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Daimler, BMW, PSA seek profit in carsharing

Eric Loveday — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 23:02:00 +0000

Filed under: Transportation Alternatives, BMW, Mercedes Benz, PSA, Citroen, Peugeot, Daimler

When Daimler launched its first North American Car2go pilot project in partnership with the city of Austin,TX back in November 2009, it probably anticipated that the program's growth rate would be quite rapid. But this big, this fast? With 15,000-plus members already registered, the sheer size has convinced Daimler it should expand the operation.

Other automakers have taken notice of Daimler's successful carsharing program and are working on similar projects of their own. PSA Peugeot-Citroen offers a business-to-business carsharing service in France and BMW on Demand provides members with short-term access to the automaker's vehicles in Germany.

In the interest of turning a profit, automakers are keeping a watchful eye on the success of carsharing. Automotive News (sub. req.) reports that Daimler's Car2go service in Germany has actually convinced people to forego buying a Mazda or Fiat model, instead choosing to share a vehicle with others. In general, carsharing programs rarely turn a profit. However, automakers hope that by swiping sales from their competitors and enrolling members who aren't interested in buying a vehicle but are willing to pay a small fee for the use of an auto, a lucrative carsharing business will materialize.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Daimler, BMW, PSA seek profit in carsharing originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler and Europcar bring Car2go car-sharing service to Hamburg, Germany

Jonas Dalidd — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:01:00 +0000

Filed under: Transportation Alternatives, SMART, Germany, Daimler

A few weeks ago, we saw Paris announce its Autolib car sharing program, and now Hamburg, Germany is going to get a similar program. Daimler and Europcar has announced a joint venture, Car2go Hamburg GmbH - an expansion of Daimler's Car2go services in Ulm, Germany and Austin, TX - will launch in the spring of 2011. The fleet will initially consist of 300 Smart Fortwo Car2go edition models outfitted with carsharing telematics and a solar roof and will be expanded based on demand.

Hamburg city officials are confident that the program will be a success. Anja Hajduk, the city's Senator for Urban Development and the Environment, said:

Those who have trouble finding a parking space every day, those who live near a main traffic thoroughfare and those who are stuck in traffic during the rush hour know that it makes sense to reduce the amount of car traffic in the city. A service like this, offering an alternative to using one's own car, helps us to achieve this aim. car2go is a good option for people who mostly use other forms of transport but still want to use a car from time to time. car2go can play an important part in making Hamburg's traffic more environmentally compatible and more suitable for urban life. The scheme has arrived right on cue, as Hamburg is the European Green Capital.

Car2go will serve the 25 square miles of Hamburg's central zone, with vehicles available for rent either spontaneously or by reservation. The program conveniently allows customers to leave their rental in any public parking space offering unlimited parking as well as city managed parking spots and select private car parks without paying the fees, since parking costs - along with fuel, insurance, mileage, and taxes - are included in the rental price.

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Daimler and Europcar bring Car2go car-sharing service to Hamburg, Germany

Daimler and Europcar bring Car2go car-sharing service to Hamburg, Germany originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Powering fuel cells on biodiesel could be the future of electric vehicles

Jonas Dalidd — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:00:00 +0000

Filed under: Biodiesel, Emerging Technologies

The hydrogen fuel cell versus battery electric vehicle (BEV) debate often sparks heated discussions, as long-time readers - and maybe some first-timers - can tell you. A new technology by Nordic Power Systems (NPS), in partnership with SAFCell Inc., could change all that. NPS is developing a reformer that converts the hydrocarbons in regular diesel (or biodiesel) into hydrogen, which is then used by the tolerant fuel cell made by SAFCell. NPS says the process is very efficient compared to regular combustion, so the resulting CO2 emissions are significantly lower. In addition, the fuel cell produces no diesel particulates, nitrous oxide (NOx) or carbon monoxide. In fact, it produces zero smoke, just like a conventional fuel cell.

The current prototype only produces 200 watts, but NPS is already working on a larger unit capable of 1,200 watts - still not enough to power an electric vehicle, but that should come in time. The technology is scalable, and the company plans to first market it in the defense industry before tackling the automotive world. NPS already has development agreements with the Royal Norwegian Armed Forces and Marshall Land Systems, of the UK, to supply these silent-running generators.

This technology would eliminate some of the downsides of the traditional fuel cell, potentially ending the debate that focuses on the problems with hydrogen storage and infrastructure. Of course, this would no longer make fuel cells a zero-emission solution, and the technology has not matured enough to get any idea of the overall miles per gallon we may be able to get, so it's possible this may just stir up the debate even more.

[Source: ScienceDaily]

Powering fuel cells on biodiesel could be the future of electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virtual car show promotes green autos, reduced environmental impact

Eric Loveday — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:54:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Hybrid, Green Daily

Autoweek Virtual Green Car Show - Click above to register

In the digital age that we live in, it's only fitting that auto shows have gone virtual too, and AutoWeek is sponsoring one of the nation's first virtual car shows. The show will promote environmentally friendly vehicles, green technology, legislation and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on creating an event without the impressive (or is that oppressive?) carbon impact of the traditional mega-shows we are accustomed to.

AutoWeek's Virtual Green Car Show kicks off on September 22nd and runs for just two days. Highlights of the show include numerous interactive categories such as a "virtual exhibition hall" that will display environmentally friendly vehicles from major automakers. In addition, several companies will be in the spotlight to display technologies including electric vehicle charging systems, recycling of battery-powered vehicles and new methods to produce clean electricity for use in plug-in vehicles.

Saving the best for last, the show is open for all to attend - it's absolutely free of charge, requires no travel on your behalf and is not filled with thousands of people in a cramped space. To attend simply log on to the site and register. The show will be produced by ON24, a San Francisco-based company that specializes in virtual events.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Virtual car show promotes green autos, reduced environmental impact originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily Downshift: January 21, 2010

Car and Driver — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:27:17 +0000

+ Kia teases its upcoming plug-in hybrid concept. [Car and Driver]

+ BMW has released official photos and info on its 2011 3-series coupe and convertible refresh. [Car and Driver]

+ Our boss took a Tesla Roadster Sport home last night and gives a full report on his first electric-car commute. [Car and Driver]

+ Pricing for the Buick Regal has been announced, and it looks like it will have competition from across the showroom. [Car and Driver]

+ Opel, which at one time was slated to be just another unwanted offspring of GM, is going through a revival with the launch of the second generation Meriva. [Car and Driver]

+ Rolls-Royce has named a new CEO, replacing the retiring Tom Purves. [Car and Driver]

Alfa Romeo Giulietta video

Alison — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:27 +0000

The Alfa Giulietta could be the car that saves Alfa Romeo in the eyes of CEO Sergio Marchionne, unimpressed by the performance of the brand. And it’s nothing less than we’d expect from sensual Alfa design, and this fast cut video shows it from all angles. Try to ignore the subtitles, or you’ll miss the look of the car (fabulous in white).

Debuting at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Alfa Giulietta will have a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine with 120 hp, though the more exciting 1.4 Multiair will also be available from the launch date, with 170 hp. There will be a 1.6-litre JTDM with 105 hp and a 2.0 JDTM with 170 hp. For those wanting the full Alfa power job, a Quadrifoglio Verde version should also be produced, with 235 hp.

Source | World Car Fans

Daily Downshift: January 20, 2010

Car and Driver — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:19:18 +0000

+ After yesterday’s leak, Mini has released official 2011 Countryman photos and information. [Car and Driver]

+ The production Chevrolet Aveo has been spied during cold-weather testing, giving us a look at the interior. [Car and Driver]

+ We recap the best of the 2010 North American International Auto Show with our video coverage. [Car and Driver]

+ The second generation of the Mazda 5 will be unveiled in Geneva. [Car and Driver]

+ The 2011 Ford Mustang GT has been chosen as the official pace car for the 2010 Daytona 500. [Car and Driver]

+ Cadillac has announced that there will be either a Platinum or V-spec version of each model it produces. We flesh out the expected near-future lineup. [Car and Driver]

Automakers’ biggest green car challenge just might be education

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:44:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Detroit Auto Show

CT&T C Squared - Click above for high-res image gallery

Regular readers can probably list a dozen differences, small and large, between the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota's plug-in Prius. But what about your more average car buyer? What do they know about plug-in vehicles? The Detroit Free Press spent some time at the Detroit Auto Show's Electric Avenue during the public days talking to people who were there just to see what's new with cars these days. There are some good quotes in the article (read the whole thing here), but here's the one that stands out:

I know where to buy gas right now and I know where to take my car for maintenance. I have no idea where I would plug in a car or how to take care of a hybrid.

An anecdote doesn't accurately describe an entire customer market, we know, but this just goes to show that there's a lot of education work still to be done. Got any great tips on how to make people less afraid of getting off gasoline?

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Automakers' biggest green car challenge just might be education originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bu$ vs. car? Public transit can save riders an average of $9,200 a year

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:57:00 +0000

Filed under: Green Culture, Transportation Alternatives, Green Daily, USA

In some place (New York City, we're thinking of you), taking public transportation is just the most sensible way to get around most of the time. In others (West Oklahoma, say) it can't even be considered. Still, if there is a bus or rail line near your home and work, taking advantage of it isn't just a deal for the environment, it's also way easy on your pocketbook.

According to a new study by the American Public Transportation Association (which, yes, has an interest in the results), the average public transportation rider can save $9,242 a year by ditching a car. How did the APTA come up with this number? By creating a pretend person who shifts from car ownership to public transit and is "a person in a two-person household [who] lives with one less car." First, APTA comes up with the costs associated with that as calculated by AAA - which includes insurance, maintenance, fuel, etc. - and adds in the cost of parking. This year, the APTA used an average price of $2.75 for each gallon of fuel and figured an annual driving distance of 15,000 miles. Then, APTA calculated the cost of 12 monthly public transit passes in a city. Using all of that data, the APTA listed the top 20 cities with the highest transit ridership and figured out that New Yorkers can save the most - up to $13,765 - and even residents of Pittsburgh (No. 20 on the list) can save $8,162 a year. Pretty good.

A car-sharing option was not included in the APTA model, but it's easy enough to see that going by bus and rail most days and using the savings to rent a car when needed certainly puts one ahead financially, if public transit is a viable option. To find out how much you could save, check out the APTA's calculator here.

[Source: American Public Transportation Association via Treehugger | Image: leedsyorkshire - C.C. License 2.0]

Continue reading Bu$ vs. car? Public transit can save riders an average of $9,200 a year

Bu$ vs. car? Public transit can save riders an average of $9,200 a year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily Downshift: January 19, 2010

Car and Driver — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:13:26 +0000

+ We round up eight soft-roaders—Terrain, CR-V, RAV4, Tiguan, Mariner, Outlander, Forester, and Grand Vitara—in search of a winner. [Car and Driver]

+ A psychedelic video and some leaked images preview Mini’s sixth model, a crossover that still needs a name. [Car and Driver]

+ The consumer-grade NSX replacement may be dead, but Honda has unveiled a weapons-grade version destined for Japan’s Super GT series. [Car and Driver]

+ We add another vehicle to our long-term test fleet: a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback. [Car and Driver]

+ The Henry Ford Museum is popping the hoods on select cars in its collection for a special exhibition. [Car and Driver]

+ Maserati announces the price of its GranTurismo convertible. [Car and Driver]

+ Eco-rodders (is there such a thing?) who were planning on removing the Chevy Volt’s carbon-fueled heart may not need to waste their time. [Car and Driver]

+ Mitsubishi is still playing the name-that-car-game with the Outlander Sport, preparing to show the European version in Geneva. [Car and Driver]