Motoring News
Today, 08 August 2013Tesla – beyond the speedometer
Tesla has proved the doubters wrong at every intersection
read moreBMW 1-series chases low emissions
Super-frugal versions of the BMW 1-series likely to be sold with EfficientDynamics badge
A series of super-economical versions of the upcoming front-drive BMW 1-series is in the works, and will likely be sold under the firm’s EfficientDynamics (ED) banner. One of the drivetrains will be a plug-in hybrid that uses either a three-cylinder petrol or diesel engine. This model is expected to be rated below 50g/km under current EU regulations.There will also be super-frugal 1-series models that use more conventional technology, including optimised aerodynamics, lowered suspension, underbody cladding and narrower wheels and tyres.It’s also expected that the automatic versions of the 1-series will have the option of a built-in, fuel-saving coasting feature. However, BMW sources have hinted to Autocar that this ED and hybrid technology might not be shared with Mini, even though the new Mini family and the 1-series share the same platform. One senior source said that the majority of the BMW 1-series range needed to have very low CO2 ratings to help offset the higher emissions of BMW’s larger models. According to EU rules, the average CO2 figure across a manufacturer’s fleet will have to be just 95g/km by 2020.
read moreRenault to focus on existing electric stock, says EV boss
Renault will not look to bring any further electric vehicles to market, relying instead on its existing stock
Renault needs to leverage its existing electric vehicles rather than introduce any new models if the technology is to be a commercial success, the company's global head of EVs, Béatrice Foucher, has told Autocar.Foucher said that Renault, a pioneer of EVs along with alliance partner Nissan, needed to redouble efforts to remain competitive with EVs as rivals, including BMW with its i range, start launching their own EVs.To do so, Foucher said that the firm needed to price the cars more affordably, target sales in markets with “a mature attitude to CO2 reduction” such as in northern Europe, create a used market for EVs to ensure that they retained residual values, and ensure that EVs provide a long-term income for Renault by leasing batteries. Renault has sold 29,000 EVs worldwide to date, and one in two of all EVs sold in Europe is a Renault. Although these figures barely make an impression in the global car market, Foucher points to slow sales of the Toyota Prius in its first eight years on sale before it flourished.More needs to be done to educate peop
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