plus 4, Electric Motorcycle To Be Featured On TLC's American Chopper - All Cars Electric

Electric Motorcycle To Be Featured On TLC's American Chopper - All Cars Electric
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERS WITH MAJOR EUROPEAN AUTO RETAIL GROUP - All Cars Electric
Orange County Choppers Glides Into the Future With OSRAM SYLVANIA LED ... - PR Newswire
Scion xBs for SEMA - Auto Shows - CAR AND DRIVER
Auto Expo is 2 months away, but fully booked - Hindu Business Line

Electric Motorcycle To Be Featured On TLC's American Chopper - All Cars Electric

Posted: 04 Nov 2009 08:46 PM PST

Siemens' Smart Chopper, built by Orange County Choppers [via Wired]

The next episode of TLC's American Chopper will showcase more than a contentious family feud. The Siemens Smart Chopper will be featured on the show airing tomorrow at 9:00 p.m. eastern time. Orange County Choppers built the Siemens-engineered electric motorcycle, which uses an Advanced DC Motors Inc. Series Wound 8" electric motor and a clutchless one-speed drive system.

The body incorporates recycled materials and light emitting diodes (LEDs) for the headlamp, tail light and turn signals. According to David Hulick, marketing director for automotive LED systems division at OSRAM SYLVANIA (a division of Siemens), the LEDs reduce energy consumption 85% over incandescent bulbs.

With a top speed of 100 miles per hour and a 60 mile range on a full charge, the Smart Chopper would make for a sweet, silent, emissions-free ride to work. See the full press release below.

Source: Siemens

Press release:

Orange County Choppers Glides Into the Future With OSRAM SYLVANIA LED Lighting Innovations
First OCC electric chopper features advanced OSRAM LED forward lighting

HILLSBORO, N.H., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans of the popular TLC show American
Chopper will witness a first when they tune in this Thursday, November 5 at 9
p.m. ET/PT. The Orange County Choppers (OCC) crew -- founder Paul Sr., --
forges new territory with the creation of their first electric-powered
chopper.

Another first for an OCC creation is the use throughout the bike of Light
Emitting Diode (LED) lighting for head, tail and signal lighting. Supplied by
OSRAM SYLVANIA, a division of Siemens and a leader in automotive lighting
innovation, the lighting array includes the first OEM installation of OSRAM
SYLVANIA LEDs in a motorcycle head lighting application. The lighting company
partnered with its sister companies Valeo Sylvania to develop a
state-of-the-art headlamp cluster assembly and OSRAM Opto Semiconductors to
provide high-powered LED chips.

The Smart Chopper's 4.5-inch custom headlamp design utilizes an OSRAM
JFL2-based JOULE(TM) system. The JFL2 is the latest addition to a family of
LED lighting solutions designed to offer the standardization of current
automotive systems in a compact, energy-efficient package.

"The Siemens Smart Chopper embodies the next generation of lighting design for
the cars and motorcycles of tomorrow," said David Hulick, marketing director
for automotive LED systems division at OSRAM SYLVANIA. "OSRAM SYLVANIA LED
technology is the choice for this project because of its durability, energy
efficiency and of course, its versatility. LEDs offer endless design
opportunities for car and motorcycle makers while reducing energy consumption
by 85 percent over conventional lighting applications."

Along with the JFL2 JOULE(TM) system, the Siemens Smart Chopper features:

-- Two Amber LED "MonoLED" one-inch dome front turn signals
-- Two example lamps for use of "dome and tunnel" style design for the
tail
lamps (red stop and amber turn signal)
-- Two boards each with six OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Advanced Power
TOPLED
in red and yellow for front and rear turn signals

-- One LINEARlight Flex Top Colormix system for Red-Green-Blue (RGB) body
lighting.

"This was the first time we used LED lighting exclusively in the design of a
bike, but it won't be the last," said Paul Teutul Sr "OSRAM LEDs opened up new
avenues for us to explore reaching beyond the practical use and more towards
lighting as a purely aesthetic part of the design."

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FISKER AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERS WITH MAJOR EUROPEAN AUTO RETAIL GROUP - All Cars Electric

Posted: 04 Nov 2009 05:47 PM PST

Fisker Automotive continues to attract an impressive list of auto dealers in North America and Europe. Today, Fisker Automotive announces that they have selected the Emil Frey Group as a distributor in Europe, with locations in Switzerland, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.

Tesla Motors currently has three corporate owned "stores" for their vehicles in London, England, Munich, Germany and Principality of Monoco. While Tesla Motors is keeping a tight grip on critical component assembly, final assembly and distribution, Fisker Automotive leverages old auto industry infrastructure for all suppliers, assembly (including UAW labor for its new plant) and distribution.

It will be interesting to see which business model flourishes. Leveraging the existing infrastructure will help Fisker Automotive rapidly ramp production and sales, but it comes with the same issues that hobbled the big 3 automakers. Tesla Motors is free of the issues that plagued the big 3, but can only slowly ramp their production and sales.

Press Release:

IRVINE, CA – Nov. 4, 2009: Fisker Automotive will partner with the Emil Frey Group, one of Europe's most established and prestigious auto groups, to import, market and service its premium plug-in hybrid cars on the continent.

The Emil Frey Group owns and operates more than 100 retail centers in six countries and handles multiple premium brands. Locations in Switzerland, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland will provide Fisker with a strong operational base in Europe.

Founded in 1924 by 26-year-old motorcycle mechanic Emil Frey the Emil Frey Group has grown into a major European auto importer, retailer, parts distributor and financial service provider. Over 85 years the Emil Frey Group has established a solid reputation for quality customer service, commitment and financial stability.

"We are pleased to partner with the Emil Frey Group to bring advanced technology vehicles to the European market," said Marti Eulberg, vice president, global sales and marketing. "This partnership will allow Fisker to deliver the Karma to European markets through an established and proven retailer network."

"We are very excited of the new perspective Fisker is offering. The combination of an extraordinary design, high performance, beautiful materials and outstanding energy efficiency of the Karma Plug-In Hybrid is most convincing," commented Hans-Peter Plüss of Emil Frey AG.

Fisker has already signed distribution deals with the Nellemann Group in Copenhagen and GP Supercars in Merano, Italy.

ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Fisker Automotive is a privately owned, premium American car company with a vision to lead the automotive industry into the next-generation of automobiles with high-end design expertise and eco-friendly powertrain technology. Global headquarters are in Irvine, California, USA.

The company was created in 2007 to leverage the design capabilities of Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, founded by auto design veterans Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, and the PHEV powertrain capabilities of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ-QTWW), a major Tier 1 supplier of clean vehicle technologies to the automotive OEMs. Previously, Fisker, CEO, was design director for Aston Martin and president and CEO of BMW's DesignworksUSA. Koehler, COO, led operations for Ford's Global Advanced Design Studio and created concept cars for Aston Martin, MINI and BMW.

Fisker Automotive's first car is the Fisker Karma, the world's first production Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). The four-door Karma will be followed by two variants and a second line of lower cost, high volume premium green automobiles by 2012.

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Orange County Choppers Glides Into the Future With OSRAM SYLVANIA LED ... - PR Newswire

Posted: 04 Nov 2009 03:17 PM PST

HILLSBORO, N.H., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans of the popular TLC show American Chopper will witness a first when they tune in this Thursday, November 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The Orange County Choppers (OCC) crew -- founder Paul Sr., -- forges new territory with the creation of their first electric-powered chopper.

Another first for an OCC creation is the use throughout the bike of Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting for head, tail and signal lighting. Supplied by OSRAM SYLVANIA, a division of Siemens and a leader in automotive lighting innovation, the lighting array includes the first OEM installation of OSRAM SYLVANIA LEDs in a motorcycle head lighting application. The lighting company partnered with its sister companies Valeo Sylvania to develop a state-of-the-art headlamp cluster assembly and OSRAM Opto Semiconductors to provide high-powered LED chips.

The Smart Chopper's 4.5-inch custom headlamp design utilizes an OSRAM JFL2-based JOULE(TM) system. The JFL2 is the latest addition to a family of LED lighting solutions designed to offer the standardization of current automotive systems in a compact, energy-efficient package.

"The Siemens Smart Chopper embodies the next generation of lighting design for the cars and motorcycles of tomorrow," said David Hulick, marketing director for automotive LED systems division at OSRAM SYLVANIA. "OSRAM SYLVANIA LED technology is the choice for this project because of its durability, energy efficiency and of course, its versatility. LEDs offer endless design opportunities for car and motorcycle makers while reducing energy consumption by 85 percent over conventional lighting applications."

Along with the JFL2 JOULE(TM) system, the Siemens Smart Chopper features:

Two Amber LED "MonoLED" one-inch dome front turn signals
Two example lamps for use of "dome and tunnel" style design for the tail lamps (red stop and amber turn signal)
Two boards each with six OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Advanced Power TOPLED in red and yellow for front and rear turn signals
One LINEARlight Flex Top Colormix system for Red-Green-Blue (RGB) body lighting.

"This was the first time we used LED lighting exclusively in the design of a bike, but it won't be the last," said Paul Teutul Sr "OSRAM LEDs opened up new avenues for us to explore reaching beyond the practical use and more towards lighting as a purely aesthetic part of the design."

The efficiency of LED lighting makes it the perfect choice for an electric-powered motorcycle. A recent study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) compared the power consumption of an electric vehicle equipped with all incandescent lighting to a vehicle equipped with all LED lights. The results indicate that the efficiency of LED lighting has the potential to extend the range of an electric vehicle by up to two percent of the total distance driven.

"That's a huge benefit for electric bike riders," said Hulick. "It's the difference between a day of riding and a day with the bike sitting at home on the charger."

The Siemens Smart Chopper was built for Siemens Corp., a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering. It integrates an Advanced DC Motors Inc. Series Wound 8" electric motor and clutchless one-speed drive system with a long-sleek frame and radical custom bodywork made from new and recycled materials.

About OSRAM SYLVANIA

OSRAM SYLVANIA, together with OSRAM GmbH, is the world leader in automotive lighting for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket. The company's global automotive lighting division has its principal North American operations in Hillsboro, N.H., with nearly 700 employees. In addition to TS 16949, this facility has also achieved ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications. Automotive Lighting designs, develops, manufactures and markets state-of-the-art automotive light sources, including auxiliary, advanced halogen, LED and high-intensity discharge lighting for interior, exterior and forward lighting applications. Over 400 lamp types are produced for cars, trucks, and electronics in facilities throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Automotive applications for OEMs are marketed under the OSRAM brand while products for the aftermarket are sold under the SYLVANIA brand.

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors and OSRAM Automotive Lighting work together to offer a complete line of cutting-edge, award-winning, light emitting diode (LED) products and system solutions for the automotive industry from individual LED components to Joule Standardized Automotive LED Systems. OSRAM LED products enable the automotive industry to take advantage of the functionality, durability, energy-savings, and styling potential LEDs provide.

OSRAM SYLVANIA is a leader in lighting solutions and specialty products that feature innovative design and energy saving technology. The company sells products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, and also under the OSRAM brand. Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.sylvania.com.

About Orange County Choppers

Headquartered in Newburgh, NY Orange County Choppers is regarded as one of the world's premier builders of custom and production motorcycles. The OCC shop is featured on American Chopper, a reality television series that chronicles the lives of the OCC crew as they battle impossible deadlines to create outrageous custom chopper creations. The show, which has contributed to the company's quick rise to fame, debuted in September 2002 on the Discovery Channel and in 2007, Discovery Channel's sister station, TLC, took over the broadcasting and it now airs on Thursday nights at 9pm ET/PT. For more information, visit www.orangecountychoppers.com

Website: http://www.sylvania.com

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Scion xBs for SEMA - Auto Shows - CAR AND DRIVER

Posted: 04 Nov 2009 01:51 PM PST

Recall that when Scion launched in 2002, it was aimed at young people who wanted to pimp their rides, preferably with accessories straight from Toyota dealerships. That mission statement hasn't changed and is why the company continues to have a strong showing at tuner-heavy aftermarket events like SEMA in Las Vegas, where these heavily modified versions of the Scion xB are debuting this year.

Bowls

The official word is that this incredible vehicle draws inspiration from the Japan-only 1970 Toyota Crown pickup, as well as '70s Southern California culture. We'll call it the Scion-amino, because the xB has been chopped by Advanced Design Fabrications to yield a two-seater cab with a truck bed behind.

Hauling stuff takes power, so the xB's 2.4-liter four-cylinder gets new Crower camshafts and valvetrain components, while the five-speed manual transaxle scores a limited-slip differential and upgraded clutch from Toyota Racing Development. An air-ride suspension, front strut tower brace, rear anti-roll bar, and smooth 20-inch wheels wearing Toyo tires aim to improve handling. Bowls also added a roll cage, a Pioneer stereo system, custom grilles, and Japanese-style wing mirrors affixed to the front fenders. The whole thing is covered in a very '70s pea green and off-white paint job. The whole thing is also undeniably awesome, going way above and beyond the typical SEMA routine of slapping wheels and fancy paint on anything and everything.

Mummbles Marketing

Mummbles has been integral in building several custom Scions as well as other sport compacts, and focused on working over this xB for the 2009 SEMA event. As with the Bowls truck, mods include an air-suspension package and a roll cage. And there's some real performance, too, thanks to a turbocharger, TRD exhaust system, and the copious use of lightweight carbon fiber.

The weight savings, however, might be offset by the addition of a fancy entertainment system and a wide-body kit. Paint is "Teal Blue Pearl" by BASF, and the doors, interior, and engine bay have been shaved to remove aesthetic clutter, such as door locks, handles, and wiring harnesses. Other flair comes from NRG interior components, including new seats, racing harnesses, steering wheel, and shift knob.

Eneri Abillar

According to his bio, tuner Eneri Abillar is a classically trained artist who loves modifying motorcycles, cars, and bicycles when not working for an industrial design firm in California. His take on the xB starts by adding go courtesy of a GReddy turbo kit, Design Craft Fabrication turbo plumbing, custom brake calipers, and a TRD strut-tower brace. A funky orange paint job covers a custom BRS body kit, while the interior gets illuminated door sills, wood floors, and a wooden back seat. A Pioneer sound system with iPod connectivity ensures the xB is heard as well as seen. We dig the orange paint—a definite trend at SEMA this year—and the clean design.

DJxB by Five Axis

To this xB, Five Axis adds deep-dish 18-inch wheels with Yokohama tires, a custom body kit with three-inch fender flares (check out the exposed bolts), a new dual-exhaust system, and "Mixed Molten Lava Red" paint. And that's where the typical automotive tweaks end.

As its name suggests, this is a Scion for DJing. The requisite sound equipment includes two Pioneer professional multi-players, a DJM 800 digital mixer, and a 2000-watt speaker system. While the result makes roving raves more feasible than we'd ever imagine, we also foresee racking up cracked windshields and noise-ordinance violations cruising in the DJxB. Still, the look is good, and the history of impractical show cars is a long and illustrious one. And we certainly support any effort to spice up the dowdy second-gen xB.

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Auto Expo is 2 months away, but fully booked - Hindu Business Line

Posted: 04 Nov 2009 01:01 PM PST

Home Page - Automobiles
Industry & Economy - Events
Auto Expo is 2 months away, but fully booked

Rush highlights India's importance to multinationals.

R.V. Moorthy

A file photo of Maruti's stall at the Auto Expo India 2006 in New Delhi. —

Murali Gopalan

Mumbai, Nov. 3 If anyone needed proof that the Indian automotive industry is on a roll, they would only need to check out the availability of space at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, the venue for Auto Expo 2010.

There are still two months to go before the event kicks off but every inch of the venue is already booked. "There is absolutely no space and it is going to be a Herculean task accommodating new requests," people associated with the event told Business Line.

Compare this to the recently held Tokyo Motor Show, which was largely confined to Japanese carmakers as a host of big names in the global business dropped out citing financial viability especially in a year when their fortunes had tanked in most countries.

Delhi's Pragati Maidan, in contrast, will house the likes of Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Renault, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Toyota and Honda.

In addition are India's own jewels in the crown like Maruti-Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Ashok Leyland.

From the two-wheeler side, Hero Honda, TVS, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, Bajaj Auto and Yamaha will be participating. The country is the second largest producer of bikes and scooters after China with over 850,000 units annually and could even emerge the largest in the coming years.

"The rush for the Expo clearly shows that India, like China, is critical to multinationals. The growth paradigm has completely changed and Asia is now the hottest destination for business," sources said. This is borne by the fact that a sizable part of Pragati Maidan will be earmarked for component manufacturers who use the occasion to network with potential customers and end up striking deals in the process.

"To the glamour-struck crowds at the Expo, only cars and bikes will strike a chord. However, the unsung heroes are these ancillary suppliers who are shipping parts to vehicle makers across the world and are actually key to India's reputation in quality and cost-competitiveness," sources said.

The Expo begins on January 5 and goes on for a week. It is held every two years and is an useful platform for manufacturers to showcase their products to the public. Even today, the 1998 Expo is considered the most memorable as this was the time the Indica and Santro were unveiled. In 2008, the biggest draw was the Tata Nano, which caught the fancy of the world and spawned enormous interest in the low-cost car segment.

Auto Expo 2010 is expected to have its own share of surprises. VW will, of course, have on display the Polo that will roll out of its Pune plant in mid-2010. The fact that it has booked a hall of over 1,500 square metres reflects the German carmaker's interest in India.

Tata Motors, keeping with tradition, will take up the largest space of 5,500 sq.m with Maruti Suzuki not too far behind with nearly 4,700 sq.m. Hyundai's is pretty significant with 2,000 sq.m while M&M, which is expected to focus on its commercial vehicle range, has booked space for nearly 2,100 sq.m. Volvo of Sweden will showcase its buses and trucks (through the newly created company with Eicher).