Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Brussels debut for new S-MAX and Galaxy models

Ford S-MAX
COLOGNE, Germany – Ford of Europe will unveil new versions of its top-selling S-MAX and Galaxy at the 2010 Brussels Show on January 13.

With fresh designs and the latest evolution of Ford's kinetic design cues, they feature new interior materials and features, a range of more efficient powertrains and a host of driver-focused technologies aimed at safety and comfort.

The 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy models kick off a busy year for new product introductions from Ford of Europe but, more significantly, herald the arrival of a series of new and innovative technologies and features that, as they are introduced throughout the year, will challenge established perceptions of what Ford cars feel like to sit in and drive.

"We've given both models a fresh new look and more premium appeal, but it is beneath the skin that the major changes have been made," said John Fleming, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"S-MAX and Galaxy are the first European Ford models to benefit from our global EcoBoost family of direct-injection, turbocharged, petrol engines delivering more power and performance from a lower displacement powerplant, yet with impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. And that is just the start of the 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy story."

These are the first cars to be available with Ford's all-new, high efficiency, 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Producing 203 PS (149 kW) it joins a significantly improved 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, with 140 PS (103 kW), plus a new 163 PS (120 kW) variant. Additionally, the smooth and effortless Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system is available for the first time on Ford's large car range; it will be standard equipment with the EcoBoost petrol engine and optional for both Duratorq diesels.

A range of innovative new safety and convenience features debut in the Ford range on versions of the new S-MAX and Galaxy, including a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), and new Rear Door Power Child Lock facility.

With the new S-MAX and Galaxy, Ford's design team has achieved significant changes to enhance each vehicle's individual and expressive kinetic design styling.

The S-MAX has been updated with significant detail changes to the exterior including a strongly sculptured bonnet and all-new front fascia, emphasised by the bolder graphic of the gloss black lower front trapezoidal grille.

From the side, S-MAX is instantly recognisable and now stands out even more with its window profile enhanced by a chrome strip, which surrounds the whole glass area to enhance the car's sleek and sporty lines.

The rear of new S-MAX has also been re-designed with a more dynamically profiled tailgate, a lower fascia, and new LED tail lights that extend deep into the rear side flanks, creating an even stronger athletic appearance.

The new Galaxy also features a re-designed frontal section, which emphasises its 'first class travel' appeal and, along with a number of significant other detail revisions, enhance its role as Ford's luxurious, full-size seven seat people mover.

A new, more sculptured, bonnet combines with the Galaxy's new front fascia design – which incorporates a bolder lower trapezoidal grille with inserts featuring subtle chrome bars - and new-look fog lights to emphasise the Ford 'kinetic design' influence. Ghia and Titanium models are differentiated further with chrome bars in the upper grille as well.

The roof incorporates new bolder integrated silver rails for cross bars, while at the rear, distinctive new LED lights and body-coloured lower fascia are standard equipment. Ghia and Titanium series models also receive additional chrome detailing on the side mouldings and door handles.

As with the revised exterior, real attention to detail and high quality execution are key to the new interiors for both models. Carefully balanced new colour and material choices deliver a luxurious and dynamic feel, which helps differentiate the individual personality of each model to meet particular customer tastes and requirements.

COLOGNE, Germany – Ford of Europe will unveil new versions of its top-selling S-MAX and Galaxy at the 2010 Brussels Show on January 13.

With fresh designs and the latest evolution of Ford's kinetic design cues, they feature new interior materials and features, a range of more efficient powertrains and a host of driver-focused technologies aimed at safety and comfort.

"We've given both models a fresh new look and more premium appeal, but it is beneath the skin that the major changes have been made," said John Fleming, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"S-MAX and Galaxy are the first European Ford models to benefit from our global EcoBoost family of direct-injection, turbocharged, petrol engines delivering more power and performance from a lower displacement powerplant, yet with impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. And that is just the start of the 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy story."

These are the first cars to be available with Ford's all-new, high efficiency, 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Producing 203 PS (149 kW) it joins a significantly improved 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, with 140 PS (103 kW), plus a new 163 PS (120 kW) variant. Additionally, the smooth and effortless Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system is available for the first time on Ford's large car range; it will be standard equipment with the EcoBoost petrol engine and optional for both Duratorq diesels.

A range of innovative new safety and convenience features debut in the Ford range on versions of the new S-MAX and Galaxy, including a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), and new Rear Door Power Child Lock facility.

The S-MAX has been updated with significant detail changes to the exterior including a strongly sculptured bonnet and all-new front fascia, emphasised by the bolder graphic of the gloss black lower front trapezoidal grille.

Source: Ford

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

10,000th Panamera leaves the Leipzig plant

Porsche Panamera
Stuttgart/Leipzig. Today, just three months after the new Panamera went on sale the 10,000th car rolled off the production line at the Leipzig plant of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart. The 500 HP platinum silver metallic Panamera Turbo will be delivered to a customer in Singapore.

Michael Macht, Chairman of the Board of Porsche AG: “Sales of the Panamera have really taken off: we have already secured over 9,000 orders. Shortly after it was launched our Gran Turismo won the coveted “Goldenes Lenkrad” [“Golden steering wheel”] and “Auto Trophy” awards in Germany. It has also won many international prizes.” The Panamera 4S is proving particularly popular and has a share of 44 per cent - putting it ahead of the Turbo (36 per cent) and the Panamera S (20 per cent).

The company plans to build 20,000 Panamera per year across the whole product cycle. The fourth Porsche model series is being manufactured at the Leipzig plant in the so-called model mix, sharing a production line with the Cayenne SUV. The innovative, highly streamlined production is seen as a model of technological and economic excellence for the automobile industry worldwide.

Stuttgart/Leipzig. Today, just three months after the new Panamera went on sale the 10,000th car rolled off the production line at the Leipzig plant of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart. The 500 HP platinum silver metallic Panamera Turbo will be delivered to a customer in Singapore.

Michael Macht, Chairman of the Board of Porsche AG: “Sales of the Panamera have really taken off: we have already secured over 9,000 orders. Shortly after it was launched our Gran Turismo won the coveted “Goldenes Lenkrad” [“Golden steering wheel”] and “Auto Trophy” awards in Germany. It has also won many international prizes.” The Panamera 4S is proving particularly popular and has a share of 44 per cent - putting it ahead of the Turbo (36 per cent) and the Panamera S (20 per cent).

The company plans to build 20,000 Panamera per year across the whole product cycle. The fourth Porsche model series is being manufactured at the Leipzig plant in the so-called model mix, sharing a production line with the Cayenne SUV. The innovative, highly streamlined production is seen as a model of technological and economic excellence for the automobile industry worldwide.

Source: Porsche

Monday, December 14, 2009

The Top Performer in the Roadster Range: The BMW Z4 sDrive35is

P90054019
Munich. Combining classic proportions with modern sportiness, the new BMW Z4 has reached the top of its market segment almost overnight. And now this charismatic roadster is entering a new dimension in driving dynamics, the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is offering an even higher standard of performance ensured both by the modified straight-six power unit with BMW Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection, on the one hand, and by BMW’s seven-speed Sport Automatic with double clutch operation and the M Sports Package including the adaptive M Suspension likewise featured as standard, on the other. Appropriate optimisation in engine technology increases maximum output of the 3.0-litre power unit to 250 kW/340 hp. Peak torque is 450 Newton-metres/332 lb-ft, increasing briefly with the Overboost function to 500 Newton-metres/369 lb-ft. The outstanding power and performance of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is is expressed in particular by the significant increase in pulling power and muscle to be clearly experienced in all situations. In conjunction with seven-speed Sport Automatic featuring double clutch operation, this new top-of-the-range

Roadster accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds.

At 9.0 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.1 mpg US) and 210 grams in the EU test cycle, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are the same as on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i with Sport Automatic.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is is making its world debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. And parallel to the market launch of this high-performance roadster in spring 2010, the M Sports Package is being introduced for all further versions of the BMW Z4.

Combining classic proportions with modern sportiness, the new BMW Z4 has reached the top of its market segment almost overnight. And now this charismatic roadster is entering a new dimension in driving dynamics, the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is offering an even higher standard of performance ensured both by the modified straight-six power unit with BMW Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection, on the one hand, and by BMW’s seven-speed Sport Automatic with double clutch operation and the M Sports Package including the adaptive M Suspension likewise featured as standard, on the other.

Appropriate optimisation in engine technology increases maximum output of the 3.0-litre power unit to 250 kW/340 hp. Peak torque is 450 Newton-metres/332 lb-ft, increasing briefly with the Overboost function to 500 Newton-metres/369 lb-ft. The outstanding power and performance of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is is expressed in particular by the significant increase in pulling power and muscle to be clearly experienced in all situations. In conjunction with seven-speed Sport Automatic featuring double clutch operation, this new top-of-the-range

Roadster accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds.

At 9.0 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.1 mpg US) and 210 grams in the EU test cycle, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are the same as on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i with Sport Automatic.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is is making its world debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. And parallel to the market launch of this high-performance roadster in spring 2010, the M Sports Package is being introduced for all further versions of the BMW Z4.

Source: BMW

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Volkswagen Takes 49.9 Percent Stake in Porsche AG

Volkswagen logo



Further Milestone Reached on the Way Toward the Integrated Automotive Group With Porsche

Wolfsburg, Germany -- December 7, 2009 -- Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft has today taken a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG. The next important step on the way towards the integrated automotive group with Porsche has therefore been completed, as announced, before the end of the year. The price for the stake is €3.9 billion and is based on the enterprise value for Porsche AG calculated under a careful due diligence and valuation procedure.

Following the Comprehensive Agreement concluded in August, the implementation agreements signed in November and the Volkswagen Extraordinary General Meeting held last week, the stake in Porsche AG represents the next milestone on the way towards the integrated automotive group with Porsche under the leadership of Volkswagen. The acquisition of the trading business of Porsche Holding Salzburg is planned for 2011. The creation of the integrated automotive group is then to conclude with the merger of Volkswagen AG and Porsche SE during the course of the same year.

Porsche logo

The combination of the two companies follows a compelling strategic, industrial and financial logic. For the Volkswagen Group, Porsche ideally complements the brand portfolio. The Stuttgart-based car maker will allow Volkswagen to further expand its position in the premium business, which offers particularly strong earnings. In turn, as an independent brand under the roof of the Volkswagen Group, Porsche will have the potential for significant additional growth.

The transaction will have a sustained positive effect on the earnings situation of the Volkswagen Group. With a return on sales of 10.3 percent, Porsche AG is the world’s most profitable automobile manufacturer. Volkswagen will in future participate in this business success through its stake. In addition, the planned integration of Porsche in the Volkswagen Group and the associated closer cooperation will realize significant synergies on both the income and the cost side. As a result, the annual operating profit of the Volkswagen Group is expected to increase by some €700 million in the long term.

Source: Volkswagen

Monday, December 7, 2009

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger visits Audi e-tron at the Los Angeles Auto Show to see the future of electric mobility

Audi e-tron LA Auto show 2
LOS ANGELES, Ca., Dec 4, 2009 - Today at the LA Auto Show, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid a special visit to the Audi booth to review firsthand the Audi e-tron fully electric concept study model firsthand. Earlier this week at the LA Auto Show, Schwarzenegger had expressed his support for automakers raising the bar on environmental responsibility and acted upon that enthusiasm today by visiting the Audi booth to learn more about e-tron.

A longtime auto enthusiast, Governor Schwarzenegger received a detailed explanation of the e-tron, which runs on four electronic motors and a lithium ion battery pack, from Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board member in charge of global sales and marketing. Governor Schwarzenegger joins the ranks of a very select few individuals globally who have sat inside the e-tron to date.

LOS ANGELES, Ca., Dec 4, 2009 - Today at the LA Auto Show, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid a special visit to the Audi booth to review firsthand the Audi e-tron fully electric concept study model firsthand. Earlier this week at the LA Auto Show, Schwarzenegger had expressed his support for automakers raising the bar on environmental responsibility and acted upon that enthusiasm today by visiting the Audi booth to learn more about e-tron.

A longtime auto enthusiast, Governor Schwarzenegger received a detailed explanation of the e-tron, which runs on four electronic motors and a lithium ion battery pack, from Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board member in charge of global sales and marketing. Governor Schwarzenegger joins the ranks of a very select few individuals globally who have sat inside the e-tron to date.

Audi e-tron LA Auto show

“It was a great pleasure meeting with Governor Schwarzenegger and I’m thrilled that he shares our excitement about the e-tron,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board member in charge of global sales and marketing. “We believe the e-tron will become a lasting icon of electronic vehicle design so it’s great fun to share it with a green design supporter like Governor Schwarzenegger in these early stages.”

Beyond its powerful electronic engine system, the striking visual design of the e-tron affirms its spot among the major leagues of sports cars. Its performance alone renders its independence from gasoline a compelling afterthought.

Source: Audi

Friday, December 4, 2009

Further signs of gradual recovery in the South African vehicle market




2nd December 2009

During November 2009 a total of 22 929 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa. Total new passenger car sales in November decreased by -6.7 percent when compared to October 2009, but were 4.6 percent up on November 2008.

This is the first time since January 2007 that the monthly total new car market has been larger that the corresponding month of the previous year. The January to November 2009 new passenger car market recorded sales of -22.5 percent below the same period for 2008.

“New passenger car sales in November continued the more positive trend of the past number of months. However, the car rental industry purchases in November were largely responsible for this growth. Sales recorded in the consumer retail segment remain muted. The new passenger car sales cycle does, however, appear to have bottomed out and is currently beginning to reflect some slow growth,” said Mike Glendinning, Director of Sales and Marketing at VW of SA.

“From a VW of SA perspective, the new 6th generation Golf, with sales consistently over 500 units per month, vindicates its SA Car of the Year finalist status,” continued Glendinning.

“The Audi Brand sold 812 units into the premium segment last month, thereby recording its second most successful month in 2009,” said Glendinning.

“The export of the all New Polo to Right Hand Drive markets around the world is now gaining momentum, with 6 927 units exported in November. We look forward to bringing New Polo to the South African market early in 2010,” said Glendinning.

Returning to the state of the market in South Africa, Glendinning remains cautiously optimistic.

Source: Volkswagen

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Volvo XC60 Wins Prestigious 2010 International Truck of the Year Award

Volvo  XC60
The Volvo XC60 was named 2010 International Truck of the Year by the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jury on December 2. The award was given to Doug Speck, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, LLC at the Volvo display at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The XC60 was chosen over 10 new crossovers, SUVs and trucks by a distinguished panel of top automotive journalists.
"This ties a very pretty bow around what's been a truly amazing year for Volvo," commented Speck. "The XC60 has not only been recognized by the media but it's been extremely well received by our customers."
2010 XC60 has helped VCNA earn six consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases since June.
The XC60 was chosen the winner from a panel of 19 automotive media from around the U.S. and Canada representing top newspapers, magazines and websites. The jurors must consider the ICOTY mission of "honoring vehicles that reflect an emotional connection between car and consumer lifestyles" when making their nominations.
"The ICOTY awards are not centered on power and performance," said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY's creator and executive producer. "It's about how cars reflect our personalities, lifestyles and self image, an attitude most consumers identify with."
"This is one of the most prestigious car awards in the world and we feel very proud to receive it for our best-selling XC60", said Stephen Odell, President and CEO Volvo Car Corporation.
Once approved by the ICOTY nominating committee, the awards jury then bases their decision on a number of important criteria: The vehicle must be new or substantially revised, it must be offered for sale to the general public by the judging deadline of November 16, 2009, and may not have been previously considered for the ICOTY Awards.
The International Truck of the Year award marks the 20th accolade the Volvo XC60 has received since sales began in Europe in late 2008. The XC60 is the first vehicle to offer City Safety as standard equipment. This unique Volvo technology can help the driver avoid frontal collisions at low speed. If the driver is about to drive into the rear of a vehicle and does not react in time, the XC60 will apply the brakes by itself.

The Volvo XC60 was named 2010 International Truck of the Year by the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jury on December 2. The award was given to Doug Speck, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, LLC at the Volvo display at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The XC60 was chosen over 10 new crossovers, SUVs and trucks by a distinguished panel of top automotive journalists.

"This ties a very pretty bow around what's been a truly amazing year for Volvo," commented Speck. "The XC60 has not only been recognized by the media but it's been extremely well received by our customers."

The 2010 XC60 has helped VCNA earn six consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases since June.

The XC60 was chosen the winner from a panel of 19 automotive media from around the U.S. and Canada representing top newspapers, magazines and websites. The jurors must consider the ICOTY mission of "honoring vehicles that reflect an emotional connection between car and consumer lifestyles" when making their nominations.

"The ICOTY awards are not centered on power and performance," said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY's creator and executive producer. "It's about how cars reflect our personalities, lifestyles and self image, an attitude most consumers identify with."

"This is one of the most prestigious car awards in the world and we feel very proud to receive it for our best-selling XC60", said Stephen Odell, President and CEO Volvo Car Corporation.

Once approved by the ICOTY nominating committee, the awards jury then bases their decision on a number of important criteria: The vehicle must be new or substantially revised, it must be offered for sale to the general public by the judging deadline of November 16, 2009, and may not have been previously considered for the ICOTY Awards.

The International Truck of the Year award marks the 20th accolade the Volvo XC60 has received since sales began in Europe in late 2008. The XC60 is the first vehicle to offer City Safety as standard equipment. This unique Volvo technology can help the driver avoid frontal collisions at low speed. If the driver is about to drive into the rear of a vehicle and does not react in time, the XC60 will apply the brakes by itself.

Source: Volvo

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The new Audi A8 - the sportiest sedan in the luxury class

Audi A8
Fascinating sportiness, innovative technology and superior comfort: Audi is bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line. The new flagship demonstrates the brand’s proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik with its light aluminum body, its powerful and highly efficient engines, the further improved MMI operating system, new driver assistance systems, the full LED headlights and an elegant interior with a craftsman’s level of workmanship.

With all this technology the new Audi A8 offers the perfect synthesis of dynamics, perfection in design, workmanship and pioneering efficiency.

“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it’s unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior.”

The new luxury sedan, to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2010, is a technical work of art. Its elegant and forceful body is an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The interior is captivating, with its new and spacious design and uncompromisingly high-quality workmanship full of attention to the smallest detail. The comfort on board is first class – from new, emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious, power adjustable seats in the rear.

Fascinating sportiness, innovative technology and superior comfort: Audi is bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line. The new flagship demonstrates the brand’s proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik with its light aluminum body, its powerful and highly efficient engines, the further improved MMI operating system, new driver assistance systems, the full LED headlights and an elegant interior with a craftsman’s level of workmanship.

With all this technology the new Audi A8 offers the perfect synthesis of dynamics, perfection in design, workmanship and pioneering efficiency.

“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it’s unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior.”

The new luxury sedan, to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2010, is a technical work of art. Its elegant and forceful body is an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The interior is captivating, with its new and spacious design and uncompromisingly high-quality workmanship full of attention to the smallest detail. The comfort on board is first class – from new, emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious, power adjustable seats in the rear.

Audi A8 interior

Engine

Superior power and high efficiency – the new A8 makes its debut on the market with a strong V8 engine. With 372 hp, they never fail to impress with their superior power and mighty but discreet propulsion. All engines feature direct fuel injection, and consume 15 percent less fuel than their respective predecessors.

The engine in the A8 has intelligent elements from Audi’s modular efficiency system on board. During deceleration the recuperation system converts the kinetic energy to electric power, which is buffered in the battery. In the innovative thermal management a computer monitors numerous actuators for the ideal distribution of the heat flows between the engine, transmission and interior in any situation. After the cold start the engine is temporarily fully uncoupled from the cooling circuit, considerably shortening the warm-up phase with its high loss of friction.

The 4.2 FSI draws 273 kW (372 hp) of power from 4,163 cm3 displacement, generating its maximum of 445 Nm (328.22 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm. It accelerates the A8 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with the propulsion ending (as in all engine variants) at the electronically controlled speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The most important reason for this enhanced power is the reduction of internal friction, especially in the chain drive for the camshafts and auxiliaries. The controlled oil pump with changeover between two pressure stages operates with high efficiency. Like all gasoline engines from Audi, the V8 has FSI direct injection. It allows a high compression of 12.5:1, for increased power and efficiency.

Source: Audi

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Mazda Delivers Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to Yamaguchi Prefectural Government

Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today delivered one Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid vehicle to the Yamaguchi prefectural government in western Japan. Mazda’s Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid features a unique hybrid system and a hydrogen rotary engine (RE) that burns hydrogen as a fuel.

Mazda has now delivered four hydrogen hybrid vehicles to fleet customers. One unit was leased to Iwatani Corporation in May 2009, followed by one unit each leased to the City of Hiroshima and Hiroshima Prefecture in September 2009. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid leased to Yamaguchi Prefecture will be used at environmental events and in daily operations.

The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid uses a unique hybrid system with power delivered to the vehicle’s wheels by an electric motor. This powertrain substantially enhances the driving performance and boosts the hydrogen fuel driving range to 200 kilometers, twice the range of Mazda’s previous hydrogen vehicle, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid can run on gasoline as well as hydrogen thanks to a dual-fuel system that was developed for the RX-8 Hydrogen RE.

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today delivered one Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid vehicle to the Yamaguchi prefectural government in western Japan. Mazda’s Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid features a unique hybrid system and a hydrogen rotary engine (RE) that burns hydrogen as a fuel.

Mazda has now delivered four hydrogen hybrid vehicles to fleet customers. One unit was leased to Iwatani Corporation in May 2009, followed by one unit each leased to the City of Hiroshima and Hiroshima Prefecture in September 2009. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid leased to Yamaguchi Prefecture will be used at environmental events and in daily operations.

The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid uses a unique hybrid system with power delivered to the vehicle’s wheels by an electric motor. This powertrain substantially enhances the driving performance and boosts the hydrogen fuel driving range to 200 kilometers, twice the range of Mazda’s previous hydrogen vehicle, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid can run on gasoline as well as hydrogen thanks to a dual-fuel system that was developed for the RX-8 Hydrogen RE.

Based on its long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, Mazda is committed to pursuing harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features. Mazda constantly strives to offer vehicles that “look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.”

Source: Mazda