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Electric vehicle manufacturer Think has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deliver up to 500 THINK city electric-powered vehicles this year to ElmoNet, a subsidiary of Mobility Service Netherlands. With the Dutch Parliament calling for the rapid introduction of EVs (electric vehicles), the Minister of Transport, Mr. Camiel Eurlings, earlier this year announced a fund of 10 million Euros to be made available to support the large scale, early introduction of electric mobility.

“Ambitious visions and concrete measures are required to make the Netherlands the most important experimental garden for electric mobility” says Marjan Minnesma, Director of Urgenda. Urgenda is an active foundation that aims to transform the Netherlands into a model for sustainable development.

Richard Waitz, Think’s Sales Director, is very optimistic about the rapidly growing opportunities in the Dutch market, and welcomed this initiative by the Dutch Parliament. "The shift to zero emission clean technology vehicles is a paradigm shift, where Government support is creating an important basis for the first larger scale fleet applications" says Waitz. “Think is moving quickly to take advantage of these programs in the Netherlands and all across Europe”.

THINK city is a modern, two seater urban car which has a top speed of 100 km/h (65 mph). It accelerates from zero to 50 km/h (30 mph) in just 6.5 seconds and 80 km/h (50 mph) in 16 seconds. With zero local emissions and an energy efficiency three times that of a traditional combustion engine car, it is a car for the environment. It can travel for 180 km (112 miles) in city driving on a fully charged battery.

The Cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam have already expressed keen interest to introduce the TH!NK city electric car in their region. Think delivered the first TH!NK city EVs to ElmoNet in February, and will continue to deliver vehicles according to the MOU in 2009.

© Source: automotoportal
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(from EDAG) Light as a design and communication element. The body: an individually adaptable desktop

With its innovative light concept and minimalized lighting technology, the "Light Car - Open Source" is one of the first vehicles to use (O)LED technology as a variable design and communication element. Not until it is started up does the "Light Car - Open Source," with a body that looks as though it is made of glass, come to life and reveal its true looks. In the glass panes, (O)LED lamps mark the outlines of the headlights and rear lights on the "Light Car - Open Source." The driver can design the outlines of the lights to his individual taste to give the car a unique appearance, something he is already used to doing, from setting up his PC desktop.

The idea is that the drive should also be offered the philosophy of the desktop when it comes to arranging his "workplace" in the cockpit. Whether he wants the tachometer in the middle or the climate control gauge on the right-hand side, the driver can individually configure his cockpit as far as size, position, and style of the instruments is concerned. With the potential offered by today's PC and lighting technology, EDAD aims, in future, to hand creative scope over to the customer, so that he can make his own decisions on interior and exterior design elements. With this new design and technology concept, EDAG will be accommodating the consumer's ever-increasing desire for individualization.

© Source: seriouswheels
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The updated sedan receives a thoroughly revised exterior that boasts a new MKS-like grille and sleeker styling which should help to further differentiate the MKZ from its corporate cousins, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. Inside, the MKS inspired styling continues as the new MKZ has a similar interior design that uses high quality materials.

As with any near-luxury car, the 2010 Lincoln MKZ comes nicely equipped with leather front seats that offer power adjustment as well as heating and cooling, a reverse parking system, and the SYNC entertainment and connectivity system. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 263 horsepower which allows the car to run from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds.

Potential owners can choose to outfit their new MKZ with a sport appearance package which features a revised suspension, 18-inch "Euroflange" polished wheels, a unique grille, darkened headlight units, contrast piping on the seats, and aluminum interior accents. Other options include a premium THX II Certified 5.1 Surround sound system, a Blind Spot Information System, and a Cross Traffic Alert system which warns drivers about approaching vehicles when the MKZ is being backed out of a parking spot.

© Source: seriouswheels
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The Audi Q3 is one of the most anticipated car models of the next few months, but it has been revealed that it will not be assemble at the German facilities of the VAG group. Audi has announced that the new Q3 SUV will, in fact, be built at the Seat factory in Martorell, Spain.

The decision comes as Audi attempts to spread its work and balance the economic downturn. The choice to build the Q3 in Spain should save the jobs of 13,000 people at the Martorell factory, and comes after Spain’s industry minister specifically request help from the company. In return, Audi will receive public funds from the Spanish government of up to 112 million euros, sufficient to adapt the assembly chain to the Q3.

© Source: eurocarblog
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What? You thought Ford was the only company allowed to exploit the brand power of Harley-Davidson motorcycles? Guess again. The Harley image is up for sale and semi truck maker International is the latest company to buy in. Introducing the official LoneStar Harley-Daviidson Special Edition, a unique semi truck capable of hauling huge loads cross country and doing security at a Rolling Stones concert.

The LoneStar HD trumps its smaller kin, the Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson, in other ways than pure tonnage and maximum towing capacity. The semi includes unique HD additions like the same headlights used on the bikes, more Harley logos than a Sturgis tattoo parlor, custom 24.5-inch wheels with unique lug nuts, 7-inch round exhaust stacks and a complete set of truly gorgeous hooded aluminum gauges. The heavy hauler also features a unique grille and black paint job with silver and orange accenting.

While we're sure professional truckers experience the open road in a very different way than people who like the heavy bikes, the LoneStar HD Special Edition at least allows the truck driver to feel like one of the gang while he's working

© Source: autoblog
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Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto has reportedly confirmed the brand is set to revive the MR2 nameplate as a hybrid performance coupe to rival Honda’s upcoming CR-Z.

The hybrid MR2 will swap its traditional roadster shape in favour of a coupe design - effectively becoming a more exciting two-door version of the Prius.

The new hybrid would feature a specially developed version of the Prius hybrid powertrain, adapted for performance, economy and low emissions coupled with a paddleshift transmission.

“We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car.” said Mr Takimoto speaking with Auto Express.

“We have set a tough price point, as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius’, with greater responsiveness.”

While virtually nothing is known about how the new coupe will look, an artist’s rendering integrating styling cues from Toyota’s FT-HS (Future Toyota Hybrid Sport) concept may give us a good idea - follow the link below to take a look.

© Source: caradvice
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