German automotive industry eyeing lucrative green market
Many accuse large companies of overusing green terminology as a fashion term to win new customers without their products necessarily being helpful to the environment. The automotive industry however has entered a difficult period, with cars indeed being responsible for a part of the planet’s problems. Despite some sectors -see shipping for example- doing nothing for the time being, automotive pollution has become a prime target because it is something we produce, see and smell in our cities first-hand.
The German automotive industry has become a victim of its own success. It produces a huge number of luxury models, with large capacity engines and a large environmental footprint. Recently it has become a major discussion topic, following EU plans to limit the exhaust gases to be emitted by each car. Therefore it is natural that we should expect some radical action with moves to more environmentally sound solutions.
The good thing about German car companies is that they have both the know-how and the cash to come up with some great offers. Mercedes-Benz has outlined a plan to move to petroleum free cars as early as 2015! This will be achieved with electric cars, hybrids, fuel cells and biofuels. The F700 prototype uses an engine that is a cross between diesel and petrol models. With a capacity of only 1.8 liters combined with electric motors it manages performance and low consumption incomparable to those of cars today on the road. These features are currently transferred and tested on S-class models and we could well see them in showrooms very soon.
Progress has also been achieved with fuel cells in the F600 and other prototypes, while there is plans for an all-electric Smart. The later is an ideal market testbed, as its use is generally limited to city driving with regular stops and short ranges, well suited to electric cars.
VW is taking a more conservative, but nevertheless daring approach. Its Twin Drive concept is using electric motors as the main propulsion, while regenerative braking and start-stop functionality will enhance economy. The diesel or petrol engine gets a huge performance boost and we could soon see the fruits of VW’s partnership with Sanyo for Lithium-Ion batteries.
On top of all the technical effort, there is another important factor that will guarantee progress. The German Interior Ministry is anxious for some quick results and has already pledged to German manufacturers 16 million euros for further development. Coordinated action between state and industry has always been a strong point of the Germans and if things go as usual, we should have the first mass produced models as early as 2010. The 2015 target set by Mercedes-Benz seems extremely optimistic and the internal combustion engine should accompany us for a few more years. The planning taking place however shows the urgency of the situation and the effort of German companies to not leave the market at the mercy of Japanese automotive competitors.
[TreeHugger, Wired]
