, the car will be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Text in Japanese

三菱自動車は、2009年3月3日（火）から15日（日）［一般公開は5日 （木）から］まで、スイス・ジュネーブのパルエクスポで開催される第79回ジュネーブ国際自動車ショーに、欧州市場へ投入することを想定した、新世代電気 自動車『Prototype i MiEV（プロトタイプ アイ ミーブ）』を世界初披露する。

『Prototype i MiEV』は、三菱自動車の新世代電気自動車『i MiEV』をベースに、以下の改良を加えた。

• 欧州市場で要求の強い高速安定性能を高めるためトレッドを拡大。
• 同様に欧州市場で求められる歩行者保護性能や後方からの軽衝突性能を高めるため、前後のオーバーハングを延長。
• これにより、車両全体を安定感のあるフォルムを実現。

三菱自動車の新世代電気自動車『i MiEV』は、2009年夏に日本での市場投入を予定している。現在では、日本で実施している実証走行試験車両『i MiEV』と同型車にて、ニュージーランド、北米で、実用化のための実証試験や調査活動を進めている。さらに、欧州においても2009年初めより、実証試 験やプロモーション活動を開始している。

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Mitsubishi Media Service (三菱自動車メディアサービスへ)

Honda Working on CR-Z Type R?

Auto blogs have been buzzing over recently released photos of the Mugen-tuned Honda Insight. Some people love the massively winged, zero-lift hybrid, but most people (well, most Americans) can’t quite wrap their heads around the fact that someone would even want to tune a hybrid. If you are one of these people, you’d better strap on a helmet ‘cause we’re about to blow your mind.

It’s no secret that Honda is planning to follow its new Insight up with a production version of the CRX-like CR-Z two-seat hybrid. But thanks to a very well informed source, we’ve got a few new, never-before-released details about the car.

First, the production version of the CR-Z will make its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this November and go on sale in Japan in December.

Got that helmet ready? ‘Cause here comes the mind-blowing part.

What’s got us both excited and curious is news that Honda is planning to make a CR-Z Type R. You read that correctly: a Type R hybrid.

The only thing we know about the CR-Z Type R is that it is supposed to launch in 2010. Unfortunately, this source can’t give us any details about just what will transform this standard CR-Z into a Type R. Will it be nothing more than a two-seat version of the Mugen Insight, meaning just a car with a functional aero kit and some wheels?

Will Honda take a cue from its Accord Hybrid and use the battery assist as a performance booster – like a battery-powered turbocharger – rather than use the electric motor to make the car as “green” as can be?

Or will Honda answer the tuning crowd’s prayers by ditching the hybrid powertrain completely to shove a K-series motor under the hood? Hybrid K20, perhaps?

We don’t know about you, the possibilities of a CR-Z Type R are getting us very excited. Honda is supposed to make an announcement regarding the Type R at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Hopefully we’ll see at least a concept CR-Z Type R alongside the standard CR-Z at the show.

Source: GT Channel via Vtec.net

2010 Prius models and option packages (USDM)

Further to the post regarding the available option packages for the new USDM Toyota Prius , Doug Coleman, Prius Product Manager for Toyota Motor Sales USA, has provided PriusChat with the details on the 2010 Prius Models and Option Packages in an exclusive release before the information has even been posted to Toyota's own pressroom.

At the time of launch, we plan to offer the following models and packages:

Models

• Prius II (model 1223): Standard equipment includes AM/FM/CD with WMA/MP3 playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, remote keyless entry, driver door Smart Key System, power door locks and power windows with auto up/down control, cruise control, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, driver seat vertical adjust, Push Button Start, electronic shift lever, 60/40 split fold down rear seats, Touch Tracer Display, Front, side, curtain, and driver knee airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, STAR® Safety System, active front headrests, EV/Eco/Power modes, Multi-Information Display, 15” alloy wheels with wheel covers, halogen headlamps, rear wiper, heated outside mirrors

• Prius III (mode 1225): Prius II equipment, plus JBL® AM/FM/6-CD changer with Bluetooth® hands free capability, integrated XM Satellite radio, and eight speakers

• Prius IV (model 1227): Prius III equipment, plus leather trimmed seats and steering wheel, heated front seats, power driver lumbar support, 3-Door Smart Key, illuminated entry, Plasmacluster™, and autodimming rearview mirror with Homelink®

• Prius V (model 1229): Prius IV equipment, plus 17” alloy wheels, LED headlamps with washers, and foglamps

Available Packages

• Navigation Package: Voice-activated navigation system and backup monitor (available on Prius III, IV, and V)

• Solar Roof Package: Tilt-slide moonroof with solar powered ventilation system and remote air-conditioning system, and voice-activated navigation system and backup monitor (available on Prius III and IV)

• Advanced Technology Package: Lane Keep Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, Intelligent Parking Assist, and voice-activated navigation system and backup monitor (available on Prius V)

Notes of interest:
1. Prius I? Stay tuned, but not available at launch timing.
2. There are 10 possible ways to configure a 2010 Prius (excluding colors)
3. “Silver” = Prius III, “Gold” = Prius IV with Solar Roof Package, “Platinum” = Prius V with Adv. Tech Package.
4. No Solar Roof available with LEDs/fogs or Adv Tech Package (weight/engineering challenge already mentioned)
5. Safety Connect not available until fall ‘09
6. Yes, you can provide us your feedback here and we will collect it. But it is extremely unlikely that any packaging will change by launch - future model years are more likely.

Source: PriusChat

Nissan announces prices for USDM Cube and specialty vehicle model Krom

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced that the all-new 2009 Nissan cube® 1.8 will feature a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $13,990 when it goes on sale in early May. Nissan also debuted a specialty vehicle model – the cube® 1.8 Krom. The new cube® Krom, developed by NNA’s new Specialty Vehicles Group, features exclusive exterior and interior treatments, elevating cube®’s unique styling to a sportier, more aggressive dimension. The 2009 Nissan cube® will now be offered in four versions, cube® 1.8, cube® 1.8 S, cube® 1.8 SL and cube® 1.8 Krom.



In addition, Nissan announced that the cube will be available with more than 40 individual accessories, ranging from a unique 20-color interior illumination kit and “shag carpeting” instrument panel inserts to aerodynamic body kits and custom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – allowing cube owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and personalities.



A new “Reserve Your cube” program, which allows consumers to research and reserve the cube of their choice, will begin later in the month, following the release of complete cube model and option package pricing.



Exclusive Nissan cube® Krom Model

While every 2009 Nissan cube makes a bold statement against the backdrop of look-alike entry-level vehicles, the cube Krom is a standout with exclusive exterior and interior treatments designed to add character without overwhelming the innovative cube design. The cube Krom starts with the extensive list of cube 1.8 S model standard features, then adds a 3-bar chrome grille, 2-bar chrome front bumper grille, fully integrated front and rear fascias, body side sills, unique rear roof spoiler, exclusive 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Krom rear emblem.



Inside, the cube Krom offers Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel, woven black and gray seat cloth, an upgraded audio system with six speakers and Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Interface System for iPod®, Titanium interior trim accents, sporty aluminum trimmed pedals, Automatic Temperature Control, interior illumination system and more.



Like every cube model, the cube Krom offers unexpected power and ease of driving provided by an advanced 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder with a projected fuel economy of 30 mpg Highway. The cube Krom comes with a standard new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVTÔ (Continuously Variable Transmission) for good acceleration response, smooth operation and fuel efficiency.



“The cube Krom is unmistakable, with its unique exterior treatments and interior enhancements, it takes the already standout cube and raises the “cool” factor even more,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, NNA. “For those consumers that love the cube but are looking for a little something extra, the cube Krom offers that and then some.”



The cube Krom was developed by Nissan North America’s Specialty Vehicles Group, which also developed the sporty Nissan NISMO 350Z. Krom models are converted in a unique area of the cube assembly facility.



A “Personalized” Approach to Accessories

Inside and out, the new Nissan cube offers an inspiring canvas for personalization. A centerpiece of the new cube’s appeal is its “social space” interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. Along with its open occupant space, “floating meter pod” driver’s area and “lounge sofa” style sliding and reclining rear bench seat, the cube interior is available with a long list of innovative accessories.



Among the items designed to accentuate cube’s unique design approach are “shag dash topper” instrument panel inserts, which fit into the top center of the instrument panel; “Front Door Bungees,” which are colorful elastic straps that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps and photos; and an Interior Illumination Kit, which provides a changeable 20-color palette of accent lighting under the instrument panel and in the center console cupholder.



Other interior accessories include illuminated stainless kick plates, drilled stainless pedal covers, rear cargo area organizer and interior trim appliqués available in four body-matching colors and a sleek, carbon fiber look. Exterior accessories include a front chin spoiler, rear underspoiler, side body sills, rear roof spoiler, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, nose mask, side window deflectors, vehicle cover and fog lights.



For added convenience, a number of accessories have been grouped into special packages – the Interior Designer Package, the Interior Illumination Package and the Ginormous Package, featuring a range of items including the aero body kit, interior accent lighting and interior appliqués.



“Enthusiasm is building for cube – it’s unique, it’s fun, it’s functional, and it makes being “square” hip again,” said Castignetti. “Consumers in the market are excited about a product like this. If you take the cube’s distinctive styling, utility, and efficiency and add a starting MSRP of $13,990, it’s easy to see why.”



Source: Nissan/Infiniti News Room



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Text in Japanese



北米日産は11日、シカゴモーターショーで『キューブKrom』を発表した。同時に北米でのベース価格も1万3990ドル（約126万円）からとアナウンス。全米で5月初旬から販売がスタートする。



日産は2008年11月のロサンゼルスモーターショーで、『キューブ』の北米投入を宣言。そのための準備を進めてきた。今回のシカゴでは価格を正式発表。 ベースプライスは1万3990ドル（約126万円）と、競争力のある設定だ。エンジンは1.8リットル直4（122ps）で、トランスミッションはエクス トロニックCVT。米国EPA燃費は、高速走行で12.8km/リットルという経済性の高さも武器となる。



グレード構成は「1.8」、「1.8S」、「1.8SL」の3種類。最上級に位置する特別仕様車として用意されたのが「Krom」である。同車の開発は北米日産のスペシャルビークル部門が担当。若い顧客を意識したドレスアップを施している。



外観はクロームメッキグリルが個性を主張。エアロパーツや専用16インチアルミホイールも装着された。内装はブラック＆グレーのシート、レザーステアリン グホイール、チタン調パネル、アルミペダルを採用。ロックフォードフォスゲート製のサブウーハーなど、オーディオもアップグレードされている。



また、キューブ全車に「リザーブユアキューブプログラム」を導入。40のアクセサリー、20色のイルミネーションキット、エアロパーツなどのアイテムを用意した。「インテリアデザイナーパッケージ」、「イルミネーションパッケージ」など、推奨パッケージも設定している。



ソース: Response

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------