A new one day event exploring the challenges and opportunities for the low carbon vehicle industry is to take place at the end of the month at the The University of Sunderland’s Institute for Automotive & Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP).

In collaboration with the The Energy and Environmental Industries Forum (EEIF), the conference and exhibition entitled ‘Low carbon vehicles and their role in the low carbon economy’ will take place at AMAP’s Industry Centre on Sunderland’s Enterprise Park on February 29, 2012.

There will be opportunities to learn more about the challenges presented in this emerging market, as well as witness first-hand pioneering technology being developed in the North East region-know for its leadership in low carbon vehicle technology- during a workshop tour.

There’s also a chance for organisations to take up a space at one of the exhibition stands, showcasing their own products and technological advancements in low-carbon vehicles.

Chairing the conference, AMAP operations manager Adrian Morris, said: “At this time of rising fuel prices and increasing concern over global warming, it is not surprising that much effort and investment is being spent reducing energy needs and carbon emissions.

“This event will bring together speakers from industry, local government and academia to present ideas and open discussion regarding the potential that this emerging sector might present.

Guest speakers include:

-  Dr Colin Herron, Zero Carbon Futures – low carbon vehicle specialist and visiting professor at the University of Sunderland.

- Mark Nailis, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Cooperative – provide a range of technical services including the advanced manufacture, design, testing and evaluation of fuel cells.

-  Christian Bunke, Inova Power – development of hydrogen technology that could double the range of electric vehicles.

-  Les Clark, Sunderland City Council Head of Street Scene.

As part of the event, a free park-and-ride scheme will operate from the Stadium of Light to AMAP. In keeping with the theme of the conference, delegates will be transported to the venue on the latest in low carbon vehicle technology – a hybrid electric bus (Sunderland Connect 700) which is being provided by leading bus operator Go North East.

Exhibitors and those wishing to attend the event are requested to email nikki@renewplus.co.uk as soon as possible.

With the Prius C to launch in the US soon and the Yaris Hybrid arriving in the UK from June, you would think that Toyota had a enough small hybrids on the way to keep the yummy mummys happy. But just for good measure, the Japanese firm is also set to reveal a new concept B-Segment hybrid, currently called FT-BH –which stands for Future Toyota B-segment Hybrid-at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

With a focus on lightweight design, Toyota says the new concept will be as spacious as an average five-door supermini but produce about half the emissions thanks to the combination of hybrid drive and featherweight construction. Expected to weigh around 800kg, the new FT-BH weighs less than a three-door Aygo.

The Japanese car maker focused on five areas in development to ensure maximum energy efficiency; weight reduction, optimum aerodynamic performance (achieving a 30 per cent gain), powertrain efficiency, thermal energy management and electricity saving.

The FT-Bh concept makes its world debut at the Geneva motor show on March 6, and will be on display alongside the new Yaris Hybrid which launches this summer.

The pin-up of the electric car world, the Nissan Leaf, has been reissued a five star safety rating from Euro NCAP after being tested to new, more stringent crash standards introduced for 2012.

It is not the only model to successfully pass the retesting, with seven other models also re-earning their five star ratings in the latest batch of test results. The European safety authority also reissued five star ratings to; BMW 1 Series, BMW X1, Ford Focus, Ford Ranger, Mercedes, Subaru XV and Volvo V60.

But the positive result for the electric car model will help further dispel consumer concerns over the safety of battery models following the investigation into rival model, the Chevrolet Volt, which likewise concluded concerns were unfounded (see story).

The new ninth generation Honda Civic, with emissions from just 110g/km CO2, also achieved a five star rating but the Jeep Compass scored a disappointing two stars. The big SUV-type vehicle was tested with an optional side thorax airbag but its test results showed a poor protection levels, particularly in the side pole test. In pedestrian protection, the Compass scored a disappointing 23 per cent.

Each year, EuroNCAP tightens the criteria for a five star rating. In 2012, any car awarded 5 stars should achieve an overall score of at least 80 per cent, while scoring at least 80 per cent of the available points in Adult Protection, 75 per cent in Child Protection, 60 per cent in Pedestrian Protection and  60 per cent in Safety Assist.

The widespread availability of E15 has taken a step forward after the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved health effects testing.

The health effects testing by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy is a significant step towards the approval of a new fuel; and suppliers of ethanol and E15 are now able to register with EPA to offer the fuel.

Completing health effects testing now means that the path is almost clear for E15 to be registered as a fuel – and for it to be offered in the wider marketplace. Now the RFA expects fuel companies to register with the EPA immediately.

Another remaining step for its emergence however, is the formulation of a misfuelling mitigation plan. The E15 waiver applies to model year 2001 and newer vehicles and doesn’t include non-road, marine and vehicle engines – so helping to ensure that consumers are using E15 legally will be vital. As such the RFA has offered a misfuelling mitigation plan that should serve as a model for fuel retailers to comply with EPA regulations. Once completed, E15 can be sold to approved-vehicles in states and at stations prepared to do so.

The RFA is expected to continue to lead efforts to ensure state fuel regulations allow for E15 to be sold and that both retailers and consumers are well informed about how to use it.

There will be plenty of new vehicles on display at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show – but make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The vehicle is getting its European premiere at the event and will feature a new 3.0litre, V6 turbo-diesel engine with Multijet II technology that is capable of producing 177kW at 4,000rpm with torque of 550Nm. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with electronic range select.

Among the features of the new diesel engine are 1,800 bar injectors and Multijet II technology that has been developed with Fiat Powertrain. It makes use of a special balanced solenoid valve and guarantees a reduction in consumption and polluting emissions of approximately two per cent. In addition, the vehicle comes equipped with a Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system with two-speed transfer case; as well as a brake traction control system.

This system utilises throttle anticipation that can sense quick movement and maximise traction before any slippage can occur.

Jeep reports that fuel consumption is around 28mpg on the combined cycle – representing a 17 per cent improvement compared to the previous diesel engine. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions are also reduced by 17 per cent to 218g/km.

In addition, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is filled with off-road capabilities, such as hill start assist and hill descent control; as well as safety equipment such as: electronic rollover mitigation; electronic stability control; and ABS with off-road calibration.

In a clear sign of the growing importance of natural gas in the transportation sector, Mitsubishi has decided to invest around C$2.9billion to take a 40 per cent interest in the Cutback Ridge Partnership.

The Partnership has around 409,000 net acres of the undeveloped Montney-formation natural gas lands and under the terms of the agreement, Encana will take a 60 per cent share while Mitsubishi owns 40 per cent of the Cutback Ridge Partnership.

In addition, the assets cover development potential in both the Cadomin and Doig geological formations although it does not include Encana’s current Cutback Ridge production of around 600million cubic feet of natural gas per day.

According to Jun Yanai, Mitsubishi’s executive vice president and chief executive officer for its Energy Business Group, the company is excited to join Encana and the Japanese carmaker is now looking forward to tapping into new natural gas supplies for eventual delivery to the world markets.

Chevrolet is to introduce a new diesel version of its popular Cruze model  to the US as it gambles on the rising popularity of oil-burners stateside.

The American brand is to pull on the experience of the European arm of its parent firm GM in developing a Cruze diesel set for market introduction in 2013.

GM sold more than half a million diesel-powered cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including 33,000 Cruzes, so the diesel model is a proven sales gem elsewhere in the world.

The car maker is expecting that the push for greater efficiency in vehicles, driven by the rising price of fuel and the introduction of new CAFE standards, will mean that in the near future more and more Americans will consider diesel models. Diesel engines have long been known for their fuel efficiency and power. Due to a higher compression rate in the engine cylinders and greater density of energy in diesel fuel itself, diesel-powered engines are able to produce more power per gallon than gasoline-powered engines.

For the Cruze, powertrain engineers at GM’s diesel centre of excellence in Torino, Italy, are now working daily with counterparts in Pontiac, Michigan, to develop a diesel engine that delivers outstanding fuel efficiency and torque while providing a smooth, quiet ride-suitable for the US market. In addition, GM engineers in Russelsheim, Germany, are supporting the program by developing the accessory drive, acoustic cover and other specialized components.

“The market for diesel cars in the U.S. is small at present, but is expected to grow due to Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements and expected increases in gas prices,” said Mike Omotoso, powertrain analyst at LMC Automotive. “So far, the German automakers haven’t had any diesel car competition in North America. GM could do well with it, particularly with younger buyers who don’t have the old prejudices against diesel.”

Cruze diesel engine development will also benefit from GM’s recent commitment to invest $26.5 million to add five new dynamic benches at its Torino facility for climatic, noise and vibration and chassis dynamometer testing. These additions will speed development time as well as ensure that the new Cruze diesel meets high standards in refinement.

The Cruze diesel in the UK currently features emissions from 147g/km CO2 and up to 50.4 mpg on a combined cycle.

This morning saw the announcement of the first seven vehicles which qualify for the Plug-in Van Grants (PiVG) worth up to £8,000. But among the list of electric vans was one name we are not familiar with; Faam.

Whilst most of the list was fairly predictable, with vehicles such as the Renault Kangoo Z.E, Ford Transit Connect Electric and Mia Electric all approved, the name Faam is likely to be a new one to many. The Italian firm produces three models, Ecomile, Smile and Jolly 2000; two of which qualify for the grants worth 20 per cent of the purchase price.

First comes the Jolly 2000, a N1 van available as a cargo van, tipper or pick-up that uses a lithium ion battery to get around. It is also available as a compressed natural gas vehicle, although this does not qualify for the UK government’s grants but does still boast low running costs and low emission status compared to combustion rivals.

Next comes the Ecomile; also available in a series of body types, the van comes with a  12v lithium ion battery giving it a top speed of 130km/h.

Finally, the Smile is a heavy quadricycle vehicle which does not qualify for the grants and is designed for short, undemanding work, with a top speed of just 45km/h.

If you are interested in being one of the first people to acquired a Faam vehicle using the PiVGs then visit www.faam.com for more information.

The guys at Veolia Environmental Services have put their faith in Toyota’s hybrid technology after investing in no less than 28 Auris Hybrids.

The sub-100g/km models have been added to the company’s sales fleet in a bid to shrink its carbon footprint and improve its environmental performance.

With tailpipe emissions of 89g/km, the British-built Auris Hybrid can return 74mpg and over 700 miles on a single tank of petrol. The omission of road tax and 10% Benefit in Kind taxation will also please the Veolia purse.

David Lusher, Executive Director of Veolia Environmental Services (UK), seemed pleased with the new arrivals.

“We fully recognise our responsibility in relation to sustainability and anticipate that after this initial trial, our hybrid fleet will continue to grow,” he said.

“Hybrid technology is an alternative that Veolia has been actively following in all areas of its fleet for cars as well as light and heavy commercial vehicles.”

Toyota is set to add to its hybrid offering this summer when it launches the Yaris Hybrid [full story].

Commercial vehicle buyers will be able to claim grants worth up to £8,000 towards the purchase of seven different electric vans.

The list of first electric vans eligible for the new Plug-in Van subsidies have been revealed this morning, before the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) begins distributing the grants from March.

Supplementing similar grants available for plug-in cars, the new grants are designed to help businesses drive down emissions and develop a market for electric vehicles. They give private or business van buyers 20 per cent off the cost of an eligible plug-in van, capped at a maximum of £8,000.

Each van meets strict qualifying criteria including standards governing driving range, safety, warranty and battery performance.

At an event today to launch the eligible vans, which was supported by companies such as British Gas and BT as well as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Transport secretary Justine Greening said: “Our new grant demonstrates that you can be a motorist and still be pro-environment.

“Cars and vans are absolutely central to people’s lives – it’s how most of us get around and for many journeys they are, and will remain, the only practical and convenient travel choice. Nevertheless climate change is a global challenge we simply have to meet head on. It cannot be ignored or side-stepped.

Businesses that run electric vans will also benefit from reduced refuelling costs, are exempt from the van benefit charge, attract capital allowance concessions and are exempt from the London congestion charge.

The first seven vans to be made eligible for the grants are:

• Azure Dynamics – Transit Connect Electric
• Daimler Mercedes-Benz – Vito E-Cell
• Faam – ECOMILE
• Faam – JOLLY 2000
• Mia-electric – Mia U
• Renault – Kangoo ZE variants Kangoo VAN ZE, Kangoo Van Maxi ZE, and Kangoo Van Maxi Crew ZE
• Smith Electric – Smith Edison variants SE2 and SE3

The Transport Secretary also announced today that the Mia Electric (Mia and Mia L models) will become the eleventh vehicle now eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant – a consumer grant of up to £5,000.