July 16, 2008
US Automobile Buyers Want Advancements in Alternative Powertrain Technology: J.D. Power and Associates
Small Cars and Hybrids Lead the Automotive Environmental Index Top 30.
Photo: Smart Fortwo
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According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Alternative Powertrain Study released today, while most automotive manufacturers have shifted production to focus on smaller vehicles, nearly 70 percent of consumers say they want manufacturers to invest more in existing and emerging powertrain technologies.
Photo: Lexus RX Hybrid
Now in its third year, the Alternative Powertrain Study examines the reasons why consumers consider or avoid alternative powertrain vehicles, such as hybrid, flex fuel and clean diesel fuel models. The study includes the Automotive Environmental Index, which combines U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publicly available information related to fuel economy, air pollution and greenhouse gases for 2008 model-year vehicles and J.D. Power and Associates' voice of the customer data related to stated fuel economy. Feedback from verified vehicle owners is also used to help determine the relative importance of these environmental factors.
Photo: 2008 Nissan Sentra
The study finds that more than 80 percent of consumers believe that the United States is currently faced with an energy crisis. Only 18 percent of these consumers believe this issue can be addressed by focusing on small vehicle production with better fuel economy. Approximately 30 percent of consumers believe that auto manufacturers should continue to produce a comparable vehicle lineup with a focus on hybrid-electric, clean diesel and flexible fuel vehicles, while an additional 39 percent believe manufacturers should focus on developing emerging technologies not currently available in the market, such as fuel cell and electric vehicles.
Photo: 2009 Honda Fit Sport
Photo: 2009 Ford Focus RS
"Nearly 80 percent of consumers believe that gas prices will continue to rise, which will have a significant effect on the vehicles they will consider," said Mike Marshall, director of automotive emerging technologies at J.D. Power and Associates. "However, some consumers still want more than small cars to choose from in the auto market. They still want their SUVs and pickup trucks, except with better fuel economy and more environmentally friendly."
The study also finds that the percentage of consumers who are considering a hybrid-electric vehicle is up from 50 percent in 2007 to 62 percent in 2008. Consideration for flexible fuel (E85) capable vehicles -- which are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol -- has decreased slightly from 2007 (47% vs. 43% in 2008), while consideration for clean diesel demonstrated the most notable decline from 23 percent in 2007 to only 16 percent in 2008. The drop in consideration for diesel technology may be attributed to the substantial increase in the relative price of diesel since 2007.
Photo: 2009 Saturn Astra XR 3-door
Photo: 2009 Pontiac G5 GT
Among the top 30 models in the Automotive Environmental Index, Toyota has the highest number of vehicles (6), followed by Chevrolet, Honda and Nissan with three models each. Additionally, eight models in the Automotive Environmental Index top 30 are hybrid-electric vehicles. They are:
Ford Escape Hybrid
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Honda Civic Hybrid
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Lexus RX 400h
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Toyota Prius
Photo: 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Coupe
Photo: 2008 Chevrolet Aveo LT
The remaining models in the Top 30 Automotive Environmental Index are:
Chevrolet Aveo
Hyundai Accent
Nissan Sentra
Smart Fortwo Coupe
Chevrolet Aveo5
Hyundai Elantra
Nissan Versa
Toyota Corolla
Chevrolet Cobalt
Kia Rio
Pontiac G5
Toyota Matrix
Ford Focus
Kia Spectra
Pontiac Vibe
Toyota Yaris
Honda Civic
MINI Cooper
Saturn Astra
Honda Fit
MINI Cooper S
Smart Fortwo Convertible
The 2008 Alternative Powertrain Study includes responses from more than 4,000 consumers who plan to purchase a new vehicle within the next two years. The web-based study was fielded in May and June 2008. The voice of the customer components of the Automotive Environmental Index are derived from the 2008 Alternative Powertrain Study and the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study.
Source: J.D. Power and Associates
|GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 10:06 AM
March 23, 2008
Volvo's Development of Plug-in Hybrid Car: Volvo ReCharge Concept
Plug-in hybrid with battery-only range of 60 miles - and a combustion diesel engine for backup power.
The Volvo ReCharge Concept is a plug-in hybrid with individual electric wheel motors and batteries that can be recharged via a regular electrical outlet for maximum environmental benefit.
Recharging allows the car to be driven about 60 miles (100 km) on battery power alone before the car's four-cylinder diesel engine is needed to power the car and recharge the battery.
The ReCharge Concept has been developed at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC), the Volvo Car Corporation's think-tank in Camarillo, California.
"This is a ground-breaking innovation for sustainable transportation. A person driving less than 60 miles a day will rarely need to visit a filling station. In the USA, this may apply to almost 80 percent of drivers," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Cars. According to him, this plug-in hybrid car, when used as intended, should have about 66 percent lower emissions of carbon dioxide compared with the best hybrid cars available on the market today.
An electric motor at each wheel -- the Volvo ReCharge Concept shown combines a number of the latest technological innovations into a so-called "series hybrid" where there is no mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels.The battery pack integrated into the luggage compartment uses lithium-polymer battery technology. The batteries are intended to have a useful life beyond that of the car itself. Four electric motors, one at each wheel, provide independent traction power. Four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine (109 hp) drives an advanced generator that efficiently powers the wheel motors when the battery is depleted.
Electric car with a combustion engine as backup -- in principle, the Volvo ReCharge Concept is a battery electric car with an efficient generator, an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), that steps in when battery charge becomes insufficient for adequate driving performance.
The driver can choose the power source -- the combustion engine starts up automatically when 70 percent of the battery power has been used up. However, the driver also has the option of controlling the four-cylinder diesel engine manually via a button in the instrument panel. This allows the driver to start the engine earlier in order to maximize battery charge, for instance when out on the highway in order to save battery capacity for driving through the next town.
Photo: Ichiro Sugioka, project manager for the Volvo ReCharge Concept, in front of the ReCharge Concept car.
"There is a considerable difference between our plug-in hybrid and today's hybrids. Today's hybrids use the battery only for short periods to assist the combustion engine. Our solution is designed for most people to run on electric power all the time, while providing the extra security that comes with having a combustion engine as a secondary source of electrical power," says Ichiro Sugioka, project manager for the Volvo ReCharge Concept. He adds: "What is more, our C30 with plug-in hybrid technology retains its lively and sporty driving properties. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 9 seconds and top speed is 100 mph."
The Volvo ReCharge Concept is best suited to car drivers who cover moderate distances every day. For example, a commuter who has less than 60 miles to drive between home and workplace can cover the entire round trip on electric power alone, making the car a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) for most everyday driving.
Meanwhile, Volvo Car Corporation has just launched a unique cooperation for the development of plug-in hybrid cars in Sweden. Together with electricity provider Vattenfall, Saab Automobile, ETC and the Swedish state, Volvo Car Corporation is launching a joint broad-based research venture to develop spearhead technology in the area of plug-in hybrid cars. Sweden will be the arena for the field tests.
The aim of the project, which is being carried out jointly by Volvo Car Corporation, Saab Automobile, Vattenfall (electric supplier) and ETC (battery provider), is to develop and demonstrate the next-generation hybrid cars. A fleet of 10 plug-in hybrids will be produced that can be recharged directly from the mains wall socket.
|GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 6:55 AM
March 17, 2008
New York International Auto Show: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Makes American Debut
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NEW YORK -- Following its world premiere at the Geneva auto show earlier this month, Saab 9-X BioHybrid premium compact concept is scheduled to make its American debut at the New York International Auto Show media days, beginning March 19.
GM explains that the 9-X BioHybrid is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package. The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab's driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a "low-friction" loading system.
Anthony Lo, director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in cooperation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. According to him, this car is all about efficiency in design and performance
With its turbine-style wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact hatchback looks.
Echoing Saab's roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag - and fuel consumption - at cruising speeds.
The four-seat cabin introduces an entirely new execution of Saab's driver-focused cockpit design. The central, floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now eliminated. Instead, the driver-focused layout incorporates a main instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door molding, arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be "frozen" in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in the Aero X.
Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab has cooperated with Sony Ericsson to provide seamless, in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions for display and use. The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: General Motors
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Posted by Editors at 12:55 PM
March 8, 2008
Actress Martina Gedeck to Perform German Narration of DOLPHINS AND WHALES 3D Slated for Release on March 13th in Germany
European premiere to take place this Monday at the Cinestar IMAX 3D Kino im Potsdamer Platz in Berlin in the presence of Martina Gedeck, film ambassador Jean-Michel Cousteau and filmmakers the Mantello Brothers.
Photo: Actress Martina Gedeck recording the German narration for DOLPHINS AND WHALES 3D in Berlin. Presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau, the film will invite audiences on a journey of discovery with these tribes of the ocean. Its European premiere will be held at the Cinestar IMAX 3D Kino in Potsdamer Platz (Sony Center) in Berlin on March 10 and will then roll out at select IMAX (R) 3D Theatres and Digital 3D cinemas across Germany as of March 13. (3D Entertainment Distribution Ltd.)
Jean-Michel Cousteau's DOLPHINS AND WHALES 3D immerses viewers in the daily lives of small and giant cetaceans as they interact socially, play, communicate, feed, breed, migrate and fight for their survival. It also delivers a powerful message in favor of the protection of these tribes while they are facing the greatest challenge of all: to survive the destruction of their habitat and depletion of food resources. The film marks the first time that humpback whales, belugas, orcas, bottlenose dolphins and manatees have been filmed in 3D for the world's biggest screens.
Three years in the making, the film required no fewer than 12 international expeditions and 600 hours spent underwater at some of the remotest locations on Earth, including off the Pacific Ocean atolls of Moorea and Rurutu (French Polynesia), Vava'u Island (Kingdom of Tonga), Pico Island (Azores) and the Valdez Peninsula (Argentina). Unlike other IMAX(R)-type films, it was shot entirely in the wild and consists solely of underwater footage, with no humans on screen.
The film is produced and released by 3D Entertainment and its distribution unit in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, Ocean Futures Society, the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), PADI's Project Aware and Reef Check. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 6:38 AM
January 19, 2008
Green Car Summit: Auto Industry Rising to the Challenge
Leading Automakers and Industry Organizations to Discuss Advanced Technologies and Forward-Looking Strategies During Washington Auto Show's International Media Day
WASHINGTON -- Answers to some of the most serious challenges facing the auto industry will be explored January 22 at the Green Car Summit during The Washington Auto Show's International Media Day. Presented by the auto enthusiast magazine, Green Car Journal, the Summit will convene at 2:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Leading auto industry executives will discuss such challenges as petroleum displacement, fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions and probe the range of responses.
Photo: CHRYSLER ECOVOYAGER
Moderated by Ron Cogan, the editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCar.com, the auto industry panel will include Sue Cischke, senior vice president of Sustainability, Environment, and Safety Engineering at Ford; Gregory Cesiel, Fuel Cell Vehicles program director at General Motors; Reg Modlin, Director of Environmental and Energy Planning at Chrysler; Tom Strickland, director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs, Environment at Toyota; and David Geanacopoulos, director of Industry-Government Relations at Volkswagen of America.
Kicking off the Summit, a Green Car Parade featuring a lineup of eco-friendly cars will conclude at the convention center's L Street entrance at 1:45 p.m.
The Washington Auto Show, scheduled from Jan. 23 to Jan. 27, connects the auto industry with the public policy process by uniting Washington's political elite with auto industry leaders. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 9:34 AM
November 14, 2007
Quantum's Fisker Automotive Joint Venture Releases First Images of Plug-In Hybrid Four-Door Premium Sports Sedan
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:QTWW) and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC have released a preview of the first production vehicle to be launched from Fisker Automotive, Inc. -- the green American premium car company. Fisker Automotive, Inc. is a joint venture between Quantum and Fisker, and will offer a range of environmentally friendly premium cars. The plug-in hybrid four-door premium sports sedan will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January 2008. Initial deliveries are anticipated to commence in the 4th quarter of 2009, with annual production projected to reach 15,000 units.
Quantum will supply its proprietary high-performance plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle architecture, known as "Quantum Hybrid," integrated into a unique chassis developed by Quantum that will enable optimizing the performance and vehicle dynamics for all Fisker Automotive models. Benefits of the Quantum Hybrid drive system include optimized fuel efficiency and superior performance, unchanged gas station infrastructure, and home-based battery recharging with any 110-volt outlet. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 8:54 AM
November 13, 2007
SHELL OIL COMPANY RACE WINNERS
Photo: In this photo released from Shell Oil Company, a student from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, IN drives a combustion engine vehicle in the 2007 Shell Eco-marathon Americaschallenge. The 2008 event will take place April 10-13 at the California Speedway in Fontana, Calif. and will challenge student teams and their prototype vehicles to travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 11:27 AM
October 30, 2007
Siemens technology supplies ships in port with environmentally friendly electricity from the public network
An innovative solution to counter "harbor smog".
Siemens Power Transmission and Distribution (PTD) has developed a solution called "Siharbor" based on its DC transmission system Siplink, with which ships berthed in port can be connected to the medium voltage network of the local power supply company and supplied with electricity. The advantage is that ships can shut down their diesel generating sets which would otherwise be needed, and which not only produce electricity but exhaust gases, soot, fine dust and noise. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 4:16 AM
October 29, 2007
Los Angeles Auto Show: Five Finalists Compete for 2008 Green Car of the Year® Award
Photo: Chevy Malibu Hybrid -- The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan with an EPA rating of 24-mpg city and 32-mpg highway.
LOS ANGELES · October 29, 2007 -- The winner of the 2008 Green Car of the Year® award has been narrowed to five nominees, according to an announcement by Green Car Journal, the leading automotive environmental magazine. The winner will be announced on Nov. 15 during Press Days at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Photo: Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid -- The Chevrolet Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid not only offers functionality but also surprising efficiency for a full-size SUV.
This mainstreaming of hybrid technology is reflected in the five nominees for the 2008 Green Car of the Year® award: The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and Saturn Aura Hybrid.
Photo: Mazda Tribute Hybrid -- The Mazda Tribute Hybrid, a compact SUV, is Mazda's first hybrid vehicle.
Each of the nominees achieves "firsts" in specific ways. All, of course, feature fuel efficiency gains and offer extremely low emissions with advanced technologies used to further increase their environmental performance. The Chevrolet Tahoe, a popular larger SUV, is now much more fuel efficient through the use of an all-new two-mode hybrid technology. Mazda's Tribute Hybrid is this auto maker's first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid model and exemplifies the continuing evolution of fuel efficient hybrid technology shared with related brands. The Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura hybrids showcase affordable hybrid technology available in mass-market sedans. Nissan's Altima Hybrid represents this brand's first-ever use of hybrid technology to blend higher efficiencies and performance in its popular sport sedan.
Photo: Nissan Altima Hybrid -- The Nissan Altima Hybrid features a full hybrid powerplant that offers higher fuel economy and spirited driving.
Jurors include leaders of America's top environmental organizations, including Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club; Christopher Flavin, president of Worldwatch Institute; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; and Jonathan Lash, President of the World Resources Institute. Also, Jay Leno noted auto enthusiast and host of the "Tonight Show" as well as automotive icon Carroll Shelby join four Green Car Journal editors to round out the 2008 jury.
Photo: Saturn Aura Hybrid -- The mid-size Aura Green Line Hybrid is Saturn's first hybrid sedan.
The Green Car of the Year® award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles.
LA Auto Show opens for media only Nov. 14 and 15. Public days run from Nov. 16-25 including Thanksgiving Day. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 7:05 AM
October 28, 2007
Energy-saving bulbs from Osram
Over its lifetime (15,000 operating hours), every energy-saving bulb from Osram saves several hundred dollars and around half a ton of CO2. A 30% switch to energy-saving products alone could reduce global CO2 emissions by 270 million tons per year. In February 2007, Osram was the first lighting manufacturer to receive approval from the United Nations for a so-called Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) - the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving light bulbs in developing and emerging countries. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 7:57 AM
October 5, 2007
The Future is Electric for Nissan : GlobalGiants.com
TOKYO, October 5 -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today unveiled the Pivo 2, an advanced electric concept car that will debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. Pivo 2 builds on the popularity of the first Pivo, shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and featuring a unique rotating cabin - meaning no reverse gear required - the first Pivo became a cult hit at shows from Beijing to Geneva.
Pivo 2 takes the idea of an environmentally friendly electric urban commuter vehicle and delivers fun, functionality and a unique relationship between the car and driver. Pivo 2 is powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and employs 'by-wire' technologies for braking and steering.
Where the first Pivo, with its fully rotating cabin design, made reversing obsolete, the Pivo 2 takes that easy mobility concept to a new level. Each of the four wheels are powered by Nissan's advanced electric In-wheel 3D Motor and can turn through 90 degrees to allow Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward.
Thanks to the innovative Robotic Agent, you are never alone in the Pivo 2. With conversations possible in Japanese and English, the Robotic Agent has been created to work with Pivo 2 to make every journey less stressful. It provides a unique interface through which to communicate with Pivo 2 on everything from basic vehicle functions through to the nearest available parking.
Pivo 2 will be on display at the Nissan Ginza Gallery in Tokyo, for an exclusive public sneak preview ahead of the Motor Show. Pivo 2 will then be exhibited - together with four other exciting production and concept vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show, starting October 27. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 8:40 AM
October 4, 2007
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND: GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVE
Sixteen celebrities have signed World Wildlife Fund "Hotter than I Should Be" t-shirts to be auctioned off on eBay starting today with funds going to support WWF's global climate change and other conservation initiatives. T-shirts have been signed by Kevin Bacon, Candice Bergen, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Gisele Bundchen, Cindy Crawford, Harrison Ford, Scarlett Johansson, Tobey Maguire, Paul Newman, Rachael Ray, Susan Sarandon, Charlie Sheen, Martin Short, Oliver Stone and Betty White.
The WWF "Hotter than I Should Be" t-shirts are made of 100 percent organic cotton and are available for a donation of $50 or more. The t-shirts are part of WWF's campaign to raise awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change. WWF is working to stop climate change by providing cutting-edge science, championing policies to reduce carbon emissions and mobilizing businesses to drive new and innovative solutions. With a team of dedicated experts working in more than 50 countries, WWF is focused on four areas where it can have the most impact: creating responsible global warming policies; working with businesses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions; implementing adaptation plans to help the planet respond to the effects of climate change; and protecting forests that help mitigate climate change.
The largest multinational conservation organization in the world, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 5:07 AM
September 21, 2007
ZAP Signs Electric Car Joint Venture with China's Largest Luxury Bus Manufacturer : GlobalGiants.com
Youngman Auto Group to Make Electric and Hybrid Cars, Trucks and Buses for Joint Venture.
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Photo: JINHUA CITY, Zhejiang, China -- Youngman Auto Group Chairman Pang Qingnian and Steve Schneider, CEO of US electric car pioneer ZAP, have agreed to a joint venture to manufacture, market and distribute electric and hybrid cars, trucks and buses.
JINHUA CITY, China and SANTA ROSA, Calif., Sept. 21 -- In a joint statement released today, USA electric car pioneer ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAAP) and Youngman Automotive Group, China's number one luxury motor coach and high-quality commercial truck manufacturer, have signed a joint venture agreement to manufacture, market and distribute electric and hybrid vehicles for the passenger car, truck and bus markets. The new joint venture company will also focus on the development and manufacturing of electric charging infrastructure.
Youngman Automotive Group is a private holding company with 12 subsidiaries. Youngman's partnership with Germany's NEOPLAN controls more than 70 percent of the luxury motor coach market in China. Youngman is the supplier to NEOPLAN and MAN, two of Europe's top brands for luxury motor coaches and high-quality commercial trucking. Over the past few years Youngman has also expanded sales in Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Malaysia), The Middle East, Europe and the USA, enjoying significant market growth.
In 2004, with the support of the Chinese government, Youngman was awarded a license to manufacture automobiles. Earlier this year Youngman made auto industry headlines by awarding Lotus Engineering a number of vehicle development projects, and more recently by signing a vehicle distribution and technology licensing agreement with Proton (the Malaysian national car company), estimated to be worth several billion US dollars. The strategic partnership with ZAP will allow the joint venture company to bring highway capable electric and hybrid vehicles to the market like the ZAP-X crossover SUV.
"I applaud ZAP and Youngman for bringing the next generation of mass-produced electric vehicles to California. Our state is leading the nation and world in opening the market for alternative fuel vehicles and this move is another example of bringing high-quality, high-paying jobs to California," said Governor Schwarzenegger. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 10:03 AM
September 18, 2007
BMW Hydrogen 7 On U.S. Roadways : GlobalGiants.com
Jay Leno joins Actor Will Ferrell and Other High Profile Individuals as One of the First to be given a BMW Hydrogen 7.
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Photo: Jay Leno drives a BMW Hydrogen 7 -- the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan.
WOODCLIFF, N.J., Sept. 18 -- BMW has announced that Jay Leno became the latest person to receive keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 -- the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan. The Emmy-winning comedian and host of The Tonight Show received his BMW Hydrogen 7 at his famed car garage in Burbank, California, which is fittingly a "green garage" that receives a great deal of its energy from steam power.
"As an avid car enthusiast I'm always interested in the future of automotive technology. With the BMW Hydrogen 7 I can experience all the fun and great features of a performance car, yet know that I'm being environmentally friendly at the same time! I look forward to driving the Hydrogen 7 and learning more about hydrogen as a fuel for our future."
Running in hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing but water vapor, representing a major step in reducing harmful CO2 emissions. It is not a concept car, but a production model vehicle that has successfully completed the entire Product Development Process. While the BMW Hydrogen 7 is not for sale, it is considered to be a milestone in bringing forward hydrogen as the sustainable fuel for individual transportation.
BMW believes that hydrogen will replace petroleum as the long-term alternative to fossil fuel, and hopes the Hydrogen 7 will play a pioneering role in driving forward the hydrogen technologies that will ensure our mobility in the future. Through a program dubbed the Hydrogen 7 Pioneers Program, BMW is giving industry leaders and prominent figures in entertainment, politics, business and more a BMW Hydrogen 7 for their daily use.
While Leno and BMW's hydrogen pioneers will be the first group to be given access to the BMW Hydrogen 7 in the U.S. for a longer period of use, a number of entertainers, politicians, business leaders and more have opted for a BMW Hydrogen 7 as their energy-efficient ride of choice. Those who have recently chosen the vehicle include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the "Ocean's 13" premiere in Hollywood; Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Liguori at the FOX All-Star Party in Santa Monica; Richard Gere and Sharon Stone at the Cinema for Peace Gala in Berlin; and "An Inconvenient Truth" producer Davis Guggenheim (Oscar(R) for the best Documentary Feature) and Best Foreign Language Film Oscar(R) winner, director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck at the 2007 Academy Awards; among others. The vehicle has also made an impact oversees, with luminaries such as Michael Glos, German Federal Minister for Economy and Technology, and Gunter Verheugen, Vice President of the European Commission, world renowned soprano Anna Netrebko and many others covering more than 1.3 million miles worldwide till now. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 6:07 AM
September 13, 2007
Ethical Fashion Show(R) Paris
The World's Leading Sustainable Fashion Event 4th Edition: October 11th-14th, 2007.
PARIS, September 13 -- Now in its fourth year, Ethical Fashion Show(R) is keeping with the spirit that made the event a success.
Designers coming from all over the world share common values : production in a safe and socially responsible environment, an emphasis on Fair Trade, the use of organic, sustainable fibers and recycling.
Event founder Isabelle Quehe declares, "This year, Ethical Fashion Show(R) Paris will display designers coming from all five continents: countries like France, Switzerland, the UK, Canada, The United States, India and the Netherlands, but also Australia, China, Senegal, Peru, Brazil, the Philippines, Chile, Columbia, Indonesia and Azerbaijan ! What sets us apart from other fashion events is that, in addition to featuring eco-fashion, we insist on paying homage to ancestral textile traditions, very often threatened by globalization."
Founded in 2004 by Isabelle Quehe, Ethical Fashion Show(R) champions the emergence of global awareness and desire for fashion that is ethically and ecologically responsible. The show offers valuable insights about the latest developments and special challenges facing ethical fashion in the design and textile industry. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 1:52 PM
September 5, 2007
Fisker Automotive -- A New Green American Premium Car Company : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Fisker Automotive Logo.
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 5 -- Quantum Technologies (NASDAQ:QTWW) and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC announce the launch of a joint venture in Fisker Automotive, Inc. -- a green American premium car company. Fisker Automotive will offer a range of environmentally friendly premium cars -- with the first production car to make its Worldwide North American debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. Initial production is anticipated to be 15,000 vehicles annually with pricing to start under $100,000.
Design and technology development are already underway for the first production car. All models will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology penned as Quantum Drive, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. This all-new plug-in Quantum Drive chassis layout will allow Fisker to design innovative luxury cars with uncompromised proportions. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 10:29 AM
August 9, 2007
GREENPEACE GE CORN FIELD : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Greenpeace activists have created a 200-feet crop circle in a corn field in British Columbia, Canada. The field contains Monsanto's NK603 genetically engineered (GE) corn, which scientists recently linked with liver and kidney toxicity in rats. Greenpeace is calling for mandatory labeling of GE foods around the globe. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 10:14 AM
July 23, 2007
No Relief from Floods in China
A paramilitary policeman, standing in the water, rescues residents trapped in a flood in Hami, in China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Tuesday, July 17, 2007. Floods triggered by heavy rains hit parts of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region early Tuesday morning, leaving more than 300 vehicles and 1,000 passengers trapped, according to sources with the local meteorological department, Xinhua News Agency said. (EyePress) |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 1:28 PM
July 16, 2007
Deadly Earthquake Rattles Japan : GlobalGiants.com
Cracks appear on the Hokuriku expressway in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture, on July 16 after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 rocked a wide area of the prefecture and its vicinity earlier in the day. (Kyodo)
The impact of a strong quake Monday in northwestern Japan caused the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant -- the world's largest – to leak water containing radioactive materials, a company spokesman said.
At least seven people were killed by the quake, which destroyed hundreds of homes, buckled seaside bridges and caused a fire at the nuclear power plant.
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Posted by Editors at 12:41 PM
July 13, 2007
Typhoon Hits Japan; Thousands Without Power : GlobalGiants.com
A meteorogical chart with a typhoon course forecast is displayed over an automatic check-in counter at the Fukuoka Airport, in Japan's southern Kyushu island 13 July 2007. A powerful typhoon lashed Japan's southern island of Okinawa, cutting power to nearly 100,000 homes, grounding hundreds of flights and injuring at least 17 people. (AFP)
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Posted by Editors at 12:32 PM
