Ford confirms hybrid and PHEV C-Max will be built in Spain
May 10, 2010 Object
Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Europe, Hatchback, Ford
2011 Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford has just provided more details about its first European market hybrid models. The company’s plant in Valencia, Spain will be building both regular and plug-in hybrid versions of the new five-seat C-Max MPV starting in 2013. The plant will receive $36 million in upgrades to accommodate hybrid vehicle production of the C-Max, which will be exclusively for the European market.
The new C-Max is the first vehicle being launched this year off of Ford’s new global compact car platform that will also spawn the new 2012 Focus. The C-Max is essentially a tall wagon version of the Focus. The hybrid version will use Ford’s next-generation hybrid system that will launch in North America in 2012, though no other details about the powertrain are available at this time. The C-Max is also the first application of Ford’s new 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which could be paired with the hybrid system.
The new C-Segment platform has been designed to support the installation of conventional, hybrid and full battery electric powertrains. A BEV version of the C-Max is also possible, though Ford has only confirmed plans for the Focus Electric at this time.
Gallery: 2010 Ford C-Max
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Ford confirms hybrid and PHEV C-Max will be built in Spain
Ford confirms hybrid and PHEV C-Max will be built in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Tags: 2013, a-friend-via, european hybrid, ford c-max phev, high-res-image, lexus is f-sport, plug-in-hybrids
Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GE plug-in hybrid limo
Apr 25, 2010 Object
Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, China, Geely, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury
Geely Emgrand GE - Click above for high-res image gallery
Another entry that Geely has planned for its new Emgrand premium sub-brand is the GE limousine. Like many of Geely’s new models, the GE has a very prominent grille but the rest of the design looks otherwise well-proportioned and attractive. With a 214-inch body sitting on a 124-inch wheelbase, the GE is a big car targeted at executives who prefer to be driven rather than get behind the wheel. The Geely Emgrand GE can be equipped with either a rear bench contoured for two passengers or a single large seat flanked by extra storage compartments.
Underneath, the GE has the same plug-in hybrid powertrain featured in the GT coupe. That means it gets a 2.4-liter inline-four that producing 160 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. The electric drive consists of a pair of 27.5 kilowatt, 132 pound-foot hub-motors for all-wheel-drive capability. The GE is targeted for 2015 introduction.
Gallery: Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GE
Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GE plug-in hybrid limo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Apr 2010 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Tags: 160-horsepower, a-214-inch-body, a-friend-via, and-attractive, beijingmotorshow, china, copyright, geely emgrand ge, geely-emgrand, geelyemgrandge, plug-in-hybrids, plug-inhybrid
Despite Qualms, Toyota Will Bring Plug-In Hybrid to Market
Dec 15, 2009 Object
Toyota executives in the United States have said the appeal of plug-in hybrids will be limited, but the company has begun a pilot program of 600 vehicles.
Read more from the original source:
Despite Qualms, Toyota Will Bring Plug-In Hybrid to Market
Tags: and-the, but-the, environment, mini, mission-control, plug-in-hybrids, system-monitors, the-appeal, toyota, united-states
Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system
Nov 13, 2009 Object
Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Buick
2011 Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery
Last night, General Motors publicly unveiled the 2011 Buick Regal that goes on sale in North America in the first half of next year. The Regal will be Buick’s new mid-sized sedan entry and is essentially just a re-grilled version of the Opel Insignia that went on sale in Europe last year. The North American Regal will be built at the Oshawa Ontario assembly plant in Canada beginning in calendar 2011 and will only be offered with a choice of direct-injected four-cylinder engines. However, the Regal is actually slated to go on sale in calendar 2010, and some are suggesting that the sedan will be sourced from Germany for 12 to 15 months.
The base engine will be the 2.4-liter normally aspirated unit that debuted earlier this year in the Chevrolet Equinox, among other models. With a six-speed automatic transmission, the Regal should hit 30+ mpg on the highway. The optional unit will be a 220-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbo, but that powertrain likely won’t come on-line right away.
Earlier this year, documents were leaked that listed the Oshawa plant as building a new mid-size hybrid sedan in 2011. It looks like the Regal will be that car with GM’s new second generation mild hybrid system that was announced in 2008. The new system uses a more powerful motor/generator and a lithium ion battery. According to Ward’s Auto World, the Regal could also get GM’s plug-in two mode hybrid system, but that likely won’t appear before late 2011 at the earliest.
Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal
[Sources: Ward's Auto World - sub req'd | GM-Volt.com]
Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Tags: a-new-mid-size, a-new-report, buick regal, buickregalhybrid, coyote, entry, europe, mild hybrid, models, oshawa-ontario, plug-in, plug-in-hybrids, regal, secret-service
