NASCAR hears the word: green means go

Filed under: Diesel, Etc., Green Daily

The "NASCAR dads" (one of the silly names the U.S. media has given to a supposed voting block) aren't known for their environmentalism, but that may change. Not too long ago, we wrote about the possibility that NASCAR will shift to ethanol and how Toyota was showing the Prius to the NASCAR crowd. The green message is now coming from the legendary NASCAR driver Robert Yates.

At the MIA's Energy Efficient Motorsport Seminar in Orlando earlier this month, Yates said that "it is time to get rid of the carburettor," which, as the MIA's press release put is, means "it is time American motorsport became more energy efficient."

And why not? There are plenty of ways to go fast without burning gasoline. Diesel trucks modified by Gale Banks, for example, break speed records, and Banks joined Yates in asking NASCAR to think green. You can read more in the MIA release after the break, but getting NASCAR dads to get turned on to the green car message is not going to be an easy task. Having Yates and Banks do the talking is one way to get it heard.

[Source: The MIA]

NASCAR LEGEND YATES ENDORSES GREEN MOTORSPORT TREND AT MIA SEMINAR IN ORLANDO

Retiring NASCAR legend Robert Yates surprised many with his comments at the MIA's Energy Efficient Motorsport Seminar, that formed part of the Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) in Orlando on December 5.

Robert, whose son Doug has assumed control of the family NASCAR team for next season, has carried the torch for 'maximum horsepower' throughout his career. Yet, as he put it, 'it is time to get rid of the carburettor' - ie it is time American motorsport became more energy efficient.

The spellbound 150 delegates also heard from acknowledged turbo-diesel engine expert Gale Banks, the builder of a 220mph drag/road racing truck, who asked quite simply, 'why does the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series not go turbo-diesel'?

Said the MIA's Chris Aylett, who chaired the seminar, "It was very rewarding to hear these renowned, died in the wool American racers preaching the green message. Our aim with these conferences is to help motorsport to become more relevant and therefore secure its place in the energy efficient world of the future. It is clear the tide is turning, but there is a long road still to travel."

The AETC conference ran immediately prior to the PRI Show, where the MIA was hosting 16 UK motorsport exhibitors and assisting a further 19 visiting UK companies. Said the MIA's Peter Coleman, "PRI remains by far the biggest motorsport show in the world and the feedback from our UK exhibitors was extremely positive. Some reported up to 750 visits to their stands and firm orders for as much as £600,000. Many managed to hold 100-150 meetings during the event and recorded dozens of serious contacts. Most felt the MIA offered very good value for money and there was much praise for our VIP Industry Reception, which was felt to have resulted in a host of useful contacts. Most of the companies are already planning a return to PRI next year."

 

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Continental/A123 battery pack not turning up till after the holidays

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM

Our friend Lyle over GM-Volt.com has a couple of new stories up that deserve a little clarification. For those unfamiliar with the site, it's content is pretty self explanatory from the title. There is usually a pretty lively discussion going on there regarding the most anticipated new car from Detroit in many a year. First up is the issue of the first battery pack delivery from Continental/A123. LG Chem/CPI have already delivered two packs to GM's battery lab. GM had hoped to receive the first A123 pack by the end of this month. It now looks like that won't be happening until early January.

Being a single company, coordination of these efforts is actually easier for LG Chem and CPI because they use common systems. As a relatively new partnership, Continental and A123 are still getting their ducks in a row so they are a little behind. At this point GM is expressing no concerns about A123 and feels everything is well in hand. One thing to recall is that pretty much everyone in the auto industry including suppliers shuts down for the week between Christmas and New Years so anything that doesn't get done by next Friday will just have to wait until January 2nd. Having worked on the supplier side of such prototype delivery programs for 17 years, I can say that this is not at all unusual.

The other subject Lyle posted about the charging ports. In a story on the Wired blog, Marty Jerome reported that the production Volt would have charging ports on both front fenders. Marty attended an episode of the Volt road show in San Francisco this week. GM spokesman Rob Peterson was also there and spoke briefly to Marty. According to Rob, the port on the passenger side is strictly ornamental and the intent for the production car is to only have a driver side port. Presumably Marty saw the passenger side copy and assumed it was a functional port since the cutaway renderings of the car show that one being functional. Unfortunately that is not the case.

[Source: GM-Volt, Wired, General Motors]

 

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Daimler is the "most successful participant" in Shanghai Bibendum

Filed under: Biodiesel, Diesel, Mercedes Benz, SMART, Asia

Daimler earned 23 "distinctions" with its Mercedes-Benz and smart brands at this year's Michelin Challenge Bibendum and, with that, is calling itself the "most successful participant" at the event. Daimler entered seven vehicles in the contest in a field of around 80. Some of the brand's highlights include:

• The Mercedes-Benz E 300 Bluetec took ifirst place in the 170-kilometer production car rally and was noticed for it's acceleration, maneuverability and local pollutants.
• The Mercedes-Benz A-Class F-Cell, the smart fortwo cdi, the Mercedes-Benz F 600 and the Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT were all noted for having low CO₂ emissions (tank-to-tire).

There's more after the jump.

Related:

• Renault Logan emits just 71 grams of CO₂ per km in Challenge Bibendum

[Source: Daimler AG]

Daimler Scores Overall Victory in This Year's Michelin Challenge Bibendum
Nov 20, 2007 15:11 ET

- A total of 23 distinctions for Mercedes-Benz and smart
- Top marks in environmental compatibility and performance

STUTTGART, Germany, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With a total of 23 distinctions, Daimler AG emerged as the most successful participant from this year's Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai. Seven cars from the Mercedes- Benz and smart brands faced up to the competition in the different disciplines of the globally most important event in the field of sustainable mobility. Some 80 participating cars were put to the test in the categories of acceleration, maneuverability, noise pollution, local pollutants, fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions (tank-to-tire). In addition, the Mercedes-Benz E 300 BLUETEC, which made its European debut only recently, finished in first place in the 170-kilometer rally for production cars. Distinctions for the best design went to the smart fortwo cdi in the production car category as well as to the Mercedes-Benz F 600 in the prototype car category.

The distinctions at a glance

-- Mercedes-Benz E 300 BLUETEC
Four distinctions overall (categories: acceleration, maneuverability and local pollutants, as well as winner in the production car rally)

-- Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT
Four distinctions overall (categories: acceleration, local pollutants, fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions)

-- Mercedes-Benz A-Class F-Cell
Three distinctions each for the two participating cars (categories: local pollutants, fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions)

-- Mercedes-Benz F 600
Three distinctions overall (categories: local pollutants and CO2 emissions, as well as Design Award in the prototype car category)

-- smart fortwo mhd (micro hybrid drive)
Two distinctions overall (categories: noise pollution and local pollutants)

-- smart fortwo cdi, operating on synthetic BTL (SunDiesel biofuel)
Four distinctions overall (categories: noise pollution, fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, as well as Design Award in the production car category)

This year, the Challenge Bibendum was staged in Shanghai from November 14 until 17. It is the world's most important forum for sustainable mobility. Its more than 3,000 participants include motor manufacturers, suppliers, energy companies, private and institutional research and development operations as well as some 450 international journalists. During this event, over 80 vehicles incorporating the latest technologies are tested under everyday operating conditions and evaluated in a large number of different categories.

Modular powertrain strategy for future mobility

The Daimler fleet at the ninth Michelin Challenge Bibendum reflected the company's powertrain strategy which is systematically geared to mastering the challenges which will arise in future private transport: ever more restricted access to cities, more stringent emission limits and ever scarcer resources versus the growing demand for individual mobility. This calls for a variety of drive concepts which are tailored to the individual applications.

The internal combustion engine will remain the Number One automotive drive system in the years to come - which is why Daimler is systematically working on its continuous improvement. The efficient and clean diesel engine, for instance, is particularly suitable for long-distance motoring. With the DIESOTTO, Mercedes-Benz demonstrates how the gasoline engine can be made even more economical in the future. When required, both diesel and gasoline engine can be combined with a hybrid module which additionally reduces fuel consumption and thus emissions in city traffic.

Alternative drive systems such as fuel cell or battery will complement the portfolio for specific applications - matched to the customer's requirements. Zero-emission vehicles powered by fuel cells or batteries are, for instance, a viable proposition for motoring in conurbations. On long distances, the fuel cell can in addition bring its advantages in terms of range to bear. Over and beyond this, Daimler promotes the development of high-grade and alternative fuels such as BTL (biomass-to-liquid), a second-generation biofuel.

Further information from Daimler is available on the internet at: www.media.daimler.com

 

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Montana ZENN dealer Eco Auto talks to Electric Cars Are For Girls

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, SMART, Miles Automotive, ZENN, Green Daily, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)

Readers who click through all of the links that we offer you in a day might remember Ron Gompertz, the owner of Eco Auto, Inc. He was mentioned in an article on MSNBC about eco-car dealers in the U.S. Lynne Mason over at Electric Cars Are For Girls has gotten hold of Gompertz for a lengthy Q&A on what it's like to sell EVs and other green cars in Bozeman, Montana. Gompertz sells ZENN, Miles, Evader scooters, SNUGG electric bicycles, and Smart cars, and will ship them to you no matter where you live in America. How does he feel about the two NEV makers on his list? Gompertz told Mason that, "For electric cars, we chose the Zenn and the Miles. They're both excellent quality electric cars that you can plug in like a cell phone, and both easily adaptable to Montana's 35mph NEV speed limit."

Read the whole thing over at the girly EV site.

Related:

• More and more eco-thoughtful car dealerships coming to America

[Source: Electric Cars Are For Girls]

 

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Porshce's lightweight technology eyed by VW and Audi

Filed under: Porsche, Volkswagen, Green Daily, Lightweight

The lightweight technology in Porsche's upcoming Panamera is being coveted by Volkswagen. Porsche Chief Designer Wolfgang Dürheimer told Automobilwoche that VW and Audi made it clear that they are interested in using the new materials for their own vehicles once Porsche became a significant VW shareholder. Since VW also has technologies that Porsche might want and the two have co-developed a hybrid transmission, working together on lightweight body panels, etc., is only natural, says Dürheimer. Porsche and VW will "increasingly work together in appropriate areas such as development to cut costs for all partners," he told the magazine.

[Source: Automotive News Europe]

 

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Four-door Zap Xebra approved for UK roads

Filed under: Zap, Green Daily, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle), UK

If crowding a bunch of school children into a Zap Xebra (remember this video?) sounds like fun to you, then perhaps a new four-door version of the all-electric vehicle will be the site of your next endeavor. Even if you just want to use the car around, town, this news might be welcomed by you. The new Xebra has been approved for use on UK roads by the UK's Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). The approval means the three-wheeled EV can go up to 40 mph on UK streets and Zap CEO Steve Schneider reminds people it's available in either a sedan or truck version. Details from Zap after the break.

[Source: Zap]
First Four-Door Electric Car Approved for UK From ZAP
Posted November 20th, 2007 by zapworld

LONDON -- November 20, 2007 -- A new four-dour electric car design from ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP.OB - News) called the Xebra(R) has passed Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) inspection, allowing it to be driven on roads in the United Kingdom.

Electric car pioneer ZAP announced that the 100 percent electric Xebra sedan passed Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) inspection, allowing the car to be driven on roads in the United Kingdom.

VOSA provides a range of licensing, testing and services enforcing the roadworthiness standards of vehicles in the UK. VOSA approval means the vehicle complies with full road traffic standards set for UK cars.

"With its congestion toll zone, London has become the world's great proving ground for the electric car," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "Here is a unique electric vehicle that will help drivers save significantly on fuel costs as well as free passes for the daily congestion tolls and parking. We believe the Xebra is the first four-door electric vehicle to pass the VOSA test."

Schneider noted the Xebra is also available in a truck configuration. ZAP designed the Xebra to quickly and affordably fill the demand for cars that don't use conventional fossil fuels. ZAP calls the Xebra a "city-car," a unique vehicle for city-speed driving up to 40 MPH (64.4 KPH). The sedan and pickup truck versions can recharge at any normal household outlet.

ZAP recently appointed UK-national and former Lotus Engineering CEO Albert Lam to its Board of Directors. Mr. Lam is the Chairman for ZAP's new joint venture to manufacture next-generation electric and hybrid vehicles with Youngman Automotive Group, one of China's leading bus manufacturers.

Based in Santa Rosa, California, ZAP is now expanding distribution for the Xebra and other electric vehicles worldwide. The Xebra is targeted towards government, corporate and utility fleet use as well as daily urban commuting for multi-car families and is now available at a price of just over US$10,000.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, ethanol, hybrid and other innovative power systems, ZAP has a joint venture to manufacture electric and hybrid vehicles with Youngman Automotive Group, one of China's leading manufacturers of buses and trucks. ZAP is developing a high-performance crossover SUV electric car concept called ZAP-X engineered by Lotus Engineering. ZAP is also developing a new generation of vehicles using advanced nanotech batteries with Advanced Battery Technologies. The Company recently announced a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Al Yousuf Group to expand its international vehicle distribution. ZAP also makes an innovative, new portable energy technology that manages power for mobile electronics from cell phones to laptops. For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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Where the US Farm Bill stands as Americans get ready to celebrate harvest fest/Thanksgiving

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, Green Daily

Responding to a question from a reader in Pennsylvania, Jetta Wong has written an update on the 2007 Farm Bill over at Renewable Energy Access. This bill, as we've written before, has a lot to do with topics AutoblogGreen readers care about because it affects how biofuels might be grown in America in the coming years. As Americans get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, it's a good time to take a look at the bill that defines so much for the farmers and agribusinesses in this country.

The Farm Bill is a pentannual (I think that's a word) piece of legislation that deals with pretty much everything related to growing crops: pest control, subsidies, ethanol, food stamps, etc. The current status is that the bill is basically dead because the U.S. Senate voted to cut off debate on the Farm Bill five days ago. Wong's article gives a good recap of how we got to where are today, and says that with the current bill dead, it's looking like there might be a one-year or maybe two-year extension added to the current bill to give lawmakers more time to hem and haw.

The U.S. government's website about the bill is here. The Wikipedia hive mind version is here.

Related:

• Congressional farm bill makes us fat and use the wrong fuels

[Source: REA]

 

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