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Ford launching major new product push in Europe; fuel economy and 1.0L EcoBoost engine; first Ford full hybrid car for Europe

Green Car Congress

To support the rollout, Ford will rapidly expand the availability of EcoBoost gasoline engine technology, low CO 2 ECOnetic Technologies, vehicle electrification and driver assistance features. The Focus Electric will go on sale early next year. The Ford Mondeo Hybrid will be Ford’s first full hybrid-electric vehicle for Europe.

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Study finds car dealerships pose significant barrier to EV adoption

Green Car Congress

A new study by a team from Aarhus University in Denmark has found that car dealerships pose a significant barrier to electric vehicle adoption at the point of sale due to a perceived lack of business case viability in relation to gasoline and diesel vehicles. Only three North America-focused studies exist as of 2017.

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HyBoost concept achieving close to Prius-level CO2 emissions; aggressive downsizing with advanced boosting and micro-hybrid system

Green Car Congress

HyBoost achieves this by combining aggressive 50% downsizing of the engine with an electric supercharger for transient low-speed performance, and a micro-hybrid stop-start and energy recuperation systems, Boggs said. Ricardo’s gasoline engine roadmap focuses on CO 2 reduction through downsizing and the use of synergistic technologies.

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Ford begins production of 2012 Focus Electric at Michigan Assembly, C-MAX models on deck

Green Car Congress

Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant is starting production of the 2012 Focus Electric ( earlier post )—a five-passenger, battery-electric car Ford expects will achieve more than a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel economy rating. 1 gallon of gasoline=33.7 Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.;

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NHTSA proposes updating electrical safety requirements for fuel cell and mild hybrid vehicles; alignment with int’l standards

Green Car Congress

The US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking ( NPRM ) to update electrical safety requirements for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and mild hybrid vehicles. 305 currently only has post-crash electrical safety requirements. One purpose of FMVSS No.

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Software Upgrade to Prius PHEV NiMH Conversion Kit Enables All-Electric Driving At Up to 70mph

Green Car Congress

kWh NiMH plug-in hybrid (PHEV) conversion kit that enables all-electric mode driving at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (until the battery pack is depleted) in a converted Prius. What we’re essentially offering is all-electric performance for about 25 miles at highway speeds. Poway, California-based Plug In Conversions Corp.

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

Green Car Congress

GM has offered Saab for sale, and is requesting Swedish government support prior to any sale. Five additional plant closings in North America, bringing the total to 14 plant closures within the next three years. GM will have a total of 36 nameplates in 2012, down 25% from 2008 levels. GM Fuel Economy plans.

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