Mazda to offer hybrid and electric cars by 2015

Mazda has back-flipped on its previous announcement that it would not offer alternative fuel engines as part of its goal to greatly improve the fuel economy of its vehicles. Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi recently spoke of the company's plans to have both hybrids and electric vehicles on offer by 2015. Mazda aims to offer affordable eco-friendly transport to 90% of the car-buying public. At this stage, Mazda has no plans for sharing the technology with stakeholder Ford, but is open to the idea of selling the fruits of its labour.

- Compared to the efforts and advances being made by the likes of Toyota, Honda, Nissan and even GM/Chevrolet in the area of hybrids and electric cars, Mazda's announcement is a bit late to the party, but you know what they say, better late than never.

Sure I'm a Honda fan, having the highest regard for their key technological cornerstones, the i-VTEC and IMA as found in the Honda Civic Hybrid. I also have the utmost respect for the Toyota Prius and their HSD system. Nissan has started work on their own PHEV, and the Americans have their Tesla and soon the Volt. But I do wonder what level of technology Mazda will bring to the table. We'll see.

1. GM unveils production version of Chevrolet Volt PHEV plug-in hybrid car
2. Toyota to launch pure electric car based on FT-EV concept in US by 2012
3. Tesla Model S electric car unveiled, specifications include 300-mile range, 5.6 sec 0-60 mph timing

(2009-04-15 19:10:11 SGT) [Energy] Permalink

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