Cha-Ching, E$$on Mobil

Exxon Mobil, the world's largest company by market cap, posted a record annual profit of $45.2 billion even though it was hit by a year-end oil plunge.
Lower oil prices did have an effect on the oil giant's fourth-quarter earnings, which fell by 33 percent. Ouchie! : (

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid qualifies for $3,400 tax credit

Blog along with AAH!

All American Hybrid wants to invite everyone to participate in our blog. You can comment anonymously or you can leave your name.

Try it..you may like it !

Volt=Ampera

General Motors has announced that the European version of its Chevrolet Volt five-door will be called the Ampera

Will it be "Plug-in" or not?

Jon Lauckner, GM vice president of global program management, said "the Chevrolet Orlando is built on the same basic vehicle architecture and component set as the Chevrolet Volt" ... adding the Voltec powertrain is "certainly something we can take a look at."

Set for a 2011 release?

Solar Paint..Electrifying!

Wow..there are companies that are developing “Solar Paint” the paint that can generate electricity. Batteries, solar panels and now paint..our odds of running out of power are decreasing.

ATTENTION: Displaced Automotive Professionals

SAE International is offering tuition free educational classes at the SAE Automotive Headquarters in Troy, MI. The tuition free deal will only be offered through a two month period, February and March. They will charge a $50 per day, per class materials fee. Members of SAE will only be charged $25.

“Given the present condition of the automotive industry, we want to provide an opportunity for those engineers and allied professionals who have lost their jobs to quickly re-position themselves or bolster their resumes for re-employment,” says Kevin Perry, Manager of SAE Professional Development.

To register for classes through the program, contact SAE Customer Service at 1-877-606-7323 (U.S. and Canada only) or 1-724-776-4970 (outside U.S. and Canada). The SAE Professional Development schedule is available at www.sae.org/events/training/seminars; click on “Seminars by Date.”

Michigan Sweetens the Race for Battery Development

Michigan state legislation has approved giving up to $335 million in refundable tax credits for the lithium-ion battery manufacturing business.

They want to encourage companies to manufacture the new lithium-ion car batteries for the electric/hybrid vehicle industry in their state. A123 Systems has already planned to invest a new battery production plant in Michigan.

You Can Have a Tesla in the Palm of Your Hand!

Tesla has made it into the "Hot Wheels" Collection. Anybody can own a Tesla!

Chrysler and Fiat Form Partnership

Chrysler has entered into an alliance with Fiat. This will give the opportunity for both companies to access each others products and markets. Everyone is on board at Chrysler from the CEOs, Marchionne and Nardelli to the UAW. Fiat will receive 35 percent equity interest in Chrysler.

"This is great news for the UAW Chrysler team and we look forward to supporting and working with them to ensure Chrysler's long term viability," said Ron Gettelfinger, President United Auto Workers (UAW).

"We're on board with this important strategic initiative as it will help preserve the long-term viability of our great company, its brands and of course UAW-Chrysler jobs," said General Holiefield, Vice President, United Auto Workers (UAW).

Green Energy Plan

According to President Obama's "Green Energy Plan" he hopes to put 1 million plug-in-electric hybrid vehicles on the road by 2015....Any thoughts?

Size Does Matter

SUVs are always getting a bad rap. The new Hybrid Editions get awesome gas mileage. Have you ever thought that the insurance rates are higher on smaller vehicles. Do your research...times are changing and logical isn't always better. You can have a greener fuel efficient vehicle with plenty of room for the family.

HOT Ride for Obama

IT'S CALLED "THE BEAST"
Here is the picture of Obama's new Caddy. The picture was released by the secret service and it sure looks like another HOT car from GM! I know I will be checking out the car during the Inauguration Ceremonies and Celebrations. The Secret Service has said that they choose to use Chevy Tahoes for their fleet, but unfortunately they are not hybrid vehicles.

An Overview of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Join the AllAmericanHybrid.com eZine today! http://www.allamericanhybrid.com/addnews.htm.

Press Preview of the Detroit Auto Show Ends

Today, January 13, 2009, was the last day of the Press Preview of the Detroit Auto Show. The main feature by virtually all of the manufacturers was hybrid, electric, and plug-in electric vehicles. The show was overshadowed by the present economy which caused dramatic showcases to be a little more subdued over the past. In fact, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari were not present at the show due to financial constraints.

The good news is that slow sales did not hold back some dramatic North American manufactured vehicle announcements.

We have given you a short preview of the information that we were exposed to at the show. We will be providing a much more extensive overview, with pictures, in the inaugural edition of the AllAmericanhybrid.com eZine. If you have not already signed up for the FREE eZine, go to http://www.allamericanhybrid.com/addnews.htm and sign up today!

Myers Motors All-Electric Vehicle Manufactured in Ohio

Myers Motors is located in Tallmadge, Ohio. Their single passenger, three-wheel, <$30k DC Electric vehicle is powered by a lithium battery. The vehicle has a 50 mile range per charge and a 76 mph max speed. Unfortunately, the small manufacturer was located in the lower floor of the center resulting in less press than the large manufacturers on the main floor.

For more information and a few cool videos of Myers Motors nMg ("no more gas") vehicle, visit their website at http://www.myersmotors.com/.

The Tesla Electric Car - Detroit Auto Show Update

During the first day of the Press Preview, SUCCESS by DESIGN had the opportunity to meet with Zak Edson of Tesla Motors for a brief one-on-one interview. See below.

The small electric motor was 244 horsepower and 415 Volts AC delivering over 240 mile range with the Lithium-Ion battery pack (silver component on the right is the motor, on the left is the transmission, the black box on top of the motor and transmission is the electronic package and Li-Ion cooling system, and the big black box towards the front is the Li-Ion battery pack). Most hybrid and electric vehicles are rated at 300 Volts, at this time. Tesla has now released a 288 horsepower, air cooled electric motor for their new model in the same size package. Tesla manufactures the motor and transmission, as well as the battery packs, with a total present production of 15 vehicles per week in California. They presently sell about half the vehicles in California and the other half elsewhere in the United States with plans to export in the future.

One of our primary questions had to do with the battery pack and ambient temperatures. According to Mr. Edson, the maximum is a reduction in range of 15% in extreme cold temperatures. In fact, he said, the primary issue is less lower temperatures but the necessity to cool the Li-Ion cells and ensure even temperatures throughout the battery core to ensure even aging. The battery has its own cooling system with additional cooling provided by the air condition system, as necessary.

The Tesla sports car must be pre-ordered with a $55k deposit and a minimum total cost of $115k. Dealerships and service centers are primarily located in California with additional service centers being planned in major cities within the USA.

For first responders and safety, the battery pack disconnects upon impact with a rear impact rating of up to 50mph. A small loop on the passenger side of the electronic package provides a method of disconnecting power in an emergency by cutting it. Both are safety features that are necessary in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Cell Phones in Cars

Due to impending road conditions, it was decided to forgo Tuesday's events at the auto show and contact specific officers of several of the companies after the show is over.

On the drive from Romulus, Michigan, to Naperville, Illinois, due to weather, traffic, and accidents on I94, the trip extended to almost 8 hours over the normal 4.5 hours. In an effort to entertain myself following another driver swerving into my lane while talking on a cell phone, I decided to do a poll.

During the trip, I identified 64 incidences of erratic driving, with about 1/3rd of incidences occurring near large towns or cities. Incidences include erratic driving where a car cuts off another vehicle, too slow or erratic speeds, braking for no reason, swerving towards other cars or across lines or the side of the road, leaving lane, including one case of a car leaving the road due to the icy conditions.

Of the 64 incidences, 51 of the drivers held cell phones to their ears. That is 79.7% of the incidences involved active cell phones (not hands-free). In the case of the one car leaving the road, the driver kept the cell phone to his ear the entire time as he slid off the road into the snow-filled ditch. In a number of cases, it was obvious the drivers were having arguments. While I did not pay too much attention to the number of incidences involving males or females or age, there did not appear to be any significant differences.

Regardless of how well you think you can drive while talking hands-free on a cell phone, you can't! Such activity puts other drivers and their passengers in danger.

What do you think?

AllAmericanHybrid Thrown Off Chrysler's Floorspace at Auto Show

OK, so all I wanted is to take pictures of the C200 and some of its cool features. I was out there with a few other journalists taking pictures of the C200 and the Dodge Circuit. If you notice to the right in this picture, there was some type of video being taken - as there were throughout the show.

Yes, I know... in the tradition of SUCCESS by DESIGN, we had to cause a little trouble! Apparently there is an unwritten rule in the Chrysler area that you must be elite media to remain in the area just in case you might be seen in the video (a large network show), or better looking than me (no ugly mugs!). So, a Chrysler representative came up and asked me to leave - I headed off, apparently the way he didn't want me to go, so he stepped in front of me and pointed the other direction and escorted me off.


I guess I caused a nuisance - wonder if they kept the footage. Even had Mr. Nardelli give me an annoyed look, which I made a point of catching on camera.

Does this sour me towards the fantastic products that were shown by Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep!

In general, we found the following attitudes by the North American Manufacturers we met over the past few days:

• Chrysler - A focus on PR. If you were a small journalist you did not get as much attention as the bigger guys. However, they didn't exactly turn you away - unless you were us! When I returned later to take my remaining photos one of the reps made a crack about how anyone could take pictures of the C200 - except me. Haha.
• Ford - Flashy, Approachable - models and marketing people, mainly. Had to look for people that could provide engineering level answers. They also tended to pander to larger media. Can't blame them, either (but they didn't clear you away). Problem was, not an exceptional amount of new information or leaps as found with the other manufacturers.
• General Motors - just plain bent over backwards for everyone regardless of who you were. What a change in general attitude! Open, excited about their products - and I mean everyone! If they didn't have an answer (I was asking technical questions of all of the manufacturers) the found someone who could. Of all of the CEO's, Wagoner entered the stage area with a whirl of photo journalists taking flash photos! Looked like paparazzi! He and all of the management were very approachable and took efforts to answer questions directly at the end of each session and would not leave until everyone was satisfied. Yes, I think they got the message.
• Meyer Motors - Hey, you get to talk to the owner! Lots of detail and willing to share information. They, plain and simple, needed more exposure. Relegating them to the basement was not fair by the show! However, they are directly where the line will have to form to ride the hybrids and plug in electrics for when the public arrives. I had looked them up after seeing them on a Discovery Channel show.
• Tesla - You have a question, they will answer even when elite media and foreign media are taking pictures or interviewing. In just about 10 minutes I learned a lot about their car and technology. I look forward to discussing their technology in the future!
• Fisker Automotive - OK, another electric sports car. Lots of pretty models (the cars too). Walked over and asked a few questions - very welcoming and don't let them fool you... they know their topic!

OK, folks, ready to get back in their on Tuesday for another day of abuse!

The Quietest Spot at the Detroit International Auto Show

When they say noise... they mean noise! As you may have noticed in the audio files in the other posts, there is a lot of background noise. Using a standard voice recorder, we just are not able to fully remove that background noise of the 6000 news and journalists all gathered in one area at any given time!

Unfortunately, for those in the Michigan Arena, it is a seperate area of the show on a different floor. In this area you will find such groups as Meyers Motors, several smaller research groups, and several universities pretty much completely untouched - and uncovered by journalists - but not here! We will be covering some information on those in this area - some pretty cool stuff.

In the center of the Michigan Arena was a driving course with a fountain - so there was a little noise. As you will notice in the 1 minute 50 second video that follows is the absolute quiet of the hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles driving by with the exception of the Silverado (first time round) and the Escalade. The engines were running in these as they re-charged the batteries.

If you have not had an opportunity to drive a hybrid or plug-in electric vehicle, these are set up so that attendees to the show can drive them through the course.

GM Battery Technology Press Conference

Today, Mr. Wagoner presented the concept of battery technology as a core business and the investment in bringing battery technology and research into Michigan. Following is the 8 minute mp3 of the press conference.

GeneralMotorsBattery.mp3

Battery Manufacturing a Core GM Competency

In yet another GM surprise, Mr. Wagoner announced that GM will establish the first Li-ion battery pack manufacturing facility in the USA operated by a major automaker with the initial goal to manufacture the Chevrolet Volt battery packs. The facility will be located in Michigan. LG Chem has been selected to supply the Li-ion cells and GM will open a new automotive battery lab - the largest of its kind - also in Michigan. A partnership with the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, has been established to develop a specialized curriculum for battery engineers.

The announcements, particularly that the facilities would be both here in the USA and in Michigan roused cheers from the attending journalists.

The audio of the announcement, pictures of the Li-ion battery pack, and more will be posted on this blog by 5pm EST.

Monday Morning at the Detroit International Auto Show

Sunday was pretty exciting at the Auto Show. We have a lot of great material on North American hybrid, electric and alternate fuel vehicles. However, a majority of the focus at this show are the hybrid and all-electric vehicles (series hybrid are being referred to as 'extended range' electric.

Following are three of the full press conference presentations by Johnson Controls, General Motors, and Chrysler (quite entertaining - a great comedy routine in the 'Johnny Carson' format). A lot of great information on what is to come. You will have to pardon the sound quality as there was a fair amount of cheering in the background of many of the presentations. The Johnson Controls presentation is about 12 minutes and both Chrysler and GM are 25 minutes each.

JohnsonControls.mp3

GeneralMotors.mp3

Chrysler.mp3

Enjoy and keep your eyes open, we have much more to come!

Detroit Auto Show Quick Summary

There are quite a few exciting innovations in hybrid and electric vehicles, so far. We will be revisiting a number of the North American manufacturers over the next several days, including:

• GM
• Chrysler
• Ford
• Tesla
• Myers Motors
• Fisker

We are presently sorting through the information provided, so far, to bring you details direct tonight. We also plan on having some fun over the next two days, as well as a few interviews.

Chrysler Unveils the 200C - WOW.

Chrysler unveiled a number of vehicles including the 200C which includes the advanced UConnect technology. The objective is to allow for socialization, synchronization and the ability to socialize with other 'buddy vehicles.' Parents will be able to set max speeds, be warned of erratic driving, identify where the vehicle is, disable the vehicle if it is stolen, and view the interior of the vehicle. Big brother to an extreme.

Both Chrysler and GM focused on how they are dealing with the present economic environment. We will be posting the audio for both press conferences later today - they really are entertaining! We will be posting video, pictures and more from today this evening, and much more.

What are your thoughts on a big brother vehicle?

GM Launches Cadillac Converj

In addition to GM's series hybrid Volt, Mr. Bob Lutz announced the Cadillac Converj during their press conference at the Detroit Auto Show. With a 40 mile all-electric range, the Converj is the next generation in electric luxury vehicles.

Johnson Controls announces their advanced Li-Ion battery technology. We will discuss more in our eZine. However, the Johnson Controls Li-Ion technology is manufactured in Wisconsin.

More to follow!

Good Morning from Detroit International Auto Show

After braving the highway from Chicago to Detroit for nearly 7 hours of snow storm, I arrived last night. The AllAmericanHybrid.com 2008 Hybrid Tahoe handled extremely well with the unplowed Eastbound I94. With the low center of gravity, 4-wheel drive, and regen braking system, I was able to cruise up to normal highway speeds in areas where there was little to no traffic, but very slow with heavy traffic areas where standard, especially foreign, vehicles were having trouble staying on the road.

Today we will be involved in press releases from Johnson Controls, GM, Ford, Chrysler, the opening ceremonies, and the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards. When possible, we will be visiting the Michigan Hall EcoExperience (hybrid and electric), the show floor, and exploring what is happening worldwide. However, as you know, our beat is North American Hybrid, Electric, and Alternate Fuel vehicles.

We will be uploading photos and video starting tonight, so stay tuned! And, of course, a full report will be included in our AAH eZine first edition which will be out the first week of February, 2009. Sign up today at http://www.allamericanhybrid.com/addnews.htm.

USA all the way!

A123 Systems has announced that it has submitted its application to the Department of Energy under the Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program. They are looking to qualify for $184 billion in direct loans to support the construction of new “World Class” lithium ion battery manufacturing plant in the US, specifically the first plant to be built in southeast Michigan.

If A123’s application is approved it will allow the company to have full production capability, so it could supply battery systems for up to 5 million hybrids or ½ million plug in electric vehicles.

David Vieau, A123Systems President and Chief Executive Officer, said,” We’re entering an exciting new phase for the automotive industry where we increase the electrification of vehicles, reducing consumption of gasoline through advanced batteries. This new facility would greatly accelerate this change and help ensure that the American economy replaces its dependence on foreign oil with reliance on advanced, homegrown batteries.”

A123 plans are to have combined plants occupy approximately 7 million square feet. They also hope to create 14,000 jobs!

"At GM, we see the development of vehicles powered by electricity as key to the transformation of our industry. And advanced battery technology, is at the heart of this transformation," said Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman of Global Product Development. "A123's proposal to manufacture advanced battery cells and packs right here in the United States is a positive development for our industry and the nation."

“Chrysler’s commitment to E-drive industry leadership has led us to a strategic relationship with US-based A123Systems as one of our key suppliers supporting production development of ENVI electric vehicles. Chrysler strongly encourages the efforts of A123Systems to develop and mass produce energy storage systems in the United States” said Lou Rhodes, VP of Advanced Engineering for Chrysler LLC and President of ENVI.

“At Better Place, we truly believe that there is a path forward for the US to lead the world into a 21st sustainable century led by American innovation. Converting our national fleet of cars from fossil fuel dependent to fully electric revives our core industrial power, addresses key national strategic goals, and starts to address the biggest global risk we have – climate change. It represents a historic opportunity for the US to re-engineer its economy and its global reputation. We look forward to leading the transformation to sustainable mobility with partners like A123 as part of our mission to end the world’s addiction to foreign oil,” said Shai Agassi, Founder and CEO of Better Place.

Initial funding of $100,000 grant from the Department of Energy in 2001, A123 was created through the research labs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Some of their clients include AES, BAE Systems, Black and Decker, Cessna, Chrysler LLC, General Motors, Project Better Place, and Th!nk.”

Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that the application gets approved because this would be an awesome addition to the US economy.

242,720 SUVs Recalled by Nissan...Wow!

BEWARE:

The Nissan recall involves trucks (2005-2009 Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra ) sold or are currently registered in the 20 "cold states", Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Apparently in the winter, the mixture of road salt, snow and water could possible enter the "crash zone" sensor area and cause rust, which will interrupt the signal. The signal interruption could cause the air bag deployment to fail in a crash. To date no crashes or injuries have been related to this issue. If your sensor is malfunctioning the red air bag warning light will be lit on the instrument panel.

Dealers will replace these sensors at no cost. Owners who are living in other states will be given a 10 year extended warranty to cover this sensor.

What impact will this have on Nissan? Stay tuned....

Things that make you go Hmmmm.....

Foreign car companies are feeling the pain…..

Toyota has postponed the opening of its new Mississippi plant and has had its first U.S. annual sales drop in 13 years.

Honda has delayed the opening of plants in India and Argentina.

Hyundai is forecasting a sales loss of about 10 percent this year and has slowed production at all of its plants including India, Turkey, China, and South Korea.

U.S. Kia has also had to cut back production including their plants in China and Slovakia.

Isn’t this interesting………

GM builds new Caddy for new Pres!

Obama is getting a brand new 2009 Armoured Cadillac Presidential Limousine. The new Caddy will supposedly have some pretty cool amenities. The windows will be larger for better visibility, the armor is approximately 5 inches thick, bullet proof glass, run-flat tires, and a completely sealed interior, in case of a chemical attack. It will also have very hi-tech security features along with the hand stitched leather seats and 10 disc CD player. The hi-tech limo has about the same amount of room inside as the previous "2005 Bush Limo".
The older Presidential limos will still remain in use, but this will be the one Obama is going to be riding in during the Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009. The secret service said that it will reveal more details about the limo next week.

GM may be building about 25 new limos for the government.

Isuzu Bids Farewell.....

The foreign car company has announced that as of February 1, 2009 it will no longer sell it’s vehicles in America. Isuzu’s sales have been “not so hot” for a while now. Last year it only sold a little over 700 vehicles.

I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me....

Reducing dependence on fossil fuel is a good thing, right? Well not when it comes to a proposed way to get more revenue for road repairs in Oregon. Democratic Governor Theodore Kulongoski’s budget calls for a new highway tax. This tax is based on mileage, not gasoline purchases.

He has a state task force looking into having each new vehicle in Oregon that is purchased, equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS). The GPS will not only record every mile the vehicle is driven, but where it has gone. What happened to privacy? Are we getting that close to the government watching our “every move”?

The plan is still waiting on legislative approval. The approval could take several years because of all of the details involved. Oregon state analysts said that the governor’s plan is a critical step in solving dependence on a gasoline tax.

Oregon plans to spend about $650 million on transportation projects next year. Some residents are protesting the plan saying it discriminates against the more rural residents who have to drive several more miles just to go to the grocery store. Not only is this a concern, but what about the “Big Brother” issue. Not only will they know how much people drive, but the will know exactly where people go.

I think this is something we should all be thinking about. Do we really want this type of “surveillance” placed on our daily living?

AllAmericanHybrid.com to Blog at Detroit Auto Show on January 11, 2009

AllAmericanHybrid.com has been invited as a member of the press to attend the Detroit Auto Show covering hybrid, electric and alternate fuel vehicles.

In addition to putting together information for the inaugural edition of the FREE AllAmericanHybrid.com eZine and web, Dr. Howard W Penrose, Ph.D., CMRP, Publisher of AllAmericanHybrid.com and President of SUCCESS by DESIGN (http://www.motordoc.com) will be blogging on site on the first day of the January 11-13, 2009, Detroit Auto Show Media Preview. January 11-13 is when the manufacturers will first unveil the new products and advances.

If you have specific questions that you would like answered during the blogging event, post them here or during the day on January 11. Dr. Penrose will be posting in between events during the show and will post video and pictures at the end of the day.

GMAC Expands Lending

On December 30th, 2008 GM took the Federal Government up on their commitment to loan them $6 billion dollars in aid. This included $5 billion dollars under the troubled asset program which is a $700 billion dollar fund originally designed to help the banks. The Treasury also offered a new $1 billion dollar loan to GM, so that they can participate in a rights offering at GMAC.

GM has taken advantage of that move. They have a new promotion offering zero-percent or low-interest financing on some slower-selling 2008 and 2009 models over the next week. The company is hopeful that this promotion will help to jump-start sales as GMAC announced plans to expand lending to retail customers.

GMAC said it would begin making loans immediately to borrowers with credit scores of 621 or higher. In November, after GMAC raised credit standards for borrowers, the company financed just 1 percent of GM’s sales, compared with as much as 45 percent in a normal month.
This is good news to dealerships who have been farming out the loans to local credit unions and banks. With GMAC back in the game and these new promotions available, it has dealers hopeful that cash-strapped consumers will return to their showrooms.

At this point and time is GMAC the only lender following the guidelines set by the government? I haven’t found or heard of any, have you?

Welcome to the AllAmericanHybrid.com Blog

Welcome to the AllAmericanHybrid.com blog. On this blog you may comment on articles, news, views, and more related to North American manufactured hybrid, electric, and alternate fuel vehicles, manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, this site and more. The Blog is being hosted by Blogger.com and will require you to sign up in order to post comments. AllAmericanHybrid.com reserves the right to remove any comments or posts for any reason without recourse.

If you wish to be a Blog volunteer Associate Editor, please email us at editor@allamericanhybrid.com and include your interest in the goal of this site whether you are a manufacturer, owner, supplier, dealer, inventor, etc. We are interested in experiences, advances, issues, and more. In effect, an open forum on this particular issue.

We look forward to sharing information and hearing your comments.

Sincerely,
Howard W Penrose, Ph.D., CMRP
President, SUCCESS by DESIGN
President, AllAmericanHybrid.com