One of the most sought-after hybrid cars in the world is now on sale in Japan.

The all-new Honda CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero) went on sale on Friday with Honda targeting monthly sales of 1,000 units for the new car. It is the company’s third hybrid in the market, following on from the Civic Hybrid and the Honda Insight, and it is the sixth version of Honda’s original Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology since the launch of the original Honda Insight back in December 1999.

The CR-Z is the first model to feature Honda’s three-mode drive system that allows the driver to choose between SPORT, NORMAL and ECON modes depending on the situation – such as whether the motorist is driving on a motorway, in the city or on a country road.

It combines a 1.5litre i-VTEC engine with the IMA system and has a six-speed manual transmission. There is also a CVT version that includes paddle shifters as standard.

Its fuel economy is remarkable for a vehicle with so much speed and power at 59mpg and 53mpg in 10-15 mode; or 48mpg in JC08 mode.

While planning to debut its new BMW 5 Series saloon car at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show next week, the German car manufacturer has also revealed plans for a Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid.

The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid will be the first combination of a straight-six with electric drive. It integrates the ActiveHybrid technology into a 5 Series model to slash both fuel consumption and emissions by more than 10 per cent.

Featured in the model will be a straight-six petrol engine with TwinPower turbo technology, an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric drive system that has been developed specifically for the model. An automatic clutch will connect the petrol engine and electric motors while energy is drawn from a high voltage battery pack at the back of the car.

The drivetrain technology includes an auto start-stop function that consistently switches off the combustion engine when stopping at traffic lights, at a junction or in congested traffic. The electric motor also includes a boost function to support the petrol engine and the high voltage battery has been designed for this concept with a special case near the rear axle that leads to harmonious weight distribution and offers the optimum position for safety.

In addition, the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid also includes an intelligent energy management system which has the ability to adjust the operating strategy not only to current, but also to upcoming driving conditions. The power electronics evaluate data that indicates a potential change in exterior conditions and prepares the drivetrain as appropriate. For example, if the system determines that the road will lead downhill, the charge level of the battery is controlled in advance to regain brake energy with maximum efficiency.

The vehicle will make its debut in Geneva on March 2.

Average emission level of cars sold in Europe fell by 7.9 g/km CO2 last year, as the industry witnessed an increased market for small cars.

According to a leading provider of automotive data and intelligence, JATO Dynamics, over half the cars in Europe in 2009 emitted less than 140g/km CO2.

Last year saw an acceleration of the reduction in average CO2 compared with 2008, which only achieved a CO₂ emissions reduction of 5.4g/km.

The majority of the decrease is being driven by shifts in buying habits towards smaller, low-CO₂ cars, the firm said, with the three lowest CO₂ bands increasing market share, at the expense of bands above 140g/km. In particular, the 101-120g/km band experienced a market share gain of 8.9 per cent, from 16.7 per cent to 25.6 per cent.

Shifting consumer behaviour has also been guided by the popularity of small, low-CO₂ emitting cars in national scrappage schemes, which heavily influenced European new car sales in 2009.

“The marked reduction in average CO₂ emissions is a consequence of changing buying habits and in particular, the downsizing to smaller, more economical cars, driven by scrappage incentives and recessionary uncertainties,” commented David Di Girolamo, Head of JATO Consult.

“This is accelerating the decreases made through the introduction of new, ever-more efficient models and technologies. The achievement here should not be under-estimated: car makers are offering models that are safer and more feature-rich, whilst still improving their environmental credentials.”

Individual brand performance often sees low-volume exotic and supercar marques making the biggest emission cut, and indeed Ferrari that lead the way in the year, reducing volume-weighted CO₂ emissions  by 53.6g/km.

However, the second highest improver is Porsche, which has reduced its volume-weighted CO₂ emissions by 27.5g/km, on 2009 sales of 32,960, a significant achievement against such a sales volume that is due in part to the introduction of the brand’s diesel engine, available in the Cayenne 4×4.

The best overall brand reduction was achieved by Alfa Romeo, which lowered emissions by 18.3g/km over the year, on sales of 109,542.

Fiat however remains the lowest overall volume brand for CO₂, with an average of 127.8g/km, although Toyota has moved to a close second from fifth in 2008, largely due to the European market penetration of its Yaris models, displacing Citroen and Peugeot from their respective 2008 positions.

Whilst most of the top 10 brands, by volume, have simply shuffled position, Audi is a new entry, replacing BMW in 9th position. This is due to continued strong sales of the A3 model, reducing sales of the brand’s larger, less efficient models and working to reduce CO₂ emissions across the range, particularly on the high-volume A4 2.0-litre TDi.

Some brands are already ahead of future EU targets – smart, Fiat and MINI are under the average 130g/km mark, not required for all makes until 2015, while Toyota is only 0.1g/km adrift.

As the UK Government announces plans to introduce £5,000 grants towards the purchase of an ultra-low carbon cars, new research reveals that the public are ‘geared up to go green’ according to an automotive PR firm.

The survey conducted by market research firm, fast.MAP on behalf of the self-explanatorily named, Automotive PR discovered that 60 per cent of motorists are ready to make the conversion to an electric or hybrid car.

Despite recent press reports to the contrary, the research, which polled the opinion of more than 1,000 UK motorists, also showed that 54 per cent are either ‘concerned’ or ‘very concerned’ about global warming, whilst just nine per cent do not believe global warming is happening.

The government’s £230m consumer incentive programme will provide grants up £5,000 towards the purchase of an electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell car, and will be offered from January 2011 on vehicles that meet certain safety and performance criteria. As a result, the new survey showed that 62 per cent of motorists can see themselves owning or driving an electric or hybrid car in the future.

When it came to ‘going green’ more generally, 82 per cent of the motorists surveyed said they make the most environmentally-friendly choice, if not always, then at least some of the time.

Lexus has released more details of its new production-ready CT-200h, ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

Lexus’ first  premium compact hybrid is set to enter production late in 2010 and will go on sale worldwide. The full hybrid model, which features a passing resemblance to sister-brand Toyota’s Prius, will be the carmaker’s most accessible hybrid yet.

Based on the LF-Ch concept revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new model is actually smaller than the Prius, yet slightly wider in its dimensions. However like the Prius, the new model will use the familiar 1.8 VVTi petrol engine coupled with a powerful electric motor. Drivers have the choice of four selectable drive modes: ECO and NORMAL place the emphasis on efficiency and comfort, while SPORT focuses on dynamic performance.

As a full hybrid, the CT 200h also has an EV (electric vehicle) mode that allows for ultra-quiet running on the electric motor alone, which will reduce the car’s fuel and reduce CO₂, NOx and particulate emissions. The car is capable of running in EV mode for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 28mph. Emissions and fuel consumption has yet to be confirmed, but expect it to be sub-100g/km CO2.

In spite of its compact, efficient design dimensions, the new CT200h promises a roomy interior and a luggage capacity of 345 litres.

The CT 200h is built on a new platform with a dedicated double wishbone and trailing arm rear suspension system. It has been developed specifically to combine the ride comfort expected of a Lexus with superior driving involvement and handling agility.

Set to appeal to company car drivers, the new CT 200h will likely compete with traditional favourites such as the BMW 1 series. The new model will join Lexus’ established hybrid line-up in the form of the Lexus-GS 450h, Lexus-LS 600h and the Lexus-RX 450h.

The brand new generation of the Porsche Cayenne Sports Utility Vehicle will make its world debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.

The vehicle cuts fuel consumption compared to the former model by 23 per cent thanks to a host of green features including the new Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic transmission with auto start stop; thermal management on the engine and transmission cooling circuit; variable engine cut-off; intelligent lightweight construction; and on-board network recuperation. Fuel consumption is 28.75mpg, while CO2 emissions have been cut to 193g/km.

The hybrid Cayenne S is powered by a 333hp 3.0litre supercharged V6 engine and a 34kW electric motor. Together the two units deliver a maximum system output of 380hp as well as peak torque of 580Nm. To help with fast acceleration, the electric motor provides additional thrust through its boosting effect and the combustion engine can even be switched off at speeds as high as 97mph when no further power is required.

Along with the Cayenne S Hybrid, three of the five new Cayenne models consume less than 10 litres of fuel per 100km and two models emit less than 200g/km of CO2. Other models in the range include an entry level 3.6litre V6; a Cayenne Diesel that achieves 31.8mpg; a Cayenne S with a 4.8litre V8 power unit; and a Cayenne Turbo with a 4.8litre V8 bi-turbo that consumes 20.5mpg.

Not got the cash to buy a Tesla Roadster outright? Well maybe leasing could be the answer.

The company is making both the electric Roadster and Roadster Sport available for lease with customers able to take immediate delivery of a new 2010 model with a three-year, 30,000mile contract and monthly payments as low as $1,658.

At the end of the lease, the lessee is liable for a disposition fee of $350 and any excess wear and use as set out in the lease agreement with mileage charges of $0.25 per mile driven in excess of the 30,000 mile agreement. Operational cost savings can reach $131 a month based on an estimated 833miles driven per month, according to Tesla’s calculations, and customers have the flexibility to either purchase the Roadster outright or walk away.

In addition, Tesla will also make its Tesla Rangers mobile service squad available. It makes house calls for annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services.

The monthly lease payment of $1,658 excludes sales and use tax for 36months and is based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $111,005. Anyone who decides to lease the Roadster or Roadster Sport will have to pay $12,453 at signing which includes $1,658 for the first month’s payment, a $9,900 down payment and an $895 acquisition fee. 

Would you be interested in leasing a Tesla Roadster? Leave a comment with your thoughts.

The Chevrolet Equinox has been “amped” up as Ohio-based Advanced Mechanical Products (AMP) revealed a full battery electric version of the vehicle.

AMP specialises in converting new vehicles to full battery electric drive and its electric Chevrolet Equinox can achieve a top speed of 90mph and accelerate from 0-60mph in just eight seconds. It comes fitted with a 37kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a range of up to 150miles; while also boasting dual Remy motors that have been dubbed the “secret source” of the converted vehicle by the company’s CEO Steve Burns.

It was just earlier this month that AMP and Remy International signed a letter of intent for a long-term electric motor supply agreement and now AMP will use Remy HVH250 electric motors in its custom electric vehicle conversions.

According to CEO Burns, for the Equinox, AMP configures the two motors “butt to butt” with one for each rear wheel. There is no need for a transmission or differential and that creates what Burns describes as “the most efficient drivetrain in the market”.

Humbly Burns states that the company didn’t have $3billion “to do a vehicle from scratch” but “even if we did, we couldn’t build a car as good as the Equinox”.

The electric AMP Equinox is expected to retail for less than $50,000 after government incentives are applied and Burns is eager to point out that it will be available ahead of its electric rivals, such as the Nissan LEAF.

The electric AMP Equinox is available for order now and the company should start deliveries by June, 2010. A formal unveiling is expected at the New York Auto Show on April 2, 2010.

Mercedes-Benz has opened a new display of its green technology at its brand experience centre in Surrey.

The special BlueEFFICIENCY display opened at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, brings together the carmaker’s the latest cutting-edge technology aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating CO₂ emissions.

The new display means that for the first time the carmaker’s most recent stage in hydrogen powered fuel cell development-the B-Class F-Cell – will be permanently available for the British public to see. Customer trails of the fuel cell technology installed into a B-Class body will begin this year.

A special cutaway version of the car forms a key part of the new exhibition allowing a unique insight into this zero tailpipe emission vehicle, which has already entered limited-series production. The F-Cell’s electric motor uses energy generated by a state-of-the-art fuel cell converted from hydrogen. The only emissions are pure water vapour.

Visitors can also enter a futuristic 360 degree interactive area. Inside, they can select from a series of display options and learn about a variety of new developments: BlueEFFICIENCY measures to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency; how hybrid vehicles are changing the automotive scene; the remarkable DIESOTTO engine that offers the power of a petrol engine with the economy of a diesel; the drive to use renewable raw materials and increase recycling; why new lithium-ion batteries are making electrically powered vehicles a force to be reckoned with; and how the German carmaker is turning to bionics to show how nature continues to shape cars of the future.

The new exhibition also includes one of the very latest BlueTEC engines featuring the cleanest diesel technology in the world. This special cutaway version features the internal workings of AdBlue technology, a development which reduces emissions by injecting a special fluid into the exhaust system.

Mercedes-Benz World is open every day from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

An Australian auto industry association is calling for a complete consultation into the safety of electric vehicles (EVs) following the controversy sparked by the deaths of three roof insulation installers.

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has expressed concern that the country’s automotive industry workers may be ill-prepared for the specific threat that faulty electrically-run cars could pose. The call for a full consultation with the industry follows on from the scandal resonating from the federal government’s $3.7 billion roof insulation program, which may have left some Australian homeowners with ‘live roofs’ and recently resulted in the death of three men employed to install the insulation.

According to the chamber, around 40 manufacturers around the world are expected to launch EVs in the next three years. Among others, Toyota has introduced the hybrid-electric Camry in the country with Mitsubishi due to release the all electric i-MiEV later in the year. As such the chamber says the industry needs to ready to avoid accidents with electrically-powered cars.

It is calling for the federal government, in consultation with Austalian state governments, to convene a forum of all interested parties to methodically discuss the implications of the imminent arrival of EVs.

“So far, discussions relating to EVs have been disparate and uncoordinated. All sorts of things are happening by all sorts of groups, but it is often disjointed,” explains VACC Executive Director, David Purchase.

“Governments, manufacturers, associations, dealers, repairers, suppliers, break-down operators, emergency services, environmental agencies and training providers, to name a few, all have a genuine interest in electric vehicles.

“Electric vehicles run on around 15,000 volts – more than enough to kill someone,” he warned.

“Working on an electric vehicle is a dangerous activity and that is why we believe the automotive industry should be involved in discussions regarding training, regulation, national standards and licensing. We call on the Federal Government to take the lead and create an environment in which all facets of electric vehicles are examined. We will only get one shot at this and we need to get it right, because the arrival of electric vehicles is going to have a huge influence on our future transport needs,” Purchase said.