TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A. - Honda delivered a 2013 Fit EV battery-electric vehicle to the city of Torrance as one of the first major steps in the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program, a prelude to the retail market launch of the Fit EV with customers in California and Oregon this summer.

The delivery was marked by a ceremony at the Torrance City Hall, at which a key to the Fit EV was presented to Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto by Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda.

This is an exciting day as we take another important step toward Honda’s comprehensive vision for reducing CO2 emissions while at the same time advancing our relationship with the city of Torrance,” said Steve Center. “Honda has a long history with electric vehicles starting with the introduction of our first battery-electric car, the EV Plus, nearly 15 years ago. With Honda’s extensive experience and the real-world feedback from the city of Torrance, we will be even more prepared for the further customer adoption of electric vehicles.

Over the past year, Honda and the city of Torrance have worked together to gather input from Torrance residents about potential recharging station locations and jointly participated in numerous public awareness events with a Fit EV test vehicle. Honda and the city will continue to further these initiatives while also studying local government fleet usage of an electrified vehicle. The city of Torrance will also receive a Honda plug-in hybrid for additional testing at a later date.

Honda unveiled the 2013 Fit EV at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and announced plans to begin leasing the 123 city-mile per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)1 battery-electric commuter vehicle to its U.S. customers in the summer of 2012. Equipped with a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and 92 kW coaxial electric motor, the Fit EV battery can be fully recharged in as little as 3 hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit.

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2012/4120120Deliveries-2013-Fit-EV/index.html

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New Delhi – General Motors India unveiled the first two products from its joint venture with SAIC, the Chevrolet Sail premium hatchback and the Chevrolet MPV Concept, at the 11th Auto Expo in New Delhi.“The introduction of the Sail hatchback and MPV Concept demonstrates our commitment to take advantage of the global resources of GM and our partners in India for India,” said Lowell Paddock, President and Managing Director of General Motors India. “The two products have been tailored for local market conditions and the need of local consumers for economical, user-friendly personal transportation.

Paddock said, “The Chevrolet Sail hatchback will be a strong addition to GM’s mini-car portfolio in India. It will bring a new sense of vitality to the biggest, fastest-growing and most competitive segment in the domestic passenger car market.The Sail hatchback, which will go on sale later this year, is built for the world’s emerging markets. Engineers at the GM Technical Center – India in Bangalore spent the past year and a half engineering the platform for India to ensure that the Sail hatchback and other vehicles built on the platform will meet the requirements of the Indian market and Indian car buyers.

The Sail hatchback’s exterior and interior design exudes Chevrolet’s sporty styling. The front view features Chevrolet’s signature styling cues, including a dual-port grille adorned with a gold bowtie. The hood features muscular cut-lines that provide a three-dimensional look. From the side, the unique waistline gives the Sail hatchback a dynamic stance. Its body proportions offer a perfect ratio of a long front and short rear, with a lower stance in front that moves upward to a higher stance in back.

The Chevrolet MPV Concept is designed for those who want a spacious, comfortable and well-styled vehicle to enjoy life with their loved ones,” said Paddock. The multi-purpose vehicle, engineered for the MPV B segment in India, was developed for the world’s emerging markets. It offers space for large families, with flexi-seating and a choice of seven or eight seats.

British automaker Lotus worked with the GM Technical Center – India for more than a year and a half to tune the chassis. Safety was given paramount importance in the development of the MPV Concept. High-strength and ultra-high-strength steel are used in the body and chassis. Both the Sail hatchback and the MPV Concept will be tested on different terrains and in different climate conditions across India.

Source: http://media.gm.com/content/media/in/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/in/en

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Cypress, California – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA), has commenced delivery of the company’s all-new 100% electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i featuring Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV) technology to the first retail customers in the continental United States.

John and Jean Malanaphy of Santa Monica, California; Paul Wasson of Tigard, Oregon; and Roger Saint John of Lake Tapps, Washington are the fortunate early adopters in each of their respective states to benefit from Mitsubishi Motors’ highly advanced, economical and efficient all-electric production vehicle: Not only is the 2012 Mitsubishi i the most affordably-priced mass-market EV available in the United States but it was recently named the #1 vehicle on the EPA’s list of “Fuel Economy Leaders: 2012 Model Year” in the governmental agency’s annual Fuel Economy Guide.

The very first Hawaii retail delivery of the 2012 Mitsubishi i occurred last month in a formal ceremony at the Hawaii State Capitol Building in Honolulu that included representatives from Mitsubishi Motors and Cutter Mitsubishi of Aiea, Hawaii; the Honorable Neil Abercrombie, Governor of Hawaii; and Bryson and Bridget Nishimura of Waipahu, Hawaii, who were presented with the keys to their new state-of-the-art Mitsubishi electric vehicle.

Currently available in the aforementioned Western states and Hawaii, the 2012 Mitsubishi i will be available across much of the United Sates by this summer. With a starting net value of $21,625* for the well-equipped entry-level ES model (the premium-grade SE version begins at $23,625*), the 2012 Mitsubishi i is the first of several new advanced, alternative-fuel production vehicles that the Japanese auto manufacturer plans on bringing to the North American market in the next few years.

Source: http://media.mitsubishicars.com/index.php?s=16874&item=109929

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The Hyundai Accent sees the current all-petrol line-up expanded with the addition of an efficient common-rail turbo diesel engine, delivering new levels of performance and economy to the Active model in the range whilst also claiming the title as Australia’s most affordable diesel passenger car# with the Accent Active CRDi manual starting from $19,490 Manufacturer’s List Price.

The new U-II 1.6 litre VGT CRDi diesel engine utilises a Common Rail Direct injection (CRDi) fuel system, intercooled with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) to deliver excellent fuel economy figures, as efficient as 4.4L/100km Combined fuel consumption for the Accent Active CRDi manual sedan.

Available only in the Active model and in both hatch and sedan, the new fuel-efficient diesel engine is mated to either Hyundai’s six-speed manual, or four-speed electronic HiVec (Hyundai intelligent Vehicle electronic control) automatic transmission featuring a lock-up torque converter, overdrive and driver style adaptation programming.

All Accent models come complete with a full suite of safety features, both active and passive, earning it the maximum crash performance 5-star rating in the ANCAP assessment program. Standard safety technology includes Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Four-channel, four-sensor Anti-skid Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and six airbags. In addition, Accent Premium variants are equipped with a rear view camera, rear park assist and electro chromatic rear view mirror with integrated reverse camera screen as standard.

Exterior colours include solid Crystal White, a range of metallics including Sleek Silver, Clean Blue, Carbon Grey and Red Passion; and three striking Mica options including Ocean Blue, Green Apple and Phantom Black. All are matched back to a black tone interior.

Source: http://www.hyundai.com.au/About-Hyundai/news/Articles/Hyundai-Accent-CRDi-Australias-Most-Affordable-Diesel-Car

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Auto journalists put the all-electric Nissan LEAF through its paces on three powdery test courses in Shibetsu, Hokkaido, this week, in the freezing temperatures of northern Japan.Some 230 meters above sea level, media gathered to assess the LEAF’s driving performance and handling in extreme weather conditions, icing any concerns that wintry weather could drastically reduce battery performance.

Chief Vehicle Engineer Hidetoshi Kadota said that despite a reading of minus 9 degrees Celsius (15.8 degrees Fahrenheit) outside, the LEAF battery stayed between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius (41 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit).In the more extreme cold of Canada and Norway, a battery-warming system can keep the LEAF primed to charge at normal capacity, the same as outside temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).

I feel that the LEAF has been developed well, and incorporating the merits of the EV have made the car’s characteristics more generous to drivers. For example, when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal or corners, the LEAF is expressing a gentleness unique to the EV,” said Yasuo Kusakabe, chairman of the Automobile Journalists Association of Japan.

Some of the LEAF’s unique advantages in winter conditions, says Kusakabe, include Vehicle Dynamic Control, which monitors driver input and vehicle function.And the LEAF’s balanced weight distribution — due to a centrally-positioned battery and a light front-forward motor compared with conventional gas-powered cars — also helps, says Nissan Technical Meister Hiroyoshi Kato.

The footwork of the LEAF is smooth and nimble because the heavy components, such as batteries, are mounted under the floor, and the center of gravity is low and in the middle. Such vehicle motion is emphasized on snow. As you may have seen, a car can easily slip or drift on snow or ice,” said Kato. “As for the LEAF, the changing attitude of the car — the start of slipping, etc. — is very smooth and easy to control compared to conventional FR (front engine/rear drive) or FF (front engine/front drive) vehicles. I believe those may be some of the positive surprises for participants.

I think EVs, like the LEAF, will expand in the future. If EVs can only be usable in certain limited conditions, they will not grow. But I was highly impressed by the key message here, that the LEAF can drive normally in hot or cold weather throughout the world.

Whether it’s the snowy slopes of Shibetsu or the hot highways of Honolulu, more than 22,000 LEAFs are now making tracks on global roads. And while temperatures may be extreme, the LEAF proves that it can keep its cool.

Source: http://www.nissannews.com/pressrelease/3207//nissan-leaf-proves-slick-wintry-test-drives-northern

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Rüsselsheim - Next year Opel will celebrate a very special birthday: 150 years ago, in the year 1862, Adam Opel founded a company in the Hessian town of Rüsselsheim that would later become one of the largest European car manufacturers. This is a perfect opportunity to invite customers to take part in the celebrations. Several birthday editions with premium features are being launched to coincide with the celebrations. Opel has lined up the Corsa, Meriva, Astra and Insignia as its anniversary models, entitled “150 years Opel”.

The special editions vehicles are fitted with striking, special design and comfort features. They offer extra equipment with savings of up to 2,100 euro. Customers who want to make their cars even more exclusive can do so with the jubilee trim “150 years Opel”.

The Corsa and Meriva jubilee editions come complete with 16 inch alloy wheels and tinted Solar Protect heat insulation glazing at the rear. In order to create the mood for the celebrations, the cars are also equipped with heated steering wheels with multi-functional keys, fog lamps and cruise control as well as an MP3-CD Radio, plus an on-board computer. In addition, the Corsa is fitted with a chrome exhaust pipe as a standard feature, regardless of the engine type. Availability in the other models depends on which engine is used. The “150 year Opel” Astra is making its birthday appearance with 17 inch alloy wheels. Apart from the fog lamps, it has exactly the same features as the Corsa and the Meriva.

The advantage of the SD-card based Navi system: the cards can be individually tailored to customer needs. Users can chose between the fastest, shortest and most economical or most fuel efficient route. In addition, the Navi 900 contains a voice recognition and log book function, the latter lets the user separate personal from business trips.

All of the four jubilee editions are very distinctive because they carry a special “150 Adam Opel” emblem, have an aluminum car door step embossed with the word “OPEL” as well as the premium quality, black upholstery combination “150 years of Opel”. The upholstery is made from fabric and leather-like Morrocana material.

Source: http://media.opel.com/content/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl

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The Suzuki Swift, New Zealand’s top-selling small car for seven years, is spawning spin-off concept and production variants.Both the Ertiga compact multi-people carrier (MPV) and XA Alpha concept SUV models are developments of the highly popular Swift.They were among several new Suzuki developments attracting attention at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi.

The models are being showcased by Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Indian automobile subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, highlighting the increased cooperation between Japan and the fast expanding Indian motor industry.Based on an extended Swift platform, the five-door Maruti Ertiga is scheduled to go into production later this year. It has a clean-looking front end, pronounced wheel arches and facia, all clearly reminiscent of the latest generation Swift.

But with its taller body - a generous 175 mm more than a standard Swift - and 175 mm increase in wheelbase, the Ertiga is a much larger vehicle, marking Maruti’s debut in the utility vehicle segment.With a 415 mm increase in overall length to 4,265 mm, this is a genuine seven-seater with a two-plus-three-plus-two seating arrangement.

The configuration of seats can be adjusted to free up luggage space by folding the last row and also the individual seats in the middle row of the black and beige finished interior.Suzuki will offer the Ertiga in India with the choice of the same 1.4-litre K14B twin overhead camshaft engine used in the current Swift and a 1.3-litre DDiS turbo diesel.

The car inherits its name from the alphabet “R” that represents “ROW” and “TIGA” that implies the digit “3” in Indonesian language, meaning a three-row car.Ertiga boast a rigid body and an extremely quiet cabin with low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). A low drag body includes double sealing of the lower side panels and doors for reduced wind and road noise.Additional utility features such as cup holders, side pockets and storage bins add to the practicality of a vehicle that is sure to win favours.

Source: http://www.suzuki.co.nz/News/Automotive/2012/01/18/New+Suzuki+Models+Shine+

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The new high performance version of the Suzuki Swift hatchback has won a prestigious European award even before it goes on sale.Britain’s biggest car buyers guide, “What Car?”, named the new generation 1.6-litre Swift Sport as the “Best Buy Hot Hatch” at its 2012 awards in London.

The Swift carried off the accolade the week before the model officially went on sale in the UK on January 16.The new performance flagship of the top-selling Swift is also destined to be launched in New Zealand in the first quarter of this year.

Renault’s stranglehold on the hot hatch category has finally been broken,” said the editorial team from the monthly “What Car?” magazine. “It has taken something pretty special to do it and that something is the new Suzuki Swift Sport.Judges said building a good hot hatch was not easy. “It requires far more than simply putting a big engine in a small hatchback.The best hot hatches have to be as thrilling in the corners as they are in a straight line, and that takes real engineering expertise. However, while thrills are undoubtedly at the top of our wish list, our winners can’t merely be a one-trick pony,” said the judges.

The publication asked if this was too much to expect and said no because the winner did all of this.What Car?” said the Swift Sport was the best buy, pointing to its UK price of less than 15,000 GB pounds - about NZ$30,000 - and the fact that it was well equipped for the money.Chas Hallet, “What Car” editor in chief, said: “The all new Suzuki Swift Sport is a brilliant junior hot hatch which is at home on all kinds of roads thanks to its strong grip, tight body control and accurate steering.

Cost of ownership was also lower than the previous Sport model as emissions and fuel consumption had improved by around 10 per cent and insurance classification had gone down by four groups thanks to extensive use of high-tensile steel and computerised structural analysis which kept the body light while promoting safety.

Dale Wyat, sales and marketing director of Suzuki Great Britain, said that in the past the Swift Sport had a customer profile which was male dominated. However, Suzuki believed the new car would broaden the appeal in terms of customer gender.

Whilst Swift Sport retains the sporty DNA of the previous generation, this one is easier to live with, the styling is not extreme, it’s not forced,” he said.The more powerful Sport version will supplement the existing range of Swift models when it arrives in New Zealand within a few weeks.

Source: http://www.suzuki.co.nz/News/Automotive/2012/01/17/New+Swift+Sport+Takes+Off+UK

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Suzuki made further gains in the New Zealand car market last year with solid improvements in sales of the Swift hatchback and Kizashi sedan models.The popular Swift was the top selling small car for a remarkable seven years in succession in 2011, boosting sales by 6.2 per cent over the previous year.

It was the second highest year for Swift sales, beaten only by the record volume achieved in 2008.The five-door Swift was consistently ahead of its rivals, finishing the year with sales of 2,892, compared with 2,724 in 2010.Once again the Swift was a real hit with private new car buyers, and in the overall model stakes ranked second in 2011,” said Gary Collins, Sales Manager for Suzuki New Zealand.

Demand for the highly specified 2.4-litre Suzuki Kizashi four door sedan was also up, with sales rising by more than 30 per cent over 2010. It was the third most popular Suzuki passenger car model, behind the versatile 2.0-litre SX4.Total Suzuki new car sales rose by 7.7 per cent, compared to an overall market increase of 3 per cent.Suzuki was the sixth best selling franchise for the year, securing 7.1 per cent penetration of the passenger car market, and selling 4,752 cars.

Despite the devastating Japanese earthquake and economic conditions that were not always favourable, Suzuki had its second best year in 2011,” said Collins.Suzuki’s small car strength was boosted in the second half of last year with the arrival of the 1.2-litre Splash five-door hatchback. Grand Vitara, Alto and Jimny sales maintained their volumes compared to 2010.

The latest generation Swift, which launched in February 2011, has proved just as popular as its predecessor which took the market by storm when it arrived in New Zealand in 2005. World wide it became the fastest selling Suzuki model, with cumulative sales now well over two million.

Source: http://www.suzuki.co.nz/News/Automotive/2012/01/16/Demand+for+Swift+and+Kizashi+

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Toyota revealed the NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept vehicle at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.The NS4 presents a Toyota vision for future mobility with a focus on connectivity and the human interface.Toyota engineers were challenged to design a new mid-sized concept for potential global market introduction by 2015.

The NS4 concept is a dedicated plug-in hybrid, separate from the Prius family, designed with future mobility requirements in mind.In this digital age, cars are becoming another spoke in the wheel of our electronic connectivity,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

NS4 demonstrates Toyota’s take on the human connection to the car with technology that considers both emotional and rational relationships, person-to-car and car-to-society.The continued success of our conventional hybrid vehicles has laid strong groundwork for market acceptance of future advanced technologies.

NS4’s advanced powertrain targets a next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system that is smaller and lighter with improved fuel economy, better acceleration and longer electric range, while maintaining a short charge time.

Styling lines reflect a new take on aerodynamics with a low vehicle height and cabin-forward tilt.The distinctive open trapezoid grille is accented by a floating lower spoiler and wing-like daytime running lights wrapping around to a sculpted fender.Rear lamps wrap around the sides of the vehicle to quarter sections layered into blistered fenders, while the rear lamp wings create a sharp edge and the effect of a rear spoiler.

The A-pillars are ultra thin for improved driver visibility while maintaining roof-crush integrity. The roof-line profile, liftback design and powered swan-wing doors create greater accessibility and efficient functionality.

Source: http://news.toyota.com.au/toyota-reveals-ns4-advanced-hybrid-concept

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