Saab

September 24, 2009

GM to Build Laboratory in China to 'Tap Country's Outstanding Research Talent'

General Motors announced today that it will create a laboratory in Shanghai to contribute to technological innovation in a number of automotive-related fields for GM both domestically and on a worldwide basis.

The announcement came less than a month after GM disclosed that its sales in China in the first eight months of this year increased 49.6 percent on an annual basis to 1,111,401 vehicles.

The China Science Lab (pictured) will be the first major laboratory established by a global automaker in China. In a statement, GM said the lab's initial focus will be on research related to advanced propulsion technology and joining technology.

But the lab will also focus on battery cells, megacity safety research, advanced vehicle development, and light materials. It will engage in additional activities in accordance with market conditions and its own research capability as it ramps up.

The lab will also carry out collaborative work with universities and government-run scientific institutions across China. It is expected to employ up to 100 staff during its early stage of operation. No specifics were provided regarding the lab's scheduled construction and opening dates or its cost.

Kevin Wale, president and managing director of the GM China Group, said that through the lab, "we will leverage the country's outstanding research talent together with GM's extensive resources to come up with new innovations for the benefit of vehicle users around the globe."

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (2); Scott Doggett September 24, 2009, 12:56 PM
Categories:: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, China, China, Emissions, Fuel Economy, General Motors, Opel, Plug-ins and Electric, Saab
Technorati Tags:: Buick

June 16, 2009

Report: 512-HP Koenigsegg Quant Solar-Electric 4-Seater To Enter Production

Swedish supercar company Koenigsegg obtained a controlling interest in Saab so it could access Saab's production facilities to build electric cars, according to a report today by the Website Realtid.se.

Citing unnamed sources, Realtid.se reported that buying into Saab will allow Koenigsegg to bring its stunning solar-powered Quant EV concept car (pictured) to production reality.

With government aid, production of the zero-emissions Quant is expected to start in very low volumes in a couple of years, Realtid.se reported. The Quant garnered quite a bit of interest when it was shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

The vehicle is the creation of fellow Swedish firm NLV Solar AG, which is a pioneer in photovoltaics and electrical-power technology. The Quant was born when NLV commissioned Koenigsegg to develop and design a "car of the future," incorporating the company's proprietary solar technology.

We hope this car's future really is just a couple of years away.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); Scott Doggett June 16, 2009, 12:53 PM
Categories:: Emissions, Fuel Economy, Koenigsegg, Plug-ins and Electric, Saab, Solar
Technorati Tags:: Electric Car

March 11, 2009

Despite Its Auto Industry's Woes, Sweden Plans Carbon Tax on Gas, Diesel Vehicles

Carrots and sticks usually come into play when governments want citizens and corporations to change their behavior.

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Swedish government wants to tax motor vehicles such as these on a Stockholm highway based on their carbon emissions.
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Most governments these days are scrambling to hand out carrots (in the form of tax breaks) for motor vehicle manufacturers whose sales have plummeted during the global economic recession. But Sweden has fashioned a big stick -- a carbon emissions tax that would noticeably increase the cost of most vehicles that burn fossil fuels.

The Swedish Association of Green Motorists estimates the average annual cost to owners with vehicles subject to the tax at $180. Oh to have been in the corporate boardrooms of already struggling Saab and Volvo when word of this plan hit.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); John O'Dell March 11, 2009, 5:00 AM
Categories:: Emissions, Fuel Economy, Saab, Volvo
Technorati Tags:: CarbonTax

July 22, 2008

Acura, Smart, Chevy Models Top List of Healthiest Cars Tested by Ecology Center

Soy foam in the seats the Ford F-150 pickups and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. Locally farmed hemp , "ethically produced" woolen fabric and floor mats made of sisal in the Lotus Eco Elise.

Some automakers are increasingly going to great lengths to make the interiors of some of their models if not environmentally friendly, at least a bit wholesome.

But others, well...

Early today the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor, Michigan, posted its second-annual consumer guide to toxic chemicals in cars and children's car seats at www.HealthyCar.org.

More than two hundred 2008- and 2009-model-year vehicles and more than 60 children's car seats were tested for unhealthy chemicals that seep in gaseous form from the steering wheel, dashboard, armrests, seats and carpet.

The "new-car smell," as the gases are commonly called, mingle with the air occupants breathe and have been linked to allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity and cancer.

The Ecology Center reported that Mazda, General Motors and Nissan improved since last year's findings, with GM showing the greatest gains of the domestic automakers, with an average vehicle ranking improvement of 27 percent.

The list of the 10 best and 10 worst vehicles as picked by the Center appears in the chart above.

Average child-car-seat scores improved 28 percent overall. The list of 10 best and worst car seats for 2008 as picked by the Center appears at left. Click on the chart for a better look.

For more information, go to www.HealthyCar.org.

Below are the three worst 2008-model-year vehicles by interior pollution, according to the Center (click on each to enlarge). From left to right: Mitsubishi Eclipse, Suzuki Reno and Volkswagen New Beetle.

Below are are the three best vehicles by interior pollution, according to the Center (click on each to enlarge). From left to right: Acura RXD, Chevrolet Cobalt and Smart Passion Cabriolet.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); Scott Doggett July 22, 2008, 12:21 AM
Categories:: Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge, Emissions, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, MINI, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Pontiac, Porsche, Renault, Saab, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Think, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo

July 17, 2008

That New Car Smell Might Kill You

By Scott Doggett, Contributor

That's our sensational headline for 2008, but there's more than a smidgen of truth in it.

Last year Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Ecology Center released the first-ever consumer guide to toxic chemicals in cars and child car seats -- and what they reported was sickening.

The odor you inhale when you slide into a new car? It might very well be bromine, chlorine, lead, other harmful chemicals or a witches' brew of them. They've been linked to birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births and, no doubt, cancer.

If you think the government protects you against such things, think again. Some of the vehicles on the road today are veritable toxic dumps on wheels. And many drivers are exposed to these chemicals through inhalation and contact with dust every day.

In case you missed last year's report, Ecology Center found the most toxic vehicles were the Nissan Versa, Chevy Aveo, Scion xB 5dr and the Kia Rio. The least toxic vehicles were the Chevy Cobalt, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Odyssey and the Volvo V50.

Next Tuesday -- July 22 -- Ecology Center will release its second annual consumer guide to toxic chemicals in cars and child car seats, and if you're thinking of buying a new car anytime soon, you'll want to check it out. The guide will be posted at www.healthycar.org a little after midnight on the 22nd.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (2); Scott Doggett July 17, 2008, 1:39 PM
Categories:: Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge, Emissions, Fiat, Ford, Fuel Economy, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Legislation, Lexus, MINI, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opinion, Pontiac, Porsche, Renault, Saab, Smart, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo

May 27, 2008

Britain's Sexy Green Car Show Is Looking Good

BBC reporter works the Sexy Green Car Show in Cornwall, England.

The Sexy Green Car Show â€“ "the world's foremost eco-friendly motor show" â€“ is under way at Eden Project in Cornwall, England.

Before we say another word about it, let's be clear: No car is eco-friendly, despite what the show's sponsor (The Co-operative Insurance) says.

The second-annual show features 17 low-emission cars made by 11 automakers. Click here to see the list.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); Scott Doggett May 27, 2008, 8:14 AM
Categories:: Alternative Fuels, Auto Shows, Biofuels, Diesel, Emissions, Fuel Cell, Fuel Economy, Hydrogen, Plug-ins and Electric, Saab

May 1, 2008

A New Gorilla in Plug-in Market? Magna Enters Race

Plug-in hybrids are seen by many, including Magna, as the next great frontier.

By John O'Dell, Senior Editor

Another entry in the plug-in hybrid race, this time from a competitor with really powerful potential.

Magna International , the top-tier Canadian auto parts maker, says it will roll out a plug-in car late next year or in 2010.

So as not to foul relationships with the major automakers that it already supplies with scores of parts, Magna says it won't sell a competing plug-in but will sell them the bits and pieces needed to make their own.

In markets where its customers don't sell cars, though, Magna intends to field a complete plug-in under its own brand.

The company, which reported $26.1 billion in sales and a $663 million net profit last year, is serious about becoming a car maker.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); John O'Dell May 1, 2008, 12:22 PM
Categories:: Chrysler, Daimler, Fisker, Ford, General Motors, Hybrid, Plug-ins and Electric, Saab, Tesla, Toyota, Volvo

March 21, 2008

Saab BioHybrid Concept Grabs Attention at NY Show

New York -- The New York International Auto Show features a smattering of eco-friendly vehicles this year that, while unusual or even quirky, are not quite showstoppers. These include the Mitsubishi iMIEV and Subaru R1e electric minicars, and the Nissan Denki Cube Concept.

But one eco-friendly show car here is an attention grabber: the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, which made its world debut earlier this month at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show.

To improve aerodynamics and fuel economy at speed, the sleek and sporty two-door hatchback features a rooftop spoiler that automatically extends at speeds above 43 miles per hour, lengthening the roofline, while a rear diffuser automatically extends from beneath the rear bumper...