Auto News » hybrids, green news http://autoinfonews.org Automotive Blog Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:19:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 http://autoinfonews.org http://autoinfonews.org/images/favicon.ico Auto News Report: Volkswagen to save Karmann from going bust http://autoinfonews.org/report-volkswagen-to-save-karmann-from-going-bust/ http://autoinfonews.org/report-volkswagen-to-save-karmann-from-going-bust/#comments Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:46:06 +0000 admin http://autoinfonews.org/report-volkswagen-to-save-karmann-from-going-bust/ Volkswagen is planning to take over Germany’s coach building firm Karmann, brining the company back from the brink of bankruptcy. Karmann has undertaken many rolls from design to production for various automakers including  Chrysler , Porsche and Volkswagen Group . “Talks have been going on for some time, but there is no agreement yet on a price,” one of the sources told Reuters . Reuters said that without any fresh funds, the contract carmaker and convertible roof specialist will shut down in early November as new orders remain scarce and customers are unwilling to pay bills. Karmann filed for insolvency in April. A Karmann spokesman said that the company has been in touch with Volkswagen but would not discuss the content of the talks. – By: Stephen Calogera Source: Reuters


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Report: Volkswagen to save Karmann from going bust

]]> http://autoinfonews.org/report-volkswagen-to-save-karmann-from-going-bust/feed/ 0 Fiat to build 2 vehicles based on Chrysler platform, one could be entry-level Maserati http://autoinfonews.org/fiat-to-build-2-vehicles-based-on-chrysler-platform-one-could-be-entry-level-maserati/ http://autoinfonews.org/fiat-to-build-2-vehicles-based-on-chrysler-platform-one-could-be-entry-level-maserati/#comments Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:09:01 +0000 admin http://autoinfonews.org/fiat-to-build-2-vehicles-based-on-chrysler-platform-one-could-be-entry-level-maserati/ Fiat will use its recently acquired Bertone plant near Turin to produce up to 50,000 units annually of two Chrysler based vehicles for sale in Europe. Fiat Group’s head of business development Alfredo Altavilla, told the unions that the new vehicles will be based on Chrysler’s large-car platform and will use Chrysler’s V6 engines. Altavilla said that Fiat will officially announce the brand and the models that will be built at the plant in its 5-year plan on Nov. 4. Sources say that Officine Automobilistiche Grugliasco (OAG) plant will use the rear-wheel-drive platform of the Chrysler 300C and the new Pentastar V6 gasoline engine, which is scheduled to debut in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Insiders say that the first vehicle could be a Lancia Thesis sedan and the second model, due out in 2012, could be an entry-level Maserati sedan. – By Stephen Calogera


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Fiat to build 2 vehicles based on Chrysler platform, one could be entry-level Maserati

]]> http://autoinfonews.org/fiat-to-build-2-vehicles-based-on-chrysler-platform-one-could-be-entry-level-maserati/feed/ 0 http://autoinfonews.org/toyota%e2%80%99s-australian-team-makes-hybrid-camry-faster-more-fuel-efficient-than-yaris/ http://autoinfonews.org/toyota%e2%80%99s-australian-team-makes-hybrid-camry-faster-more-fuel-efficient-than-yaris/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:17:19 +0000 admin http://autoinfonews.org/toyota%e2%80%99s-australian-team-makes-hybrid-camry-faster-more-fuel-efficient-than-yaris/ Toyota’s engineers in the land down under are hard at work on the new Australian-built hybrid Camry, which they say will be faster and sportier than its gasoline sibling. Even with more aggressiveness, the hybrid Camry will use less fuel than Toyota’s Yaris, says the man heading the car’s development. Toyota Camry hybrid’s chief engineer Yukihiro Okane says that the hybrid sedan will debut on Australian roads in February next year and will be one second quicker than the gasoline Camry in terms of 0-62 mph. He said that the hybrid Camry will return as little as 38 miles to the gallon. Okane said that the local improvements by Toyota’s Australian engineers will also mean that the car steers and handles better than the current Camry. “We tuned the suspension and steering assistance only for the Australian market. It is much more stiff and sporty,” he said. Can we please get those improvements on the stateside? – By: Kap Shah Source: Drive


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Toyota’s Australian team makes hybrid Camry faster, more fuel-efficient than Yaris

]]> http://autoinfonews.org/toyota%e2%80%99s-australian-team-makes-hybrid-camry-faster-more-fuel-efficient-than-yaris/feed/ 0 http://autoinfonews.org/get-42083-off-a-tesla-roadster%e2%80%a6-in-colorado/ http://autoinfonews.org/get-42083-off-a-tesla-roadster%e2%80%a6-in-colorado/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:37:21 +0000 admin http://autoinfonews.org/get-42083-off-a-tesla-roadster%e2%80%a6-in-colorado/ If you’re looking to purchase a sporty electric-car and live in the state Colorado, you’re in luck. With a special state tax credit, those looking to purchase a 2009 Tesla Roadster will receive a $42,083 tax credit bringing the base price of $109,900 to $67,800. The tax credit ends on December 31 and offers Colorado residents a credit on their 2009 income tax for up 85 percent of the difference between the price of a alternative-fuel vehicle. That happens to translate into a generous 38.6 percent discount on the Tesla Roadster. Tesla will also open its new store in Boulder, Colorado on Friday. – By: Stephen Calogera Source: Green Car Reports


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Get $42,083 off a Tesla Roadster… in Colorado

]]> http://autoinfonews.org/get-42083-off-a-tesla-roadster%e2%80%a6-in-colorado/feed/ 0 Ghosn: Nissan will offer any hybrid-only models like the Prius http://autoinfonews.org/ghosn-nissan-will-offer-any-hybrid-only-models-like-the-prius/ http://autoinfonews.org/ghosn-nissan-will-offer-any-hybrid-only-models-like-the-prius/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:42:56 +0000 admin http://autoinfonews.org/ghosn-nissan-will-offer-any-hybrid-only-models-like-the-prius/ Nissan’s CEO Carlos Ghosn told Automotive News today that he has ruled out a stand-alone hybrid like the Toyota Prius. “We don’t have this in our plans,” Ghosn said. “We are not intending to play a leadership role in hybrids. “One company already assumed leadership in the technology. We want leadership on EVs.” Ghosn said that Nissan will offer hybrid variants of existing models in its lineup. Nissan’s first in-house technology will be seen in the 2011 Infiniti M35, which will go on sale in the U.S. in spring 2011. Nissan’s hybrid system for the Infiniti M consists of a single electric-motor/twin-clutch arrangement, mated to a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6. 2011 Infiniti M : – By: Stephen Calogera

        
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Ghosn: Nissan will offer any hybrid-only models like the Prius

]]> http://autoinfonews.org/ghosn-nissan-will-offer-any-hybrid-only-models-like-the-prius/feed/ 0 Lexus LFA to make U.S. debut at 2009 LA Auto Show and 2009 SEMA http://autoinfonews.org/lexus-lfa-to-make-u-s-debut-at-2009-la-auto-show-and-2009-sema/ http://autoinfonews.org/lexus-lfa-to-make-u-s-debut-at-2009-la-auto-show-and-2009-sema/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:23:46 +0000 admin http://autoinfonews.org/lexus-lfa-to-make-u-s-debut-at-2009-la-auto-show-and-2009-sema/ Lexus announced today that the new 2011 Lexus LFA Supercar will make its North American debut at the 2009 SEMA trade show in November and at the 2009 LA Auto Show in December. Following that, the Lexus supercar will make stops at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, 2010 Chicago Auto Show, the 2010 Dallas Auto Show and the 2010 New York Auto Show. Production of the $375,000 Lexus LFA supercar will begin in December 2010 with deliveries continuing for the following 24 months. Toyota will make just 500 examples at rate of 20 units per month. Consumers can contact the Lexus LFA Information Center at 866-LFA-4794 to express interest. Click here to see our original post on the 2011 Lexus LFA . Refresher : Power for the Lexus LFA comes from a 4.8L V10 engine that makes 552-hp with a maximum torque of 354 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox, the LFA goes from 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 with a top speed of 202 mph. 2011 Lexus LFA : – By: Omar Rana

        
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Lexus LFA to make U.S. debut at 2009 LA Auto Show and 2009 SEMA

]]> http://autoinfonews.org/lexus-lfa-to-make-u-s-debut-at-2009-la-auto-show-and-2009-sema/feed/ 0 Missed out on the wonderful Cash for Clunkers? You still have other options http://autoinfonews.org/missed-out-on-the-wonderful-cash-for-clunkers-you-still-have-other-options/ http://autoinfonews.org/missed-out-on-the-wonderful-cash-for-clunkers-you-still-have-other-options/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:08:45 +0000 admin http://autoinfonews.org/missed-out-on-the-wonderful-cash-for-clunkers-you-still-have-other-options/ Just because you missed out on Cash-for-Clunkers, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get any government cash of your car. tax credits and deductions can still be claimed on new cars purchased before December 31 according to the Associated Press . Though the cash reward is hardly comparable to that of the ‘Clunkers” program, but it will help increase your bottom line by either lowering your tax bill or boosting your refund. There are two major tax deductions to be claimed, and to bear in mind when shopping; sales tax deduction and hybrid vehicle credit. All cars buyers are eligible to deduct the sales tax of their vehicles, under the federal stimulus which provides for a deduction on any new car purchased between February 17 and year’s end. Arthur Bloom, a tax partner at Marks, Paneth & Shron in New York City told the Associated Press “I don’t know if that’s enough for somebody to say, ‘OK I’m going to go spend $30,000,’”…”But it certainly reduces the cost of acquiring a car.”. Bloom estimates that for someone in the 25% tax bracket who purchases a car in New York with its 8.5% sales tax, the total savings would amount to about $635. The deduction does begin to lessen for those individuals who earn $125,000 per year and disappears altogether of those who earn $135,000. The deduction is also limited to the first $49,500 of the purchase price of the vehicle. Hybrid vehicle purchases also qualify for an additional tax credit. A credit of between $1550 and $2200 is available for certain 2009 Chrysler, Dodge, Mazda, and Saturn hybrids. Credits between $650 and $2350 are available for certain 2010 SUV’s and trucks made by Ford, Mercury, Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac, and for specific sends from Nissan and Chevy. A complete list can be found at irs.gov. There are also credits available for certain cars with traditional or diesel engines designed of refuel efficiency. That list is also available on the IRS website. – By Stephen Calogera Source: MSNBC


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Missed out on the wonderful Cash for Clunkers? You still have other options

]]> http://autoinfonews.org/missed-out-on-the-wonderful-cash-for-clunkers-you-still-have-other-options/feed/ 0 Missed out on the wonderful Cash for Clunkers? You still have other options http://autoinfonews.org/missed-out-on-the-wonderful-cash-for-clunkers-you-still-have-other-options/ http://autoinfonews.org/missed-out-on-the-wonderful-cash-for-clunkers-you-still-have-other-options/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:08:45 +0000 admin http://autoinfonews.org/missed-out-on-the-wonderful-cash-for-clunkers-you-still-have-other-options/ Just because you missed out on Cash-for-Clunkers, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get any government cash of your car. tax credits and deductions can still be claimed on new cars purchased before December 31 according to the Associated Press . Though the cash reward is hardly comparable to that of the ‘Clunkers” program, but it will help increase your bottom line by either lowering your tax bill or boosting your refund. There are two major tax deductions to be claimed, and to bear in mind when shopping; sales tax deduction and hybrid vehicle credit. All cars buyers are eligible to deduct the sales tax of their vehicles, under the federal stimulus which provides for a deduction on any new car purchased between February 17 and year’s end. Arthur Bloom, a tax partner at Marks, Paneth & Shron in New York City told the Associated Press “I don’t know if that’s enough for somebody to say, ‘OK I’m going to go spend $30,000,’”…”But it certainly reduces the cost of acquiring a car.”. Bloom estimates that for someone in the 25% tax bracket who purchases a car in New York with its 8.5% sales tax, the total savings would amount to about $635. The deduction does begin to lessen for those individuals who earn $125,000 per year and disappears altogether of those who earn $135,000. The deduction is also limited to the first $49,500 of the purchase price of the vehicle. Hybrid vehicle purchases also qualify for an additional tax credit. A credit of between $1550 and $2200 is available for certain 2009 Chrysler, Dodge, Mazda, and Saturn hybrids. Credits between $650 and $2350 are available for certain 2010 SUV’s and trucks made by Ford, Mercury, Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac, and for specific sends from Nissan and Chevy. A complete list can be found at irs.gov. There are also credits available for certain cars with traditional or diesel engines designed of refuel efficiency. That list is also available on the IRS website. – By Stephen Calogera Source: MSNBC


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Missed out on the wonderful Cash for Clunkers? You still have other options

]]> http://autoinfonews.org/missed-out-on-the-wonderful-cash-for-clunkers-you-still-have-other-options/feed/ 0 Nissan Leaf Zero Emission Nationwide Tour kicks off on Nov. 13 in LA http://autoinfonews.org/nissan-leaf-zero-emission-nationwide-tour-kicks-off-on-nov-13-in-la/ http://autoinfonews.org/nissan-leaf-zero-emission-nationwide-tour-kicks-off-on-nov-13-in-la/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:32:41 +0000 admin http://autoinfonews.org/nissan-leaf-zero-emission-nationwide-tour-kicks-off-on-nov-13-in-la/ Nissan North America announced today that it will be going on a nationwide tour with its new 2010 Nissan Leaf electric-car. The car will make its North American debut in Los Angeles on Nov 13, the first time U.S. citizens will be able to see the five-passenger electric-car. “The Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Tour will make stops in 22 cities, in 11 states, the District of Columbia, and Vancouver, Canada, offering the opportunity for interested drivers, media, civic partners, businesses and university students to learn more about the Nissan LEAF and the benefits of zero-emission driving,” Nissan said in a statement. Follow the tour, get updates on the final schedule and specific showings, and sign up for more information, at www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car.  Check out all the dates after the jump . Click here for more news on the Nissan Leaf . Refresher : Power comes from a 107-hp electric-motor that runs on power supplied by lithium ion cells. On a full-charge, the Nissan LEAF allows for a driving range of 100 miles with a top speed of 87 mph. A full charge takes up to 8 hours on a standard 200V outlet. Buyers can opt for the DC 50kW quick-charger, which recharges the battery up to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. 2010 Nissan LEAF EV : Southern California Los Angeles: Nov. 13-17 Orange County: Nov. 18 San Diego: Nov. 19-21 Northern California Berkeley/Walnut Creek: Nov. 23-24 San Francisco: Nov. 25-29 Santa Rosa: Dec. 1 Sacramento: Dec. 1 San Jose: Dec. 3-6 Pacific Northwest Seattle: Dec. 8-12 Vancouver, Canada: Dec. 14-15 Portland, Ore.: Dec. 17-23 Southwest Phoenix/Tucson: Dec. 30-Jan. 5 Las Vegas: Jan. 6 Midwest/East Coast Detroit: Jan. 11-13 Knoxville/Chattanooga, Tenn.: Jan. 16 Middle Tennessee: Jan. 19-21 Washington, D.C.: Jan. 26-28 Raleigh, N.C.: Jan. 29 Orlando: Feb. 1-2 Texas Houston: Feb. 5-6 New York New York City: Feb. 9-14 – By: Omar Rana

        
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Nissan Leaf Zero Emission Nationwide Tour kicks off on Nov. 13 in LA

]]> http://autoinfonews.org/nissan-leaf-zero-emission-nationwide-tour-kicks-off-on-nov-13-in-la/feed/ 0 Mugen could build a tricked out Honda CR-Z hybrid http://autoinfonews.org/mugen-could-build-a-tricked-out-honda-cr-z-hybrid/ http://autoinfonews.org/mugen-could-build-a-tricked-out-honda-cr-z-hybrid/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:53:49 +0000 admin http://autoinfonews.org/mugen-could-build-a-tricked-out-honda-cr-z-hybrid/ Could tuning packages for hybrid vehicles create a whole new market for third-party and in-houe tuning firms? Apparently so – Mugen said that it could very well build a bespoke tuned version of the upcoming Honda CR-Z hybrid sports car. Hiroki Toyoda, the firm’s European vice president, told AutoCar that “the hybrid powertrain would create a new set of tuning opportunities, with the electric motor acting as a kind of turbo at low speeds, to compensate for a lack of torque inherent in naturally-aspirated petrol engines.” Honda has confirmed that it has no plans to add gasoline version of the CR-Z, keeping its new sports car a fuel-efficient option for hatchback lovers. The Honda CR-Z will go on sale in the United States in the second half of 2010. Click here for more news on the Honda CR-Z . 2009 Honda CR-Z Concept : – By: Omar Rana Source: AutoCar

        
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Mugen could build a tricked out Honda CR-Z hybrid

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