Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : The Electric Car, or MPG "what me worry?" -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: sageyrain who wrote (21)	9/8/2006 4:51:49 PM
From: Tadsamillionaire	Respond to of 17522

I agree with your asessment. It does cost as much to make corn/ soy fuel as it does to drill for the real thing.

To: sageyrain who wrote (21)	9/10/2006 3:46:08 PM
From: Tadsamillionaire	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 17522

Vehicles Go USA – UnitedAuto Group Selected as Future Exclusive Distributor Detroit, Michigan, USA / Böblingen, Germany, June 28, 2006 - Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management DaimlerChrysler AG (NYSE: DCX) and head of Mercedes Car Group today announced that the unique and urban-friendly smart brand will enter the U.S. market. Beginning in 2008, the successor to the smart fortwo will be available in U.S. markets in three models. The U.S.A., as the world's largest automotive market, will be the 37th market for smart. The Parties have agreed on the framework for the exclusive distribution of smart vehicles by international automotive retailer UnitedAuto Group, Inc. (NYSE:UAG). UnitedAuto will be responsible for awarding potential dealers and developing and maintaining a smart vehicle dealership network throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. DaimlerChrysler AG Chairman of the Board of Management and head of Mercedes Car Group Dieter Zetsche said, "Following the success of the smart fortwo in our first North American market, Canada, and the increasing demand for affordable and fuel efficient small cars in the U.S.A., we are now bringing this new kind of mobility to U.S. cities. The time has never been better for this – and I am convinced that the smart fortwo as an innovative, ecological and agile city car will soon become just as familiar a sight on the streets of New York, Miami or Seattle, as it is today in Rome, Berlin or Paris." Like its predecessor, the smart fortwo successor will have all the important features that make customers feel safer and more comfortable. As part of the Mercedes Car Group, the smart vehicle will be equipped with unique technology, including the “hard shell” tridion safety cell, ESP and various airbag systems. UnitedAuto Chairman Roger Penske remarked, "We are thrilled with the opportunity to represent the smart brand in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through our international diversification, we’ve seen the benefits the smart brand provides in Europe. We believe the U.S. market will embrace the smart vehicle with its exceptional fuel economy, environmentally friendly features, and advantageous price point. We look forward to a successful launch of this vehicle over the next several years." About smart Since October 1998 the smart fortwo has attracted more than 750,000 customers in 36 countries. As a brand of DaimlerChrysler, smart benefits from the parent corporation's technical expertise and extensive experience in the automotive business. The successor to the smart fortwo will be launched in Europe next year and will be available in the USA for the first time the following year. The two-seater egg-shaped cars get 46.3 miles per gallon in the city to 70.6 mpg on the highway, according to some estimates, although Singhartinger points out that if the brand is brought to the United States, it will be the next generation of the vehicle which is due to be rolled out in Europe in early 2007. With U.S. gasoline prices near $3 a gallon, and lagging sales of the large SUV's and pickups that DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler unit depends upon, it would appear to be the right time to bring Smart cars to the U.S. market. gosmartcars.com

To: sageyrain who wrote (21)	9/21/2006 12:37:13 PM
From: sageyrain	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 17522

Hoooray, biodieselblog.com There is a diesel/electric hybrid Just saw a Tech Talk (video link coming soon) at work about diesels and plugin-hybrids by UC Davis' Reed Benet. One factoid I learned is that there is, apparently, a diesel/electric hybrid in the works after all: GM's Opel Astra gm.com Wikipedia's Astra page * AutoBlog on the Astra I'd rather buy a VW TDI/hybrid though Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid Concept Demonstrates Easy Scalability of Innovative Two-Mode Full Hybrid System Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid DETROIT (Jan. 10, 2005) – The Opel Astra diesel front-wheel drive concept vehicle, equipped with a two-mode full hybrid and the 1.7-liter CDTI engine, delivers up to 25 percent improved fuel economy while maintaining fun-to-drive performance. The concept vehicle is based on the production-version Opel Astra GTC and was built at GM’s European International Technical Development Center in R ? sselsheim , Germany . How Two-mode Full Hybrids work GM’s two-mode full hybrid system has been established as the starting point for a GM-DaimlerChrysler collaboration. The unique architecture can be scaled to fit FWD, RWD and AWD vehicles and adapted to both gasoline and diesel engines. Two electronically controlled electric motors act on a series of gears to create an infinitely variable drive system. The system fits within the space of a conventional automatic transmission. A battery pack supplies power to the electric motors and also allows for full-electric propulsion. As a packaging study, the Astra Diesel Hybrid demonstrates how hybrid components can be integrated into a compact car without compromising passenger comfort and the vehicle’s utility. The nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is located in the spare tire well, along with cooling fans. The battery was developed with specialist Varta. “We decided to use a diesel-powered car as a starting point because in the mid-term, we don’t see a demand for gasoline hybrids in Europe ,” said Hans H. Demant, GM’s European engineering vice president and Opel’s managing director. “Our state-of-the-art CDTI engines already deliver impressive dynamics and low fuel consumption. The Astra concept demonstrates that fuel efficiency and vehicle dynamics can be significantly improved by hybrid technology.” The Astra Diesel Hybrid is propelled by a powerful 92-kw (125-horsepower) 1.7-liter CDTI engine with a maintenance-free particulate filter and by two electric motors, rated at 30 kw and 40 kw, respectively. Depending on the driving conditions, the electric motors will deliver additional power for the diesel engine or will propel the Astra with full electric power. A sophisticated controller determines the propulsion mode. The electric motors boost the already strong performance of the turbo-diesel engine, delivering a feeling of performance that would otherwise be achieved only with a larger-displacement engine. Acceleration performance of less than 8 seconds from 0-100 kph (62 mph) is expected with the Astra Diesel Hybrid concept. With fuel consumption below 4-liters/100km (MVEG mix), the Astra Diesel Hybrid is projected to be 25 percent more fuel-efficient than comparable diesel models. This is achieved through the hybrid system’s operating parameters, which include full engine stop at idle and full electric propulsion at launch. The electric motors also are used for deceleration, where kinetic energy is recuperated and stored in the battery. During braking and coasting, the electric motors work as generators to charge the battery pack. As with other vehicles using the two-mode full hybrid technology, the Astra Diesel Hybrid incorporates two separate on-board electrical systems. The drive system uses a high-voltage system, while the other converts electricity to operate a 12-volt system that powers safety and convenience items such as the lights, HVAC and the audio system.From the outside, the Astra Diesel Hybrid, with its unique panoramic glass roof, doesn’t look much different from a production-version Astra GTC. Inside, however, the tachometer in the gauge cluster has been replaced by instruments that provide feedback on the operation of the hybrid propulsion system, such as traction provided by the electric motors, traction from the diesel engine, or both. Another gauge displays the battery’s charge level. Also, a video animation in the graphic information display located in the center console depicts the current propulsion state of the vehicle when it’s driving. The two-mode full hybrid technology can provide a significant reduction in fuel consumption helping to meet ever-stringent carbon-dioxide emission targets. Its scalability enables the technology to be applied to markets around the world. TECHNICAL DATA: Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid Concept Vehicle Vehicle type: front-wheel-drive, five-passenger concept vehicle based on the Opel Astra GTC Dimensions (mm / in): length: 4290 / 169 width: 1729 / 68 height: 1433 / 56.4 Diesel engine: 1.7L CDTI with 92-kw/125-hp and 280-Nm/206 lb-ft of torque; with maintenance-free particulate filter Electric motors: two: 30-kw and 40-kw; integrated within transmission case Two-mode Full Hybrid: electronically controlled electric variable with mechanical lock-up Battery : type: 1.3-kw NiMH (Varta) weight: 35 kg / 77 lb location: spare tire compartment Performance: 0-100 kph / 62 mph = less than 8 seconds Fuel consumption: less than 4 liter diesel / 100 km in the MVEG cycle