Chrysler Group Halts Plug-in Hybrid Test Fleet after Discovering a Problem with the Batteries

The Chrysler Group has temporarily pulled the plug on its test fleet of advanced plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) to fix a battery problem that occurred on a small number of models.

In particular, the Detroit-based carmaker said three of the fleet’s 109 pickups fitted with plug-in hybrid powertrains sustained damage when their prototype 12.9-kWh lithium-ion propulsion batteries overheated, adding that no injuries were reported with all incidents happening when the vehicles were unoccupied.

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Chrysler , Electric Vehicles , Hybrids , Ram , Ram Concepts , Reports

August a Record Month for Chevy Volt Sales Thanks to Big Discounts; But is it Really Good News?

All-electric and hybrid car sales so far account for just 3.5 percent of total vehicle sales in the U.S. this year. Not exactly what their makers expected when they launched these models.

At a first glance, the situation is improving for General Motors, as its Volt extended-range hybrid sold a record 2,800 units last month. Year-to-date Volt sales have so far reached 13,000 units, which certainly compares very well to the 7,700 cars that were sold in 2011.

For example, before the discounts, Bunnin Chevrolet in Culver City, California was selling three to five Volts per month. Last month it shifted 36 cars, mostly leases, and sales manager Chad Kelman told The Detroit News that the dealership is having a hard time keeping enough units in stock.

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Chevrolet , Chevrolet Volt , Ecology , GM , Hybrids , Reports

Peugeot Onyx Supercar Gets Scooter Concept Sibling, will Also Debut in Paris

The public outside of Europe may not generally know it, but Peugeot has a long history in the motorcycle segment having introduced its first bike back towards the end of the 1800s and continues to do so today offering 14 different models including scooters, multi-gear bikes and mopeds with engine capacities from 50cc to 500cc (0.5-liters).

At next week's 2012 Paris Motor Show, the French company will present a new prototype three-wheeler named the Onyx Concept Scooter, and yes, as you may have guessed already, it was inspired by the 680HP diesel-electric Onyx Hybrid Supercar Concept.

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Concepts , Electric Vehicles , Hybrids , motorcycles , Paris Auto Show , Peugeot , Peugeot Concepts

Toyota Goes Into Depth with the All-New Auris and Auris Hybrid Compact Hatchbacks

About month ago, Toyota unveiled its brand-new 2013 MY Auris ahead of its Paris Auto Show world premiere on September 27.

Now, Japan’s biggest carmaker has shed more light on the latest iteration of what it claims to be the most popular C-segment model series (including the Corolla nameplate) in the world, having sold 39 million units in more than 140 countries since the introduction of the Corolla in 1966.

Toyota says that the second generation of the Auris was specifically designed for Europe, which will be its biggest market. It will be manufactured alongside the Avensis in Toyota’s UK plant in Burnaston, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary.

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Diesel , Galleries , Hybrids , New Cars , Paris Auto Show , Toyota , Toyota Auris

New Audi A3 Sportback Grows in Size, Shrinks in Weight [50 Photos and Video]

Audi will showcase a new addition to its redesigned A3 series at the 2012 Paris motor show from 27 September. The 2013 A3 Sportback is the more practical and versatile five-door version of Audi's premium compact model.

The evolutionary (according to Audi, stale according to others) styling language of the A3 can be found on the Sportback variant as well, with the five-door variant employing the use of three side windows and a sloping tailgate design. For a sportier look, buyers will be able to opt for Audi's S-Line package that adds different bumpers, spoilers and larger alloy wheels.

While the car's exterior dimensions at 4,310mm (169.7 inches) long, 1,780mm (70.1 inches) and 1,425mm (56.1 inches) tall are only slightly greater than on the previous Sportback, the new model now rides on a 2,636 millimeters (103.8 inches), an increase of 58 millimeters (2.28 in).

The five-door model is also 35 millimeters (1.38 in) longer between the axles than the three-door version, resulting in an increase in rear passenger legroom. The luggage compartment offers 380 liters (13.42 cu ft) of space in the basic configuration and can be expanded to 1,220 liters (43.08 cu ft) with the rear seats (60:40 split) folded down.

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Audi , Audi A3 , Audi Videos , Diesel , Hybrids , New Cars , Paris Auto Show , Video

New Ford Fusion Hybrid Delivers 47MPG, Bests Toyota Camry Hybrid by up to 8MPG

Ford has added one more selling point to the new Fusion Hybrid that will begin arriving at dealers across the United States later this fall.

According to the Blue Oval, the hybrid variant of the Fusion (to be sold as the Mondeo in Europe) is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in America with an EPA-certified 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg (5.0lt/100km or 56.5 mpg UK) combined fuel economy rating.

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Ford , Ford Fusion , Hybrids , New Cars , Reports

Porsche Shows Off 918 Spyder at Gran Turismo Nürburgring Evo 2012

Porsche is done hiding its forthcoming 918 Spyder supercar and is now looking to gain as much exposure as it can by displaying the hybrid model at select venues like the Gran Turismo Nürburgring Evo 2012 two-day driving event that took place in Germany this past weekend.

The Stuttgart-based sportscar maker unveiled a pre-production development model of the 918 Spyder dressed in a race-inspired livery on the last day of the event.

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Hybrids , New Cars , Porsche , Porsche 918 , Porsche Scoops , Porsche Videos , Scoops , Video

Lexus LF-CC Hybrid Concept Heads to Paris, Previews New IS Coupe

At the upcoming Paris Auto Show, Toyota's luxury brand will bring a new concept coupe named the LF-CC that not only previews the styling language of the next generation of the IS but also a new addition to the range that will go heat-to-head with the BMW 4-Series and Audi A5 Coupes.

The Lexus LF-CC is more compact than the LF-LC concept and also looks more production-ready. It features a less steeply raked interpretation of the trademark Lexus “spindle” grille and its headlamps, while not as futuristic as those of the LF-LC, feature 3 LED projectors each and are set quite back compared to the grille creating what Lexus says is a “3D form”.

The proportions of the LF-CC are those of a typical front-engined, rear-wheel drive coupe, with a long front bonnet, a passenger cabin set rearwards and a stubby tail. In fact, its side profile sort of reminds us of the Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S coupes – or it could just be our blurry eyesight…

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Concepts , Hybrids , Lexus , Lexus Concept , Lexus IS , Lexus Videos , Paris Auto Show , Video

2011 World Auto Production Sets New Records, Global “Fleet” Could Top 1 Billion by Year’s End

The Worldwatch Institute reports that global production of passenger vehicles, i.e. cars and light commercial trucks, set a new record in 2011 with 76.8 million units compared to 74.4 million in 2010.

This means that at the end of 2011 a total of 691 million passenger cars were on roads all over the world, rising to 979 million if we include light- and heavy-duty trucks.

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China , Electric Vehicles , Hybrids , Reports , Study

2013 Honda CR-Z Facelift Gains Minor Cosmetic Updates and More Powerful Engine

We were right to suspect that the presentation date of the updated CR-Z on Honda's Japanese website was related to the Paris Motor Show as the automaker confirmed the news today while also releasing a full front picture and some initial details surrounding the facelift.

Honda tells us that the refreshed CR-Z hybrid coupe features revisions to the exterior and interior but does not provide additional information.

From the photo, the only change we see is the simplified front grille that drops the three razor-like plastic slabs on the upper half for a more streamlined appearance.

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Honda , Honda CR-Z , Hybrids , New Cars , Paris Auto Show

New BMW Active Tourer Concept Previews the FWD 1-Series Gran Turismo [84 Photos & Videos]

These first official images of BMW's new Active Tourer Concept confirm our suspicions that the photo sourced from the cover of the next issue of Auto Bild magazine that we shared with you earlier today, did indeed show the real thing.

To answer the first question you are most likely to have about the Paris Motor Show-bound Active Tourer study, yes, it is intended for production - likely as a 1-Series model with the Gran Turismo moniker that is used by BMW on its more practical vehicles. One of its more direct rivals will be the Mercedes-Benz B-Class small MPV.

But that's not what makes the Active Tourer Concept really special, what does is its platform that will be shared with the next generation of Mini-branded cars and BMW's decision to break with tradition and enter the realm of front-wheel drive models.

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BMW , BMW 1-Series , BMW Concepts , BMW Videos , Concepts , Galleries , Hybrids , Paris Auto Show , Video

Toyota Says Prius Plug-in Hybrid U.S. Sales Top 6,000 Units, Beats Volt and Leaf...or Did it?

A Toyota press release bragging about the achievements of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid variant since it went arrived in U.S. showrooms at the end of February states that the EPA-rated 95 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) Japanese hatchback has delivered 6,061 units in its first six months (March through August) on sale.

However, that's not what caught our attention; this is what did and we quote Toyota's press statement:

"This sales figure represents sales momentum that has propelled the Prius Plug-in to a stronger first full six-months sales pace (6,061 units) than Chevrolet Volt Plug-in (2,745 units) and the all-electric Nissan Leaf (3,875 units)."

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Chevrolet Volt , Electric Vehicles , GM , Hybrids , Nissan , Nissan Leaf , Reports , Toyota , Toyota Prius

New Photos and Details of Peugeot's Onyx Supercar Concept, gets a 680HP V8 Diesel-Hybrid Powertrain

Set to be one of the most impressive concepts at this year's edition of the Paris Motor Show, the Onyx is Peugeot's vision of what a 21st century supercar should be.

The concept's sharply styled body features wings and doors that are handmade from pure copper sheet, and whose appearance Peugeot says will change over time gaining a patina, while the other panels are from carbon fibre painted matte black.

The Onyx incorporates some design references to the RCZ such as the ‘double-bubble’ roof and aluminium arches, but overall, it's a unique looking model.

"The silhouette of the Onyx is sculpted softly, sensuously, but it is also alive and technological," explains Sandeep Bhambra, Onyx Exterior Stylist. "From the first sketches I wanted to create a showcase for technological excellence and craftsmanship by combining elements demonstrating high aerodynamic performance, Black Diamond lamps and copper bodywork panels fashioned by hand."

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Concepts , Diesel , Galleries , Hybrids , Paris Auto Show , Peugeot , Peugeot Concepts

Peugeot Lowers 3008 Hybrid4 Diesel-Electric Hybrid Crossover CO2 Emissions to 91 g/km

In 2010, Peugeot launched the first-ever diesel-electric hybrid in the form of the 3008 Hybrid4.

The crossover was fitted with a 163HP 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel powering the front wheels and an electric motor with a 27HP continuous and 37HP maximum output driving the rear axle.

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Diesel , Hybrids , New Cars , Paris Auto Show , Peugeot , Peugeot 3008

GM Refutes Reuters’ Claim That Each Volt Costs $89,000 to Build, Though it’s Still Losing Money

Despite a rather high US$39,995 sticker price for the base edition of the Volt, Chevrolet’s range-extended hybrid has sold a record 2,831 units in August. So all is well for GM?

In the case of the Volt, the answer is a bit complicated since it’s not your run-of-the-mill gasoline- or diesel-powered car. It’s a problem shared by every hybrid and all-electric vehicle manufacturer: the development costs, the tooling, the battery packs and the powertrain, when added up, simply make for a very high price.

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Chevrolet , Chevrolet Volt , Electric Vehicles , GM , Hybrids , Reports

This is Peugeot's New Onyx Supercar Concept and it's Heading to the Paris Motor Show

You may remember that we showed you a video and a handful of screen shots of a new concept supercar from Peugeot named the Onyx on Monday.

Today, a full set of images of the Onyx made their way online well ahead of the study's scheduled world premiere at the Paris Motor Show on September 27.

The sharp looking concept features a two-tone, matte black and bronze paint job and a glass roof.

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Concepts , Hybrids , Paris Auto Show , Peugeot , Peugeot Concepts , Peugeot Videos , Video

Peugeot Teases New Onyx Supercar Concept for Paris Motor Show

There was no doubt in our mind that France's "Big Three", Peugeot, Citroen and Renault, will each try to impress visitors and the press alike with dazzling concept models at the 2012 edition of the Paris Motor Show.

The first study to come into light ahead of the show is from Peugeot and it's named Onyx.

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Concepts , Electric Vehicles , Hybrids , Paris Auto Show , Peugeot , Peugeot Concepts , Peugeot Videos , Video

SsangYong Prepares e-XIV Small Crossover Concept for Paris Motor Show

This month's Paris Auto Show will see SsangYong lifting the wraps off a new concept study for a range-extender electric crossover named the e-XIV.

The prototype that was teased in these sketches is an evolution of the XIV-2 Concept displayed at the Geneva International Auto Salon this past March, which itself was a three-door version of the XIV-1 Concept from the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

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Concepts , Electric Vehicles , Hybrids , Paris Auto Show , SsangYong , SsangYong Concepts

New 2013 Toyota Verso MPV and Auris Tourer (Estate) Teased

The next generation of the Auris five-door hatchback in both regular and hybrid trims won't be alone at Toyota's Paris Motor Show stand as the automaker announced today that it will also introduce the station wagon and minivan variants of the new Auris family.

The estate model will be called Auris Tourer, or in some markets such as Germany, Auris Combi. This is the first time that Toyota has offered a station wagon body style to the Auris range.

It will launch together with the hatchback model with which it will share its entire engine range including, a 1.4-liter turbo diesel, 1.33-liter and 1.6-litre petrols and in a first for a C-segment estate model, a hybrid powertrain.

The latter uses the same setup as the Prius combining a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle four cylinder gasoline to an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery.

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Hybrids , New Cars , Paris Auto Show , Toyota Auris , Toyota Verso

2013 Range Rover Mk4 Revealed in More Detail and in 140 New Photos, Diesel-Hybrid Confirmed

The fourth-generation of Land Rover's venerable Range Rover series made its debut today during a special event held at The Royal Ballet School in Richmond, London.

We've already seen it but the British carmaker divulged new details about its flagship SUV including UK pricing and the availability of a diesel-hybrid variant, along with more than 140 images that show the 2013 Range Rover in high resolution detail.

"The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

"However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling"

The new Range Rover will be available in over 170 markets worldwide, with North American customer deliveries scheduled to start in December 2012.

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Diesel , Galleries , Hybrids , Land Rover , Paris Auto Show , Range Rover , UK