GREENEDIA: TOP GREEN BLOGS EXCITED BY NEW PRODUCTS AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

A recent post from AutoblogGreen, a widely-read blog focused on environmentally-friendly transportation, has revealed that even Eastern European car-makers have jumped on the eco-bandwagon. Skoda Auto Group has announced its latest edition at the Geneva Motor Show which continues through the weekend. “The latest version of the VW Passat-derived Škoda Superb is making its official debut in Geneva this week, and the Czech marque's flagship will also be offered in the eco-themed GreenLine trim.” This represents a significant step, because Skoda has redesigned the car completely, not merely adding a hybrid engine into an exiting model.

The post declared that Volkswagons BlueMotion System provided impetus for Skoda's design changes. “Many of Volkswagen's BlueMotion lessions are applied here, meaning a redesigned, more aerodynamic fascia, lowered ride height, reduced weight, taller gearing and an efficient engine underhood.” There is reportedly 103 horses under the hood and 184 lb-ft of torque. Alex Nunez, the author of the post, summarized things by saying, “end result? 46 U.S. mpg (5.1 l / 100 km) in the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions of 136 g/km.”

Numerous automobile companies have seized on the high profile of the Geneva Auto Show and used it at a launching pad to promote their newest eco-friendly designs. Another company getting in on the action is Hyundai, who are debuting their HED I-Mode design. Green Car Congress states that “the 6-seater monocab study incorporates a new 2.2-liter two-stage turbocharged diesel engine... And lighter weight high-tech materials to reduce fuel consumption.”The I-Mode is a joint project between Hyundai and German company Bayer MaterialScience, as well as AG, Keiper, and LG Electronics.

Green Car Congress pointed to the cooperative agreement with Bayer MaterialScience as one of the key reasons why the I-Mode is able to boast such an environmentally-friendly design. According to the post, “The co-operation with Bayer MaterialScience enabled the complex curvature and radical design departures of the HED-5 innovations to be implemented more quickly. The materials used are lighter and more adaptable than the metal and glass they replace.” It is slated to enter production in early 2011.

The Energy Blog is reporting that Norwegian car manufacturer Th!nk has revealed a prototype for it's 5 seat compact car called the Ox. Slated to enter production 2011, the car is powered by industry-leading lithium ion batteries. Additionally, the post reports that the Ox “will have a range of about 125 miles (200 kilometers) on a charge and a top speed of about 80 mph (130km/hr).” The creation of this new vehicle owes much gratitude to General Electric, which has contributed the lion's share of the financial support for this exciting new car.

The powerful ion batteries will allow the car to go further than most production cars powered by lithium ion. To make things even sweeter, the car is scheduled to be released in North America in more than its compact version. The post declared, “the coupe and sports versions have a larger battery capacity for higher performance. The sports version would have a higher top speed and a range extended to up to 450km, a range also relevant for the taxi version.” The battery technology was supplied by A123, whose chief investor is General Electric.

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