Michigan Assembly will be home to the all-new global Ford Focus, which has started production and goes on sale early next year. The Focus Electric zero-emission battery electric vehicle goes into production late next year followed by production of a new hybrid and a plug-in hybrid in 2012.

“We’ve modernized just about every square foot of this facility to establish a new standard for a high-tech, green, flexible and efficient auto factory,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. “The transformation of Michigan Assembly Plant stands as a symbol for the transformation of Ford.”

On the outside, a new 500-kilowatt solar panel system will be installed to help generate renewal energy for production of Ford’s all-new Focus and Focus Electric cars. Ten new electric vehicle charging stations on the property will be used to recharge the electric trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities.

Inside, new cars making the three-mile trip down the assembly line must pass dozens of rigorous quality inspections. A new three-wet paint booth utilizes 66 paint robots with seven axis of movement to precisely apply paint to the cars. In the body shop, 500 new robots capable of 4,000 welds per vehicle add to the plant’s flexibility. And a new internal communications system flashes updates and information to the plant’s 3,200 employees via 163 monitor screens distributed throughout the plant.

Flexible: Trends move fast
Bright, modern and green – like the car it is building – the refurbished Michigan Assembly Plant is the company’s new benchmark for flexible manufacturing. At 1.2 million square feet – about the size of 22 football fields – the plant becomes Ford’s most flexible, high-volume and modern manufacturing facility in its global operations.  Ford will continue to evolve its manufacturing flexibility as the company’s facilities are rapidly being transformed into more nimble, flexible, and technologically advanced operations.

The changes at the plant will allow the company to run multiple models down the same production line without requiring considerable downtime for changeover of tooling. Two different models of the Focus can be adjusted between builds without restrictions.

“If the last few years have taught us anything, it is that customer wants and needs can change quickly – much more quickly than we have been equipped to efficiently respond to in the past,” said Tetreault. “At Michigan Assembly, we will achieve a level of flexibility we don’t have in any other plant around the world, which will allow us to meet shifting consumer preferences in real time.”

Renewable: Power from the sun
Michigan Assembly also will boast Michigan’s largest solar power generation system and several electric vehicle charging stations for greener, more sustainable manufacturing when installation is completed next year.

Ford is teaming with Detroit Edison and Xtreme Power to install the 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system. The system will be integrated with a 750-kilowatt energy storage facility that can store 2 million watt-hours of energy using batteries – enough to power 100 average Michigan homes for a year. A secondary, smaller solar energy system will be added at a later date to power lighting systems at Michigan Assembly. The combined systems are expected to result in projected energy cost savings of about $160,000 per year.

Quality: At every turn
To ensure best-in-class quality for the all-new Focus, vehicles on the line will endure rigorous examinations. Workers will perform hundreds of comprehensive quality tests and checks to ensure every bolt, seam and joint has been thoroughly inspected before continuing down the line.

“We are leveraging our people, processes and products to consistently build cars that will surpass the competition,” said Tetreault. “This plant embodies everything we as a company strive to become – modern, efficient, flexible, global and sustainable.”

Contributing to Focus’ best-in-class quality and Michigan Assembly’s transformation:

• Virtual manufacturing technology to improve ergonomics for easier, safer work
• Redesigned water soak testing booth to ensure zero water entry for long-term durability
• Highly efficient and environmentally friendly painting process
• Best-in-class squeak and rattle track that shakes and rolls vehicles for noises
• New energy-efficient illumination lighting for better vehicle inspections
• Moving platforms with real-time height adjustments for better operator ergonomics
• Vision-guided automation for better installation, fit-and-finish of doors, decks and hoods
• New robotic paint spray booths for more consistent and environmentally friendly application
• Electric tools capable of precisely measuring torque and the number of rotations required to secure bolts, screws and other attachments

Adding to the physical transformation of the plant, Ford and the United Auto Workers have developed a framework to establish a strong, progressive culture that encourages joint problem solving and continuous improvement of the production process.

“This plant is an inspirational example of how a modern manufacturing facility should look and work,” said Tetreault. “It’s bright, high-tech and efficient, while also being environmentally and ergonomically friendly.”

Source: Ford Press Release

“New plug-in vehicle technologies from ZAP, together with Jonway’s cost effective manufacturing in China, will accelerate the implementation of our Green Project with Yangpu. This truly bridges the best aspects of both the US and China, leveraging the strengths of the technological innovation in the Bay Area and Yangpu”

The partnership agreement with Yangpu government is a direct result of Governor Schwarzenegger’s trade delegation to Shanghai in September this year, sponsored by the Bay Area Council, and is one of the first formal initiatives between the two regions.

Party Secretary Chen Yin attended the signing ceremony in San Francisco on November 19, 2010. At the ceremony, Party Secretary Chen said that improving air quality, “green” urban mobility and development of clean energy infrastructure are some of the key initiatives of Yangpu in the next few years. He indicated that this agreement shows the beginning of growing ties between two of the world’s leading technology innovation centers, Yangpu and the Bay Area, especially in the development of clean technology. Within the 24 square mile district of Yangpu there are 14 universities surrounding the Knowledge Innovation Center (KIC), a technology community that includes Fudan University and Tongji University, making this area one of the leading research centers in China on Clean Tech.

“New plug-in vehicle technologies from ZAP, together with Jonway’s cost effective manufacturing in China, will accelerate the implementation of our Green Project with Yangpu. This truly bridges the best aspects of both the US and China, leveraging the strengths of the technological innovation in the Bay Area and Yangpu,” said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider.

According to the framework of the partnership, ZAP will provide an electric car charging infrastructure, battery swap out stations, as well as EV maintenance and repair depots in Yangpu. ZAP will work with Yangpu’s government agencies, local universities, and private corporations on plans to further expand zero-emission transportation in the city.

“We have just started the initial planning of this long term project. The hard work of implementation and operations is ahead of us. We believe that the project planning and resourcing will be a yearlong process. We are pleased to be part of Yangpu’s Green Project and share Party Secretary Chen Yin’s vision and commitment to delivering his objectives,” says ZAP Chairman Dr. Priscilla Lu.

To execute these plans and better access the Chinese market, ZAP Jonway will open its EV sales and operations office in the Yangpu District and plans to establish its research and development engineering center in the district to take advantage of the university communities.

About ZAP

Based in Santa Rosa, ZAP has been a pioneer in the electric vehicle industry since 1994, engaging in the design, development, commercialization and distribution of 100% pure electric vehicles and power systems, and delivering a wide range of vehicle designs to consumers and fleet customers in the United States and international markets for sixteen years. The company supplies electric trucks and vans to military, government and corporate fleets and offers personal transportation products including electric motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and some of the only electric city-speed vehicles in production today. ZAP is also developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias that was a finalist in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE.

About Jonway

Jonway is the trade name of Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co., Ltd., an automobile manufacturer based in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China that currently produces several thousand units per year of two SUV models, the A380 3-door and the A380 5-door. Built in 2009, Jonway’s modern 3.6 million square foot factory on 141 acres is ISO9000 certified and has the capacity to produce up to 30,000 units per year. It employs over 800 workers and distributes its vehicles in China through 80 factory direct dealers and hundreds of factory authorized dealers. Jonway Auto is a subsidiary of Jonway Group, which has been a leader in the manufacturing of motorcycles, ATVs and related products for more than 20 years.

These funds were provided under California Assembly Bill 118. “California is a national leader in fostering alternative and renewable fuel and vehicle technology. By leveraging state funds with matching dollars, California is spurring the economy with the development of medium and heavy-duty electric trucks,” said California Energy Commission Vice Chair James Boyd. “Commercialization of the Wrightspeed Digital DriveSystem will provide valuable diagnostic verification and validation to ensure that electric drive technology meets defined performance and efficiency goals. The Golden State’s investment in green technology will yield rich dividends benefiting both the economy and environment,” Boyd said.

The Digital DriveSystem is a powerful, reliable and cost-effective solution for electrifying fleet trucks. It will eliminate harmful emissions and lower total life cycle costs over conventional diesel, natural gas and other hybrid drive systems. Wrightspeed founder and CEO, Ian Wright, stated, “We are excited to accelerate development of our electric drive technology with this grant. We strongly endorse the Energy Commission’s vision of energy independence and cleaner vehicles while creating high skill, high wage jobs in California.” 

For more information, please go to www.wrightspeed.com

SOURCE Wrightspeed, Inc.

Chalouhi, a 31-year-old entrepreneur is the founder of Fanhattan, a venture-backed stealth start-up in the connected TV space, where he serves as chief technology officer. He currently lives in Redwood City, Calif., with his wife, Jana, and their two children and holds a master’s degree in computer science from the French Aeronautical and Space School. Before purchasing his Nissan LEAF, Chalouhi commuted to work on an electric bicycle.

“Electricity is the new fuel for cars, and the Nissan LEAF has the potential to transform the automotive industry and the way people drive,” said Carlos Tavares, Chairman, Nissan Americas. “Starting today, drivers have the freedom to choose a future that produces zero tailpipe emissions, moves away from our dependence on fossil fuels, and represents the end of trips to the gas station. This Nissan LEAF delivery is the first of thousands and signifies the dawn of a movement that brings sustainable mobility to within our grasp.”

The San Francisco Bay Area events kicked off more than a week of festivities, as Nissan delivers the first Nissan LEAF vehicles to each of its primary launch markets in Southern California, Arizona, Oregon, Seattle and Tennessee. Nissan also donated $25,000 to the World Wildlife Fund to mark the occasion.

“San Francisco is committed to make the Bay Area the top EV market in America, and the fact that San Francisco is the number one market in the nation for Nissan LEAF ownership reservations is proof we’re on our way,” said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. “We are proud that Bay Area resident is the very first owner of a LEAF, anywhere in the world. We congratulate Olivier Chalouhi and the thousands of other Bay Area residents who soon will be driving electric cars, leading the way to climate friendly transportation.”

In all of these first markets, Nissan has formed partnerships with local, regional and state governments along with utilities to foster the development of electric vehicle-friendly policies and an EV-charging infrastructure. Sonoma County, the home of North Bay Nissan, marks among the first of such partnership agreements. The delivery of these first Nissan LEAFs also marks a milestone for The EV Project, a research and charging infrastructure deployment project funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The first Nissan LEAF owners in San Diego and Arizona are participants in The EV Project, the largest EV infrastructure deployment project ever undertaken. AeroVironment Inc. (Nasdaq: AVAV) is working with Nissan to supply and install home charging docks for Nissan LEAF customers, nationwide, including Chalouhi as well as first customers in Oregon, Seattle and Tennessee.

The initial Nissan LEAF deliveries will be followed by a second shipment of Nissan LEAF electric cars scheduled to arrive on Dec. 20 and destined for consumer driveways in time for the holidays. Nissan is on track for a nationwide launch of the Nissan LEAF by 2012, with Hawaii and Texas next to roll out in early 2011. In order to fulfill interest and meet demand in initial launch markets, Nissan plans to reopen reservations in the first half of 2011 as well as shift timing of additional markets until the second half of 2011.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

SOURCE Nissan North America Inc.

Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Private Ltd (MREVPL)  announced that it is aiming to sell as many as 2,500 units of its electric cars in India next year. In the current fiscal year , it targets to cross the sales figure of 1200 units in the country, as per a statement given by company’s General Manager (Marketing) Pawan Sachdeva to reporters.

The company will commence commercial production of Reva at its newly established Bangalore Plant by April 2011. The new plant will take the total annual production capacity of the company to more than 30,000 units from existing capacity of 14,000 to 18,000 per year.

At present, MREVPL is the only electric car maker in the Indian market. The company also exports its electric cars to several European countries such as the UK, Norway, Spain and France.   Mahindra-Reva is currently working on the development of a new four seater model of its electric cars and plans to launch it in the country by year 2012.

Several local jurisdictions in India have offered incentives on the purchase of the electric cars. The company hopes to get the similar tax incentives from other local government for its electric cars.

The MREVPL came into existence after India’s largest utility vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra acquired a majority stake of over 55 percent in the Bangalore based electric car company Reva, in May 2010. The Maini family holds a 31 percent stake in this new company while  the co-founder Lon Bell, holds an 11% stake in it.

The all-electric commercial vans, built on the Ford Transit Connect vehicle body, equipped with Azure Dynamics’ patented Force Drive^™ battery electric powertrain, and assembled by AM General at its facility in Livonia, Mich., are reaching the market 13 months after the collaboration to develop the zero-emission vehicle was first announced.

To date, all initial units have designated customers. Azure Dynamics’ LEAD customer program includes seven companies that are taking delivery of their first units in 2010, with the remainder of their orders to be filled in 2011. Customers that have been previously announced include AT&T, Southern California Edison, Xcel Energy, Johnson Controls Inc., New York Power Authority, Canada Post and Toronto Atmospheric Fund EV300. Additional LEAD customers will be identified by the end of the year.

Ford first announced the collaboration in October 2009, with an agreement for Azure Dynamics to upfit the Transit Connect van with Azure’s Force Drive battery electric drivetrain technology including Johnson Controls-Saft’s advanced lithium-ion battery, and a commitment to deliver the initial vehicles by the end of 2010 to the North American market. Initial production began in the fourth quarter of 2010 with full production of the Transit Connect Electric slated to ramp up in April 2011.

“Supplier collaboration is important on all Ford product programs, but it was especially key in this effort, which went from contract signing to vehicle production in 13 months,” said Sherif Marakby, Ford director, Electrification Programs and Engineering. “A strong teamwork environment established by Azure and Ford was critical to delivering this vehicle.”

“The Transit Connect Electric program is a great representation of our product development approach,” said Scott Harrison, CEO, Azure Dynamics. “We have been able to focus on integration of our Force Drive powertrain solution and benefit from Ford’s expertise in building ground-up global vehicle platforms. Meanwhile, capital costs are kept in check by contracting AM General for labor and assembly services – an area where the company excels. Transit Connect Electric is a revolutionary technology and achieving our aggressive time line is a testament to the professionalism and spirit of cooperation among all the project partners.”

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provided incentive funding for Azure Dynamics to encourage selection of a Michigan-based partner for final assembly. Azure chose AM General LLC, to produce the Transit Connect Electric in its facility in Livonia, Mich.

AM General, a long-established contract vehicle assembler and services provider, is responsible for final upfit of the Transit Connect Electric.  

Transit Connect Electric is the first product in Ford’s accelerated electrified vehicle plan, and will be followed by the Focus Electric passenger car in 2011, along with a plug-in hybrid electric and two next-generation lithium-ion battery-powered hybrid vehicles in 2012.

Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator program

In addition to delivery of units to LEAD customers in North America, the Transit Connect Electric commercial van is headed to the United Kingdom, where 14 of the vehicles will take part in the government’s Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator program. The program, supported by Scottish and Southern Energy, utilizes a fleet of zero-emissions vehicles for the energy company, with designated drivers to test vehicle and infrastructure technology.

The consortium of Ford, Scottish and Southern Energy and the University of Strathclyde will provide Transit Connect Electric vehicles and a charging infrastructure in and around the London suburb of Hillingdon during 2010 and 2011.

Ford and Azure Dynamics already have announced they will collaborate to produce the Transit Connect Electric for the European market with first units to be delivered in 2011.

Designed with fleet users in mind

The all-electric, zero-emissions Transit Connect Electric has a driving range of up to 80 miles per full charge and is ideal for fleet owners who have well-defined routes of predictable distances and a central location for daily recharging. Delivery fleet and utility vehicle operators have begun to show a preference for smaller, more efficient vehicles, which creates an ideal time for Transit Connect Electric to come to market.  

“The Transit Connect provides a unique choice for the fleet owner who wants the convenience of a utility vehicle,” Marakby said. “The electric version takes that one step further, delivering a dependable, zero-tailpipe-emission vehicle that requires no petroleum.”

Owners will have the option of recharging Transit Connect Electric with either a standard 120-volt outlet, or preferably a 240-volt charge station, typically installed at the user’s base of operations for optimal recharging in six to eight hours. A transportable cord that works with both types of outlets will be available for convenient recharging at either voltage.

The vehicle’s charge port is located above the passenger-side rear wheel well. The onboard liquid-cooled 28-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is charged by connecting the charge port to a power outlet. Inside the vehicle, an onboard charger converts AC power from the electric grid to DC power to charge the battery pack.

Transit Connect Electric is expected to offer lower cost of operation, because charging with electricity is generally less expensive than fueling with gasoline.

When the vehicle is operating, battery power is provided to the drive motor through the electric powertrain’s motor controller. The motor controller uses throttle input from the driver to convert DC power supplied by the battery into three precisely timed signals used to drive the motor. The onboard DC/DC converter allows the vehicle’s main battery pack to charge the onboard 12-volt battery, which powers the vehicle’s various accessories, such as headlights, power steering and coolant pumps.

In Transit Connect Electric, the battery pack has been efficiently integrated without compromising interior passenger room and cargo space. The Johnson Controls-Saft battery pack is expected to last the life of the vehicle.

First in Ford’s overall electrified vehicle strategy

The electrification strategy builds on Ford’s vision for bringing affordable technology to millions. It takes advantage of rapid advancements in electrified vehicle technology – particularly lithium-ion batteries – while leveraging the scale of global vehicle platforms to bring the cost of new technology down.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com .

About Azure Dynamics

Azure Dynamics Corporation (TS X : AZD) (O T C: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is str at egically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working intern at ionally with various partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innov at ive, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more inform at ion please visit www.azuredynamics.com .

About AM General

AM General designs, engineers, manufactures, supplies and supports specialized vehicles for commercial and military customers. The AM General business units also include two wholly-owned subsidiaries, General Engine Products, a diesel engine manufacturer, and General Transmission Products, an automatic transmission manufacturer. As creator and manufacturer of the famous HMMWV (HUMVEE ®) and HUMMER ® H1 andH2 vehicles, AM General has more than six decades of experience meeting the changing needs of the defense and automotive industries supported by approximately 2,500 employees at major facilities in Ind., Mich., and Ohio and a strong supplier base that stretches across 43 states. More information can be found at www.amgeneral.com .

SOURCE Ford Motor Company

Market Strategies’ E2 (Energy + Environment) Study is a national survey designed to gain an understanding of American’s attitudes and opinions about energy and environmental issues and how they intersect.

“The findings are enlightening,” said Jack Lloyd, a vice president in the Energy Division at Market Strategies.  “Respondents clearly see the importance of EVs but don’t necessarily see themselves driving one in the immediate future.  The reason may be ‘range anxiety’.”

‘Range anxiety’ is the concern about a vehicle’s range and/or battery life – i.e., how far and for how long it can travel.  Concerns about range and/or battery life were the most frequently mentioned potential roadblocks to the success of EV adoption according to 28 percent of the survey respondents.

“Clearly, the automotive industry has to remove ‘range anxiety’ from the equation before it can expect wide acceptance of EV technology,” said Lloyd. 

The respondents cited several other roadblocks to be overcome before EVs could be successful, including:

• 20 percent were concerned about the availability of recharging stations and a recharging infrastructure
• 17 percent were concerned about total cost/affordability
• 9 percent were concerned about the cost of the vehicle

Respondents also were strongly supportive of the U.S. energy industry taking steps to accommodate electric vehicles in the future.

• 66 percent support EV recharging infrastructure investment by electric utilities
• 54 percent believe EVs will account for about 20 percent of new vehicles sold in 15-20 years
• 52 percent would like to see their electric utilities take a leadership role to encourage a shift to EVs

About E2:  Energy + Environment Survey

This latest version represents the ninth wave of the long-term survey.  For this most recent version, a total of 1,168 interviews were completed October 14 through October 25, 2010 with consumers nationwide.  The respondents were recruited via an online panel to reflect key characteristics of the U.S. population.  The data have been weighted to bring the sample characteristics into even closer alignment with the population and to reflect the U.S. Census demographics.

Market Strategies International

Market Strategies International is a market research and consulting firm specializing in communications, energy, financial services, healthcare and technology.  Our expertise includes Customer Experience Management, Product Development and Optimization, Segmentation, Messaging and Communications Testing and Brand Development and Positioning.  Founded in 1989, Market Strategies is the 17th largest research firm in the U.S. according to “Honomichl Top 50,” published in the June 2010 issue of Marketing News.  Visit www.marketstrategies.com for more information.

SOURCE Market Strategies International

The commitment by GM CEO Dan Akerson coincides with preparations for delivery of the first Chevrolet Volt electric vehicles with extended-range capability to customers in key states.

The new jobs will build on GM’s strategy to develop, validate and manufacture automotive battery, electric motor and power control technologies in-house as core competencies.    

“GM is going to lead the industry in the adoption of various vehicle electrification technologies, whether its electric vehicles with extended-range capability, like the Chevrolet Volt, or the recently introduced eAssist technology that will debut on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse,” Akerson said. “We want to give our customers energy choices other than petroleum and to make the automobile part of the solution when it comes to the environment.”

Deep experience and expertise in batteries, electric motors and power controls will ensure GM provides the best possible electric vehicle choices to customers around the world, Akerson said.

The 2007 reveal of the Chevrolet Volt has spurred a flurry of activity in the electrification of the automobile and has become an economic multiplier for the state of Michigan. GM’s electric vehicle engineering investment expands on the more than $700 million GM has invested in eight facilities in Michigan to support Volt production. 

GM has the industry’s largest and most technologically advanced battery systems lab at its Warren, Mich. Technical Center and has invested $336 million at its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, home of the Volt, along with another $43 million at the industry’s only battery pack manufacturing plant in Brownstown Township, Mich.  An additional $162 million investment was announced last week to support powertrain operations in Flint and Bay City, Mich., and Defiance, Ohio.

In addition to GM’s investments, suppliers such as LG Chem, utility companies such as DTE Energy and organizations including the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, are investing in Michigan jobs to support Chevy Volt and electric vehicle development.

“The state of Michigan is proud to continue our long partnership with GM as it drives toward a leaner, greener future,” Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said. “As we work to diversify our state’s economy both within the auto industry and outside of it, electric vehicles will play a major role in re-establishing Michigan as the North American center of automotive manufacturing.”

About General Motors – General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908.  With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries.  GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands:  Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall, and Wuling.  GM’s largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Russia.  GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.  General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation.  More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

The launch of a mass-production electric car in the market has been more awarded -twenty top points- than the sheer appeal of Alfa Romeo Giulietta or the practical originality of Opel Meriva. In spite of the lack of a large recharging network and the limited range, the Leaf represents a technical and commercial bet that might otherwise satisfy many potential consumers, especially where public incentives will come to reduce the paying price. In the history of Car of the Year, the Leaf brings the award to Nissan 18 years after the Micra, the first Japanese model to win.

The Leaf has been conceived atop an specific platform for electric vehicles, with features typical of a conventional compact car: front McPherson suspension, rear torsion beam, front wheel drive and a practical 5-door hatchback body with remarkable aerodynamics. The pack of lithium-ion batteries sits efficiently for space and weight distribution, under the floor and between the axles. Room for 4/5 occupants and a boot of reasonable volume put the practical side to the vehicle. With mechanical noise reduced to the distant buzz of the electric motor, there is a notorious sonic comfort.

Besides the reigning silence, Leaf surprises to first-time driver with the abundant torque and instantaneous response. The AC motor and a kerb weight under 1.6 tons determine a good performance level. The new Nissan is not properly a zero-emission vehicle if the ‘energy path’ is taken in account, but official ratings are very favourable. Range between recharges –up to 8 hours in a home supply point- varies a lot depending on the style of use.

TECHNICAL DATA

 Body: 5-door hatchback

Size: 4.45 X 1.77 X 1.55 m. Wheelbase: 2.69 m.

Transmission: Front wheel drive. Automatic clutch. Single gear.

Tyres/wheels: 205/55-16 (6.5 X 16)

Engine: Electric AC syncronous motor.

Power – torque: 80 kW (109 hp) at 2,730-9,800 rpm – 280 Nm at 0-2,730 rpm

Maximum speed – 0-100 km/h acceleration: 145 km/h – 11.9 s.

“We are proud to sponsor and excited to exhibit the new Empulse(R) motorcycle and recognize Brammo’s leadership in the design of functional, sustainable electric vehicles,” said Cathy Lewis, vice president of global marketing for 3D Systems.

3D Systems pioneered the use of Additive Manufacturing solutions for transportation and now, through its comprehensive 3Dproparts(TM) network, 3D Systems offers companies like Brammo a complete suite of design to manufacturing solutions

“Our relationship with 3D Systems is integral to our success. We depend on 3Dproparts(TM) to provide us with critical body parts and panels featuring unmatched surface finish, durability and dimensional accuracy for all of our concept and race bikes,” stated Brian Wismann, director of product development, Brammo, Inc.

About 3D Systems Corporation

3D Systems is a leading provider of 3-D Printing, Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems and parts solutions. Its expertly integrated solutions reduce the time and cost of designing products and facilitate direct and indirect manufacturing by creating actual parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used for design communication and prototyping as well as for production of functional end-use parts: our customers Create With Confidence.

More information on the company is available at www.3DSystems.com, www.printin3D.com, www.toptobottomdental.com, www.3Dproparts.com, www.dpt-fast.com, http://www.bitsfrombytes.com, www.mqast.com, blog.3Dsystems.com, or via email at moreinfo@3Dsystems.com.

The 3D Systems Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4537

About Brammo, Inc.

Brammo, Inc. is a leading electric vehicle technology company headquartered in North America. Brammo designs and develops electric vehicles including the award winning Brammo Enertia(R) motorcycle recently voted electric motorcycle of the year 2010 and the game changing Empulse(R). Brammo is an OEM supplier of its innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain(R) systems including the Brammo Power(R) battery pack and Brammo Power(R) vehicle management system. Brammo has vehicle distribution and marketing operations in North America, Europe and Asia.

To learn more go to www.brammo.com.