India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki today handed over first lot of Two Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid cars and One ‘Eeco Charge’ to Mr Arvinder Singh Lovely, Hon’ble Minister of Transport for NCT Delhi. The vehicles intended for use at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, were handed over by Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, in the city.

Maruti Suzuki has made ready a lot of 14 future technology vehicles for the use at Commonwealth Games. These include 10 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid Cars and 4 Maruti Suzuki ‘Eeco Charge’ vehicles. The balance vehicles will be handed over to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for use by the Officials during the Commonwealth Games.

On the occasion Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi said, “I am happy that engineers at Maruti Suzuki have developed these future technology vehicles. This project has helped our engineers to increase their knowledge and enhance their R&D capability. We are grateful to the Government for their leadership to promote green technology in automobiles. Maruti Suzuki is happy to be associated with the Commonwealth Games national initiative, through these vehicles.”

Maruti Suzuki has developed the SX4 Hybrid vehicles and ‘Eeco Charge’ concept vehicles as a part of the demonstration fleet. The demonstration of the fleet of SX4 Hybrids and ‘Eeco Charge’ vehicles at the Commonwealth Games 2010, is in line with the ambitious NHPP and MNRE program outline.

SX4 Hybrid and ‘Eeco Charge’ concept development has been taken up by Maruti Suzuki as a part of the Government initiated and SIAM coordinated NHPP & MNRE National Hybrid Propulsion Program (NHPP) and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Sources (MNRE)’s High Energy Density Battey Development Program.

More details on SX4 Hybrid and Eeco Electric after the jump.

‘SX4 Hybrid’

SX4 Hybrid is a Full Parallel Hybrid with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) on a sedan platform. SX4 Hybrid presents a case of evolution of transportation system with elements of flexibility, style and eco-friendliness. SX4 Hybrid offers mobility solution in an eco-friendly yet stylish manner.

The hybrid system used in the SX4 Hybrid features an electric motor and twin clutch arrangement with advance Lithium-ion battery technology. This concept combines a 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine and a 50 kW electric motor along with 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission. Together, these provide high fuel economy with lower emissions. The SX4 Hybrid is also capable of running solely on its electric motor, offering a further boost to fuel efficiency and zero emission modes in city driving. The SX4 hybrid offers 25 per cent more fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline vehicle.

‘EECO Charge’

‘Eeco Charge’ is a zero-emission, pure electric vehicle developed on a MPV platform. It is powered by a 50kW motor and a 24kWh Lithium-ion battery. On full charge it promises a driving range of around 100km and attains top speed of 100 km per hour. The ‘Eeco Charge’ also has the ‘Sport Mode’ for acceleration enthusiast. The battery for ‘Eeco Charge’ has been packaged under floor for better drivability and retaining ample boot space. The real time display of State of Charge and ‘Distance to Empty’ addresses user’s anxiety. The ‘Eeco Charge’ can be charged using household power source

Source: Maruti Suzuki

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While they are fuel efficient and environmentally friendly, Hybrids like Prius aren’t exactly pedestrian friendly, especially for the blind… why you may ask? Well for the single reason that at low speeds they act as full electrics running on battery power alone making it difficult for the pedestrian to hear them while approaching.

To circumvent the problem Toyota has announced the sale of an onboard device designed to alert pedestrians and others audibly to the presence of a quiet vehicle just like a gasoline electric hybrid. The device goes on sale from August 30 and will cost 12,600 yen (approx $150) and will initially be available for Prius Gasoline Electric hybrid.

More details after the jump.

source: toyota japan

The device consists of a speaker mounted upfront which emits a synthesized sound of an electric motor when Prius is operating as an electric vehicle at speeds upto 25 km/hr. The sound is aimed at alerting pedestrians but not annoy by raising and falling its pitch relative to the vehicle’s speed hence also helping in judging the approximate distance and movement.

Toyota is planning to use this device in other gasoline electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles planned for launch.

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Tata Motors Senior Management with the Tata Nano EV at the Geneva Motor Show 2010

Tata Motors have displayed the electric version of the Nano christened the Nano EV at the ongoing 80th Geneva Motor show.

The Nano EV joins the ever increasing portfolio of Tata’s electric cars which also includes the Tata Indica Vista EV. The Nano EV will offer the praticality of a real car with enough intrior room to seat four people in comfort.

The Nano EV will come with super polymer lithium ion batteries, similar to the Indica Vista EV, which provide superior energy density compared to conventional batteries. The acceleration from 0-60 kmph will be under 10 seconds and the Nano EV will have a range of 160 kms between recharges.

Other exhibits at the Geneva Motor show include  Tata Indica Vista EV with a predicted range of 200 kms and 0-60 kph time of under 10 seconds, the mid-range Multi Purpose Vehicle Tata Aria, the recently launched Tata Indigo Manza sedan and Tata Xenon Double Cab pik up vehicle.

Mr. Ravi Kant, Vice Chairman, Tata Motors, said, “Electrification will be an integral part of our initiative to launch environment-friendly vehicles. The Indica Vista EV will be introduced in select European countries, beginning this year. We will progressively introduce electric vehicles in all relevant markets.”

jump over for the press release.

Press Release

Geneva, March 2, 2010: Tata Motors today presented at the 80th Geneva Motor Show the Tata Nano Electric Vehicle (EV), based on the award winning Tata Nano platform. When launched, it will expand the company’s electric vehicles portfolio, which already comprises the Tata Indica Vista EV.

Mr. Ravi Kant, Vice Chairman, Tata Motors, said, “Electrification will be an integral part of our initiative to launch environment-friendly vehicles. The Indica Vista EV will be introduced in select European countries, beginning this year. We will progressively introduce electric vehicles in all relevant markets.”

The Tata Nano EV offers the practicality of a real car, compromising nothing in the pursuit of providing environment-friendly personal transportation for the modern consumer.

It will seat four individuals comfortably in its spacious interiors, which the Tata Nano is known for. It will have a predicted range of up to 160 km and an acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds.

Tata Motors continues its innovative approach with the Tata Nano EV, using super polymer lithium ion batteries, as in the Tata Indica Vista EV, which provide superior energy density to conventional batteries.

The company has already displayed the Tata Nano Europa at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, and expects to launch it in select European countries in a couple of years. Meanwhile, in India, the Tata Nano, now being delivered to the first 100,000 chosen customers, has received rave reviews. It has won the 2010 ICOTY (Indian Car of the Year) Award, an award instituted jointly by six auto publications. It has also been individually declared as the Car of the Year by three other auto publications/television channels.

The Tata Indica Vista EV, based on the award-winning new generation Tata Indica Vista, is also a more practicable option for the consumer capable of carrying four individuals and adequate luggage space.  Its super polymer lithium ion batteries provide a predicted range of up to 200 km and acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds.

Also on display are the Tata Aria, a mid-range Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV, premiered in January in India and first shown as a concept at the 75th Geneva Motor Show, and the Tata Indigo Manza, the recently launched new generation sedan.

The Tata Aria blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range MPV with the all-terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV. Its unique design and construction makes it robust, elegant and comfortable. The interiors, with three rows of theatre style seating, present a luxurious world of premium features comprising 3D surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash built-in GPS, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel, dual air conditioning with automatic climate control and cruise control.

The Tata Indigo Manza is an altogether new car with a feline aggressive appearance. A complete new body on a new platform houses an all new interior. The spacious right inclination rear seats with a centre armrest, allow one to sit back and relax, in a living room like comfort and ambience. The tilt adjustable power steering with a height adjustable driver seat allows a comfortable driving posture. The driver information system on top of the central console provides information on fuel consumption and ambient temperature, while the sporty instrument cluster shrouded in the swoop of the soft-feel dashboard completes the styling statement. A 2 DIN Music System offers connectivity with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity through the Blue5.

Tata Motors is also displaying at Geneva this year the Tata Xenon Double Cab pick-up vehicle and the Tata Indica Vista. The Xenon Double Cab is available in Italy, Spain, Poland, Thailand, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and several countries in Africa. The Tata Indica Vista has already been launched in South Africa, and will be introduced in the company’s European markets. The other new generation cars of the company on display will also be launched in international markets in a phased manner.

About Tata Motors
Tata Motors is India’s largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of $ 14 billion in 2008-09. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India.  With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world’s fourth largest truck manufacturer and the second largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. (www.tatamotors.com )

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