Volvo has announced plans to launch a new hybrid bus for Europe at the IAA Bus and Truck Show in Hanover, Germany this September. No stranger to building big hybrids, Volvo had been waiting to have a go at a bus until it was more "commercially viable." Now, with many parts based on standard products, the company believes it is approaching a "generational shift" and will be able to save customers up to 30 percent of their fuel cost which would allow them to recover the extra bump in the price tag relatively quickly.

The first hybrid model is a 12 meter (40 foot) low-floor city bus with all the components of its parallel hybrid drivetrain sourced from Volvo. The hybrid uses a 5 liter diesel engine that is smaller than the one normally used in this chassis which allows them to add the extra hybrid bits within the same space. The weight of the hybrid is about the same as the diesel model was but has better weight distribution and so can carry more passengers. Though it's not mentioned in the information from Volvo, there is an articulated model present in the press images (see gallery below) and we suspect that this may be part of their future plans - at least, we hope so. The official press release is after the break.



[Source: Volvo]

Volkswagen is introducing a new 160hp version of its 1.4-liter TFSI engine. This engine and the 122hp version are replacing VW's 1.6 FSI and 2.0 FSI engines which produced 115 and 150hp, respectively. This change in the engine lineup will start in the Golf Plus, Jetta and Golf Variant versions.

As we mentioned before, Volkswagen is dropping its direct-injection diesel technology (pump-injection), first used two decades ago, and will join the rest of automakers in using common-rail injection technology for its diesel drivelines. This new 2.0 HDi dCi CDi CDTi TDI is already Euro 5 compliant. Although it was announced as coming in the new Golf VI, Germans can already buy the 2.0 TDI mated to the Jetta and Golf Variant (pictured above) and, later, in the Golf Plus. Although power remains unchanged from the old 2.0-liter at 140hp and fuel consumption is kept at 5.5 l/km (43mpg U.S.), CO₂ emissions are down to 143 grams of CO₂ per km and torque improves up to 320 Nm (236 lb-ft).

[Source: Auto News]

Click above to watch a video of the crash-test

German authorities have crash-tested the Segway and found that it's unsafe. Well, unsafe when running head-first into a parked car at nearly ten miles per hour that is. Uh, were we supposed to be surprised at this result? We'd be willing to step out on a limb and imagine that running into a building, concrete barrier or telephone pole at this same speed on a Segway would also prove dangerous. Clearly, we need to do something, right? While we are at it, why not legislate unicycles off the road. If we're already doing that, bicycles should clearly be next, followed by any human who's moving at anything over a walking pace. Oh, and helmets for all pedestrians.

Alright, fine... that last paragraph was sarcasm. The fact is that transportation is dangerous. Every year, people are killed driving cars, in airplane crashes and on bicycles. At some point, anybody who gets in or on a vehicle of any sort is taking a risk, and the Segway is no exception. While we have some issues with the Segway (ahem, the price), its supposed lack of safety isn't really one of them. If anyone speaks German and wants to translate any of this, feel free in the comments. Thanks for the tip, overengineered!

[Source: Spiegel Online]

Although the current signature for the "greener" VW Golfs is BlueMotion, there have been at least two models in the Golf's past that should be considered green for their time. German's Auto-News has published a complete report about special-edition Golfs and there are two green variants: One is an ancestor of BlueMotion itself and the second one is an EV.

Back in the early '80s, VAG-group cars had a formula to save gasoline which was called "E" and was used for large cars such as the VW Passat or the Audi 100. The trick was a button on the steering wheel that turned off the engine at traffic lights. The engine came back to life when engaging first gear. Sound familiar? Basically, this is what modern Stop/Start systems perform automatically. However, the 1981 Golf E with a stick shift of 3+E gears, could only save fuel with improved aerodynamics on the A-pillars, narrower tires and a fuel economy display that also suggested when to switch gears. The engines? A whopping 50hp gasoline or a 54hp atmospheric diesel.

Regarding EVs, Volkswagen introduced an all-electric Golf in 1995. Called the "City Stromer" (City Electric), it really showed the effects of the 16 massive (and, at 480kg, heavy) lead-acid batteries that fed the 24hp motor: 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) took 27 seconds. After some additional research, we found that this Golf could only carry 4 people, used a SIEMENS three-phase alternating current synchronous motor with permanent magnet excitation which was water cooled. Performance is far from a Tesla Roadster's: maximum speed of 100 km/h, and a range of 70 km in summer and 40 in winter. But it had brake energy recovery, and those numbers aren't too terrible, right? We even found a video of this one after the jump (in Czech).

[Source: Auto-News]

A grey 520d station wagon delivered in Munich and owned by Dr. Thomas Leske has become the 1-millionth BMW with EfficientDynamics. The choice of the model was significant, because BMW has also announced a 177hp 520d model with CO₂ emissions under 140 g/km for next Fall (at least in Germany). This model is is also Euro 5-compliant, and uses 5.1 l/100 km (46 mpg U. S.) as a sedan, or 5.3 l/km (44 mpg U. S.) for the Touring wagon. Moreover, a 2009-model 330d was also announced with BluePerformance (that is it uses an AdBlue NOx reduction system) which is Euro 6 compliant, the mandatory anti-pollution ruling for 2014. BMW claims that thanks to EfficientDynamics, its lineup of cars burns 25 percent less fuel than in 1995.

[Source: BMW]

Ford Germany has announced that its LPG and CNG-powered cars' performance has been improved. According to the press release, gas-powered Fords have improved their consumption up to 1 liter/100 km, which allows the cars to have 50km (30 miles) more range, that is, about 450 km on gas and 750 additional km on unleaded.

Not only that, thanks to a new facility in Saarlouis, Ford has improved its production capabilities. All LPG variants will be made in the new facility in Saarlouis, which allows a global production of 2,000 units of Focus and Focus C-MAX models, while the existing facility in Mainz will be producing CNG variants exclusively (300 Focus, 250 Focus C-MAX) as well as the Ford Transit Van LPG variant (150 units).

Prices for factory-guaranteed conversions are €3,275 and €2,500 (CNG/LPG respectively) for the Ford Focus or C-MAX and €3,950 or €2,920 for the for the Ford Transit van (CNG/LPG respectively).

[Source: Ford]

Click above for complete gallery.

Although it is supposed to be introduced on Wednesday, the photos of the sixth generation of the Golf are now available online. The official introduction of the car is still set for October 2nd in Paris. This new generation gets the Scirocco frontal treatment although it's more an evolution than a revolution from the current model. Why is this interesting? VW is phasing out the last of their older TDI technology to become HDIs, and both the Polo and the Golf (Rabbit as it's known in the U. S.) will be the first models to get these diesels. Until now, VW's older diesels used pump injectors, but they're switching to common-rail technology, as the rest of competitors (namely the PSA HDI diesels and the Opel/Fiat CDTIs). The Golf is also expected to get a brand-new 1.6-liter TDi that will lower consumption and improve emissions, to get under the magical 120 g/km figure.


[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Plans for Mercedes to release the ML 450 hybrid in 2009 may very well be canceled. The maker of the nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries that was to provide the energy storage component for the SUV, Cobasys, seems to be refusing to begin production of the essential part. It appears the company's parent firms, Chevron (who just posted a $5.98 billion 2nd quarter profit) and Energy Conversion Devices (ECD) have "pulled funding" from the battery supplier, preventing it from meeting manufacturing commitments agreed upon last year.

No stranger to accusations of conspiracy when it comes squelching green-tech batteries, Chevron is again facing the charge in a lawsuit filed last week by Mercedes that claims the company colluded with ECD and Cobasys to keep the imminent sale of the distressed battery maker a secret to prevent the German firm from canceling the battery deal. The suit also alleges that Cobasys refused to begin production in case the terms of the contract were not seen as favorable to the new owners. This situation should make for interesting reading in the months to come and, we suspect, give folks yet another reason to dislike oil companies.

[Source: Information Week]

Click above for high-res gallery.

Aspiring German automaker Loremo has unveiled the newest images of their production intent model. Although they're only 3D renderings, they already show what the production model should look like. After the initial prototypes, the car gets the definitive shape, which is slightly more conventional in shape than before but also offers more interior space for its occupants. The long tail is still there, kept for aerodynamic reasons to keep the drag coefficient at 0.20.

Regarding powertrains, we will find three available, and they even disclosed approximate prices:

• LS: 2-cyl turbo diesel, 20hp, 2 l/100 km (117mpg U. S.). 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) under 20s. Top speed 160 km/h (95mph) - €15,000
• GT: 3-cyl turbo diesel, 50hp, 3 l/100 km (78mpg U. S.). 0-100 km/h under 10s. Top speed 200 km/h (125mph) - €20,000
• EV: Lithium-ion batteries, 20 kW (25hp), 0-100 km/h under 15s. Top speed 170 km/h (105mph) - €30,000

[Source: Loremo via Le Blog Auto]

Introduced last year, the BMW 1-series Cabrio included a diesel version in its lineup. For the 2009 model year, BMW has announced (in Europe, folks) that the 1-series will sport two additional engines: The 123d sports a 4-cylinder, 2-liter unit good for 204hp goes from 0 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds, uses 5.4 l/100 km (44mpg) and emits 144 g of CO₂ per km. As an entry diesel, there's the 118d model. It will include the same 2-liter engine but with a single turbocharger tuned for 143hp. It still manages a 0-62 mph figure in 9.5 seconds, while burning 4.9 l/100 km of diesel fuel (48mpg U. S.), as well as keeping CO₂ emissions under 129 g/km. . The car features other improvements such as a new iDrive interface, a better screen, better navigational system and guided tours, not to add Bluetooth compatibility and several other goodies. (Thanks to Jan for the corrections).



[Source: BMW]

We've heard rumors that Volkswagen would be going against the concept up!'s rear-engine and rear-wheel drive architecture, and it now appears that those earlier rumblings are indeed true. That's a big knock against the retro-theme that attracted many to the concept in the first place. After all, countless numbers of individuals were first introduced to the VW brand via the iconic Beetle, which, of course, had it's engine hanging off the rear and driving those wheels. VW CEO Martin Winterkorn says, "Our engineers favored a rear engine and fought until the end for that solution." Those dang accountants ruined the fun again.

A front-wheel drive architecture will undoubtedly lower the cost of the vehicle's development as it will allow for a much larger use of already-designed parts and will surely let VW use architecture from its Lupo small car. Still, that platform-sharing doesn't seem to be speeding up the development too much as it is now five full months behind schedule.

Hatchback, minivan and sedan versions of the platform are expected to begin sales in Europe in 2011, a full two years after rivals such as the Fiat Topolino and Toyota's iQ model are to go on sale. We have hopes that the up! will make it stateside, though the new FWD format surely makes them considerably less compelling to many eyes, ours included.


[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

While Volkswagen may be offering their first electric car as early as 2010 and are already imagining their 2028 electric offerings, the company's chief research officer, Juergen Leohold, doesn't see an explosion in the numbers of electro-mobiles on the road any time soon. In fact, by the time 2028 rolls around, he only expects them to make up only 10 per cent of that future fleet. What does he see as the big hold up? Batteries. According to the German boffin, lithium ion batteries may have already come a long way but they still lack in energy density and production capacity. Their current cost is also seen as prohibitively high. To top all that, he doesn't think it will ever top the internal combustion engine when it comes applications like long-haul trucks. Way to buzzkill, dude.

All that is not to say he is not a fan of the technology. Au contraire, mes frères. He expects VW to start off with small city cars, not unlike the Up! pictured above, but then use the electric drivetrain in larger, family size models. He says, "We have an ambition to electrify more than just the really small cars, but also our main model series, the Golf," Ah, that's more like it!

[Source: Deutsche Welle]

Mercedes-Benz is taking more positive action to reach its goal of nixing the use of petroleum by 2015. The company has announced they have expanded their Mannheim operations to increase the range of models with the iconic three-pointed star on the front of their hoods and natural gas engines underneath them. Their natural gas program, which has focused mainly on commercial vehicles since its inception in 1994, will no longer be nick-named KEN, and will now go by the acronym-less title of "Mercedes-Benz Production Competence Centre for Natural Gas Drive" as the use of this fuel is expanded into every segment.

This means that the Econic and E-Class vehicles currently in the natural gas program at Mannheim will be joined by the B-Class and as many as 16 variations of the Sprinter van. Don't look for every other Mercedes you see to be an NGV just yet, though. Although their production has increased exponentially since 2003 and expect the upwards trend to continue, only 5,000 units are expected to be shipped this year. Get all the Mercedes-supplied facts from the press release after the break.

[Source: Daimler via The Financial]

The awesomeness that is the turbo diesel-powered Neander monster-cycle has now received the regulatory blessings of the proper authorities in the Bundesrepublik Deutschland and is finally heading for production this fall. If you'll notice in the photo above, the beast-in-question is completely surrounded by Polizei and yet none are reaching for handcuffs, tickets books or other constabulary paraphernalia. Ok, that one guy on the left looks like he's unsnapping his holster but we have it on good authority that he was merely reaching for a stick of gum.

According to the folks at Neander, zealous officials from the TÜV pored over every mechanical and structural detail, from the never-before-seen fork design to the physics-defying wheelbase before giving it their seal of approval and bowing down in awe. Despite all this, company chairman of the board, Lutz W. Lester, put his own backside on the line and drove the machine with counter-rotating crankshafts for as many kilometers as was necessary to ensure the handling and comfort was at the top-notch level it needed to be at. It was.

[Source: Neander]

Seriously folks, none of us are all that happy with the amount of money it takes to fill our tanks these days, but perhaps dousing your car with fuel and lighting it on fire isn't the best way to get your point across. Or, maybe it is, as this type of stunt is certainly getting lots of press. Regardless, one man in Germany decided to do light a fire with his 1995 BMW 3 Series sedan, which he parked on the grounds of the Frankfurt Convention Center in Germany before setting it ablaze.

Though we in no way advocate such displays, we can all surely empathize with the unemployed thirty year-old German man. It's interesting to note, though, that gas is still significantly more expensive in Germany that in the United States, as gasoline in the European country is currently hovering around $9.40 per gallon in U.S. dollars. German authorities are currently considering what, if anything, to charge the man with, including possible charges for damage to the environment. Thanks for the tip, Nick!

[Source: AP via WIBW.com]