Hybrid developments gaining pace
Tue 18 September 2007
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Car makers and supply chain innovators are increasingly venturing into the development of hybrid models and new takes on this increasingly popular technology.
Canada's Azure Dynamics Corporation, developers of hybrid electric and electric powertrains, has announced that it has signed a commercial development and cooperation agreement with a North American company. Azure will deliver a gasoline parallel hybrid electric Ford E-450 based vehicle for industry viability validation, testing and demonstration within the company’s North American fleet.
The parallel hybrid electric demonstration vehicle will be used to verify the fuel economy improvements, emissions reductions and maintenance cost savings that can be achieved using Azure’s patented technology. Successful completion of the programme will result in the company becoming a lead customer for Azure’s hybrid technology on the Ford E-450 chassis.
Japanese car manufacturer Mazda is also planning to introduce hybrid technology into its next generation of models. Mazda says that it is turning its focus to environmental and safety concerns and is anticipating new 'green' technologies such as stop/start and petrol/electric hybrids will be available in its cars within the next two years.
Mazda has already introduced hydrogen-fuelled cars into its line-up. Its RX-8 Hydrogen RE, which can run on either high-pressure hydrogen or petrol, is available for lease in Japan, whilst at this year's Geneva motor show Mazda introduced the new lighter Mazda 2. The new model has been made 100kg lighter than its predecessor. Lightweight steels were used in the chassis and the car is also shorter and lower than the previous model.
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