Investors Business Daily reports that Ford Motor got “whacked” with a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Paice, a Baltimore-based company that accused the No. 2 U.S. automaker of stealing its hybrid technology in developing the Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ and C-Max vehicles. The suit comes as demand for Ford’s hybrid and electric cars is gaining speed. The company sold nearly…
Bloomberg reports that Ford Motor Co., the second-biggest U.S. automaker, is accused of developing its hybrid vehicles using technology from Paice, a Baltimore company that won a patent-infringement case against Toyota Motor Corp., maker of the Prius. Paice says that hybrid and plug-in versions of Ford’s C-Max, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ all infringe its patents covering ways to control electric motors…
A review of the Nissan Infiniti Q50 Hybrid says that the luxury sedan delivers on the promise of fuel efficiency, providing a 35% bump in gas mileage over the conventional version. “Infiniti’s hybrid system is impressive, discreet and transparent, shuttling power between gas and electric sources to maximize acceleration or economy,” reads the review. “Mash the gas pedal, and a combined 360 horses urge…
There were 36,085 hybrid cars sold in the U.S. in November 2013. That’s a 7.5% increase over October 2013 and a 3% increase over last November. For the year, hybrid sales are up nearly 18% compared to 2012. Toyota continues to lead the way with four of the top 5 most popular hybrids. It continues to dominate the hybrid market, accounting…
Toyota continues to dominate the hybrid vehicle market in the United States and around the world. And its sales are growing. Globally, Toyota and Lexus dominate the sale of green cars, with Toyota selling more than five million hybrids that have saved 34 million tons of carbon dioxide. By comparison, fewer than 250,000 electric cars have been sold around the world…
Acura has introduced the 2014 RLX Hybrid, an all-wheel-drive sedan that features three electric motors in addition to the gasoline-powered engine. Reporter Michael Taylor says the three electric motors represent a major innovation. One electric motor is embedded in the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Two more motors are mounted in the rear of the car. It’s the two aft motors that are the…
Green Car Reports says that Audi will introduce a new crossover concept at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in January. The car — not yet named — will use some form of plug-in hybrid or battery-electric technology. Click here to read the article.
Green Fleet Magazine reports that plug-in hybrids are beginning to gain a greater foothold. That’s evident by a growing number of plug-in hybrids being offered by automakers. In addition to popular plug-ins offered by Ford, Honda and Toyota, new models being introduced by Audi, BMW, Mitsubishi, Porsche, and Volvo. Click here to read the article.
Toyota says it may be 10 years or more before battery electric vehicles reach a range that’s comparable to traditional gasoline-powered cars. The current battery range and recharging requirements make battery electric vehicles preferable for shorter trips while hybrids are more suitable for longer trips, a Toyota official says. Read more.
BMW is embracing electrification, including hybrids and pure electric vehicles. The company’s head of product development says that is the only way it can meet stringent emissions regulations in the future. European customers are likely to see most of the new electric-drive technology first, BMW says, because Europe has more strict regulations than other parts of the world. Read the entire…