Electrification Coalition says U.S. would “benefit substantially” from plug-in vehicles
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, USA
The Electrification Coalition (EC) was organized by companies in the plug-in vehicle space – e.g, Nissan, Coda Automotive, Coulomb Technolgies, A123 Systems – last November and today issued the results of an economic impact study that shows it’ll pay to push for plug-ins. The EC’s paper says that, “the U.S. economy would benefit substantially over the long term from implementation of the EC policy package.” That package is the EC’s Electrification Roadmap (details here), and the group says the U.S. would gain the following benefits if it were put into action:
- A “total employment” increase of 1.9 million jobs.
- An improvement in the U.S. federal budget deficit by a cumulative (2010 to 2030) $336 billion.
- An increase in the typical U.S. household’s annual income by $2,763 (in 2008 dollars) by 2030.
- The U.S. would import 3.2 million fewer barrels of oil a day by 2030.
- Global oil demand (and price) would drop.
Wow, we’d be stupid not to promote plug-in vehicles, apparently. The president and CEO of NRG Energy, David Crane, who is also an EC member, said at a speech to the National Press Club today that:
In short, the economic modeling shows that the electrification policy proposed by the Coalition offers significant and widespread benefits to the American people, including reducing our federal budget and trade deficit. I believe we are on the cusp of the next great tectonic shift in our economy, one that will transform the way we use energy both in our homes and on the road.
Europe’s Latest Alliance: Renault Technology for Mercedes’ A-, B-Class and smart
Consumers will find a new smart four-seater, a Mercedes-Benz-powered four-cylinder Infiniti G, and possibly, finally, the Mercedes A- and B-Class small cars in U.S. dealers within the next four years as the first tangible results of an agreement between Daimler AG and the Renault/Nissan alliance. Daimler has swapped the equivalent of $1.6-billion in equity with the Renault SA/Nissan Motor Company alliance, in a deal designed to take on Toyota and Volkswagen-Suzuki and their small, fuel-efficient cars.
The deal affects the next smart car and the next Renault Twingo, the latter the third generation of the French b-segment hatchback. The current, second-generation Twingo launched to consumer disappointment, replacing the iconic, groundbreaking mini built from the ’90s.
The new smart will be a four-seater, Daimler chief Dieter Zetsche told a phone conference of North American journalists Wednesday morning. It looks like it will be a four-door hatchback, and would double the number of smart models that Roger Penske’s dealerships have been selling in the U.S., though Zetsche only said sales of the new smart in the U.S. is “likely, but not decided.” He said it’s not feasible to continue to carry the smart brand with just one model.
One of the major benefits of the Daimler-Nissan/Renault deal is to “turn around” smart’s operations, Nissan/Renault chief Carlos Ghosn said.
And the smart four-door hatch’s rear doors will slide rearward, rather than open conventionally, I’ve learned. Look at the Mercedes-Benz F800 concept from last month’s Geneva motor show, and you’ll see the innovation hiding in plain site. The new smart, which could revive the short-lived forfour model name, will share its platform with the Renault Twingo, which has been a two-door hatch only. Retaining that configuration would maintain brand distinction along a common platform for the European market.
The Daimler-Renault/Nissan deal also shares small commercial vans for Europe – Mercedes will get Renault platforms. Daimler says the deal will not affect its agreement to share a midsize European van platform with VW. And the Renault/Nissan deal will share electric car technology, where Nissan is a leader with the upcoming Leaf. The next smart forfour and Renault Twingo would be about the right size for that Leaf powertrain.
New Gen 2012 Range Rover
In 2012, Land Rover will introduce the next generation of its flagship SUV Range Rover. According to Autocar, the new car will be lighter, more powerful and more comfortable than the current Range Rover.
Auto receive all-aluminum platform, which will save up to 450 kg. Wheelbase increased by 2.5 cm, and the length of the machine exceeds 5 m. The size cabin with the rise and Range Rover for the first time will be offered in seven-seat configuration. At the Range Rover will be initially installed turbodiesel V6 and V8 260 and 300 hp Then the range of modifications will add to the gasoline version. Land Rover will retain full transmission 4×4 with reducing the transmission and locks.
Via Cool Cars
Incoming search terms:
- net gen range rover
Hyundai Accent Specifications
Price: Rs 4,99,901/- to 5,34,836/- (ex-showroom Bangalore , As of Feb 2010)
Variants: Executive / LPG
Dimensions
Length: 4200 mm
Width: 1670 mm
Height: 1395 mm
Wheel Base: 2440 mm
Ground Clearance: 172 mm
Front Track: 1435 mm
Rear Track: 1425 mm
Kerb Weight: 1039 kg
Gross Weight: 1525 kg
No. of Doors: 4
Seating Capacity: 5 persons
Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 liters
Engine
Bigger, more powerful CR-Z hybrid on the way
Just add 2 more seats and a bigger engine?
Whether it will be called the CR-Z hybrid sedan or the new hybrid Accord coupe, it seems a larger more powerful hybrid sports car is in Honda’s future.
According to sources inside Honda, the new hybrid will offer 4 seats and a new engine, probably a new 2.5 liter four cylinder engine, but possibly a V-6 version as well. Moreover, Honda is likely to add a new feature that enables drivers to choose between performance and fuel efficiency.
Via Hybrid Cars
