Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Aptera: We need government money to bring vehicle to market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/aptera-we-need-government-money-to-bring-vehicle-to-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/aptera-we-need-government-money-to-bring-vehicle-to-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/aptera-we-need-government-money-to-bring-vehicle-to-market/#comments

What's been happening at Aptera? The hyper-aerodynamic vehicle company is still moving forward, just not as fast as the original plans called for. In the company's latest newsletter, plenty of virtual ink is dedicated to explaining where things stand with the request for money from the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing loan program (still waiting to hear back), the development and design of the 2-series vehicles (still testing) and why Aptera hasn't sold any vehicles yet (still waiting, see ATVMLP). Here's a choice quote:

A friend asked me today, "Why don't you simply use a smaller amount of money to force some vehicles out the door and into the marketplace?" My response was, "What are you willing to give up?" At a lower investment, vehicle manufacture is much more manual in nature, so the cost of every vehicle increases significantly. (This assumes, of course, that you want quality to stay the same, because testing for durability, reliability and quality has a cost.) When you can purchase components in volume, that cost gets spread out and shared. But when you build only a few, the cost of quality drives up the price.
So to those who ask what's happening in the halls of Aptera, the answer is that we are working to secure the capital necessary to deliver the volume and quality to move the market. We would obviously love to accelerate the process, but the government has to make sure they complete their comprehensive evaluation and we have to let the process run its course.

Basically, Aptera is saying, we needs money, whether from the government or some other major investor. Without that, the wingless bird might forever remain out of reach. You can read more from the newsletter after the jump.

[Source: Aptera]

Continue reading Aptera: We need government money to bring vehicle to market

Aptera: We need government money to bring vehicle to market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera motorsatvmatvmlpatvmpdoe loanelectric vehicleMon, 07 Feb 2011 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19830063/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/07/aptera-we-need-government-money-to-bring-vehicle-to-market/19830063/article-detail.xml 19830063 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/aptera-prius-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/aptera-prius-630.jpg <![CDATA[General Motors withdraws $14.4B federal loan request]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/27/general-motors-withdraws-14-4b-loan-request-from-doe/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/27/general-motors-withdraws-14-4b-loan-request-from-doe/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/27/general-motors-withdraws-14-4b-loan-request-from-doe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ed welburn dc auto show chevy volt

Earlier today, General Motors announced that it is withdrawing its request for $14.4 billion in direct loans from the Department of Energy's (DOE) $25-billion program aimed at retooling factories for the production of fuel-efficient vehicles. GM's chief financial officer Chris Liddel, outlined the automaker's choice to cancel its loan request, stating:

This decision is based on our confidence in GM's overall progress and strong, global business performance. Withdrawing our DOE loan application is consistent with our goal to carry minimal debt on our balance sheet.

Speaking at the DC Auto Show, GM's Ed Welburn said, "This decision will not affect the strong investment we are making in new technologies and design."

For the past several months, The General had debated canceling its request for DOE loans, which the automaker first submitted in late 2008. The DOE has been having a tough time distributing the loans in a timely manner anyway, so last week GM's board of directors approved the decision to withdraw the application. However, GM's ongoing commitment to develop and produce fuel-efficient automobiles can be seen in vehicles like the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt and the 40-plus miles per gallon Cruze Eco.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading General Motors withdraws $14.4B federal loan request

General Motors withdraws $14.4B federal loan request originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced technology loansbreakingdoe loaned welburnelectric vehiclegeneral motorsgmplug-in hybridvoltThu, 27 Jan 2011 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19817903/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/27/general-motors-withdraws-14-4b-loan-request-from-doe/19817903/article-detail.xml 19817903 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/ed-welburn-dc-auto-show-chevy-volt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/ed-welburn-dc-auto-show-chevy-volt.jpg <![CDATA[DC 2010: DOE Secretary Chu announces closing of Nissan's $1.4 billion loan for Leaf electric vehicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/28/dc-2010-doe-secretary-chu-announces/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/28/dc-2010-doe-secretary-chu-announces/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/28/dc-2010-doe-secretary-chu-announces/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Department of Energy Secretary Chu announced the closing of Nissan's $1.4 billion Advanced Technology Vehicle Loan Program loan (originally, the amount was for $1.6 billion) today during the Washington Auto Show. As expected, this money will used to kick off production of the Leaf in the U.S.

While the news, such as it is, is about the all-electric Leaf and the 1,300 jobs this loan is expected to create in Smyrna, TN, Chu's speech touched on all sorts of advanced vehicle technologies, from cleaner gasoline engines to biofuels. Chu's statement about hydrogen, which part of the DOE's $13 billion advanced vehicle technology budget, was "longer in the distance, but we're still in there."

While discussing some of the other projects the DOE is funding, Chu somewhat surprisingly called the Fisker Karma "not a high-end cost vehicle," depending on who you are, and said that the Chevrolet Volt and the Tesla Model S were examples of "strong electric vehicle projects." Full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading DC 2010: DOE Secretary Chu announces closing of Nissan's $1.4 billion loan for Leaf electric vehicle

DC 2010: DOE Secretary Chu announces closing of Nissan's $1.4 billion loan for Leaf electric vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avtmpdoedoe loandoe loansDoeLoanDoeLoansnissan doenissan leafNissanDoeNissanLeafThu, 28 Jan 2010 17:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19336113/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/28/dc-2010-doe-secretary-chu-announces/19336113/article-detail.xml 19336113 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/screen-shot-2010-01-28-at-12.43.13-pm_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/screen-shot-2010-01-28-at-12.43.13-pm.png <![CDATA[Congress approves three-wheelers for DOE funds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/congress-approves-three-wheelers-for-doe-funds/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/congress-approves-three-wheelers-for-doe-funds/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/congress-approves-three-wheelers-for-doe-funds/#commentsFiled under:

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

Following months of debate, Congress has approved a bill that will pave the way for three-wheeled vehicle manufacturers like Aptera to qualify for funding from the Department of Energy. Next step: President Obama's desk, and the Commander-in-Chief is reportedly expected to sign the bill into law in short order. Rep. Brian Bilbray, a Republican from California who co-sponsored the bill, says:
This is a huge win for scientific innovation and the environment. We need more innovation and less regulation when it comes to promoting new ways to save energy while saving money at the pump.
Indeed, three-wheeled vehicle platforms sometimes have the potential to use less energy to operate than their four-wheeled siblings, though some still question the inherent safety of such designs. Assuming the bill passes the President's desk, any manufacturer of enclosed three-wheeled vehicles that can carry at least two adults while returning at least 75 miles per gallon will be eligible for funding, though the DOE will still approve applications on a case-by-case basis.


Gallery: Aptera


[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Congress approves three-wheelers for DOE funds originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus EV Mule - Click above for high-res gallery

The U.S. Department of Energy has finally announced the first recipient of low interest loans under its Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program. The first recipient is Ford, and analysts believe the DoE will award sums to Nissan and Tesla Motors, as well. Ford applied for up to $11 billion in loans, but instead it was awarded $5.9 billion in financing. The Dearborn-based automaker will use the money to fund its electric vehicle program that will launch a battery-powered version of the Transit Connect in 2010, and it will also likely use the capital to help pay for the $550 million renovation of its Wayne, MI sport-utility plant to build the next-generation Focus in both internal combustion and electric flavors.

For its part, Nissan wants to add production of its upcoming electric car and lithium ion batteries at its assembly complex in Smyrna, Tennessee, and it will receive $1.6 billion.

Despite receiving the smallest sum of the three automakers, Tesla is arguably the biggest winner this round, as the $465 million it may receive will allow the fledgeling EV maker to proceed with completing development and production of its Model S sedan. Recent investment in the company by Daimler was probably a big help in getting the loan approved, as companies had to demonstrate viability. And since the ATVM program favors re-tooling of older existing plants, Tesla will probably look at acquiring a closed factory from another company. Recent rumors had the company possibly getting a former McDonnell-Douglas factory in Long Beach, although there are plenty of other properties available.

The current Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings at General Motors and Chrysler made those companies ineligible in the current round. It's not known if any announcements will be made about loans for battery makers like A123 or EnerDel.


Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Ford, Nissan, Tesla all big winners in DoE advanced technology loans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt

General Motors released an updated business plan to Congress on Wednesday, and one of the main points of interest surrounds the automaker's request of an additional $2.6 billion for the production of the Chevrolet Volt and two additional variants based on the same Voltec powertrain architecture.

The report doesn't spell out what the two new Volt-like models would be, but there's speculation a production model based on the Cadillac Converj concept (possibly as a 4-door sedan) might be in the works. Offering the Volt's high-tech and expensive powertrain at a Caddy-level price point makes plenty of sense as it would allow GM to subsidize the cost of its development and lower the price of production.

These funds would reportedly come from the Department of Energy's $25 billion Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program and is separate from - and in addition to - the ongoing negotiations for bailout funds between General Motors, Chrysler and the U.S. government. The total amount GM has requested under the D.O.E. program now stands at $10.3 billion.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


[Source: Reuters]

GM asking Department of Energy for $2.6 billion to build hybrids? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In a newsletter distributed today by Tesla Motors, CEO Elon Musk provides an update on the business including an announcement that a driveable prototype of the Model S would be unveiled on March 26. The Model S reveal will take place at the Southern California headquarters of Musk's other company, Space-X, which is where Tesla's design studio is located. According to ex-Tesla SVP Darryl Siry who refused to show us images of the car no matter how much we begged before his departure, "the Model S a very beautiful car." As long as it doesn't have a hump back like the new Porsche Panamera we're looking forward to seeing it.

However, before it becomes anything more than a prototype, Tesla will need a lot more cash to pay for engineering and a factory to build it. As Musk told us when we talked to him in Detroit last month, he fully expects the company to be profitable by mid-year thanks to price increases and cost reductions for building the Roadster. Even if that proves to be true, which will be difficult when considering the current economy, it's unlikely to be anywhere near the required cash flow to cover the cost of the Model S. Learn more about how Tesla hopes to fund the Model S after the jump where you can also see the full text of the newsletter.

[Source: Tesla Motors]

Continue reading Tesla to unveil Model S on March 26, hopes for DOE money by summer

Tesla to unveil Model S on March 26, hopes for DOE money by summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan is the first Japanese automaker to confirm that it has asked for funds from the U.S. Department of Energy. The amount of the request is not yet known, but it would be used to upgrade Nissan's assembly plant in Smyrna, TN and would ostensibly be used to develop electric cars and the batteries that power them. Nissan's longstanding goal is to introduce fully electric vehicles to the American market in 2010. The other two big Japanese automakers, Toyota and Honda, say that they have not sought DOE funds.

For the first time in nine years, Nissan is expected to post an annual loss, and it's a biggie. Early estimates place the shortfall at about $2.9 billion, and the Japanese automaker has responded by announcing job cuts totaling 20,000 workers.

According to the Energy Department, 75 applications for funding from the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program have come in and 26 of those, including the one from Nissan, have moved passed the initial screening process. The Detroit 3 have each submitted proposals that total about $22 billion in financing combined.

[Source: Reuters | Image: Akihiro I/Getty]

Nissan seeks U.S. loans to develop electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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