Volvo will show BioFuel Chic at Motor Expo 2008 Thailand

Fresh from thrilling the German media on the infamous Nürburgring (billed as the greatest and most challenging race circuit in the world) the outrageous E85-capable Volvo S80 T6 AWD HPC (High Performance Concept) and its sibling, the luxuriously powerful Volvo S80 2.5 FT production car, plus the sexy sport coupe E85-capable C30 1.8 F will be the undisputed highlights of the Thailand International Motor Expo 2008 at the end of this month. These FlexiFuel Vehicles (FFV) set to amplify Volvo’s “green” commitment as they can run on E85 fuel (85% bioethanol and 15% benzene blend) while delivering uncompromising power and refinement.

The Volvo S80 T6 AWD HPC (High Performance Concept) is one of the world’s most desirable tuning programme based on the fundamental qualities of Volvo cars. Modified by leading Volvo specialist tuning firm, Heico Sportiv, the car screams "look at me!!" in its specially formulated 7-layer gleaming aluminium paint, blue leather and sliver carbon-fibre interior sitting ion 20" rims. Its 3.0-litre compact in-line-six cylinder engine coupled to an auto six-speed transmission through all-wheel drive (AWD) has been tuned to an amazing 350-horsepower (5,500 rpm) and 549Nm of torque between1,500 - 4,000 revs while running on E85 bioethanol fuel.

Volvo will also premiere its new Model Year 2009 Volvo S80 2.5 FT at the event. It is powered by a FlexiFuel E85 five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with a power output of 200 horsepower and 300Nm of torque at 1,500 - 4,000 revs. In addition to the unrivalled driving pleasure, the powerful luxury sedan also helps lower greenhouse gas pollution with its E85 capability. The model will shortly be available in Thailand.

Flanked by its race bred partner from the Swedish Touring Car Championships (STCC) and also now available to buy in Thailand, another highlight at Volvo’s booth is the Volvo C30 1.8 F. Developed from the Volvo Safety Concept Car (SCC), the C30 now comes with the 1.8 F FlexiFuel four-cylinder unit and appeals to those craving a younger, more contemporary and dynamic appearance and lifestyle. With the Volvo C30 having won numerous design awards worldwide since launch, the sporty Volvo C30 1.8 F running on bioethanol E85 underlines Volvo’s commitment to the environment and personifies the "biofuel-chic" revolution alongside its larger stable-mate S80 2.5FT.

Mr. Paul Stokes, President of Volvo Car (Thailand) Ltd, said, “From race-to-reality, what Volvo showcases here is that high-technology; high-performance, high-style and environmental care can blend together in perfect concert. Both the S80 T6 AWD HPC concept car and the S80 2.5 FT will surely bring greater excitement to the market while giving Thai motor-fans a clue of what they can expect from us in the future.”

In addition to the two highlights, a full range of Volvo cars, both model year 2008 and 2009, will be showcased and booking orders at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2008 from November 28 – December 10, 2008 at Challenger Hall, IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani.

Hyundai HED-5 "i-mode" concept

Hyundai HED-5 "i-Mode" Concept Makes North American Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show with new Eco-friendly powertrain

2.0-liter, Four-cylinder Turbo Engine with Gasoline Direct Injection Approved for U.S. Market Intro in 2010

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Hyundai unveiled the HED-5 "i-Mode" concept at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show today, featuring an all-new, eco-friendly powertrain making its first-ever appearance for Hyundai. The six-passenger family crossover, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, combines visionary styling with future technologies and advanced eco-dynamics.

For its North American debut, Hyundai added a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that improves efficiency and reduces emissions. The HED-5 i-Mode concept and the new powerplant, called the Theta Turbo GDI, have been green lighted for the U.S. market. Variants of the engine will appear in various Hyundai models. Timing and specifications for a production version of a family crossover similar to HED-5 i-Mode are currently in development.

HED-5 "i-Mode" Concept Highlights

*Six-seater monocab design
*World debut of turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with Gasoline Direct Injection
*High-end materials and advanced eco-dynamics
*Unique Swivel Seat concept
*Futuristic communications and entertainment system


"The HED-5 i-Mode concept provides a glimpse into the future of travel, incorporating innovative weight-saving technologies, a modern fuel-efficient four-cylinder direct injection turbo, and a flexible interior package," said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America.

All-new Theta Turbo GDI

For the U.S. market, the HED-5 i-Mode reveals a first-ever powerplant for Hyundai, the Theta Turbo GDI. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine uses gasoline direct injection technology. By injecting the fuel directly inside the cylinder in small, precise amounts, the performance and response of the engine improve thanks to the intake charge cooling. Both fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions improve due to the improved combustion. Combine GDI with turbo charging and the result is exceptional power output. The engine has capacity for up to 286 horsepower, greater than most six-cylinder engines on the market, while improving fuel economy by 15-20 percent. The Theta Turbo GDI includes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to further improve efficiency. This ultra-efficient, high-tech gasoline engine will be fitted in various Hyundai models in future model years.


HED-5 Cross-industry Collaboration Drives Packaging and Technology Advancements

Hyundai continues cross-industry cooperation to speed new technologies to market through such partners as Bayer MaterialScience AG, Keiper and LG Electronics. The cooperation with Bayer MaterialScience enabled the complex curvature and radical design of the HED-5 to be implemented sooner. The materials used are lighter and more adaptable than the metal and glass they replace. This, in combination with a light-weight body construction, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. "Self-healing," water-based finishes from Bayer add another environmentally friendly twist to the vehicle and even let minor scratches appear to "magically" disappear, saving the need for costly repair.

Through the advanced multimedia and entertainment concept developed by LG Electronics, the vehicle becomes an extension of the digital home allowing passengers to stay connected, communicate, and interact in the car and beyond. Access to the Web, video games, movies or video phones are possible through the pop-down touch-screen displays and Webcams located in the overhead console. A wireless network, cable-free keyboards, game controllers, and headphones further personalize the entertainment experience.

Hyundai's engineering partner, Keiper, supported the HED-5 i-Mode project with the exclusive world premiere of its new and unique Swivel Seat concept. The first-row passenger seat flips to face second- and third-row occupants. Additionally, the second-row bench slides rearward to increase comfort and create a social space for communication.

The i-Mode Design

An innovative mechanism enables the sliding door to be free from conventional inner and outer guide rails. When the doors are opened, the lack of a B-pillar enables a feeling of space and remarkable accessibility to the generous interior.

The Hyundai design team worked extensively with new composite materials to enable unconventional and irregular shapes. The architecture of the HED-5 i-Mode is supported by an external frame protecting the space within, like a shell. In cooperation with Bayer MaterialScience, the HED-5 i-Mode is the first vehicle to feature the new "BayVision" glazing system and Collimator headlight lenses made from Makrolon®. This innovative glazing alternative enables extended transparent areas, further reducing weight.

Through the innovative door opening mechanism, the interior of the HED-5 i-Mode reveals an inviting landscape of softly sculpted shapes and advanced technology. The first step into the vehicle reveals the elegant application of natural materials. Soft, silky leather in warm and natural brown tones provides a level of comfort normally reserved for the home. Attention is immediately drawn to the seats, which offer first-class comfort combining a modern, floating look with innovative functionality, enabling the occupants to experience the lounge atmosphere without the limitations of a conventional automotive interior layout.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 800 dealerships nationwide.

Honda Insight to Introduce Ecological Drive Assist System in Spring 2009

Driver feedback system designed for fun and economy

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced that a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™) will debut on the new Honda Insight in spring 2009.

The Honda Insight Concept, making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, provides a strong indication of the design and styling of the all-new gasoline-electric hybrid model from Honda.

Eco Assist combines multiple functions: the driver-activated ECON mode that optimizes control of the continuously variable transmission, engine and related powertrain components to conserve fuel; and a feedback function that uses speedometer background color to provide real-time guidance on environmentally responsible driving. An economy scoring function further provides feedback about current driving techniques, as well as feedback on cumulative, long-term driving style.

"Hybrid drivers enjoy trying to get the most fuel economy from their vehicles," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The visual nature of Eco Assist is intended to help drivers improve their efficient driving skills by making the hybrid experience more fun and rewarding."

Honda developed the powertrain control, driver guidance and driver feedback functions of Eco Assist to help enhance real-world fuel economy. In particular, the scoring function provides cumulative, long-term feedback through graphic 'leaves,' which grow over time as drivers learn and implement driving practices that increase fuel economy.

Activated by a green "ECON" button on the instrument panel, ECON mode optimizes control of the transmission, engine and other powertrain elements to conserve fuel. ECON mode also adjusts air conditioner operation, increases the potential for engaging the idle stop feature sooner and increase battery charging during regenerative braking.

The guidance function uses the speedometer background's color-changing, three-dimensional appearance to indicate fuel efficiency in real time. Fuel-saving activities like smooth acceleration and braking make the meter glow green. Somewhat less efficient driving makes the meter glow blue-green. Aggressive starts and stops that consume extra fuel make the meter glow blue. By observing the speedometer background's response to driving practices and seeking to achieve a consistently green color, drivers can receive assistance in developing driving habits that typically enhance fuel economy.

The scoring function provides feedback about current driving practices, as well as cumulative, long-term feedback tracking progress. Located in the center of the instrument panel of the all-new Insight, the Multi-Information Display offers drivers a selection of informational displays, including the scoring function, in which the number of 'leaves' displayed indicates the level of environmentally responsible driving performance. When the ignition switch is on, the display scores driving practices in real time. When the ignition switch is turned off, the 'leaves' in the top line of the display score driving in the just completed cycle (startup to shutdown), while a horizontal bar in the lower part of the display scores cumulative lifetime performance.

The Multi-Information Display also allows drivers to view fuel economy figures for the past three trips, as well as instantaneous and average fuel economy statistics. The scoring function encourages drivers to take an interest in developing fuel efficient driving habits over the long term.

Going on sale in North America next spring, the all-new, purpose-built Insight will come to market at a price significantly below that of hybrids available today. From this unique position in the marketplace, the Insight will advance the affordability and accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.

With its affordable price, the new hybrid vehicle will represent the best value in its segment. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan.
The Insight is expected to have annual global sales of 200,000 units per year -approximately 100,000 in North America. Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce another unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, a concept car first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

The original Honda Insight was introduced in December 1999 as North America's first gas-electric hybrid car. The original Insight was designed from the ground up to demonstrate the ultimate potential for fuel-economy in a two-seater subcompact automobile.

A leader in the development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient mobility products, Honda was the first to market low-emission gasoline vehicles, a gasoline-electric hybrid car in North America, and the world's first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX. In 2007, Honda was named "greenest automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth straight time.

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of the Insight Concept and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.