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ISU study finds large potential for biobased materials in auto industry, but with challenges

Green Car Congress

However, they noted, there are also many challenges associated with the use of biobased parts in the auto industry. The Saturn L300 and European-market Opel Vectra have package trays and door panel inserts made of a kenaf and flax mixture. Cost to manufacture is one of the main considerations. General Motors.

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GM and Chrysler Submit Updated Restructuring Plans; Up to $18.6B More Needed; Outlines for Product Plans

Green Car Congress

The plans, updated in the context of a worsening sales outlook for the entire auto industry, outline a need for up to an additional $16.6 Saturn will remain in operation for the next several years, through the end of the planned lifecycle for all Saturn products. GM Fuel Economy plans.

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BrightDrop: GM’s silent push into electric commercial vehicles

Charged EVs

BrightDrop offers a fascinating window into the breadth of GM’s EV plans, though even many people in the auto industry know little about it. Thus, the restructured GM was composed of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac, while the Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn brands died. The BrightDrop Zevo 600. Photo courtesy of BrightDrop.

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How Carmakers Are Responding to the Plug-In Hybrid Opportunity

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

Fisker $80,000 Karma series luxury 50-mile range series PHEV, S Sunset convertible version.Partnering with Quantum Technologies. Plans Saturn Vue PHEV-10. Aims to get Saturn Vue on road in 2010; no production goal. Plug-in hybrids make little sense in a car with current battery technology," he said.

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Electric-Car Fans Rally Around the Volt - Green Inc. Blog - NYTimes.com

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

“Any new technology like the Chevy Volt takes time to become profitable,&# said Jay Friedland, the legislative director for Plug-In America , an electric-car advocacy group. First-generation technology is expensive, but you can’t have a second generation without a first generation.” rolls toward bankruptcy. and Chrysler. .&#

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GM Says Chevrolet Volt Won't 'Pay the Rent' | Autopia from Wired.com

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

Newly installed CEO Fritz Henderson argues that pioneering projects like the Volt typically lose money until the technology catches on. "On some products, the costs, particularly in advanced technologies, are high," he said in a lengthy interview with Automotive News (free subscription required). you see that?

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