LAST UPDATE: 12/16/09 - DATE VIEWED:
09/04/2010
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Word on the street is Daimlers bringing the Smart EV to China. Its just a pilot program for the little electric car to see how it does in China, but if it works, Daimler could reap millions of Yuan as it joins other leading automakers in bringing EVs to the country.
China is the worlds biggest automotive market, and there is mounting concern about CO2 emissions and other pollution. The government is sufficiently worried that last week it said it would subsidize private purchases of alt-fuel vehicles. That could make battery electrics much more affordable and popular.
We think there are opportunities for electric [vehicles] in China and we are exploring opportunities, Daimlers spokesman in Beijing, Trevor Hale, told the Wall Street Journal (subscription req.).
Daimler started building the electric Smart last month at its factory in France. The first 1,000 customers to receive their Smart EVs, or Smart electric drive as they are officially called, will be participants in a variety of mobility projects in major cities in both Europe and the United States. Daimler is taking a page from BMW, which is doing the same thing with the Mini E. After Daimler gets feedback on electric driving under everyday conditions for the fortwo electric drive, it will be available to the general public in 2012.
The Journal says Daimler is contemplating where in China to offer the car. We have to see the acceptance of this car, said Ulrich Walker, chairman of Daimler Northeast Asia.
Daimler will face some stiff competition. Nissan plans to roll out the Nissan Leaf EV in China by the end of 2011, and General Motors is considering the same timeline for the Chevrolet Volts introduction. And Toyota is leaning toward testing the Plug-In Prius there as well.
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