In what could be a glimpse of the automotive industry’s future, electric cars grabbed the limelight at the ongoing ‘Mondial de l’ Automobile’ (Paris Motor Show) 2008 with several automakers unveiling a slew of new hybrid electric models. Most of the models, such as Renault SA’s Z.E. Concept, are still prototypes and could be several years away from production. Others, like Daimler AG’s all-electric Smart ED have entered the test phase.
Several automakers debuted new ready-for-production hybrid electric models. General Motors Corp. plans to get ahead of the pack with its rechargeable electric Chevrolet Volt, which is slated to go on sale by late 2010. “General Motors is betting an awful lot on the Volt, and I think it’s more than just an image issue, so we are all very interested in that,” said Finbarr O’Neill, head of international operations for J.D. Power & Associates.
Honda Motor Co. also formally unveiled its new five-door gasoline-electric hatchback called the Insight. Honda promises cheaper prices for the Insight to make low-emissions technology more affordable to consumers and to make the Insight more competitive against the highly successful Toyota Prius. Honda aims to sell 200,000 of the new Insight by next year in Japan, Europe and North America.
Last week, Chrysler unveiled three electric-powered vehicles: a sports car, a four-door Jeep and a minivan, which are scheduled for release in the US in 2010. Other electric cars in the spotlight at the 20087 Paris Motor Show include Venturi Volage, Peugeot RC Hymotion4, Electric Smart Car, Pninifarina B0, Nissan Nuvu Concept, DuraCar QUICC! DiVa, Tang Hua XY08 Chika, and the Joule MPV.
No comments:
Post a Comment