Smart Fortwo Electric Drive - Auto Shows

When your standard microcar just ain't green enough. To an already impressive roster of hybrid and electric vehicles slated to appear at this month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, we can add another: Smart has announced that it will be bringing an über-green Fortwo prototype dubbed the Electric Drive. While details are scarce at this point, Smart has said that the electron-powered Fortwo will get its juice from a lithium-ion battery. Citing ongoing tests conducted throughout Europe with small fleets of prior prototypes, Smart reports that feedback has been positive and that it's considering the project successful enough to justify production. Keep Reading: Smart Fortwo Electric Drive - Auto Shows

 

Toyota reveals iQ-based FT-EV Concept

Toyota has announced that it will display its new FT-EV concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, while also confirming that it will launch an urban commuter 'battery-electric vehicle' (BEV) by 2012. The world's largest carmaker also revealed that it will start consumer trials of a fleet of 150 plug-in hybrids towards the end of this year and launch as many as ten new petrol-electric hybrid vehicles next year. This announcement, coupled with its compressed natural gas powered Camry Hybrid concept display at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, signal Toyota's intention to broaden the scope of its advanced alternative-fuel vehicle development. The all-electric FT-EV concept shares its platform with the iQ urban commuter vehicle, and can drive up to 50 miles on a single charge. Although BEVs and new smaller vehicles like the iQ will be a key component of Toyota's sustainable mobility strategy, the conventional gas-electric hybrid, like the all new third-generation Prius, also set for this month's Detroit event, is considered Toyota's long-term core powertrain technology. 2009 Toyota FT-EV concept

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SsangYong goes into receivership to avoid bankruptcy

Despite the attractive new C200 crossover concept debuted at last year's Paris Motor Show, the successful Rexton production SUV and the new-for-2008 Chairman W luxury sedan, South Korea's SsangYong has revealed that it is entering court receivership to avoid being forced into bankruptcy. The global slump in car sales hit the carmaker hard in every market, pushing down share values by 77% over the last 12 months. The company had previously cut wages by 30%, reduced output and received a $45 million cash injection from China's SAIC, which owns 51% of SsangYong. SsangYong C200 Concept

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Report: Mitsubishi to supply PSA Peugeot Citroen with electric vehicles

Back in June of last year, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi announced that both companies were to start a feasibility study in the field of electric powertrains. The project, which was to run over several months, related to the development, the manufacture and the use of an electric powertrain for small urban vehicles. Japan's Nikkei daily is now reporting that Mitsubishi will actually supply its i-Miev electric vehicle to PSA Peugeot Citroen as early as next year. Up to 10,000 of the compact electric cars may be supplied to the French carmaker by 2011, with most of the cars expected to be sold in France as well as several other European nations.

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Chevy Beat Concept headed to Detroit, U.S. production possible

Despite adamant statements to the contrary, the production verion of the Chevrolet Beat could be made available for sale in the U.S. On this morning's Today Show, General Motors product guru Ed Welburn talked with Matt Lauer about the car, which will be on display at the Detroit Auto Show. Rumors of North American availability have persisted despite GM's statement that the car couldn't be made to meet federal safety standards without significant re-design. The car was always intended as an entry in Asian and other markets, however. 2011 Chevrolet Beat spy shots

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Coming in February: The Auto Moto

Are you an easy-ridin' motorcycle hound stuck in a square-peg, square-hole rut? Want the convenience and fuel-efficiency of a scooter, but concerned about practicalities of living the Vespa lifestyle (including having to hang with other Vespa owners)? Well, perhaps you should consider the new Auto Moto. At first glance,  the Auto Moto looks ..

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Aptera acknowledges production delays, major changes

Aptera 2e Product delays from startup companies should come as no surprise, especially from those aspiring to build green cars. The latest is California based Aptera who is developing a tear drop-shaped, two-seat three-wheeler. The company had originally promised to start delivering the electric 2e by the end of 2008. Unfortunately, that first "production intent" example is still at least a week away from completion and, according to an email sent to people who had put down $500 refundable deposits, that vehicle will stay within the company. In fact, Aptera will be slowly building vehicles until at least October before it ships any to customers. The reason is because in recent months the company has made a couple minor changes at customers' behest. You know, little things like switching the car's layout from driving the single rear wheel to the two front wheels. That and adding a roll down section to the windows so you can hit the drive through window without opening the door. In order to get a handle on real demand, the company is also offering people the chance to convert their deposits to non-refundable status, which will also get them an extra $250 off the final price. Check out the whole email received by those customers after the jump. Hat tip to aptera buyer! Gallery: Aptera 2e [Source: Aptera]