Lexus Rocks the F-Sports at SEMA 2009

Motor Authority - blog Tag: ENVI

  • Dodge exec: Circuit EV headed for production

    Dodge exec: Circuit EV headed for production July 21st, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 21st, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 5 Comments

    Dodge exec: Circuit EV headed for production Chrysler intends to launch its first all-electric model by next year according to a recent interview with Lou Rhodes, Chrysler's ENVI division president, and unlike its rivals, the now-Fiat-aligned carmaker is planning a high-performance sports model as its entry into the burgeoning segment.

    Chrysler’s pre-bankruptcy viability plan also told of the Circuit EV's production, but intervening events but the plan under considerable doubt. But the interview with Rhodes makes it clear that the company’s first electric car will be a production version of the Circuit EV.

    With performance that rivals the Tesla Roadster but a price that... Chrysler intends to launch its first all-electric model by next year according to a recent interview with Lou Rhodes, Chrysler's ENVI division president, and unlike its rivals, the now-Fiat-aligned carmaker is planning a high-performance sports model as its entry into the burgeoning segment. Chrysler’s pre-bankruptcy viability plan also told of the Circuit EV's production, but intervening events but the plan under considerable doubt. But the interview with Rhodes makes it clear that the company’s first electric car will be a production version of the Circuit EV. With performance that rivals the Tesla Roadster but a price that will undercut by "tens of thousands", the Dodge Circuit EV should prove a huge success, provided it can deliver on its claims. We’ve already seen a preview of the car in the form of the Dodge Circuit EV concept from January’s Detroit Auto Show, and the production version would have its chassis assembled by Lotus in Europe, then shipped to the U.S. for the electric drivetrain install. As yet, there's not official timeline for the car's release, but prototypes are currently under testing. Following the sports car, CNNMoney previously reported that Chrysler will then add electric sedans, SUVs and crossover models, and some also based on Fiat platforms. Via: AllCarsElectric2009 Dodge Circuit EV concept Read More

  • Chrysler unveils $448 million electric vehicle plan

    Chrysler unveils $448 million electric vehicle plan May 26th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, May 26th, 2009 James Martinez 0 Comments

    Chrysler unveils $448 million electric vehicle plan Chrysler today submitted three proposals outlining a $448-million plan to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in order to rapidly bring electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid models to market. The proposals were submitted in order to receive two initiatives established by the DOE - the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative and the Transportation Electrification Initiative.

    Both are designed to speed up development, demonstration, evaluation and manufacturing of EVs and plug-in hybrids. The programs represent a 50/50 cost-share opportunity, with $224 million to come from Chrysler and an equal amount... Chrysler today submitted three proposals outlining a $448-million plan to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in order to rapidly bring electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid models to market. The proposals were submitted in order to receive two initiatives established by the DOE - the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative and the Transportation Electrification Initiative. Both are designed to speed up development, demonstration, evaluation and manufacturing of EVs and plug-in hybrids. The programs represent a 50/50 cost-share opportunity, with $224 million to come from Chrysler and an equal amount matched by the DOE. If approved, Chrysler plans to use the funds to build a demonstration fleet of EVs and plug-in hybrids, as well as create a new-vehicle electrification technology and manufacturing center located in Michigan. Under the plan, this new facility would be functional by next year and be capable of producing more than 20,000 vehicles per year. As for the demonstration fleet, Chrysler intends to build more than 365 EVs and plug-in hybrids for use by select customers and partners. The majority of the vehicles will be plug-in hybrid versions of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan and Dodge Ram pickup, as the regular petrol versions of these models already cover a wide range of drive cycles and consumer-usage patterns in diverse geographies and climates throughout the country. Read More

  • Report: Fiat picks 3 directors for restructured Chrysler

    Report: Fiat picks 3 directors for restructured Chrysler May 21st, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, May 21st, 2009 James Martinez 0 Comments

    Report: Fiat picks 3 directors for restructured Chrysler Only yesterday it was announced that former Chairman of Borden Chemical and of Duracell International, Robert Kidder, would preside over a restructured Chrysler as its new CEO, but already reports have emerged claiming Fiat has appointed three new directors for the struggling carmaker. In the lead up to the announcement, rumors were rife that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne would be appointed as Chrysler’s chief but now it appears that he will sit on the board of a newly formed Fiat-Chrysler entity.

    Joining Marchionne will be Fiat Powertrain Technologies CEO Alfredo Altavilla, as well as the former vice chairman of Exxon Mobil, Lucio... Only yesterday it was announced that former Chairman of Borden Chemical and of Duracell International, Robert Kidder, would preside over a restructured Chrysler as its new CEO, but already reports have emerged claiming Fiat has appointed three new directors for the struggling carmaker. In the lead up to the announcement, rumors were rife that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne would be appointed as Chrysler’s chief but now it appears that he will sit on the board of a newly formed Fiat-Chrysler entity. Joining Marchionne will be Fiat Powertrain Technologies CEO Alfredo Altavilla, as well as the former vice chairman of Exxon Mobil, Lucio Noto. To further complicate matters, inside sources have revealed to Automotive News that Marchionne will in fact be in charge of day-to-day running of the carmaker, while Kidder will be responsible for protecting U.S. Treasury interests. Potentially standing in the way of the three respective appointments is the complex ownership situation affecting Chrysler, with debt holders and the UAW involved in difficult negotiations on how to administer the restructured company. Fiat will initially hold a 20% ownership stake in Chrysler but has the right to increase its ownership stake by an additional 15% in three increments as it meets the following criteria: 5% for bringing a 40mpg vehicle platform to Chrysler to be produced in the U.S.; 5% for providing a fuel-efficient engine family to be produced in the U.S. for use in Chrysler vehicles; and 5% for providing Chrysler access to its vast global distribution network to facilitate the export of Chrysler vehicles. With the full 35%, we could easily see more Fiat execs make their way onto the board of the restructured Chrysler. Read More

  • C. Robert Kidder to head Chrysler after restructuring

    C. Robert Kidder to head Chrysler after restructuring May 20th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, May 20th, 2009 James Martinez 1 Comment

    C. Robert Kidder to head Chrysler after restructuring Nearly three weeks into Chrysler's bankruptcy and the global strategic alliance between Fiat and Chrysler comes news today that C. Robert Kidder - not Sergio Marchionne - will play the role of CEO for Chrysler after the bankruptcy. The news, which comes directly from Chrysler, contradicts a statement previously made by spokesman for Fiat indicating that Marchionne would take the top job.

    "Marchionne will be the new chief executive of Chrysler after the procedure," a Fiat spokesman told to the Associated Press about a week ago, referring to bankruptcy protection for Chrysler and clearance by a U.S. courts for a rescue by Fiat to go ahead.... Nearly three weeks into Chrysler's bankruptcy and the global strategic alliance between Fiat and Chrysler comes news today that C. Robert Kidder - not Sergio Marchionne - will play the role of CEO for Chrysler after the bankruptcy. The news, which comes directly from Chrysler, contradicts a statement previously made by spokesman for Fiat indicating that Marchionne would take the top job. "Marchionne will be the new chief executive of Chrysler after the procedure," a Fiat spokesman told to the Associated Press about a week ago, referring to bankruptcy protection for Chrysler and clearance by a U.S. courts for a rescue by Fiat to go ahead. Instead, C. Robert Kidder, former Chairman of Borden Chemical Inc. and of Duracell International Inc., will succeed current CEO Robert Nardelli to become Chairman of Chrysler Group LLC, once it completes its acquisition of the operating assets of Chrysler LLC and completes a global alliance with Fiat SpA. "We are most fortunate that Bob Kidder will lead the new company through its transformation," said Nardelli. "My number one priority has been to preserve Chrysler and the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on its success. With his broad expertise serving on numerous world-class boards and his accomplished business background, Bob will provide the leadership and strategic counsel that will help to create a strong global competitor moving forward." Kidder is optimistic about Chrysler's future with Fiat, especially with its soon-to-be-lighter profile. “I am pleased to join Chrysler at a time when Chrysler is poised to launch an exciting new era,” said Kidder. "I am confident that Chrysler will emerge from Chapter 11 a lean and powerful competitor, combining its own rich history of innovation with Fiat's technology and expertise to invigorate the American car market and to challenge other car companies around the globe." Other issues that still need to be settled, however, include who will be placed on the new Chrysler board of directors. Previous reports have suggested that there are plans to include board members from Chrysler, Fiat and even the auto industry task force. Problems that could get in the way involve the complex ownership situation affecting Chrysler, with Chrysler's debt holders and the UAW involved in difficult negotiations on how to administer the company. Read More

  • Government preparing for possible Chrysler bankruptcy

    Government preparing for possible Chrysler bankruptcy April 24th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, April 24th, 2009 James Martinez 0 Comments

    Government preparing for possible Chrysler bankruptcy As the April 30 deadline for Chrysler to restructure its business looms closer, the Treasury department has begun to prepare a bankruptcy filing for the struggling carmaker. The news highlights the severity of Chrysler's situation should it fail to enact a deal with Italian auto giant Fiat, but the preparations are not exactly an indication that things are doomed and are described by the Treasury as a matter of due diligence.

    Chrysler will also have to get its debt turned into equity and negotiate agreements with the United Auto Workers union group for it to avoid going into insolvency after April 30. A congressional delegation consisting... As the April 30 deadline for Chrysler to restructure its business looms closer, the Treasury department has begun to prepare a bankruptcy filing for the struggling carmaker. The news highlights the severity of Chrysler's situation should it fail to enact a deal with Italian auto giant Fiat, but the preparations are not exactly an indication that things are doomed and are described by the Treasury as a matter of due diligence. Chrysler will also have to get its debt turned into equity and negotiate agreements with the United Auto Workers union group for it to avoid going into insolvency after April 30. A congressional delegation consisting of senators and White House staff released a statement claiming that at this point the "administration and the companies must continue to prepare contingency plans to avoid liquidation or a protracted restructuring process should the ongoing negotiations for out-of-court resolution fail". While negotiations about the deal with Fiat slowly march on, insiders close to the company claim revealed to Bloomberg that the negotiations with both the Canadian Auto Workers union and the United Auto Workers were substantially completed. In fact, the largest hurdle now facing Chrysler, according to insiders, is reducing its debt with its bondholders and major stakeholders. The last we heard from Chrysler's creditors was a willingness to exchange around $2.5 billion in debt for a 40% equity stake in Chrysler. Prior to this offer, the Treasury department had requested Chrysler's creditors to cut debt by around $6 billion, which was rejected by Chrysler's first-line creditors. Chrysler's counteroffer has not yet been seen, but without co-operation from debtholders it seems inevitable that the Detroit carmaker will sink - unless of course, Fiat agrees to significant cash injections following an alliance. Read More

  • Chrysler presents electric minivan concepts for U.S. Postal Service

    Chrysler presents electric minivan concepts for U.S. Postal Service April 23rd, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, April 23rd, 2009 James Martinez 5 Comments

    Chrysler presents electric minivan concepts for U.S. Postal Service Chrysler may be on the brink of bankruptcy but that hasn't stopped the company from trying to claw its way back into the now burgeoning electric market - with the help of the U.S. Postal Service. This week the company showed off four all-electric Chrysler Town & Country minivan concepts, which it hopes will help its application for federal grant from the Department of Energy's 'Transport Electrification' stimulus program.

    Should Chrysler win this grant, it hopes to establish a nationwide demonstration fleet of zero-emissions minivans that could be used by the U.S. Postal Service for mail delivery. The concepts come from Chrysler's ENVI... Chrysler may be on the brink of bankruptcy but that hasn't stopped the company from trying to claw its way back into the now burgeoning electric market - with the help of the U.S. Postal Service. This week the company showed off four all-electric Chrysler Town & Country minivan concepts, which it hopes will help its application for federal grant from the Department of Energy's 'Transport Electrification' stimulus program. Should Chrysler win this grant, it hopes to establish a nationwide demonstration fleet of zero-emissions minivans that could be used by the U.S. Postal Service for mail delivery. The concepts come from Chrysler's ENVI division, which is focused on hybrid and electric vehicles. The four concepts shown were specifically targeted for use by the U.S. Postal Service. While nothing is set in concrete yet, the Postal Service was keen on the idea, with a spokesman stating that they were looking for "energy-efficient replacement vehicles for our aging fleet" in order to reduce their "transportation-related carbon emissions". Should the federal grant be received, Chrysler has already envisioned how it will provide infrastructure for the electric minivans to be charged and maintained. According to the company, it has enlisted the involvement of key energy companies, including Duke, ConEd, and DTE. Each of these companies have signed 'letters of intent' to equip post offices with a charging infrastructure. The batteries for the vehicles will likely come from Chrysler's new battery partner, A123 Systems, which will be building a battery production facility in Michigan in the near future. Read More

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