New Energy Automotive

Still you doubt that the future of the automobile goes in large part by China? Surely the fact known to serve a few days ago things clear. China Association of Automobile Manufacturers has announced that the Asian giant 18,264,700 units were manufactured and sold a total of 18,061,900 units in 2010. These are two astronomical, especially the second.

At a stroke, China has beaten the previous record set in annual sales by the U.S. in 2000, when placed 17.4 million units. To get an idea of ​​the current differences between traditional markets (Europe, USA and Japan) and growing (with China as the prime example), in the U.S. sold 11.7 million units in 2010, nearly 32% fewer units a decade earlier while sales in China rose just 32% compared to 2009.

A few weeks ago we saw part of the explanation of why both sales have ballooned in the last 12 months. The Chinese government decided to abolish the aid to buy a new car from January 1, 2011, causing tens of thousands of people rushed to make purchases in the last weeks of the year. For example, in the month of December there were 1.86 million transactions, roughly double the total cars sold in Spain throughout the year.

And all this is going more and more, as there are still a huge margin increase. If you look at the ratio number of cars sold / capita, we see that China is still far behind the advanced countries like USA or Germany and even Spain. In the coming years is expected that the trend remains upward, though not as high as on-year increases in 2010.

The situation experienced in the last weeks of last year esra very difficult to repeat because China has not posed a system restore aid for the purchase of new cars. Therefore, the growth forecast for 2011 is 10-15%, which could place the end of this year sales above 20 million units, a figure unthinkable only 10 years ago.

The Ford Focus Ford Focus SW 5p and have occurred in European version at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. The design known as five-door version only receives changes on the model for the U.S. market, since it is a global product that is sold in over 120 markets. However, it is totally new wagon variant called Focus the SW (Station Wagon).

In addition to its exterior and interior design that follows the trail of Kinetic Design and certainly not go unnoticed, for better or for worse, improved grades and increased driving dynamics, Ford Focus 2011 released new EcoBoost engines four-cylinder direct injection turbo.

The Ford Focus Wagon is new and the brand itself is a variant expected high demand in Europe, where they estimate will take one third of total sales of the model. The design of this version is quite different from the C-pillar over the 5-door, offering a much larger trunk, more headroom as a result of the lower roof and drop functionality, aesthetics though perhaps not of the like everyone in this back.

Inside, the perceived quality at first seems better than the current model, incorporating a much more modern and less sober along with numerous gadgets, though at first glance may seem a little odd in its center console or details as trapezoidal air vents that break the tradition that hitherto had all generations of the Focus.

The chassis of the new Focus looks to get back one of the references of the category in terms of ride quality and dynamic behavior. We’ll see if he succeeds, because the expectations are high, but released a new power-assisted steering and a redesigned rear multi-link train, plus Torque Vectoring Control system, or whatever it is, an electronic differential to improve traction.

The body of the European model also receives a greater proportion of high-strength steels, which influences a 10% increase in torsional rigidity over the previous generation Focus, on sale yet. Motors for Europe are also new bill and promise greater efficiency, significantly reducing consumption.

In gasoline, the range will start with the 1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT atmospheric versions of 105 and 125 hp. A step up are the Ecoboost, also with displacement of 1.6 liters and power outputs of 150 and 180 hp. In diesel, will be available in Duratorq TDCi 1.6-liter displacement (95 or 115 hp) or 2.0 liters (115, 140 or 163 hp). PowerShift automatic transmission and 6-speed double clutch will be offered only in combination with the 2.0 TDCi any power.

Other innovations of equipment that will equip the third generation Ford Focus will be a rear view camera for parking (monitored on the central screen), belt warning for all seats, boot system and handsfree key (similar to that available in the current model), recommended gear, a system to recognize traffic signs, radar information for visibility in blind spots, adaptive cruise control, semi-automated system for parking and Ford SYNC and MyFord.

Once we know the four-door sedan versions and C-MAX MPV and Grand C-MAX, after learning how to be the European Ford Focus 5-door and SW (the most popular variants) and just needed to unveil the Focus Coupé in 3 gates, and the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet, though probably for this latest version will have to wait a lot.

Ford expects the new Focus is once again the model talisman and an annual production of approximately 2 million units worldwide by 2012. For the European market, it is estimated that 60% of the demand corresponding to the five-door version. Here in Europe and the United States will go on sale later this year 2010.

The drop in enrollment in 2011 was quite pronounced, which does not benefit anything commitment to improve energy efficiency and therefore reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases, while a low number of registrations involves a progressive aging of the fleet in the country . Faconauto still points to the crisis and the pursuit of savings as the main reason that the average emissions of vehicles sold in 2011 has fallen by 3.7%.

The Spanish customer vehicles would have opted for smaller, more modest mechanical, on the other hand are also becoming more efficient by improving the current technology and the natural tendency of the automotive industry towards models whose emissions are lower and lower . The average emissions during last year he would have located in the 135 g / km of CO2.

We know that carbon dioxide is not the only one that carries serious environmental problems, but the data is positive if we consider that we would be very close to the European Union’s commitment to achieve by 2015 to reduce emissions to just 130 g / km.

Another important fact is that over 39.57% of sales in 2011 were consistent with vehicles whose emissions were below 120 g / km. In other words, nearly 40% of sales were exempt from payment of registration tax and 29.6% were at the stage of between 121 g / km and 140 g / km.

At the top of pollutants would fall 19.65% and 9.6% with emissions between 141 and 159 g / km and 160 and 199 g / km respectively. Only 2.07% correspond to vehicles whose emissions exceeded 200 g / km, which means a decrease of 43.27% compared to 2010.

It is a fact that the downward trend on aggregate emissions will be maintained by their own natural renewal of cars driven by Spain and the efforts of manufacturers to reduce the consumption of their vehicles. The big question is how much emissions would have fallen if sales had not fallen by 18% compared to 2010? Unfortunately we’ll never know .

The NS4 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is a prototype that shows the new design language that Toyota will introduce its upcoming models from 2015. It also includes the latest technologies in security mark, man-machine communication and efficiency. And above all, announces a new hybrid module with a 2.0 petrol engine larger, powerful and efficient than the current 1.8.

The NS4 is a saloon of 4.65 meters long, half way between the current Pries (4.46) and Aventis (4.71) that impresses with its futuristic, aerodynamic line. Maintains front wedge distinguishes Pries, but with a much sharper nose, large air intakes at the base of the bumper and headlights LED light and stylish narrow. The front reminds Alfa Romeo and adds a steeply-raked windshield that shapes your figure and accentuates its sportiness.

This prototype includes a plug-in hybrid engine mechanics 2 liters of gasoline to be released in the next high-end hybrid Toyota to 2015 depending on brand and provide sports performance to enjoy driving, but with even more fuel consumption and emissions lower than in the current model.

The prototype NS4 is also a showcase technological innovation and features Toyota is developing for the future. Stresses the roof with transparent solar cell panels that let in sunlight to temper the interior in cold weather and also uses the energy produced to cool it when left parked in the sun, thereby reducing the work of air conditioning and energy consumption. Besides, crystals termoreflectantes block ultraviolet rays to protect occupants in a much more efficient than the current.

As for safety includes a bonnet with a few sensors to detect impacts and back up to better cushion the impact and reduce injuries to pedestrians in a collision. The headlights are also intelligent and regulated so as not to dazzle alone when it comes to road car in front.

Pre-crash system incorporates radar and three cameras to detect risk of injury activate the brakes if the driver does not react. Finally, add an advanced interface that connects the driver to the car and the road, and project information on a touch screen very easy to use and intuitive to help you drive more safely.

Toyota introduced the Pries in Detroit also C, compact and economical version of the Pries that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show last as Aqua and Toyota already offer information on the Japanese sample post.

The Monde Ford Fusion is the American and the two models are virtually identical in the next generation, who come to Spain in the first half of 2013.

The new Monde out for front-end design that is inspired by the Aston Martin and features a large grille honeycomb, a hood with the nerves very marked and narrow headlights creating a cutting edge modern design and attractive. Otherwise, keep the current style, but with more features highlighted body for added character.

So far Ford has only announced that the Fusion Hybrid will have a version and a plug-in hybrid Energy or (PHEV). Although it is normal that the new Monde also has both the time for Europe only confirmed the hybrid variant.

The Fusion Hybrid’s hybrid mechanics share the C-Max and Grand C-Max hybrid to be manufactured in Valencia. Combine an Atkinson cycle 2.0 engine with automatic transmission, electric motor and a lithium-ion battery capacity of 1.4 kWh, slightly higher than the Pries (1.3 kWh). The estimated consumption is five liters in city and 5.3 highway, correct figures for the size and weight of the Monde. And will move up a couple of miles below 100 km / h only with batteries.

Energy version or plug-in (PHEV) Fusion 2.0 shares the same engine, but with lithium ion batteries about 10 kWh that will circulate between 30 and 60 miles on electricity alone, ideal for commuting by city and surroundings: the home to work and back. Ford announces a consumption of 2.2 liters per 100 kilometers starting with charged batteries (100 first kilometers). From there and until they turn into an outlet to recharge, consumption will be the gasoline engine.

It is probably the most impressive prototype Detroit and received the award for best concept car of the show. It is a coupe of 4.63 meters long and 2 2 squares that are two innovations: the new Lexus design language that applies to their models in a couple of years and the third generation of its hybrid technology. Y represents the new philosophy of the brand: sportiness and hybridization.

The LF-LC is the work of Catty, a design studio located in Newport (California) and aims to propose a different aesthetic sofistique image of the Japanese, one of his unfinished businesses.

Highlights over the entire front grille with honeycomb wedge forming two planes and headlights made ​​of LED lights that create a very impressive face, both as sporty elegance. The rear is also resolved with class. But the whole car, with the long nose and short rear, and fluid strokes combined with more marked, shape a sporty design that is surprisingly captivating and seductive beauty instantly.

With respect to mechanics, Lexus just community that includes the third generation of its hybrid technology, with an improved electric motor, high voltage batteries and and a new more powerful petrol engine with Atkinson cycle, such as the Pries. Lexus has not announced the date of manufacture.

The Acura NSX on the designs of the next Honda supercar. He has performed with the Acura brand, which is the luxury division of Honda for the U.S., the equivalent of Toyota Lexus or Infiniti Nissan. Be manufactured in the U.S. and will be released by 2014, in Europe with the Honda brand.

This prototype reinterprets the sportsmanship of the brand with a more modern and seductive. The Japanese Ferrari has a line that seems inspired by the Ferrari 430, but it takes nerve to highlight more pronounced sportiness.

Stresses the front wedge design with a strip of LED lights on each side, and presents an aggressive face and character. And in the back draw attention to the large air vents reminiscent of the Formula 1. Otherwise it is made of lightweight materials like aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber to reduce weight and improve the efficiency and dynamism.

Despite the spectacular image, the highlight of the NSX Concept is that it uses a mechanical hybrid to deliver the performance you expect from a supercar without having to resort to a large displacement engine and leverages the power to strengthen stability in curve.

Thus, VTEC engine meets a six-cylinder gasoline direct injection with 3 or 3.5 liter engine (Honda does not state) and central position behind the two seats, and adds a power module which includes only reports two electric motors. One in each front wheel. It also incorporates an automatic sequential double clutch is integrated within a third electric motor. And the three electric thrusters assist the gasoline engine, especially during acceleration to improve performance while maintaining a restrained consumption.

The two electric motors of the front wheels also perform many other functions. On the one hand provide 4×4 with a technology that Honda calls SH-AWD Hybrid Sport (Super Handling All Wheel Drive. That has to mean something like supermanejo-wheel drive. The system uses electric motors to the front wheels to speed up or slow each independently in the corners as the car need to optimize grip and agility.

After the fall in sales by product failure caused by the effects of the tsunami in Japan in March to its suppliers, the assembler Isuzu see signs of recovery and commercial battle now waged by the appreciation of the yen against the dollar.

According to figures from the National Association of Manufacturers of Buses, Trucks and Tractors (ANPACT) in the first nine months the company made sales of 1.257 units, i.e. 34% less than the same period last year, but in the next few weeks will be presenting at various fleet vehicles so expect to close the year with 3 000 500. His initial sales forecast before the tsunami was between 4 000 and 4 000 500 units this year.

“It delayed the delivery trucks had problems as a result of the tsunami in Japan and the effects that occurred in plants of several of our suppliers, but at the end of the year we will have standard delivery orders,” said Jorge Murakami, manager marketing of the brand.

He explained that fulfills orders Isuzu in 130 countries from its plant in Japan, so that recovery has been rapid, if one takes into account the damage that caused the natural phenomenon in March.

He said the yen-dollar parity-weight also influenced the utility company, since Japanese companies have had to suffer the appreciation of the yen against the dollar, located at its highest level in its history, to the extent that the Japanese government last week allocated eight billion yen ($ 102 billion U.S. dollars) to purchase tickets in U.S. currency intervention sought to contain the appreciation of the yen.

“Yet the price of our 2011 model truck that had kept the cost models 2010,” said Murakami.

The main consequence was the late delivery of its new models Elf Forward, launched late last year; production is used in Japan to lift the debris left by the tsunami. “As of November will start selling this model in Mexico,” said the manager.

With a 40% appreciation of the yen against the dollar and 35% between the dollar and the peso, the Japanese firm Isuzu applies formulas to stay in contention for the Mexican market for the distribution trucks.

Takeshi Wakayama, president and chief operating officer of Isuzu Motors de Mexico, said the impact of the exchange rate has affected only 1.5% increase in the price of their trucks, even if their operating costs have increased by up to 40 percent. “We worked hard on reducing costs to the interior, as we increase market would bring the increase to the customer.”

In the past seven years since the start of the operation of the enterprise Mexico, the yen’s value against the dollar went from 120 to 76 yen per dollar and 10 to almost 14 pesos per dollar. Most Isuzu trucks sold in the country are imported from Japan, hence the impact of parity on the currency in the operation remain in the country.

However, sales are going well, then consider closing the year with 4 000 units and thus overcome the 3 000 360 which sold in 2011. “The expectation of sale in Mexico for 2011 was about 4 000 500 units, but the tsunami affected the production and delivery of this product to the customer”, said Jorge Murakami, manager of marketing for the company.

He said that expectation made to retrieve a financing program exchange rate fixed, extend its service workshops for better customer service, as well as relying on product quality and performance that offers fuel consumption and maintenance costs. “We have 32 dealers and 48 service points by the end of the year came to 78 centers,” he said.

He said he will double the production of trucks at the plant that are in the State of Mexico, where last December began production of the Model Forward, an eight-ton truck and a load bus model for the transportation of passengers.

Honda does not want to just being a mere number and it seems that Toyota has accelerated plans to launch an all-electric version of the little Jazz in American and Japanese markets on an ambitious plan that includes developing a plug-in hybrid engine that finally leave behind the current IMA system.

The Jazz mounts the same engine as the eternal promise FCX Clarity with 92kW of power able to push it up to a maximum speed of 144km/hay that have three driving styles that will suit the characteristics of the traffic and the road. Have a lithium battery pack that will equip an average range of 160 miles on each charge.

In parallel, Honda is working on a new generation of hybrid engines to erase from our memory the unfortunate IMA system. The first to be unveiled will have a total capacity of 120kw and will have a gasoline engine as a generator of support that will come into operation when the batteries reach a certain level of discharge. You may drive all-electric mode up to a maximum speed of 100km/hay for a maximum of about 20 miles thanks to its small battery pack with capacity 6kwh and now the Japanese are testing on an Accord as a “mule.”

We hope that Honda finally put the meat on the grill and is not to afford to stay out of the new generation of electric vehicles or even, as he usually does, stay in the middle.