Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn says the Japanese automaker has already reached its maximum production capacity for its Leaf electric car in the United States this year. “We think there is a big future for this car. I can already tell you that the production for 2010 is already sold out,” said Ghosn at an event in Detroit, Mich. Nissan’s 2010 allotment is limited to 13,000 vehicles due to a combination of unique nature of the components required to produce the Leaf EV, as well as its limited production capability. Production volume will likely increase after 2010, especially if Nissan begins building the Leaf at its Tennessee plant by 2013.
Fisker preparing test models:
Electric carmaker Fisker Automotive is planning to build as many as 100 units of its first model — the Karma sedan — within the next few months. During an interview with Reuters news service, Fisker investor Ray Lane, said those Karma models would be tested internally, crash tested and used for other testing purposes. Fisker has contracted Valmet Automotive in Finland to build the vehicles destined for testing since the electric carmaker has not yet completed its own production facilities. Fisker wants to produce roughly 15,000 units of its first model in 2011 for a base price of $87,900. The Karma will have a 50-mile range on electricity alone, after which a General Motors sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will step in to keep the batteries charged, extending the range to 300 miles.
Daimler, Chinese hook up on electric:
Partnerships have become the hot business model in the world of hybrids and electrification. A month after partnering with Nissan on electric-vehicle development, Daimler, parent of Mercedes-Benz, has signed an agreement with Chinese company BYD with the aim of developing all-new electric vehicles that will be sold in China. According to Green Car Magazine, BYD and Daimler have set aside funds to develop an all-new electric vehicle, hoping to use a combination of Daimler’s expertise in electric-vehicle design and BYD’s electric vehicle battery technology and its e-drive systems. BYD is China’s leading manufacturer and developer of advanced battery technology.
Mini to downsize:
Parent BMW is planning to develop a more mini Mini to better compete with Smart’s ForTwo and Toyota’s small-car lineup. Officially code-named “Minor,” the smaller Mini would be just a bit larger than the ForTwo yet would hold the heritage of the Mini brand. The Minor would only carry two passengers and minimal luggage and would be marketed as a city car. Sources told Autocar magazine in the United Kingdom that Mini “may be ready to show a concept within the next 12 months or perhaps a little longer.” Autocar reports that the Mini city car would complement BMW’s Megacity electricvehicle project, thus dramatically reducing development costs.
Sub-Prius under development, but it will look like a minivan:
Toyota’s next brand is moving closer to reality, with the Japanese automaker nearly done developing a sub-Prius nameplate. Set to be called the Prius Alpha, the new dedicated hybrid model (a platform that will not have a gasolineengine counterpart, unlike the Camry and Camry Hybrid) will launch by March 2011. Based on the current Prius architecture, the new Alpha will take the form of a minivan. The top-level Alpha will feature seating for seven and a lithiumion battery pack. A five-passenger version with current nickel-metal hydride battery technology (as opposed to newstyle lithiumion) will also be available priced near the $27,000 mark. The Alpha will share the Prius’s 1.8-liter engine mated to an electric motor putting out 81 horsepower. The combined output of the system will be about 135 horsepower.
Who will buy electric cars?
BYD (short for Build Your Dreams) of China says its North American arrival will focus on fleet sales. “Initially, we will sell the e6 electric car to government agencies to get feedback,” Fred Ni, general manager of BYD’s North America operations, said in an interview with trade paper Automotive News. Ni said that BYD has signed a deal with the Department of Light and Power of Los Angeles to install charging stations for the e6. BYD plans to have vehicles on the road in downtown L.A. by the end of the year. The automaker, backed by investment guru Warren Buffett, has begun to set up its North American operations in L.A.
Tags: Shift
