[Systems Engineering Teachers' Mailing List] Update on developments in the auto industry

[Tran, Lorraine I]

Auto makers pegging hopes on electric, hybrid vehicles


14/1/09:

Auto makers are pegging their hopes for a recovery on electric and
hybrid vehicles, with a large number of prototypes unveiled at the North
American International Auto Show this week.

Daimler, Toyota and General Motors, as well as industry newcomer BYD of
China showcased new electric vehicles, while several others announced
plans for battery-powered cars and trucks by 2012.

Manufacturers point to buyers' preoccupations of late with tailpipe
emissions linked to global warming, and soaring petrol prices -- which
have actually retreated in recent months but are trending upwards over
the longterm.

"The technology is available for production" today, said Thomas Weber of
Germany's Daimler, which unveiled a prototype for an electric vehicle
called BlueZero.

The car will be able to drive 200 kilometres (125 miles) on a single
charge, or 400 kilometres (250 miles) for a hybrid version that relies
on a small combustion engine to recharge its battery.

But mass production is still "a few years" away, said Weber, pointing to
two challenges that must first be overcome: making it affordable, and
building public infrastructure to charge the car's batteries.

Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche said the company is aiming to
build 10,000 of the units by 2011-2012.

Ford, meanwhile, announced plans for a small electric vehicle developed
with Canadian auto parts giant Magna International, to be launched in
2011.

"Drive green," shouted its banners at the Detroit auto show to highlight
its commitment to roll out a litany of electric and hybrid vehicles in
North America over the next four years.

"Next-generation hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure battery-powered
vehicles are the logical next steps in our pursuit of greater fuel
economy and sustainability," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's vice-president
of product development.

General Motors also affirmed its commitment to develop alternative
energy vehicles with the presentation of the latest version of its
long-awaited Chevrolet Volt electric car, to be launched at the end of
2010.

GM vice-president Bob Lutz said sales of electric or hybrid vehicles
could make up 20 to 25 per cent of the auto market by 2020.

The number of small electric cars destined for urban use and electric
offshoots of standard car models is increasing exponentially with each
new auto show. The latest is Toyota's FT-EV showcased here that will
launch in 2012.

But Toyota's main focus at this show was its third generation Prius
hybrid, the world's best selling hybrid with one million sold in the
past decade. The new model, which boasts 50 miles per gallon, will go on
sale next year.

Its main competitor Honda, not wanting to be outdone, showed off its new
hybrid sedan Insight, which goes on sale in April in North America.

The goal is to woo "an entirely new group of buyers that previously may
not have considered a hybrid because of either image or cost," explained
John Mendel, executive vice-president of Honda USA.

Newcomer BYD of China meanwhile presented journalists a prototype for
its all-electric vehicle, called "e6", and announced that its hybrid
F3DM, launched in China last month, will be available in the United
States in 2011.

________________________________

Source: industrysearch.com.au
http://www.industrysearch.com.au/News/viewrecord.aspx?id=36331

 

 

Lorraine Tran

Curriculum Manager, P - 12 Design and Technology

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA)

41 St Andrews Place

East Melbourne 3002

http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au

 

Email: tran.lorraine.i at edumail.vic.gov.au

Telephone: (03) 9651 4407

Mobile:       041 933 1630

 

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