New Plug-in Hybrid 100-mpg Car from Google

Offers millions to advance plug-in hybrid vehicles and other technologies that link nation's transport system to the electric grid.

Google said Tuesday it is getting in on the development of electric vehicles, awarding $1 million in grants and inviting applicants to bid for another $10 million in funding to develop plug-in hybrid electric vehicles capable of getting 70 to 100 miles per gallon.

The project, called the RechargeIT initiative and run from Google's philanthropic arm, Google.org, aims to further the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles - cars or trucks that have both a gasoline engine and advanced batteries that recharge by plugging into the nation's electric grid.

"Since most Americans drive less than 35 miles per day, you easily could drive mostly on electricity with the gas tank as a safety net," Dan Reicher, director of Climate and Energy Initiatives for Google.org, wrote on the organization's Web site. "In preliminary results from our test fleet, on average the plug-in hybrid gas mileage was 30-plus mpg higher than that of the regular hybrids."

The project also aims to develop vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing cars to sell their stored power back to the nation's electricity grid during times of peak demand.

13 great fuel-efficient cars:
"Linking the U.S. transportation system to the electricity grid maximizes the efficiency of our energy system," said Reicher. "Our goal is to demonstrate the plug-in hybrid and V2G technology, get people excited about having their own plug-in hybrid, and encourage car companies to start building them soon."

General Motors (Charts, Fortune 500) has promised to sell a plug-in hybrid version of its redesigned Saturn Vue SUV but has not set a specific date for production. The company has contracted with two battery suppliers to work on an improved battery technology for the vehicle. The company is also working toward a production version of its Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid concept car shown at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. That vehicle would be driven entirely by electricity with an on-board engine used only as a back-up generator.

Ford Motor Co. (Charts, Fortune 500) also has a drivable plug-in hybrid demonstration vehicle based on the Ford Edge SUV. Similar to GM's Chevrolet Volt in its basic engineering, that vehicle uses a hydrogen fuel cell as a back-up generator but could use a gasoline engine or some other type of motor to charge the batteries.

Because they have to store up and release large amounts of electricity, plug-in hybrids require more advanced batteries than hybrid vehicles currently on the market. The batteries in non-plug-in hybrid vehicles continuously store and release small amounts of electricity, a work cycle that puts little strain on the batteries.

Google takes on Detroit:
While many people don't associate Google with energy, analysts say the fit isn't all that unnatural.

Renewable energy, unlike coal or nuclear, will likely come from thousands or tens of thousands of different locations. Analysts have long said that one of the big challenges will be managing that flow into and out of the nation's electric grid, and that companies that manage the flow of information are well placed to handle that task.

The $1 million in Google grants went to Brookings Institution to run a conference on plug-ins, CalCars and Plug-In America to educate the public about plug-ins, and the Electrical Power Research Institute, the Rocky Mountain Institute and Dr. Willett Kempton from the University of Delaware for plug-in R&D.

Google (Charts, Fortune 500) also said it has turned on its massive solar panel installation at the company's Mountain View, Calif. headquarters.

At 1.6 megawatts, Google said it's the biggest solar project on a corporate campus in the United States, and one of the largest in the world.

Source: CNN

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Tata Motors to launch Nano in Europe

Tata Motors Ltd says it plans to introduce a new version of the Nano compact car, in the European market in four years.

In an interview to the German magazine Focus, head of Tata Motors' small vehicles department Girish Wagh said that the company would develop a successor model of the Nano in four years, which will meet the Euro 5 emission regulations and European safety standards requirements.

Wagh told the magazine the company's target was to reduce the fuel consumption to three from currently five litres per 100 kilometres (62.5 miles).

Tata Motors, which unveiled the $2,500 Tata Nano, the world's cheapest car, on 10 January January at the ninth Auto Expo in New Delhi, said it will initially produce about 250,000 Nano and expects eventual annual demand of 1 million units.

The company will focus on the domestic market for two to three years before considering exporting the Nano to countries in South East Asia, Africa and Latin America.

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Mini to launch two new models at the Geneva Motor Show

Mini John Cooper Works has two Mini models in the pipeline, the John Cooper Works and John Cooper Works Clubman, at the Geneva Motor Show 2008.

Powered by a 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection that delivers 155 kW (211hp), the Mini John Cooper Works accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a torque-filled 6.5 seconds.

Both models are fitted with extensive motor racing technology as standard, including light alloys, a new exhaust system, and the modified 6-speed manual transmission. Manufactured at the British Mini plant in Oxford, the Mini John Cooper Works and Mini John Cooper Works Clubman will be available in the market starting August 2008.

Mini is a part of the BMW Group, and has produced vehicles in Oxford, England since April 2001. Originally designed by Frank Stephenson, the car was manufactured by the British Motor Corporation and its successors from 1959 to 2000.

The most popular British-made car ever, it was superseded by the new Mini, which was launched in April 2001 by BMW Motors.


Source: Domain B

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New 'Baby Fiat' by Fiat India soon!

Fiat India is all set to launch the New Fiat 500, also called Baby Fiat a two-door five-seater car in India at a starting price of Rs13 lakh.

The Baby Fiat re entered the European market after a gap of 33 years in July last year and has since then become a big seller.

Fiat India plans to launch both Fiat 500 and the Fiat Bravo (a large and stylish hatchback) in an image building exercise in India and hopes that the cars will set the way for future launches like the Fiat Linea sedan and the Grande Punto hatchback due at dealer showrooms in September and December 2008 respectively company officials said.

The Fiat 500 comes in a choice of three engines two of which are petrol engines while the third is an advanced turbo-diesel. The diesel variant is claimed to offer a great mileage of almost 25km / litre. The petrol 1.2-litre version will sport a 69bhp engine while the 1.4- litre variant has a peppier 100bhp powerhouse under the bonnet.

Unlike the Baby Fiat of 33 years ago, which was a basic car much like the M800 or Nano, the base 1.2-litre model of the current Fiat 500 will have ABS brakes, air conditioning, power windows, locks and steering, as well as a six-speaker MP3 capable audio system and seven airbags.

With a length of 355cm Baby has extensive safety features like seven airbags including a knee-bag. Apart from this all Baby Fiat models feature the electronic stability programme - yet another luxury car feature.

All these make for an extremely safe car that has already received a five star rating in EuroNCAP tests.

In India Fiat is targeting celebrities and those wishing to make a style statement for the car.

A company spokesperson said, "We expect the Baby Fiat to be a hit with the celebrity circuit and trendsetters in the metros since they are aware of the value a genuine lifestyle statement the 500 makes."

Fiat India will bring in the car through the CBU (completely built unit) route, which effectively almost doubles its price.

The 500 comes with several engine options, and we can expect the 100 bhp 1400cc petrol as well as the 75 bhp 1300cc MultiJet diesel that's already seen in the Suzuki Swift in India.

The Fiat 500 received the coveted European Car of the Year 2008 award and has also become a big seller so much so that Fiat had to declare a one year waiting period for delivery of the car.

In the UK alone Fiat expects to sell 18,000 units of the Baby Fiat which is an impressive increase of more than 30 per cent on overall Fiat sales over last year.

Globally the car competes with BMW's retro styled Mini and Volkswagen's Beetle. Incidentally the German carmaker is planning to bring its Mini in India too priced at around Rs 20 lakh. This may make the Fiat 500 look better though for its celeb target audience, a higher price may give more snob value.

Reports coming out in European press suggest that the car's popularity is mainly due to its cute and cuddly looks. The good part is that looks are backed by a good product which gives an excellent ride quality and distinctly sporty feel to the overall driving experience.

Source: Domain B

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It'll be gone in Nano seconds

Planning to buy a Tata Nano when it debuts officially in October? Well, it could turn out to be a long wait. According to sources in the auto financing sector, Nano production will initially be 4,500-5,000 units a month or around 50,000-60,000 units a year. Tata Motors will be able to hit the peak capacity of 2,50,000 units a year, or 15,000-20,000 a month, only 4-6 months after launch.

When contacted, a Tata Motors spokesperson said: “The company does not wish to disclose, as yet, how it will ramp up production at the Singur plant.” Tata Motors had announced in January that the Singur plant would have a capacity of 250,000 units expandable to 350,000 units per annum. Chairman Ratan Tata had said the 350,000 unit target “will be fulfilled before we look at satellite plants.”

The Singur plant has been running behind schedule due to climate and other problems, because of which construction was delayed by nearly a quarter. Financiers expect the Nano to bring in anywhere between 25,000-30,000 orders per month, at least initially. This works out to 350,000 units annually, which isn’t an immediate production target.

Given that the company is looking at both the domestic and export markets, Nano will be a strictly volumes game. At the expo, Mr Tata had said if Tata Motors can “deliver on a good value proposition, it will sell well not just in India but also elsewhere and we would like to exploit that opportunity.”

Tata Motors is also working on a Thai small car project which may build on the Nano platform. At the expo, Mr Tata had said: “The Thai project is being looked at separately. It is difficult to say whether it will be this car (Nano) or a variation. There are certain specs that the Thai government has laid out which we will stick to”.

Car financiers feel Nano’s financing profile too will be different from other cars. Given the sticker price, about 50% of the cars sold will be cash buys. In contrast, about 80% of all passenger cars sold are financed.

Sources said Tata Motors is working on some innovative distribution and financing options for the car and financiers too may chip in with customised packages based on the credit/risk profile of the individual customer. In other words, Nano’s financing could attract anywhere between two-wheeler rates (20-22%) to used car rates (17-18%) to entry-level small car rates (13-14%), depending on the risk profile of the customer.

Source: Economic Times

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2008 Renault-Bajaj may come up with deal

A deal between French car maker Renault and India's Bajaj may come within 2008, Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of both Nissan Motor Co and Renault said on Friday.

"We have not signed any MOU so far," Ghosn said after a speech at a university in Seoul.

He added that a deal could be expected 'sometime within this year' as all parties were strongly willing to make a deal happen.

On Jan. 10, a senior Renault official said the company would decide within the next six weeks whether to join Bajaj Auto in a venture to build a small car.

Source: Financial Express

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Tata Nano Car just for Rs 1199

With Tata Motors launching the sale of the Nano later this year, lenders are looking to provide attractive schemes for buyers. The car will be up for sale by October this year.

For instance, Saraswat bank is offering a loan of Rs 70,000 at a monthly installment of Rs 1,199 for 7 years. The rate of interest is in the 11-11.5 per cent range, cheaper than a two-wheeler loan.

As reported by the Business Standard experts say that banks will provide packages only in non-metro regions where the car is expected to become a hot buy.

Tata Motors' will also finance the car via its finance subsidiary, Tata Motors Finance.

Source: Apna Loan

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Tata Nano may start bookings by June?

The country’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Tata Motors Ltd, is likely to start taking bookings for its much anticipated Tata Nano small car in June with deliveries set for September-October, according to a company engineering executive.

V.G. Gujrathi, senior general manager (electricals and electronics) of the research and development (R&D) arm of Tata Motors, told Mint the company is expecting demand for the car, which will start at Rs1 lakh, to exceed supply.

“Demand is going to be tremendous and if we can’t serve the customer, there will be chaos,” he said on the sidelines of the annual conference of the India Semiconductor Association in Bangalore. “There could be a negative reaction if bookings are not met in an organized manner.”
A Tata Motors spokesman said: “Tata Motors hasn’t made any official announcement on the booking plans.”

As for Gujrathi’s comments, the spokesman said: “As an official spokesperson, Ihave to say that there is no official announcement on our market plans.” Tata Motors is mulling ways to handle the bookings. Among some of the options it is weighing is staggered booking, much like it did with the recently launched commercial vehicle, the Ace, which began in cities in the south.
“We don’t know how successful it will be going for bookings in a phased manner in selective cities,” said Gujrathi. “Another option can be to open bookings for only first-time car customers, or those who really aspire for Nano. But, the challenge will be how to identify these customers; it’s not practical.”

A suggestion on bringing the Tata Nano first to the semi-urban cities was also mulled over but this too posed challenges, Gujrathi said. “We cannot curb the demands of a potential customer and that is why we are taking our time to decide the best way to handle bookings,” he added.
Tata Motors’ engineering research centre at Pune is working on more variants of Nano that will have advanced features. “Nano is just a platform and in future we shall be adding features like automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system and navigation devices,” he said.

By: Malovika Rao

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Caparo to build body structure for Tata NANO

The body structure of the new Rs one lakh Tata Nano car will be built by NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul-owned Caparo Group.

Selected inner structural panels will be pressed and assembled by Caparo at a new facility in Singur, adjacent to the Tata Nano manufacturing plant in West Bengal. Caparo, the manufacturer of the world's highest performance road-capable hyper car, the Caparo T1, will supply 60 per cent of these assemblies, with the rest being manufactured in-house by Tata.

To meet Tata's ambitious cost targets, Caparo has installed a new semi-automated production line with zero fault forward quality control systems. "The body technology is relatively conventional, but the manufacturing technology is the result of very sophisticated analysis to ensure high-quality, low-cost production," Caparo Group CEO Angad Paul said on Friday.

"We completed this extremely quickly to meet our customer's deadline, with start of production just six months after the contract was confirmed." The Tata Nano was launched at the India Auto Expo in Delhi last month. Tata chose Caparo for this substantial contract because of the firm's success with a similar contract to supply the Suzuki Maruti 800. "We have been delivering to plants in India at zero ppm for three years," said Caparo India country head Sunil Pahilajani.

"Quality at this level is a tremendous complement to our people," he said.

Caparo also supplies Indian plants for Ashok Leyland, Eicher Motors, JCB, John Deere and Hero Honda, as well as most manufacturers of two and three-wheeled vehicles. Caparo Vehicle Products specialises in precision-formed and light-weight metal products, including stampings, forgings, machinings, aluminium castings and tubing as well as a wide range of complementary products and services such as carbon composites, fasteners and module build.

Caparo AP Braking supplies a wide range of base braking components and systems.

The Tata Nano is a four-door, five-seat car that will cost Rs one lakh (1,300 pounds) when it enters showrooms in India later this year. The low cost, around half that of the next cheapest vehicle, gives the Nano the potential to bring motoring to a mass market in a country of 1.1 billion people.

Source: Financial Express

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New 3 series model by BMW

Luxury carmaker BMW on Thursday launched a new variant in 3 series - 320d Highline - priced at Rs 30.70 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The new 3 series sedan would sport additional features like xenon headlights, glass roof and light alloy wheel rims, BMW said in a statement.

The company already sells three variants of the 3 series sedan - two petrol variants 320i and 325i and a diesel variant 320d - priced at Rs 27 lakh, Rs 33 lakh and Rs 29.7 lakh respectively. The new 320d Highline would be second diesel car in the 3 series to be offered by BMW.

"By popular customer demand, we are proud to introduce the BMW 320d Highline, diesel variant of the BMW 3 Series that comes with added features including iDrive functionality and a HiFi loudspeaker system. It is our goal to continue providing our customers in India with all-round quality and perfection to ensure the highest levels of comfort and luxury," BMW India President Peter Kronschnabl said.

BMW presently has nine dealerships across the country and plans to increase it to 12 by the end of this calendar year. It locally assembles the 3 and 5 series sedans at its Chennai plant while imports the remaining models, including 6 Series 7 Series X3 X5.

The company has set a target to sell 2,000 units in India during the current calendar year.

Source: Financial Express

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