More hybrids, EVs to debut at auto show

Automakers aren't easing off the throttle in unveiling new electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in 2012, despite industry speed bumps last year for EVs.

At the North American International Auto Show press preview days in Detroit on Monday and Tuesday, several automakers plan to show off electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

There's some urgency in the development of these fuel-efficient cars: Automakers face tough rising fuel efficiency standards and will need to build more EVs and hybrids to meet them.

Over the next two years, according to a worldwide survey of 200 top-level auto executives by the professional services firm KPMG, more than 80 percent of automakers will increase investment in e-motor production and battery technology.

"What's interesting is that automakers are placing bets across the board, and large bets at that, because no one knows which technology will ultimately win the day with consumers," said Gary Silberg, National Automotive Industry leader for KPMG LLP.

Ford Motor Co., Honda Motor Co., Volvo Cars, Toyota Motor Corp. and others plan to unveil more details at the Detroit show about their EV strategy.

About 20,000 full-electric and plug-in electric hybrids were sold in 2011.

General Motors Co. sold 7,600 of its plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt — below its forecast of 10,000 for 2011. Startup Fisker Automotive Inc. was behind schedule getting its $100,000 EV Karma sports car to market, and had to recall all 239 produced late last month for a battery issue.

Calls in Congress have grown in recent months to eliminate the $7,500 tax credit for buyers of EVs, and to cut funding for a program that has provided billions in loans to build new ones — including the next-generation Nissan Leaf in Tennessee.

Toyota, Honda and Ford will sell pure EVs and plug-in hybrids this year, joining a market that will get more crowded. GM will begin selling a pure EV, the Spark, in 2013.

Honda will start delivering its EV Fit this summer.

And while it's keeping details close to the vest, Honda plans to sell a plug-in hybrid yet this year. Spokesman Chris Martin said Honda, at the Detroit show, will unveil more about the hybrid.

Also in Detroit, Volkswagen of America plans to unveil a concept EV called the Bugster. VW has focused on fuel-efficient diesels and hasn't yet introduced an EV in the United States. But it has shown several electric concepts elsewhere in recent years.

Toyota will introduce the NS4 plug-in hybrid concept. The company released a teaser video that shows small sections of the vehicle this week, but didn't offer any details on its performance.

Toyota also is showing the Prius C hybrid production vehicle, as well as the Lexus LF-LC 2+2 hybrid sport coupe concept.

Volvo's plug-in electric XC60 concept, to be unveiled in Detroit on Monday afternoon, will have a 35-mile all-electric range.

"The technology in the XC60 plug-in hybrid concept is as ingenious as it is unique," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volvo Car Corp.

"You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car's renowned properties."

The car would act as a plug-in, hybrid or traditional vehicle, at the driver's discretion. "At the touch of a button, the driver decides how the available power from the combination of the high-performance gasoline engine and the electric motor is to be utilized," Volvo said.

Amp Electric Vehicles, based in Loveland, Ohio, will display a Jeep Grand Cherokee converted to a full-electric vehicle.

Many automakers, including BMW AG and Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit, are unveiling new hybrids, which have been more readily embraced by American car buyers.

Ford, which started selling its Ford Focus EV to fleet customers last month, will introduce another plug-in hybrid this year. Ford registered the trademark for Fusion Energi in October and listed it as a "plug-in hybrid vehicle."

Ford's C-MAX hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid go on sale this year.

dshepardson@detnews.com

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