 |
 |
|
| Video News & Views
PEOPLE & IDEAS TO WATCH | Natural Green Marketing | | An established LA dealership network has learned that dealers need something other than price for the public to come to them, and an environmentally friendly car can draw them in. |
| | | | |
 |
July 08, 2010
Jon LeSage, Editor
 |
|
Nissan Motor Co. says it will roll out the Fuga hybrid this year in Japan and next year in the U.S. Driven by a 3.5 liter V6 engine and an electric motor, the company expects the hybrid will be 90% more fuel efficient than the gasoline-powered version. This is happening when Nissan has devoted resources to starting up its Leaf pure electric car, and so far has only produced one other hybrid – the Altima hybrid model. Nissan hasn’t been competing with Japanese rivals Toyota and Honda to excel in the hybrid market, but will be devoting more to taking market share in this category along with making a splash in battery-only. As I’ve read the market reports and talked to analysts (see Mike Omotoso interview in Get Reel), it becomes clear that plug-in cars are very big this year, but hybrids will continue to be central.
Your thoughts? Email me at jon@automotivedigest.com.
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Green Conference Planning Guide |
Conference Themes, Agendas, & Events |
|
|
Clean Cities Program Happening Soon in Houston
Since the 1990s, the Dept. of Energy's Clean Cities program has had quite an impact on what happens in states and metro regions across the country for green car development – and for having influence in Washington. Clean Cities has created platforms for fleet managers, regulators, OEMs, technology suppliers, and environmental and energy groups to form coalitions for alternative fuel vehicle growth. Groups have worked together to bring federal funding to the state and a structure for prototype projects to take root. The Houston-Galveston Area Clean Cities is presenting 2010 Advancing the Choice Conference, taking place Tuesday, July 13 in Pasadena, Texas. Topics will include Transport in Transition - The Impacts of Alternative Fuels on the Industry & the Region, Green Logistics - Moving Goods While Optimizing Efficiency & Conservation, GPS & GIS As a Cost-Saving Solution, and Funding Opportunities for Alternative Fuels. Read more.
|
|
 |
|
Alternative Fuels & Vehicles |
Natural Gas, Propane, & Biofuels |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plug-in Readiness for Communities Workshop
One of the pre-conference workshops for Plug-in 2010 will focus on what's necessary to prepare for plug-in vehicles making their way to communities across the country. Mark Duvall of Electric Power Research Institute will present an overview of charging equipment and vehicle charging requirements. Other seminars will be Ready, Set, Charge! How Communities Prepare for Plug-In Electric Vehicles; Clean Fuel Connection; Educated Guesses – Forecasting PEV Adoption: Where, When, and How Many; PEV Adopters: Customer Expectations and Requirements; and Charging Infrastructure for Multi-Unit Dwellings and Rentals. Read more.
|
|
Another Workshop Focuses on Battery Costs
Battery Costs and Markets Workshop is another pre-conference session happening at Plug-in 2010. Session 1 focuses on Costs and Production with moderator Haresh Kamath of Electric Power Research Institute, and panelists Shankar DasGupta of Electrovaya, John Schaaf of Saft/JCI, and Kevin Chen of Applied Materials. The second session deals with Alternative Markets for Vehicle Batteries and is led by moderator John Gartner of Pike Research, who is joined by Roger Lin of A123, Damien Gardley of Compact Power, and Saul Zambrano of Pacific Gas & Electric Company.
|
|
Public Night Shows Off Cars and Features Panel
Public Night offers an opportunity to preview the very latest vehicles and other plug-in technology innovations, and then take part in a panel discussion about your role in bringing plug-ins to market. The panel discussion is called Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Getting the Message Out and will be lead by moderator Mark Duvall of Electric Power Research Institute. Speakers will be Martin Eberhard, co-founder of Tesla Motors, Bill Nye, "The Science Guy," Jessie Deeter, producer of Who Killed the Electric Car and Revenge of the Electric Car, and Chelsea Sexton, founder of The Lightning Rod Foundation and a former GM EV1 specialist.
|
|
|
 |
|
Green Resources & Sources |
Reports, Whitepapers, & Association News |
|
|
IHS CERA Looks at Gulf Oil Spill Implications In the wake of the April 20 oil spill blowout in the Gulf of Mexico, IHS CERA has researched the issue to provide context to deepwater production’s role in global oil supply prior to the blowout. According to IHS CERA, global deepwater production (2,000 feet, 610 meters, or more water depth) capacity rose from 1.5 million barrels per day (mbd) in 2000 to more than 5 mbd in 2009. If deepwater production was viewed as its own “country,” it would exceed that of every other country except Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the U.S. At the global and U.S. levels, deepwater oil discoveries are increasingly important to the reserve base. According to IHS data, US Gulf of Mexico production accounted for 30% of U.S. crude oil production in 2009. Future research from IHS CERA will examine the potential impacts of the spill on future production.
|
|
 |
|
|
| Manufacturers, Technology, & Component Suppliers |
| |
|
|
|
Upcoming Conferences: The Houston-Galveston Area Clean Cities is presenting 2010 Advancing the Choice Conference, taking place Tuesday, July 13 in Pasadena, Texas. Clean Cities are an important avenue for green car leaders to network. What’s next for pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is a vital topic. Readiness for plug-ins and managing the cost of batteries are two pre-conference topics at the upcoming Plug-in 2010. Focus of the Week: Smart grids are essential for electric vehicles to grow through widespread charging stations, so realistic connectivity is being considered all the time. Southern California Edison provides a clear example of this changeover to smart grids. Here are some publications and organizations to follow as electric utilities invest heavily in smart grid technology that’s the epicenter of electric vehicle expansion. Green Videos in Get Reel: LAcarGUY’s Brad Burlingham on the benefits of dealers marketing environmentally friendly cars. Mike Omotoso of J.D. Power and Associates forecasts how small cars, CUVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles are set to grow in sales volume. American Honda’s Steve Ellis on the FCX Clarity and when cost reduction and advancement in technology aligned with station infrastructure will bring it to market at luxury car-like prices. And More: Upcoming conferences, green resources and sources, green people profiles, press releases you should check out, and much more.
|
|
|
 |
| Electric Vehicles & Charging Stations |
EVs Seek Smart Grid Connection
All of the utilities in this country, and many around the world, are essentially putting their eggs in one basket – upgrading to smart grids to modernize their infrastructure, improve performance, and offer attractive benefits to customers and stakeholders. Benefits include reduced monthly bills to residential and commercial customers, and moving forward on mandated directions to create renewable clean source energy. It has a lot of impact on electric vehicle makers and technology providers – they’re being asked to do much of the work to make EVs reach mass market. Yet their efforts are essential for EVs to grow through widespread charging stations, so realistic connectivity is being considered all the time.
- [Read More] |
|
Edison Provides Example of Bringing Smart Grid to Life
Utility bills have been going up in recent years as the electricity infrastructure has undergone drastic changes in government regulations, new technology, and having nearly ancient power stations and infrastructure to deal with. Southern California Edison provides a clear example of this changeover, and if you’re a resident or business owner receiving monthly billing statements, you’re also receiving promotional flyers describing a new era in electricity technology that will soon come to your door. SCE is investing in brining smart grid technology to all of its customers soon, and offers an interesting example of how it works. Customers are looking forward to the cool technology and reduced bill payments.
- [Read More] |
|
Electric Vehicle Media & Organizations to Follow
This year is expected to be an historic landmark for plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles as appealing cars hit the road, and utilities, automakers, regulators, and stakeholders make decisions on how all these batteries will be charged in the near future. Battery powered vehicles of all types are of growing importance to everyone in the automotive sector, and this year is especially significant for growth. Electric utilities are at the center of this movement and are investing heavily in smart grid technology for it all to happen sometime soon. Here are some publications and organizations that are very much worth tracking to stay current.
- [Read More] |
|
|
 |
Stats and Smart Charts
 |
US Energy Consumption by Fuel – 1980 to 2035
[Click to enlarge graphic]
 Significance of the Data: - US fuel consumption expected to have steady rising climb, except for hydropower
- Liquid fuels are petroleum products, natural gas liquids, biofuels, and liquids derived from other hydrocarbon sources (coal to liquids and gas to liquids
- Natural gas and coal play similar roles in powering electric power stations
- Data comes from US Energy Information Administration
- Source: US Energy Information Administration - Dec. 14, 2009
|
|
July 17-18 in Madison, Wis.
|
|
Chelsea Sexton, star of the upcoming “Revenge of the Electric Car” comes to town for Green Drive Expo, July 17-18 in Madison, Wis. The 5th annual event will feature both exciting new features as well as classic mainstays, and the always popular MPG Challenge. The Green Drive Expo started as Hybridfest, and for several years has brought together green drivers from across the nation. Read more.
|
|
|
Coming Up Oct. 1-2
|
|
AltCar Expo will take place once again in the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. It’s a two-day green transportation extravaganza sharing what's new and available in the world of alternative energy options. The Exhibition Hall features a wide variety of alternative fuel vehicles. Seminars will focus on fleet programs, the charging infrastructure, vehicle and energy rebates and tax credits, a tech review panel, and "some inconvenient questions." Learn more.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
Green People Going Places
|
Joel Makower
GreenBiz.com
Executive Editor
Joel Makower is chairman and executive editor of Greener World Media, producer of GreenBiz.com and other websites, events, and business information services. The websites are designed to serve professionals and opinion leaders across a broad range of industries and job functions – to integrate environmental responsibility into their operations in a manner that supports profitable business practices. For several years, GreenBiz.com has been a leading news and information source tracking corporate sustainability and the emergence of an all-new global industry. Makower speaks at prominent industry events, including Fortune’s Brainstorm Green event which took place in April in Laguna Niguel, Calif. He is author of more than a dozen books, including Strategies for the Green Economy. In this book, Makower distills his more than 20 years of watching the green business scene and offers insights and inspiration for understanding and untangling the complexities and controversies of profiting in the growing green economy.
|
 |
Dan Cohen
Better Place
VP of Strategic Initiatives
Cohen has played a leadership role in Better Place signing a memorandum of understanding with Chery Automobile Co., China’s largest independent auto producer and exporter, to collaborate on electric vehicle technology in the world’s largest auto market. As Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Better Place, Cohen is responsible primarily for overseeing key initiatives and providing leadership support within the Office of the CEO. Before joining Better Place, Cohen served as managing director with John L. Thornton & Company, a private equity firm led by the former President and co-chief operating officer of Goldman Sachs. He focused on investments and strategic advisory projects throughout Asia. Prior to that, Cohen was a consultant with McKinsey & Company, where he led client engagements in the consumer goods sector. His prior experience also includes several years as project manager in the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
|
|
|
| Design & Development |
Automotive X Prize Entering Final Winning Lap
|
|
The Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize is becoming an essential "race for the green" to track with new efficient, high speed performance technology being tested for any type of imaginable light-duty passenger vehicle. The Edison2 team, Li-on Motors, and X-Tracer Team are taking a clear lead as the competition enters its final stage.
|
|
|
BMW, Competitors Look for Sporty Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint
|
|
GM and Ford showed off unusual electric vehicles at recent international auto shows as examples of where sustainable cars need to be designed to deal with overcrowded, polluted growing cities. BMW offered a glimpse of its Mega City Vehicle, and its design team has the challenge of introducing a new model that's both sustainable and premium.
|
|
|
 |
| The Color of Money (F&I) |
Financial Overhaul Legislation Delayed
|
|
The House approved new financial regulations Wednesday, but Senate leaders postponed a vote on the bill, preventing the landmark legislation from reaching President Obama's desk until at least mid-July. The legislation has been a focal point of lobbying by auto dealers seeking exemption from oversight by the new consumer financial protection agency.
|
|
|
Auto Loan Rates on the Rise
|
|
Bankrate.com published its weekly look at auto loan rates. The group surveys large banks and thrifts to collect the information. According to the group, rates were up across the board.
|
|
|
 |
| Fleet Factor & Regulations |
J.D. Power Report Confirms Interest in Emerging Technologies for Vehicles
|
|
The J.D. Power 2010 US Automotive Emerging Technologies Study reveals strong consumer interest in vehicles having some capabilities similar to smartphones. The study also measured interest in other technologies such as safety but found interest often dropped when prices were mentioned.
|
|
|
Feds, Automakers Tackle Drunk Driving with Technology
|
|
The Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 now includes an additional $60 million to develop an in-vehicle alcohol detection system which would disable the vehicle for those with illegal blood alcohol levels. The development has already been funded at $10 million with half coming from automakers hoping to use the technology.
|
|
|
 |
| Fuels & Energy |
Fiat Promoting Natural Gas Chrysler Vehicles in U.S.
|
|
Fiat SpA has been selling significant volumes of natural gas-powered vehicles in the European market for several years. Now Fiat executives are promoting Chrysler electric vehicles in the U.S. market as a viable transition method during the next two years, before electric vehicles join the ranks of Chrysler products.
|
|
|
Ecotality Bringing 15,000 Charging Stations to 13 U.S. Cities
|
|
With the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf coming to market later this year, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles are gaining much praise, yet the charging station infrastructure is quite limited. Enter Ecotality, an electric transportation company prepared to launch 15,000 public charging stations in 13 markets.
|
|
|
 |
| Automotive Marketing |
Terrafugia Transition Could be First Mass-Produced Car-Plane by 2011
|
|
Terrafugia has cleared a major FAA hurdle to producing its $194K Transition car-plane by 2011 to over 70 waiting customers. Transition is being marketed as the next "wow" vehicle to private pilots who want a plane without the added cost of storing it at a hangar and having to find ground transportation on both ends of a trip.
|
|
|
BHPH Dealers Still in Government Crosshairs
|
|
The death of Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) may delay the final vote on the massive financial regulations legislation working its way through Congress. Democrats do not have the sixty votes necessary to overcome Republican objections. If passed and signed into law, auto dealers will be exempted from regulation by the new consumer protection agency. Buy Here, Pay Here dealers were not so lucky.
|
|
|
 |
| Dealers & Aftermarket |
Ford Super Duty Customer Testing Extended; More Power, Fuel Economy Reported
|
|
Fleets testing pre-production 2011 Ford Super Duty trucks are pleased with results after averaging 22K miles. Improved fuel-economy, less noise, added power, off-road maneuverability, Sync communications and B20 compatibility are highlights of fleet praise for test trucks.
|
|
|
Underinflated Tires Cost 9 Cents Per Gallon
|
|
Half of vehicles have underinflated tires which reduce loads, fail to grip while cornering and reduce fuel economy 0.3% for every 1-pound drop in air pressure for each tire. This can result in a cost of 8-9 cents/gallon for severe underinflation.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
