Mitsubish i-Miev: Available in Europe from 2010 for €34,000

Mitsubishi i-Miev will be available in UK from 2010 with prices starting from approximately €34,000. i-Miev is expected to be available in main European markets around 2012.

The price is expected to be lowered at around €15,000 by 2012 as the production will be increased to 30,000 cars/year.

Source: autoblog.it

Toyota to build Auris hybrid in UK, paper says

Toyota plans to produce a gasoline-electric version of its Auris hatchback at its British factory around 2012, in what would mark its first locally produced hybrid car in Europe, an industry daily said. However, this contradicts Autocar's claims that the Auris hybrid will be launched this autumn (earlier post).

The Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun said that The Auris was due for a full remodeling around 2012, and Toyota would offer a hybrid version for production and sale locally in Europe,

A spokeswoman said Toyota could not comment on future product plans.

The Auris was Toyota's third-best-selling model in Europe during the first five months of this year after the Yaris and Aygo subcompact models.

Days after taking the helm at the company founded by his grandfather, President Akio Toyoda said last month that the world's biggest automaker would be more selective in utilizing its resources, dropping a strategy of becoming a full-line maker in all regions.

One example of that was to focus on offering hybrid vehicles in Europe, Toyoda said, implying that it may drop a plan it shelved earlier to cooperate with affiliate Isuzu to beef up its diesel line-up for Europe.

Toyota builds most of its hybrid vehicles in Japan, but also produces a small number of Prius cars in China and the Camry hybrid in Kentucky. It has already announced plans to also begin production of the Camry hybrid in Thailand and Australia, and the Prius in Mississippi.

Toyota has a goal of selling at least 1 million hybrid vehicles a year within the next few years and has said it would offer the hybrid option on all of its models around 2020.

Source: Automotive News Europe

Toyota Prius (2009) hybrid CAR review

The Toyota Prius is arguably the most important car launch of the year. It was the Prius that introduced hybrid motoring to early adopters back in 1997, and now, with its third generation, Toyota is aiming to make it a more appealing mainstream proposition without diluting any of the stuff that made the car so special in the first place. So, it should be less of a compromise, while still offering the feelgood factor of cutting edge, planet-saving tech. That’s the idea, anyway.

How does the new Toyota Prius appeal to a more mainstream audience?

Toyota has tried to make the Prius more refined, more spacious, more dynamically engaging and, perhaps more importantly with all those Bluemotion and Efficient Dynamics cars snapping at its heels, more fuel efficient and less polluting too. So power and torque lifts from the second-gen’s 112bhp to 134bhp thanks to a new 1.8-litre engine (up from 1.5-litres), fuel economy increases to 72.4mpg (from 55.4mpg) and C02 falls from 120g/km to a get-into-London-for-free 89g/km compared with the model it replaces.

Dimensions remain similar, but there’s more rear legroom because of carefully sculpted seat backs, and a little more headroom because the highest point of that trademark sloping roof is now slightly further back. The boot is also a little larger thanks to a smaller, better-integrated battery under the boot floor.

First impressions?

The re-style is spot on – unmistakeably Prius to keep those loyal fans happy, but more visually exciting too with its creased shoulder line and rakish headlights. Thank Toyota’s European design studio for that.

Inside, it’s a nice place to be. The interior manages to balance the futuristic concept car feel you’d expect from a technologically advanced car with a large helping of real-world usability. The seats are comfy, the dash simple and easy to use, the colours light and airy, visibility excellent. It’s also incredibly spacious in here for both front and rear seat passengers, and a sense of relaxation pervades.

How does it feel on the road?

It’s good. With a full battery charge (if you’ve been on the open road and are just heading into town, for instance), you can press the EV button and the Prius will operate on its electric battery alone at speeds of up to 50kph (31mph) for as long as 2km. And that’s no marketing spin – we wafted silently around Stockholm and cruised through 50kph-limited built-up areas in the countryside on electric power alone.

That’s a key advantage the Prius (a series/parallel hybrid, meaning it can both combine its power sources and use them independently) holds over the less expensive Honda Insight – a parallel hybrid (i.e. battery and petrol power always operate in tandem) that can never run emissions-free unless it’s at a complete standstill.

Sure, if you spend a lot of time in town you’ll rarely have enough charge to run in EV mode alone, but we found the regular mode did a good job of shutting down the petrol engine at a standstill, under deceleration and at very low speeds.

How about out of town?

Clearly you’ll use petrol power a lot of the time, but at speeds of up to 70kph (44mph) it is possible to be regularly running on electric power. Think of a busy British A-road and it’s easy to see how often that could come into play. And when the power sources do switch, it’s actually quite hard to spot the difference between the engine turning on and off, just a very light kick from beneath you giving the game away.

What about these dynamic improvements, then?

Don’t go getting too excited about that. The Prius is best described as fine rather than fun. It’s inoffensive to drive and doesn’t feel out of its depth beyond the city limits. The CVT transmission does make that trademark thrash when you demand extra mph on a motorway slip road, but it’s more subdued than it is in the Honda Insight because of improved noise insulation and because the engine’s more capable and thus needs working less hard than it does in the 1.3-litre Insight.

Verdict

While we need to spend longer with the Prius to see if it really does drink so little fuel, it does seem that Toyota has hit the nail on the head. The Prius isn’t a compromise suitable only for early adopters, and it doesn’t just make sense in town. It’s a good all-round car that just happens to be packed with cutting-edge tech.

Source: Car magazine

Honda Insight tops the charts in Europe

Honda has today announced that its new Insight hybrid vehicle has sold more than any other hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle in Europe*.

The figures obtained from Jato Dynamics show that in its first full month of sales the Insight proved to be the most popular petrol-electric hybrid vehicle on the market. This achievement follows on from the success of the Insight in Japan where in April it was the first hybrid ever to be the number one selling passenger car.

The hybrid sector and alternative fuels sector, which features any passenger car not powered by petrol or diesel is set to grow further in the near future. At the same time the market will begin to segment, dividing the sector into a multitude of different types of cars - just like the traditional car market. In the future Honda will produce a hybrid version of the Jazz and a production car based on the CR-Z Concept, giving the consumer a wider choice of Honda hybrid models.

Third place in the table went to Honda's Civic Hybrid, which like the Insight is also a fuel efficient, low emission, full-parallel hybrid. Both cars can run on the electric motor alone in some medium to high speed conditions, giving near silent running and fuel efficiency benefits.

The Insight is currently being introduced across Europe, joining the Civic Hybrid in Honda's petrol-electric range. Honda Motor Europe, Senior Vice President, Ken Keir is delighted that the Insight has been so well received, commenting: "We introduced Europe to hybrids almost 10 years ago when we put the original Insight on sale. The Insight was the first hybrid to be sold in Europe and this sector is set to continue to expand and diversify."


* Data covers EU27 (except Malta), EFTA, plus Turkey, Russia and Israel.

Source: Honda European Media newsroom

Toyota to lease over 150 plug-in hybrid vehicles across Europe

Toyota will lease over 150 units of its next generation Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) to selected fleet customers across Europe as part of a three-year programme. Alongside France, Toyota is in discussion with three European countries, including the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

The new PHV comes equipped with a powerful lithium-ion battery, extending the vehicle’s range in electric vehicle mode for a silent, zero emissions drive. The first wave of new PHVs will be deployed to Strasbourg, France, in late 2009, with other markets following suit by mid-2010.

Tadashi Arashima, President and Chief Executive of Toyota Motor Europe, said, “The PHV is a natural extension of our full hybrid technology, which is designed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels for transport. The pan-European expansion of our limited lease programme will enable us to scrutinise PHV performance in a variety of markets with different infrastructure constraints, driving conditions and customer expectations. It represents a critical next step towards broader commercialisation of PHVs in the medium-term.”

Toyota’s PHV overcomes the obstacles historically associated with electric vehicles (e.g. high battery costs and limited cruising range) by building on the existing benefits of Toyota’s full hybrid technology, as used in Prius. A PHV can be driven as an electric vehicle for shorter journeys, while for high-speed, long-distance commutes it operates like a full hybrid, with its petrol engine serving as both a power source and battery generator.

A PHV can be charged during driving like a regular hybrid (through driving, deceleration or braking) or by attaching its plug to a standard electrical outlet either at home or at work. Compared to Toyota’s full hybrid Prius, a PHV is able to run more often in its petrol-free, electric-only mode, meaning lower running costs and less CO2, especially when renewable energy is used.

In partnership with EDF, Toyota has been road-testing its current generation PHV (equipped with a Nickel Metal Hydride battery) in Europe since 2007. Later this year, approximately 100 new generation PHVs will be leased to selected fleet customers and public bodies in Strasbourg, France, for a period of three years.

Part of the Strasbourg-based fleet will come equipped with an innovative charging system that ensures safe charging, communication between the plug and the vehicle, identification of the vehicle and automatic invoicing of electricity. A large number of charging points will also be established in users’ homes, the offices of business partners, in public parking lots and on public roads.

Toyota is preparing to deploy a total of over 500 new generation PHVs in Europe, Japan and the US by 2010.

Source: Toyota GB Media Website

...Honda Insight in real life!

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to check out the new Insight. I was a bit skeptical due to the lack of power and interior quality. Well, in real life, interior looked nice and although hard plastics have been used, it felt better than Jazz. Test drive wasn't possible and thus I cannot make any comments regarding handling and performance.

Rear visibility is not good, but this is due to the aerodynamic shape. The big problem however is the available space for rear passengers. Although legroom is not so bad, I tried to get at the back and I just could not fit (I am 1.87m tall). I reckon that in the rear, only people up to 1.8m tall can actually fit.

The second issue was the fact that the car has the same width as the Jazz. The interior felt crowded with all the switches etc and in real life is what you see in the photos, but squeezed. The armrest is also tiny and looks funny.

Until my visit to the Honda dealer, I was certain that I would go for it, but now I think I'll wait to check out the new Prius as well. Insight is an affordable hybrid car, but the problem is that it also feels like one. Perhaps it worths spending a few grand more for the new Prius as it definately looks more robust, has more room and it has more power. Downside is the absence of paddle shifts though...

Lexus tackles the 1-series with hybrid model

Next year Lexus will have a crack at the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series. You’ll see a concept version of the car at this autumn’s Frankfurt show. The big news is that, like the new RX SUV, it’ll be hybrid-only. Hybrid is to Lexus what high-boost diesel is to the Germans. Big performance, low thirst.

After that Frankfurt show appearance, the real thing will go on sale in late 2010, at a price below the IS diesel. Think £20,000-odd.

If you’ve seen the photos of Lexus’s HS250h you’ll probably be panicking by now. The HS250h is a rebodied, higher-performance Prius. It’s made for the US market, and was introduced at the Detroit show in January. It is hideous in profile (right), as you can see from this shot. Luckily, we won’t be getting it.

The new compact Euro-Lexus won’t share any body panels with the HS250h, and it will be a bit smaller. And of course it’ll be a hatchback. It will be FWD and based on the versatile new Prius platform.

Lexus hybrids are different from Toyota hybrids. They show an opposite way to ‘spend’ the efficiency gain of the system. A Prius is designed to get small-car economy from a bigger car. But Lexus hybrids all have higher performance than their standard counterparts.

Lexus has decided that it has to change its hybrid policy. The GS and LS hybrids aren’t making much headway. Andy Pfeiffenberger, Lexus chief in Europe, told Foreman, ‘Our hybrid saloons are going up against the V8 diesels in Europe. In future we need to compete against the four-cylinder diesels. So we will enter new sectors with low-displacement hybrids. The C-premium [i.e. Audi A3] segment is the fastest growing segment and we must be in it.’

Source: Top Gear

Lexus RX450h (2009) CAR review

The new Lexus RX450h boasts some figures so staggering that even if you’re a diehard opponent of hybrids, crossovers, and particularly cars like this that combine the two, you’re going to have to take notice. Compared to the car it replaces, power is up 10% to 295bhp, but fuel economy improves by 23% to 44.8mpg and CO2 emissions fall from 198g/km to 148g/km. That’s Focus RS power, with better economy and emissions than a Focus 1.4. Is the Lexus RX450h too good to be true?

How does the new Lexus RX450h do it?

The 3.5-litre V6 makes 246bhp on its own and two electric motors add the rest. One is solely responsible for powering the rear axle, and together they can propel the RX silently and unaided for up to two miles with the batteries fully charged by the regenerative brakes.

You might not believe that hybrids can replicate their test figures in real use, but it’s inarguable that Lexus has cut consumption and emissions by a quarter on the same test. Adopting the Atkinson cycle is the main reason, but some other clever engine-management tricks to allow the RX to slip into full EV mode earlier.

Is the RX450h like a Focus RS to drive?

No. The integration of petrol and electric drive is utterly seamless, as you’d expect. Acceleration is impressive at 7.8sec for the 62mph dash, particularly when you learn of the RX450h's chubby 2205kg kerb weight, and there’s a sonorous if muted exhaust note. But there’s just no pleasure to be had from driving this car quickly.

The electric steering lacks any feel, the RX rolls heavily (that active rear anti-roll bar is an option) and you can feel the stability control working to contain the RX’s natural tendency to heavy understeer. Better to drive it as virtually all owners will; at a pace that won’t spill the Starbucks. Then it’s fine: great isolation from poor surfaces, but the usual Lexus tendency to stumble more over bigger intrusions.

Does the RX450h sport the usual luxurious Lexus cabin?

Yes – it’s magnificently made, if crazily arrayed. The big news is the arrival of the Remote Touch mouse-like controller for the main display screen, which fits your hand beautifully but works less impressively when you’re wobbling over bad surfaces.

Just about everything else is top of the class though; the sat-nav, the Mark Levinson audio, the storage provided and the materials used. And there’s an endless kit list, most of it standard, including a nearside camera, a head-up display and LED headlamps.

Not great to drive, some doubt the figures – should I buy a new RX?

If you’re a company car driver the figures – accurate or not – put the RX450h in the 14% tax bracket and will save you thousands each year in benefit-in-kind deductions over equivalent diesel SUVs. It will also be cheaper to tax and is congestion charge exempt, for now.

Whether you believe Lexus’s claims on the fuel saving all drivers will get – £3870 compared to a Merc ML320CDi over three years, they say – depends on your view on those figures. But for most buyers, the fact that the RX450h puts the usual Lexus qualities into an SUV-lite package with the immunity from public hatred that comes with that hybrid badge will be enough.

Source: Car magazine

All-new Lexus RX 450h: Key features & powertrain technical spec

• RX 450h features second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive, a full hybrid system

• Substantial improvements to reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency and increase driver satisfaction

• Segment-leading 148g/km CO2 emissions and 44.8mpg combined cycle fuel consumption

• New 3.5-litre V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine

• Introduction of exhaust heat recovery (EHR) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)

• New power control unit (PCU)

• Improved transmission with three new driving modes – ECO, EV and SNOW

• RX 450h on sale from July 2009

The new RX 450h luxury crossover introduces the second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive, a full hybrid system with advanced powertrain technology that delivers an unprecedented combination of fuel economy, low emissions and performance, well beyond the scope of any of its segment rivals.

All the full hybrid system’s components have been revised to achieve dramatically improved efficiency: fuel consumption is reduced by 28 per cent, while at the same time engine power is 10 per cent greater than in the RX 400h. The improvements Lexus has made also contribute to substantially lower emissions, quieter operation and greater driver satisfaction.

Total power output is 295bhp (299 DIN hp), enabling a top speed of 124mph and nought to 62mph acceleration in 7.9 seconds. This performance comes with 44.8mpg combined cycle fuel consumption and 148g/km CO2 emissions, a combination that cannot be matched in the RX 450h’s class, not even by smaller and less powerful 2.0-litre diesel models. This has a direct impact on running costs, for example in a 14 per cent benefit-in-kind company car tax rating – a level typically associated with more modest C-segment models, “eco” specials and other hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius.

Full Hybrid Drive System Configuration
Lexus Hybrid Drive is a combined series/parallel full hybrid system that comprises a highly efficient petrol engine and two powerful electric motors. As a full hybrid the vehicle can operate on its electric motors or petrol engine alone, or with a combination of both. Like its predecessor, the RX 400h, the new model’s second, rear-mounted electric motor provides an intelligent four-wheel drive capability.

The system combines distinct front and rear driving units, with a power control unit managing their seamless, high-speed interaction.

The front drive unit features a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, a powerful electric motor, generator, high performance battery, power control unit (PCU) and a power split device with a planetary gear set to combine and re-allocate power from the engine, electric motors and generator as driving conditions require.

The rear unit is mechanically independent from the front. It provides four-wheel drive by means of a second electric motor, which is activated and continuously adjusted by the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, working in conjunction with the PCU.

V6 Petrol Engine
The 3.5-litre DOHC petrol engine is based on that used in the RX 350, but has been adapted specifically for use in the hybrid powertrain. It produces a maximum 246bhp (249 DIN hp) at 6,000rpm and 317Nm of torque at 4,800rpm, and features three Lexus hybrid ‘firsts’ to optimise fuel efficiency: Atkinson cycle combustion, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and exhaust heat recovery (EHR).

In an Atkinson cycle engine the valves close late, delaying compression. This creates a high expansion ratio for less compression, reducing intake and exhaust energy losses and converting combustion energy into engine power more effectively. As a result the exhaust temperature is lower than in conventional engines.

EGR reintroduces cooled exhaust gas into the combustion chamber, further reducing the engine’s operating temperatures. Together these technologies minimise the need for any fuel enrichment to provide a cooling effect and protect the catalytic converter from overheating damage, thereby improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.

The EHR system uses exhaust gas heat to warm the engine coolant at start-up. This reduces the time the engine needs to warm up, allowing it to be shut off earlier for longer electric motor-only operation, particularly in winter.

Power Control Unit
The new power control unit (PCU) is smaller and weighs less than before and is equipped with a new inverter. The inverter’s construction allows for cooling on both sides and this better cooling efficiency has helped increase the power density by 40 per cent. PCU power losses have also been reduced by more than 10 per cent to contribute to better fuel economy.

Electric Motors
Although power from the front and rear electric motors remains the same as it was on the RX 400h, at 165bhp ( 167 DIN hp) and 67bhp (68 DIN hp) respectively, the improved cooling of the PCU has increased their continuous maximum torque band width. This gives better performance, in particular from a standing start. The front and rear motors now deliver maximum torque of 335Nm and 139Nm from zero rpm respectively, while the range of the front motor’s maximum toque is extended by 9mph and that of the rear by 22mph.

Hybrid Transaxle
Several improvements have been made to the compact transaxle. An oil slinger has been adopted to reduce drive losses in the oil pump; an oil cooler has been fitted; low friction bearings have been installed at key points; and numerous components have been tuned and re-profiled. These modifications combine to increase torque capacity and overall transaxle efficiency.

An improved flywheel damper, with a two-stage, torque absorbing damper, absorbs torque fluctuations and also the shock of engine stop and start. This significantly reduces vibration and noise, notably in urban driving when the engine stops and starts most often.

Artificial Intelligence AI-SHIFT control has been adopted for the first time on a hybrid vehicle. The system determines whether the vehicle is travelling up or downhill by comparing vehicle speed with accelerator pedal angle. The transmission then selects the appropriate shift range – from third to sixth – to maintain engine rpm at an optimum speed for either uphill acceleration or downhill engine braking.

Sequential shift-matic control is also available, by selecting ‘S’ in the transmission shift gate. In this mode the driver can select any of six speeds to gain more responsive performance, or to add engine braking assistance.

Three New Driving Modes
The fuel efficiency and performance are both further improved by the provision of three new driving modes: ECO, EV and SNOW.

Linked to an indicator in the speedometer, the new ECO mode provides a modified, non-linear throttle action and air conditioning control to support fuel-efficient driving. The relationship between accelerator pedal movement and system output is automatically controlled to reduce throttle response to aggressive driver inputs, improving fuel economy and promoting smoother driving. The air conditioning load on the engine is also reduced sharply under acceleration, further adding to fuel efficiency.

The vehicle automatically runs in EV, electric motor-only mode on start-up, but it can also be selected by the driver using the multi-information switch on the steering wheel. In EV mode the vehicle can be driven around town with minimal noise and zero emissions, with driving range determined by the level of battery charge. As the petrol engine is switched off, the EV drive mode contributes to a significant reduction in overall fuel consumption.

SNOW mode, also selected using the multi-information switch, helps modulate use of the accelerator pedal and improve vehicle stability when pulling away on snow or other slippery road surfaces. Pedal inputs are automatically adjusted to reduce driving torque and minimise wheelspin; should there be any wheelspin, the rear electric motor engages to improve traction.

Lexus RX 450h powertrain technical specifications

Engine type			2GR FXE
Configuration			V6
Valvetrain			24-valve DOHC with VVT-i
Bore x stroke (mm)			94.0 x 83.0
Displacement (cc)			3,456
Compression ratio			12.5:1
Fuel system			EFI
Engine max. power (bhp/DIN hp @ rpm)			246/249 @ 6,000
Engine max. torque (Nm @ rpm)			317 @ 4,800
Front motor	Output (kW/bhp/DIN hp)		123/165/167
	Torque (Nm)		335
	Max. rpm		13,500
	Voltage		650
Generator	Output (kW/bhp/DIN hp)		116/156/158
	Torque (Nm)		88
	Max. rpm		13,000
	Voltage		650
Rear motor	Output (kW/bhp/DIN hp)		50/67/68
	Torque (Nm)		139
	Max. rpm		10,500
	Voltage		650
System output (kW/bhp/DIN hp)			220/295/299
Max. speed (mph)			124
Acceleration 0-62mph (sec)			7.9
Fuel consumption (mpg)		Urban	42.8
		Extra urban	47.1
		Combined	44.8
CO2 emissions			148
VED band (2009 -2010)			F

Source: Newspress

Honda shines bright in new TV ad to support affordable hybrid car

Honda will debut its latest TV ad ‘Let it Shine’ in April to support the launch of its new hybrid car, the Insight. The advert is part of an integrated marketing campaign to work towards the company’s aim of environmental leadership across the EMEAR* region by 2015.

The 60, 30, 20 and 15-second TV spots marks the global launch of the all-new Insight – the most affordable hybrid on the market – which aims to make cleaner car technology accessible to a wider audience. The new Insight goes on sale at the start of April in most of Europe.

The advert opens on what appears to be the world’s largest LED screen displaying an animated sequence of simple dot matrix graphic stories that depict the notion of ‘good’. The animations show hugs and kisses, frowns turned into smiles, and general goodwill – all aiming to convey people’s inherent wish to be good. As the animation plays it is slowly revealed to the viewer that it is actually being created entirely by the headlights of hundreds of Honda Insight cars. The spectacle is set to a bespoke recorded version of ‘This Little Light of Mine’ created by Berend Dubbe.

‘Let it Shine’ has been created by Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam for use across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia. The European debut of ‘Let it Shine’ takes place on March 28 in Belgium.

The campaign extends Honda’s strategy of continuing to be at the forefront in environmental technologies and communications. This new approach underpins a communications plan which will run alongside the expansion of Honda’s hybrid range with a coupe based on the CR-Z concept and a Jazz hybrid set to join the new Insight and existing Civic Hybrid in the next two years.

Chris Brown, Head of Marketing for Honda Motor Europe comments: “We would like to become the most admired company in the world, and to do this we need to have the most admired brand and communications across our region, EMEAR. This is a continuation of our journey.”

This latest campaign is truly integrated; with print, outdoor and digital in addition to TV. The theme ‘Everyone Wants to Be Good’ is incorporated throughout, as well as the iconic ‘Honda Eco’ flower - a visual cue to the ‘Eco Assist’ system within the Insight which encourages and rewards efficient driving.

In the end, although the team discovered that the idea was logistically feasible, they were concerned about the carbon footprint that a shoot of that magnitude would leave. After doing the work to see what was possible W+K and Honda made a conscious decision to look at a more environmentally friendly alternative. The result was a fusion of modelling software for animation, a small number of Insight vehicles for scale and a few hundred Insight headlights. The vehicles and headlights were precisely spaced and wired together while a specially created computer program created the two separate halves of the animations. These animation halves were subsequently married together in post-production.

This approach allowed the team to greatly reduce the carbon footprint of the shoot. To further limit carbon output they relied on vehicles already located in South Africa, grouped shipments of props and lights as much as possible, and mandated group transportation of personnel to and from shoot. For further good measure, the shoot’s carbon output that could not be prevented was entirely offset through carbon credits purchased through the Carbon-Neutral Company’s Unity Portfolio.

‘Let it Shine’ was directed by Erik van Wyk and creative directed by Jeff Kling, John Norman and Sue Anderson. It debuts across Europe in April and will be shown in 14 countries initially. First air date is Belgium on 28th March.

Other country dates include:
UK - 14th April, France - 4th April, Switzerland - 6th April, Italy - 10th April.

* Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russian region

Source: Honda European Media Newsroom

Honda Insight (ZE2) pricing in Belgium revealed

Here are the prices for the all-new Insight in Belgium:

	Prix 21 % TVA incl.	15 % prime gouvernementale*	Prix
Insight	€ 19.790	- € 2.968,50	€ 16.821,50
Insight “Comfort”	€ 20.790	- € 3.118,50	€ 17.671,50
Insight “Elegance”	€ 22.440	- € 3.366,00	€ 19.074,00

* L'écobonus de la Région Wallonne permet à tous les particuliers résidant en Région Wallonne d'obtenir en supplément une prime de max. € 1.000,00 à l'achat de véhicules à faibles émissions de CO².

"L’Insight est disponible en 3 versions: une version de base, une version « Comfort » et une version « Elegance ». Depuis la version de base l’Insight est très bien équipée avec d’origine des airbags frontaux, latéraux et rideaux, des appuie-tête actifs à l’avant, l’airco automatique, le système de stabilité VSA, etc. La version « Comfort » se voit équipée en supplément d’une radio/CD (MP3 compatible), de rétroviseurs à commande électrique chauffants et rabattables, de jantes en alliage léger 15”, etc… le tout pour 20.790 euros. La version haute de gamme « Elegance » se chiffre à 22.440 euros et comprend des phares antibrouillards, le cruise control, un volant et un levier de vitesses gainés de cuir, un système d’alarme, des sièges chauffants, un système mains libres Bluetooth®, un capteur d’obscurité et de pluie, etc. Nous proposons en option la peinture métallique (€ 490) sur toutes les versions, d’une aide au parking arrière (€ 625) sur la version de base et la version « Comfort », des phares xénon (€ 800) ainsi qu’un système de navigation DVD (€ 2.660) sur la version Elegance."

Honda Insight at 2009 Geneva Motor Show - live photos

Following the European debut of the all-new Honda Insight at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show (earlier post from Honda Automotive news blog), I have now uploaded live photos.

Click HERE to view the photos.

Source: Honda Europe Media Site

Honda Insight (ZE2) pricing in Switzerland revealed

Mitsubishi Motors & PSA Peugeot Citroen: One step further towards EVs for Europe (三菱自動車とPSAプジョー・シトロエン社、電気自動車の提携に関する覚書を締結)

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and PSA Peugeot Citroen announced today that both companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding collaboration on electric vehicles based on a vehicle currently under development by MMC in Japan (earlier post).

In June 2008, both companies started a feasibility study of the development, manufacture and use of an electric powertrain for small urban vehicles.

The companies have now reached an understanding that will allow PSA to partner with MMC for the development of an electric vehicle for Europe based on MMC's i MiEV, to be manufactured by MMC and sold under Peugeot brand, in parallel to Mitsubishi's own European i MiEV.

This new step would be mutually beneficial since the collaboration of MMC and PSA Peugeot Citroen will ease and accelerate the introduction of their electric vehicles in the European market.

The two companies are now in negotiations on a cooperative agreement, targeting market launch at the end of 2010 or the very beginning of 2011.

For PSA Peugeot Citroen this agreement will enable the Group to maintain its leadership in environmentally friendly cars.

With an extensive knowledge of electric vehicles, PSA Peugeot Citroen is the largest global manufacturer of electric vehicles to date, with more than 10,000 units sold. PSA Peugeot Citroen will bring to this project its expertise in the field of electric powertrains.

For MMC, this project is consistent with its worldwide electric vehicle strategy. Currently involved in testing and promotional activities in Japan, New Zealand, the United States and across Europe, the i MiEV will be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009. In parallel to the 2010 European launch of the i MiEV, MMC is examining several markets including the U.S. for the rollout of the electric vehicle.

Source: JCN Network

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Text in Japanese

三菱自動車（所在 地：東京都港区 社長：益子修 以下、MMC）とPSAプジョー・シトロエン社（所在地：フランス パリ市 会長：クリスチャン・ストレフ 以下、PSA）は、MMCが現在開発している新世代電気自動車『i MiEV （アイ ミーブ）』の協業に関する覚書（Memorandum of Understanding）を締結したと発表しました。

両社は昨年6月より電気自動車用パワートレイン^*1の 開発、生産に関する協業の可能性について検討してきましたが、欧州における電気自動車の実用化・市場投入を促進させるため、PSAとのパートナーシップの 下、『i MiEV』をベースに両社の欧州市場向け電気自動車を開発し、MMCが生産する事を基本合意しました。MMCは三菱ブランド、PSAはプジョー・ブランド で、2010年の年末、或いは2011年初めに販売を開始する計画です。

三菱自動車は、『i MiEV』の実用性確認、およびプロモーション活動をグローバルに展開しており、既に、日本、欧州、北米、ニュージーランドでの実用化のための実証試験や 調査活動を行っています。日本国内では本年夏より『i MiEV』を市場投入する計画です。海外では米国を含め順次グローバルに展開していく事を検討しています。

PSAは、環境対応車両の分野でリーダーシップを維持していきます。 同社はこれまでに10千台以上の電気自動車を販売した専門知識と経験を持ち、電気自動車の分野では世界最大の自動車メーカーです。今回の協業では、この電気自動車に関する豊富な実績を活用していきます。

^*1 電気自動車用パワートレイン： 電池、モーター、インバーター、車載充電器などの主要コンポーネント

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Honda Insight (ZE2) pricing in Portugal revealed

Portugal will get two versions, "Elegance" and "Executive", which will cost €19,990 and €21,990 respectively. Here are also some photos from Insights in Portugal (photos were uploaded in Vtec.net by KS34).

Source: Temple of Vtec

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

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

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