Ford Hybrid
Delivered
.
Photo: Ford
|
Bill Powers (r), Ford Motor Company vice president, Research, delivers the
first family oriented hybrid electric vehicle to Department of Energy Secretary Bill
Richardson. In doing so, Ford became the first auto maker to deliver an extremely
fuel-efficient mid-sized family sedan under a DOE hybrid contract. |
| In addition to these suspension modifications, the TT will
receive a rear spoiler. With the modified suspension settings and the rear spoiler, the TT
will retain its satisfying agility, while the limits of stability will be spread over a
broader range, with the result that drivers will find the car easier to keep under
control. As of the beginning of December the modifications will start going into series
production. Meanwhile, Audi will be requesting all TT owners to bring their car into a
workshop to have the modified and additional components fitted free of charge. For
production and logistical reasons, the after-sales measures will be implemented in two
phases: the suspension modifications will be carried out first, followed by the
retrofitting of the spoiler. Once the necessary parts are available, Audi dealers will be
able to perform the modifications for customers at short notice.
|
| ANAHEIM, Calif. - A public-private venture to demonstrate
fuel cell vehicles in California welcomed on October 5 two more automotive companies to
the effort. Automakers Honda and Volkswagen have signed on with the California Fuel Cell
Partnership to help commercialize fuel cell technology. The Partnership, which formally
began in April 1999, includes auto manufacturers (DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company),
energy providers (ARCO, Shell, Texaco), a fuel cell company (Ballard Power Systems), and
the State of California (California Air Resources Board and the California Energy
Commission).
"We are pleased to welcome Honda and VW to the team," said Alan Lloyd,
Chairman of the California Air Resources Board. "With the addition of these new
partners, including the first Asian-based company, this gives us a truly global
partnership. Together, the shared expertise and commitment to expand our efforts to
develop this environmentally-friendly technology will help us reach more consumers and
help pave the way to commercialization."
Ben Knight, vice president, Honda Research and Development, said, "Honda is
planning to make fuel cell powered vehicles available in the year 2003. Cooperative
activity with the California Fuel Cell Partnership will be important to the success of
fuel cell vehicles by helping create an infrastructure and public awareness and
understanding."
Wolfgang Groth, Director of Volkswagen of America Inc.'s Environmental and Engineering
Group, said, "Volkswagen is pleased to join the California Fuel Cell Partnership. We
look forward to working cooperatively with the state of California and petroleum company
partners to introduce the clean fuels and develop the enabling technologies required for
fuel cell vehicles."
The founding members invited a number of additional automakers to join the Partnership.
To date, Honda and Volkswagen both answered the call and, along with DaimlerChrysler and
Ford, will demonstrate fuel cell electric vehicles in California over the next four years.
|
