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Dearborn, Mich.– Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation – the world’s two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles – today announced they will equally collaborate on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers. 



Ford and Toyota have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the product development collaboration, with the formal agreement expected by next year. 



Both companies have been working independently on their own future-generation rear-wheel drive hybrid systems. The two now have committed to collaborate as equal partners on a new hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs. This new hybrid powertrain will bring the full hybrid experience of greater fuel efficiency to a new group of truck and SUV customers without compromising the capability they require in their vehicles. Ford and Toyota believe that their collaboration will allow them to bring these hybrid technologies to customers sooner and more affordably than either company could have accomplished alone.

“This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford achieved a breakthrough with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we intend to do this again for a new group of truck and SUV buyers – customers we know very well.” 



Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive vice president, Research & Development, said: “In 1997, we launched the first-generation Prius, the world’s first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid. Since then, we have sold about 3.3 million hybrid vehicles. We expect to create exciting technologies that benefit society with Ford – and we can do so through the experience the two companies have in hybrid technology.” 



The two companies also agreed to work together on enablers to complement each company’s existing telematics platform standards, helping bring more Internet-based services and useful information to consumers globally. 



Under the MOU agreement, the two companies will bring the best of their independently developed hybrid powertrain technology and knowledge to a new co-developed hybrid system, which will be used in rear-wheel-drive light trucks arriving later this decade. Specifically, Ford and Toyota will:

• Jointly develop as equal partners a new rear-wheel drive hybrid system and component technology for light trucks and SUVs

• Independently integrate the new hybrid system in their future vehicles separately 



For years, both Ford and Toyota have been working independently on similar new rear-wheel-drive hybrid systems aimed at delivering higher fuel economy in light trucks and SUVs. When the two companies began discussing this potential collaboration, they discovered how quickly they were able to find common ground. 



“By working together, we will be able to serve our customers with the very best affordable, advanced powertrains, delivering even better fuel economy,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “This is the kind of collaborative effort that is required to address the big global challenges of energy independence and environmental sustainability.”

Toyota President Akio Toyoda added: “Toyota is extremely proud to join Ford in developing a hybrid system for pickup trucks and SUVs. Not only is this tie-up clearly one aimed at making automobiles ever better, it should also become an important building block for future mobility in the U.S. By building a global, long-term relationship with Ford, our desire is to be able to continue to provide people in America automobiles that exceed their expectations.” 



This rear-wheel-drive hybrid system will be based on an all-new architecture to deliver the capability truck and SUV customers demand while providing greater fuel economy. 



While the rear-wheel-drive hybrid system will share significant common technology and components, Ford and Toyota will individually integrate the system into their own vehicles. Each company also will determine the calibration and performance dynamics characteristics of their respective light pickups and SUVs. 



In addition, as telematics plays an increasingly more important role in the in-car experience, both companies have agreed to collaborate on standards and technologies needed to enable a safer, more secure and more convenient in-car experience for next-generation telematics systems. The telematics collaboration relates only to standards and technologies, and each company will continue to separately develop their own in-vehicle products and features.

“Ford has made tremendous progress in the area of telematics,” Kuzak said. “We have unique and very good solutions today with SYNC and MyFordTouch. Working together on in-vehicle standards can only enhance our customers’ experience with their vehicles.” 



Uchiyamada added:“Toyota has also invested heavily in telematics in various countries around the world, with services like the G-BOOK and G-Link. In the U.S., we have just introduced the accessible, easy-to-use Entune. By sharing our know-how and experience, we would like to offer even better telematics services in the future.”

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Lexus today unveiled the all-new GS 350 at a press conference in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The new 2013 GS combines bold, dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology, and a spacious interior. In addition to the GS 350, the 2013 GS 350 hybrid model and an available F-Sport package will be launched in early 2012 with further details to follow later this year. 


“Canadian drivers in the mid-size luxury segment want a vehicle that makes a statement, said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Lexus in Canada. “With world class features, performance enhancing technology and a more engaging driving experience, the all-new GS delivers”. 


Along with a new Lexus signature spindle grille, the GS is a car that conveys a tangible sense of driver confidence, with a redesigned chassis and a wide, strong stance that inspires and rewards driver participation with crisp and precise handling. 


GS engineers challenged themselves to develop a more spacious interior environment. While leaving exterior dimensions virtually unchanged, they dramatically increased cabin and trunk space to create an interior that can easily transport passengers and their luggage in comfort and style regardless of distance. 


Richly endowed with world-class features and premium details, the new GS is supported by advanced, performance-enhancing technology that makes it more than just a luxury car. The driver and front passenger will enjoy the clean appearance of the new high-resolution central control display.

A New Personality and An Invitation To Drive 


Designing the new GS 350 to be both strong and agile was a key focus of the engineering team. They looked to the Lexus LFA supercar for inspiration and carried over some key elements to provide a more engaging driving experience, including a new aerodynamic body; a completely new platform with a wider stance and stiffer structure; a transmission with quicker shifts; distinctive engine sound and exhaust notes; and better seat support.

The new platform is more rigid compared to the current model. Engineers conducted extensive platform testing, ultimately increasing the number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track, wider by almost two inches, works in combination with a revised suspension design to assure a more solid stance and superior cornering performance.


The new suspension system is designed to help guide the 2013 GS through corners with precision. In the front, upper and lower control arms are made from aluminum and employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, using improved suspension geometry that retains tire cornering force and enhances rear control. With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shocks can use lighter-viscosity oil, so they move easily and respond to small inputs more quickly. 


The use of front and rear aluminum control arms helps reduce unsprung weight and results in significant improvements in agility, roll damping, ride comfort, body control and steering precision. Overall, the suspension is lighter and stronger, allowing it to react to driver input readily, and ride quietly without harshness. Ventilated disc brakes featuring four-piston aluminum front calipers are endowed with the latest electronic enhancements to help provide braking balance and control.

Customized Driving Experience 


The new GS is powered by an advanced 3.5-litre V6, four cams, and four valves per cylinder with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). At 306 horsepower, it is one of the most powerful base engines in the segment, as well as the only one with both direct and sequential injection. It propels the GS from approximately 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and at the same time, fuel economy has been improved. 


Acceleration from 50 to 80 km/h can take approximately 3.0 seconds, and improved engine sound characteristics complement the bolder, more energetic personality of the new GS. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission has paddle shifters and sport driving functions as standard equipment. 


The transmission incorporates many features adopted from the Lexus IS F high-performance sedan — including faster shifts, earlier torque converter lockup and downshift throttle blips — to support four driving modes that can be operated by toggling the Lexus Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the following settings let the driver customize the driving experience:


• ECO mode revises throttle mapping, seat heating, and climate control systems for better fuel economy. In ECO mode, meter lighting changes to blue.


• SPORT S mode revises throttle mapping and transmission shifting priorities to fully exploit the capabilities of the powertrain. In SPORT S mode, meter lighting changes to red.


• SPORT S+ mode engages handling enhancements via a sport setting of the adaptive variable suspension, steering system, and vehicle stability control (VSC) together with the powertrain enhancements of SPORT S mode. 


An optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is designed to enhance traction in a variety of driving conditions. The system can vary front-to-rear torque balance from 50/50 to as much as 30/70, depending on driving conditions, for exceptional control.

DETROIT, MI — General Motors Co. confirmed Wednesday it will build a luxury electric car based on the technology used in its Volt plug-in hybrid for Cadillac as the automaker also studies plans for an all-electric small car for its mainstream Chevrolet brand.

GM did not disclose the timing for production of the battery-powered Cadillac dubbed the ELR, but people familiar with the plans said the plug-in hybrid will be built in 2013 as a 2014 model.

The two-door ELR coupe revives plans for GM’s Cadillac Converj concept car that won acclaim for its bold design when shown at the Detroit auto show in 2009.

The sources asked not to be identified because details of the rollout of GM’s first luxury electric car have not been announced.

The news comes at a time when Toyota Motor Corp has begun marketing its 2012 Prius plug-in hybrid, a competitor to the Chevrolet Volt. A plug-in Cadillac would be a rival to the $97,000 Karma hybrid sedan that Fisker Automotive is rolling out as a 2012 model.

With the ELR announcement, GM continues its push to seize the mantle of “greenest automaker in the world” from Toyota. GM, like other major automakers, also needs more fuel-efficient cars as the industry pushes toward the more stringent U.S. requirements that will be in place by 2025.

Former GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz introduced the Converj in 2009 as a concept vehicle, something automakers routinely do to build excitement for their brands and explore design ideas.

A year later, the automaker’s board approved the Converj for production, but that decision was later reversed and since then the timing of an electric Cadillac has been uncertain. GM also scrapped plans for what would have been a second electric vehicle for the brand earlier this year.

AKERSON’S PUSH

GM Chief Executive Daniel Akerson has driven GM more aggressively toward electric vehicles since taking the top job a year ago as the automaker prepared for an initial public stock offering to reduce the stake held by the U.S. Treasury. The government still owns about a third of GM’s common stock.

GM’s push under Akerson has centred on rolling out plug-in hybrid technology in a broader range of vehicles to recoup its investment in the money-losing Volt. By taking the Volt technology into its luxury brand, GM could reap more profits and drive down the technology’s cost.

“The concept generated instant enthusiasm,” Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing, said in a statement. “The ELR will offer something not otherwise present — the combination of electric propulsion with striking design and the fun of luxury coupe driving.”

The Volt has a 400-pound lithium-ion battery to provide an electric-only range of 25 to 50 miles. After the battery is depleted, a 1.4-litre gasoline engine provides power.

Toyota says that its Prius plug-in hybrid will have a range of 475 miles, and will be able to drive 13 miles on electricity alone on a full charge. Its battery can fully charge in 90 minutes using a conventional household 110-volt outlet.

GM said the ELR would be powered by a lithium-ion battery like the Volt but provided no detail on its range.

GM officials made clear that the ELR will be built to appeal to buyers of a luxury brand closely associated with horsepower and performance.

In May, sources told Reuters that GM cancelled plans to develop a plug-in hybrid based on the Cadillac SRX crossover platform.

PURE ELECTRIC CHEVY

GM also is exploring building an all-electric subcompact car for the Chevrolet brand, the sources said. The battery for that car’s powertrain would be supplied by A123 Systems Inc., which was just awarded a contract by GM for unspecified future electric vehicles.

A pure electric Chevy subcompact would be a competitor for Nissan Motor Co’s Leaf, which was introduced late last year like the Volt.

GM’s subcompact cars under the Chevy brand are marketed as the Sail in China, the Beat in India and the upcoming Sonic in the United States. GM and its China partner, state-owned SAIC, have pledged to work together to develop electric drive vehicles.

A Chevy spokesman declined to comment on those plans. “We are exploring others (body styles), but we’re just not ready to make any announcements,” Mike Albano said.

GM’s plans to revive the Converj concept were first reported by the website Green Car Reports.

QUÉBEC CITY, QUE - Communauto, Hydro-Québec and Nissan Canada are proud to announce the launch of the largest North American all-electric carsharing service, and the first of its kind in Québec. The project will be rolled out until early 2012 , with 50 all-electric Nissan LEAFs added to Communauto's fleet, including 15 available today.

"With this project, Communauto is renewing the innovation of carsharing and its ability to offer residents of Québec a new way to have access to a car, while taking advantage of the latest environmental technologies," said Benoît Robert, president and CEO of Communauto. "Starting with our nearly 25,000 members, all citizens of the Québec and Montréal areas will have access to personal electric mobility for only $37 a year, even if they don't have a parking space to charge the vehicle. Another advantage of carsharing!"

This project was made possible with the support of many partners. The Québec government and Hydro-Québec paved the way for the priority delivery of the Nissan LEAF through their commitment to electric mobility and the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Nissan. The Québec government supported this project through credits and subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles. Hydro-Québec is providing financial and technical support for the charging infrastructure being implemented.

"Today we are taking an important step towards the electrification of ground transportation and the fulfillment of our Electric Vehicles: 2011-2020 Action Plan launched last April. I am proud of our leadership's ability to create favourable conditions for the deployment of electric vehicles. Since 98% of our electricity comes from clean, renewable resources, Québec presents a number of advantages for the introduction of electric vehicles. The integration of these vehicles into Communauto's fleet is another step that confirms Québec's leadership in energy and the environment," said Raymond Bernier, Member of the National Assembly on behalf of Nathalie Normandeau, the Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife.

"Hydro-Québec has been collaborating with Communauto and Nissan for over a year to make this ecologically responsible initiative possible. We are very pleased to be associated with this project that will significantly contribute to the development of electric vehicles in Québec, while offering users our clean, renewable energy. Carsharing will allow a large number of drivers to appreciate electric-powered vehicles," added Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Senior Director - Strategic Planning and Government Affairs, Hydro-Québec.

A number of organizations contributed to this projects by participating in the implementation of charging stations, a prerequisite to making electric vehicles available to all: the cities of Québec and Montréal, the Société Parc-Auto du Québec (SPAQ), the Desjardins Group, Ivanhoé Cambridge, Stationnement de Montréal, the Monastère du Saint-Sacrement in Montréal, the Société Immobilière du Québec, the Institut national de la recherche scientifique, the Université de Montréal and the Productive House project.