xcel
01-23-2007, 06:53 PM
Automakers are expected to use Washington Auto Show to push for government aid in developing alternative fuels, battery technology. (http://money.cnn.com/2007/01/23/news/companies/automakers_aid.reut/index.htm?postversion=2007012315)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/GM_F_DCC.jpgReuter’s - Jan. 23, 2007
WASHINGTON - U.S.-based automakers will this week underscore their push for government help developing alternative fuels and advanced battery technology, riding what is anticipated to be an updated White House prescription for greater national energy independence.
Alternative power vehicles
One year after declaring America's addiction to oil, President Bush is expected in his State of the Union address on Tuesday night to promote expanded use of ethanol and other alternative sources, including gas-electric hybrids, to spur energy efficiency.
At the same time, General Motors Corp., Chrysler Group, and Ford Motor Co. will use the Washington Auto Show to accent hybrid technologies and review energy priorities.
All three Detroit-based companies, fast losing market share to Japanese rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd., have pressed the Bush administration and Congress for more help in retooling business away from vehicles that only run on gasoline.
GM, Chrysler and Ford oppose calls for new federal requirements to make their vehicles go further on a gallon of gas, although some members of Congress - including a handful running for president in 2008 - view that as necessary.
The Bush administration has asked Congress for authority to boost fuel efficiency standards for sedans, compacts and other passenger cars, but has not proposed a savings target.
A new industry priority focuses on battery technology.
Auto and energy experts agree more sophisticated batteries will be needed to help power the next generation of hybrids - some of which would plug into an electrical outlet to charge.
GM created a buzz at the Detroit auto show this month by reviving its previously abandoned plug-in program with the Chevrolet Volt concept car. DaimlerChrysler AG is also moving ahead with battery technology and Ford is mulling a plug-in.
A month after their executives met Bush at the White House in November, GM, Ford and Chrysler sought Energy Department investment in a $500 million initiative to accelerate battery development.
Alexander Karsner, a senior Energy Department official, is expected to announce Tuesday two steps the government will take on furthering the use of E85, an ethanol/gasoline blend and research into battery technology, an agency official said.
"Battery technology is the most significant hurdle, not only for plug-ins, but for fuel cells," said Nick Cappa, manager of advanced technology communication for DaimlerChrysler. "We need a huge leap in battery technology."
Energy experts say the challenge is to make batteries at that are lighter and have more storage capacity. Automakers also say producing them at much lower cost is crucial.
Japanese suppliers provide batteries for hybrids sold in the United States, and Tokyo has made research into new technology a priority of industry. Toyota is the leader in hybrid sales.
"Clearly Asian countries have made this a key technology and are throwing millions of dollars behind it," said Greg Martin, a GM spokesman. "We believe we need a comparable effort to remain competitive."
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/GM_F_DCC.jpgReuter’s - Jan. 23, 2007
WASHINGTON - U.S.-based automakers will this week underscore their push for government help developing alternative fuels and advanced battery technology, riding what is anticipated to be an updated White House prescription for greater national energy independence.
Alternative power vehicles
One year after declaring America's addiction to oil, President Bush is expected in his State of the Union address on Tuesday night to promote expanded use of ethanol and other alternative sources, including gas-electric hybrids, to spur energy efficiency.
At the same time, General Motors Corp., Chrysler Group, and Ford Motor Co. will use the Washington Auto Show to accent hybrid technologies and review energy priorities.
All three Detroit-based companies, fast losing market share to Japanese rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd., have pressed the Bush administration and Congress for more help in retooling business away from vehicles that only run on gasoline.
GM, Chrysler and Ford oppose calls for new federal requirements to make their vehicles go further on a gallon of gas, although some members of Congress - including a handful running for president in 2008 - view that as necessary.
The Bush administration has asked Congress for authority to boost fuel efficiency standards for sedans, compacts and other passenger cars, but has not proposed a savings target.
A new industry priority focuses on battery technology.
Auto and energy experts agree more sophisticated batteries will be needed to help power the next generation of hybrids - some of which would plug into an electrical outlet to charge.
GM created a buzz at the Detroit auto show this month by reviving its previously abandoned plug-in program with the Chevrolet Volt concept car. DaimlerChrysler AG is also moving ahead with battery technology and Ford is mulling a plug-in.
A month after their executives met Bush at the White House in November, GM, Ford and Chrysler sought Energy Department investment in a $500 million initiative to accelerate battery development.
Alexander Karsner, a senior Energy Department official, is expected to announce Tuesday two steps the government will take on furthering the use of E85, an ethanol/gasoline blend and research into battery technology, an agency official said.
"Battery technology is the most significant hurdle, not only for plug-ins, but for fuel cells," said Nick Cappa, manager of advanced technology communication for DaimlerChrysler. "We need a huge leap in battery technology."
Energy experts say the challenge is to make batteries at that are lighter and have more storage capacity. Automakers also say producing them at much lower cost is crucial.
Japanese suppliers provide batteries for hybrids sold in the United States, and Tokyo has made research into new technology a priority of industry. Toyota is the leader in hybrid sales.
"Clearly Asian countries have made this a key technology and are throwing millions of dollars behind it," said Greg Martin, a GM spokesman. "We believe we need a comparable effort to remain competitive."